Cyprus Holidays

Weather in Cyprus is like the island itself – it has something special to offer all year round.  Long, dry summers and mild winters, with lots of sunshine and lovely Mediterranean-blue skies at any time of the year. Temperatures can soar into the 30's in the summer and be pleasant enough for sunbathing in the winter. There's skiing in the mountains in January and February (sometimes longer) while just an hour's drive away people can be found relaxing on beautiful beaches.  

It's said that the Mediterranean climate is warmer year round in Cyprus, more so than anywhere else in the EU, with daytime temperatures on the coast averaging a balmy 24 degrees centigrade, making holidays in Cyprus perfect at any time.

In June the Kataklyomos Festival in Larnaca celebrates Noah's survival of the Great Flood with a day of water sports and an evening of concerts. A four-day feast of music, dancing, theatre and exhibitions is enjoyed at the Ayia Napa International Festival in the last week of September. An Aphrodite opera festival is held under the stars at Paphos Castle every September.

April, May, October and November is the perfect time for walkers, cyclists and other outdoor sport fans – still pleasantly warm in the day but noticeably chillier in the evenings. The island organises an annual walking festival in March with guided walks along nature trails in mountains and forests and along the coast.

About three-quarters of the total rainfall is in December, January and February, much of it in the mountains. Officially it's winter, but much of the time it's more like autumn or early spring to British visitors, with an average of six hours' of sunshine a day. 

It's warm enough for the island to go carnival crazy at the end of February, the biggest and best is the colourful grand parade in Limassol. Cross-country bikers visit in February to compete in the island's famous Sunshine Cup race, and flamingos start to touch down on Larnaca's salt lake.

On the coolest days, the temperature will average about 10 degrees, but it will be colder in the Troodos Mountains where the ski centre expects to be in business for the first three months of the year. An international skiing competition is held on Mount Olympus in early March.

Holidays in Cyprus are perfect for romantic retreats, family holidays, escapes with friends, or even solo adventures. Whether you are partial to relaxing on soft sands, prefer a more active holiday, or would like to soak up some ancient history, there is something for all.

With the warm Mediterranean sea lapping golden sands and Blue Flag beaches galore, many with secluded coves and sea caves, sun worshippers will find themselves spoilt for choice.

Those who are partial to outdoor pursuits can enjoy a plethora of activities with watersports, including jetskiing and scuba diving, being incredibly popular – children (and some adults) will also be fans of the famous banana boat rides. There are also lush forests and picture-perfect olive groves which are perfect for walkers and hikers.

Ancient sites, archaeological ruins, and picturesque villages mean that culture vultures will truly be in their element. And let’s not forget the spectacular sunsets and delectable dining that every visitor will enjoy.

Cyprus holiday destinations offer so much variety, ensuring there truly is something for everyone on a Cyprus holiday.

Car hire: Cyprus is one of three countries in Europe, apart from the UK, where traffic drives on the left. There are good, if steep and twisty, roads into the picturesque mountains and villages. You can find hire car businesses all over the island.

Buses: Bus services link all resorts, towns and most villages in Cyprus. Fares are lower than in the UK and many of the vehicles used are air conditioned.

Taxis: Mostly large and luxurious Mercedes cars which can be flagged down, found on ranks or booked in advance. Fares go up after 8.30pm. A shared taxi service that operates in some towns can be booked the same ways. There are two uber-style apps, nTaxi and Bolt.