If you’re heading off on a long weekend to Cyprus, chances are you’ll want your trip to start in style. For us, that began at Manchester Airport… or so we thought.

Manchester Airport Lounges – Worth It Anymore?

The only lounge available in Terminal 2 during our visit was the Aspire Lounge. I’ve written plenty about lounges over the years, but since travel reopened post-Covid, many simply aren’t living up to their former standards.

Aspire is the most basic lounge in T2—small, limited seating and surprisingly pricey. At almost £80 for two people, there were no sparkling wines, very few drink options overall, and food choices that honestly made us question whether the cost was worth it. Spoiler: it wasn’t.

With so many great bars and restaurants now open in the newly upgraded terminal, I’m increasingly convinced the money would be better spent on a relaxing sit-down meal and a decent glass of wine. Especially now that the more premium lounges are creeping above £55 per person.

Flying Jet2 to Paphos

While I love Jet2’s reliability and friendliness, comfort isn’t their strong point. Seats are non-reclining, there’s no storage pocket for your belongings, and the cabin is clearly built for quick turnarounds rather than long-haul style comfort. After an hour or so, you definitely start to feel it.

One big positive, though, is the ability to pre-book meals. Food arrives shortly after takeoff and you know exactly what you’re getting—no disappointment when half the menu is already sold out.

Arriving in Paphos: Taxi Chaos

We landed in Paphos just after 11pm, and baggage took a solid 30 minutes to appear. Wanting to avoid the nightmare coach transfer we’d experienced previously, we upgraded to a taxi… only to end up in another long queue.

Rather than a dedicated, pre-booked transfer, we found ourselves waiting nearly half an hour for the next available assigned car—while walk-up taxis at the rank were happily whisking other passengers away. A good reminder that holiday-package taxi upgrades aren’t always the best value, and private companies often offer smoother service.

Staying on the Paphos Coast – Vrachia Beach Hotel & Suites

Once collected, our driver whisked us to Kissonerga, just outside Coral Bay—an area undergoing huge redevelopment with new hotels and modern villas popping up everywhere.

Our hotel, Vrachia Beach Hotel & Suites, sits proudly on a clifftop overlooking the sea. Although it’s officially a 3-star property, we upgraded to a recently renovated Deluxe Studio with Sea View—and it was absolutely worth it.

Think:

• Modern, stylish décor
• Spacious open-plan layout
• A huge terrace perfect for watching the sunset with a glass of wine
• A smart, fully equipped kitchenette—even with a filtered drinking water tap
• A large bathroom with a walk-in shower

The renovations have been done beautifully, giving the room a premium feel without the premium price tag.

Dining Around Kissonerga & Coral Bay

While not overflowing with restaurants on the doorstep, the area isn’t as isolated as some TripAdvisor reviews suggest. A new coastal walkway provides easy access to several restaurants within a 10–15 minute stroll.

Much of the local dining scene leans tourist-friendly rather than authentic—but one standout was Tsiakkas, a welcoming spot serving tasty Greek dishes only a short walk from the hotel. Friendly service, proper home-style cooking and a more traditional feel made it a highlight of our stay.

Hotel dinners were a little lacklustre, so I’d definitely recommend heading out in the evenings. Breakfast, however, was far better—and a lovely way to start the day.

Exploring Coral Bay & Paphos

Coral Bay itself is only a short bus ride away (or a one-hour walk if you’re feeling energetic). It’s packed with expat-friendly bars, restaurants and a popular beach—great for a casual night out or a lazy day in the sun.

Paphos town, with its harbour and archaeological treasures, is also easy to reach. We chose to walk the 8km coastal route to the Tombs of the Kings—about 1 hour 45 minutes at a steady pace.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is absolutely worth a visit. The tombs carved into solid rock date back as early as the 4th century BC, offering a fascinating insight into ancient Paphitic elites.

Sunshine All Year Round

Cyprus delivers reliable sunshine even outside peak season, and during our trip in May the temperatures were ideal—warm enough for pool days, yet cool enough for exploring.

With year-round good weather and a laid-back Mediterranean vibe, Cyprus is a brilliant option for a long weekend break from Manchester. Whether you’re after beaches, history, scenic coastal walks or simply winter sun, it ticks every box.

Final Thoughts

Despite a shaky start at the airport and a transfer that didn’t quite go to plan, our stay in Kissonerga was a wonderfully relaxing long weekend. With modern clifftop rooms, stunning sunsets, easy access to Paphos and Coral Bay, and sunshine even in shoulder season—it’s a destination I’d happily return to.

Next up on Weekend Traveller… we’re heading to The Algarve, Portugal.