Cyprus is a real pearl of the Mediterranean, attracting tourists with its mild climate, picturesque beaches and rich historical heritage. Thanks to its golden sandy beaches and crystal clear sea, Cyprus is an ideal place for relaxation and recreation. The island is famous for its natural beauty – from mountain ranges and vineyards to olive plantations and citrus orchards.
What season is suitable for swimming?
Cyprus is a real paradise for beach lovers, and each season has its own peculiarities for swimming. The swimming season on the island begins in April, when the water temperature reaches a comfortable 20°C. This is already warm enough for a pleasant swim, although for some people the water may still be a little cool.
In May, the water temperature rises to around 23°C, and this signals the beginning of the real summer. The month becomes ideal for relaxing on the beach, and the water is already warm enough to enjoy swimming without any discomfort.
July and August are the hottest months in Cyprus. The air temperature can exceed 35°C and the water temperature reaches 28°C. This is the perfect time for those who like very warm water and bright sun. During these months, the beaches are filled with tourists and Cyprus offers excellent conditions for water activities.
In September, the “velvet season” begins in Cyprus and lasts until mid-October. The water temperature remains pleasant, around 25-30°C, and the weather becomes milder, making this period ideal for comfortable swimming and relaxation. The season is considered one of the best to visit Cyprus, because the weather is stable and warm, but without excessive heat.
When is the best time to go to Cyprus for excursions?
Cyprus is not only sunny beaches, but also a rich historical and cultural heritage that is worth exploring. If you are planning to combine a beach vacation with excursions, the most convenient months for this are April, September and October. During these periods, the air temperature is ideal for walking and sightseeing, while still being able to enjoy a beach vacation. The comfortable temperature allows you to freely visit both historical sites and enjoy the sea.
For those who plan the bulk of their vacation on cultural and archaeological excursions, the best time to travel is from November to March. During this period, the tourist flow decreases, which allows you to enjoy visits to museums and archaeological sites without crowds. The weather at this time is usually mild and favorable for long walks and viewing archaeological artifacts, which makes the trip even more comfortable and enjoyable.
Which resort in Cyprus to choose?
Cyprus offers many resorts, each with its own unique features and attractions. The choice of resort may depend on your preferences and the purpose of your vacation. Do you want to enjoy a relaxing beach vacation, or are you looking for a place with a rich cultural program and entertainment? In this section, we’ll take a look at the most popular resorts in Cyprus, their features and benefits to help you make the best choice for your perfect vacation.
Limassol
Limassol is the lively urban center of Cyprus, offering a variety of recreational and entertainment opportunities. This resort is suitable for both companies and couples who want to be in the center of events and enjoy the active life of the city. Limassol combines a quiet tourist area and a bustling promenade with discos, taverns and shops, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and entertainment.
The city is ideally located for those who want to not only relax on the beach but also explore the island. Limassol is centrally located between popular cities and ancient sights of Cyprus, making it a convenient place to travel. Here you can visit many ancient buildings, such as the knightly castle-fortress of Kolossi and Limassol Castle, as well as enjoy art at the Art Gallery and the Museum of Theater.
Limassol is famous for its cultural activity: concerts, festivals and dance parties are held here regularly. Active tourists can go diving, surfing, sailing, or visit sports centers. Families with children can enjoy water parks such as Wet’n Wild and Fasouri Watermania, as well as zoos, including the Limassol Zoo and the Municipal Zoo.
Limassol’s beaches are clean and have a safe, gently sloping coastline, making them ideal for relaxation. However, during the season it can be difficult to find a free place on the beach.
The best time to visit Limassol depends on your preferences. If you are planning an active beach vacation and entertainment, it is most convenient to come from May to September. This is the period when the water and air temperature is ideal for swimming and outdoor activities on the beach.
If your goal is to visit cultural attractions and participate in local festivals without large crowds of tourists, consider the period from October to April. At this time, the weather is mild and the city’s cultural activity remains at a high level, allowing you to enjoy your trip without haste.
Paphos
Paphos is a real treasure for lovers of history and architecture. This resort, located on the west coast of Cyprus, is famous for its rich cultural heritage and numerous monuments included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is an ideal place for those who appreciate historical monuments and architectural masterpieces, as well as for couples and companies looking for a luxurious vacation.
Paphos is known for its unique atmosphere, combining historical flavor with modern amenities. The city is a real open-air museum, where every street and building has its own history. Among the main architectural landmarks are Theseus’ Villa, Orpheus’ House, Dionysus’ House, Odeon Amphitheater, Solomon’s Catacombs, and the Royal Tombs. For museum lovers, there are also many options that allow you to touch the ancient history of Cyprus.
Paphos is one of the most expensive resorts in the Mediterranean, providing a high level of service and luxurious living conditions. Here you will find luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants and clean beaches that attract thousands of tourists from all over the world.
The city consists of two parts: the waterfront resort area of Kato Paphos and the central city of Kato Paphos. Kato Paphos is a picturesque area near the bay with fishing boats and yachts, where comfortable hotels, taverns and souvenir shops are located. Here you can enjoy water sports, cycling and jeep safaris.
For those planning a vacation with children, Paphos may be less than ideal, as there is little entertainment for children, with the exception of the Aphrodite Water Park. Nevertheless, for couples and companies who want to combine a cultural vacation with the opportunity to enjoy luxury hotels and fine dining, Paphos is an excellent choice.
Larnaca
Larnaca is a cozy port city on the southeastern coast of Cyprus, which is ideal for families and tourists looking for more affordable prices and a relaxing vacation. The city is characterized by a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful promenade, ideal for quiet walks and relaxation.
Larnaca is famous for its long beach line, although the beaches may not be the best on the island, they definitely meet high standards of cleanliness and safety, as they are marked with the Blue Flag. The central and remote beaches are equipped with everything you need, including umbrellas and sunbeds at an affordable price. The cost of rent is about €5, which makes a beach vacation here affordable.
One of the main attractions of Larnaca is the Finikoudes promenade, known for its picturesque sea views and palm tree alleys. Here you can not only enjoy walks but also visit numerous restaurants and coffee shops. For active tourists, there is an opportunity to go diving by visiting one of the many dive schools in the city, where you can dive near a sunken ocean ferry that has turned into a huge underwater reef.
It is an ideal destination for those who want to combine relaxation with cultural travel. The city has a rich historical heritage, which includes ancient monasteries and churches, as well as archaeological sites such as the excavations of the ancient city of Kation and the well-preserved settlement of Hirokitia, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For active tourists, there is also a Go-Karts karting center that meets international standards and offers exciting go-kart racing.
Protaras
Protaras is a wonderful resort town in the east of Cyprus, which is ideal for families and those looking for peace and relaxation. It is a place where you can enjoy luxurious beaches, clear sea and picturesque landscapes without being distracted by noisy entertainment.
Protaras beaches are marked with the Blue Flag, which guarantees high water quality and cleanliness. The most popular beach is Fig Tree Bay, which got its name from the trees surrounding the beach. The sand here is golden and soft, and the water is clear and warm. For several kilometers, the beaches stretch along the coast, providing plenty of space for relaxation and water sports.
Protaras does not boast a large number of cultural attractions, but this is exactly what makes it ideal for a relaxing vacation. The main attractions include a visit to the city’s singing fountains and a large aquarium.
For nature lovers, there is an opportunity to walk along the picturesque bays and enjoy the views from the top of the mountain near the 14th-century Church of St. Elijah. Although the road to the church is difficult (150 stone steps), the view from the top is definitely worth the effort. There is also a “wishing tree” near the church, to which tourists and locals tie ribbons to make their cherished dreams come true.
Polis
Polis is a quiet town in the northwest of Cyprus that attracts tourists with its authentic atmosphere, endless beaches and rich history. Nestled among almond groves and small villages, Polis is an ideal place for those seeking peace and relaxation from the bustling resorts.
Polis is known for its clean and calm beaches, which are different from the popular resort areas. Here you can find many secluded beaches, which are ideal for those seeking solitude and tranquility. Picturesque landscapes and unspoiled nature create a wonderful atmosphere for outdoor recreation.
For history buffs, Polis offers several interesting places. Visit the Marion Arsinoe Museum and the Archaeological Museum to immerse yourself in the rich historical heritage of the city. Not far from Polis is the Akamas Peninsula, where the reserve of the same name is located with unique nature, rare plants and ancient monuments such as the Baths of Aphrodite and the Fountain of Love.
For those who want to enjoy the local cuisine, Polis is famous for its fish restaurants, which serve fresh fish daily. The fish fairs are also a popular attraction where you can taste a variety of fish specialties.
Polis is ideal for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing vacation in natural surroundings. This place will be a great choice for families, couples and nature lovers. If you don’t like big crowds and are looking for an opportunity to enjoy nature and history, Polis will be a great option.