Choosing where to stay in Cyprus is a key part of shaping your trip, one that can quietly influence how relaxed, connected, or memorable the experience feels. With both holiday apartments and villas available across the island, which option offers the right balance of comfort, privacy, and location for your plans?
The answer depends on your travel style, but if you value space, calm surroundings, and uninterrupted quality time, you may find that a villa offers more than just an upgrade; it becomes part of the reason you’ll want to return.
Price And Practicality: Not Always What They Seem
At first glance, holiday apartments appear to win the price debate. Lower per-night rates, city-centre access, and compact layouts seem ideal, especially for couples or solo travellers.
But take a closer look at the overall value. Villas typically offer:
- Full kitchens and outdoor dining areas
- Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms
- Private pools, gardens, and barbecue zones
- Cost-saving potential for families or groups splitting the cost
Rather than paying for two or three apartments, one villa often accommodates everyone together, without cramming. And when you factor in meals cooked at home, laundry facilities, and reduced transport costs (no need to travel between units), the total spend can work out more favourably than expected.
Here’s how it compares at a glance:
| Feature | Apartment | Villa |
| Price Per Night | Lower (per unit) | Higher (per unit) |
| Price Per Person | Higher for groups | Often lower when shared |
| Amenities | Basic, shared or compact | Private, extensive, family-ready |
| Privacy | Shared walls, communal spaces | Full exclusivity |
So, the real question is: do you want the cheapest option on paper, or the best experience for your budget?
Privacy And Personal Space
Holiday apartments typically involve shared entrances, balconies that face neighbouring blocks, and building noise that’s out of your control. For short stays, this may be a fair trade-off. However, for longer holidays or those with children, the appeal of private outdoor space and the absence of other guests becomes clear.
Villas give you that separation. You can sunbathe, cook, relax, or enjoy an early evening glass of wine on the terrace, without overheard conversations or elevator dings interrupting the mood.
One recent La Mer Homes guest described their villa as “not just accommodation, but a private sanctuary we could sink into.” That sense of seclusion is difficult to replicate in shared buildings.
When Apartments Make More Sense
Of course, apartments do have their place. If you’re staying for just a few nights, travelling alone, or visiting for business, the convenience of an apartment in the heart of Larnaca, Nicosia, or Paphos can’t be ignored. Being able to step outside and walk straight into the buzz of cafés, cultural sites, or shopping streets adds energy to urban getaways.
Apartments suit:
- Short breaks where time is limited
- Work trips requiring city access
- Budget-conscious solo travellers
- Couples keen on nightlife or compact comfort
For these situations, apartments offer efficient, centralised living.
Where Villas Truly Shine
Villas excel in locations that naturally suit their atmosphere. Think Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Larnaca, areas where sea views, open skies, and space to breathe define the pace of life.
Ideal for:
- Families who need enclosed outdoor areas and quiet nights
- Groups seeking togetherness without the need to book multiple units
- Couples celebrating a milestone who want more than just a place to sleep
- Remote workers blending work and rest in inspiring surroundings
Unlike apartments, which often centre around convenience, villas are designed for intentional living. You don’t just stay in them, you live in them, if only for a week.
Amenities That Make Holidays Easier
What does your typical day look like on holiday?
If you:
- Start with breakfast on a shaded terrace
- Take a dip before noon
- Cook lunches or grill outside
- Let the kids roam safely while you unwind nearby
…then a villa makes practical sense. You’re not relying on restaurant hours or squeezing around small tables indoors. You’re setting your own rhythm.
In contrast, apartments often suit those on the move. Small fridges, compact layouts, and shared facilities work fine when you’re out most of the day. But for anyone who wants their space to be part of the holiday itself, a villa offers more room to live, not just sleep.
Choosing The Right Destination For Each
The type of accommodation you choose often aligns with location:
| Destination | Best For | Recommended Type |
| Larnaca | City lovers, solo trips | Holiday apartments |
| Ayia Napa | Family-friendly luxury | Villas with sea views |
| Protaras | Group holidays, calm | Villas with pools |
| Cape Greco | Scenic escapes | Villas, nature-focused |
Ask yourself: are you travelling to tick off landmarks, or to unwind slowly, without the pressure of planning every minute?
Why Villas Are Worth Booking Direct
Booking a villa directly through La Mer Homes gives you more than just keys to a property. It gives you:
- Reliable, on-island support
- Transparent pricing (no inflated service fees)
- Access to local insights and tailored suggestions
- Options you won’t always see on third-party platforms
Rather than filtering through dozens of listings with generic photos, you can speak to a real person who knows which villa suits your family’s layout, your celebration plans, or even your need for a quiet work-from-holiday corner.
About La Mer Homes
La Mer Homes offers a carefully curated selection of holiday villas and apartments across Cyprus, with a strong focus on comfort, privacy, and local hospitality. While both accommodation types are available, our villas remain the top choice for guests seeking space, seclusion, and effortless relaxation. Whether you’re planning a week by the sea or a special trip with loved ones, our team is here to help you find the perfect base.
