There is still a general belief that Cyprus is not suitable as a winter destination. However, a few tourists have now realized that the season is not limited to the summer months. If you would like to learn what makes a vacation in Cyprus so attractive even in winter, then let the following tips convince you.
As Cyprus has the warmest winter in the Mediterranean part of the EU, it is also worth taking a vacation at this time of year. When the first rain falls in winter and nature comes to life, this is a sign to put on your shoes, pack your camera and start exploring the island.
On the days when it rains (often it is not more than 15 to 20 days in winter in Cyprus) you do not have to think that your vacation is now ruined. Cyprus offers activities even for rainy days, so you can enjoy this time as well.
To bring you a little closer to winter in Cyprus, I would like to introduce you to some activities that will delight you even during the winter months. You will learn more details about winter in Cyprus, what clothes are suitable and what should be in your suitcase. Learn more about the beautiful routes that make Cyprus so interesting even in winter.
The most beautiful tours and excursions, for the months of December to February:
If you want to discover Cyprus on your own and travel the island completely independently of groups and tour offers, you should rent a car directly. However, you must be in possession of a valid driving license and be aware that driving in Cyprus is on the left. https://www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=roadiscalling
In order to get to your accommodation in the easiest way, you can order a cab in advance, which will pick you up either from Larnaca airport or from Paphos airport. One provider for this is Holidaytaxis.
Come Christmas, visit the many Christmas markets in the towns and villages and marvel at many a firework display over the sea. December is also the time when oranges and lemons hang ripe from the trees.
At the end of December, beginning of January the first snow falls in the Troodos Mountains. If you are lucky, there is so much snow that the first cross-country ski trails are opened. It's hard to imagine skiing for breakfast and then lying in the sun by the sea in the afternoon.
But winter in Cyprus is not only popular with many nature and sun lovers, also thousands of graceful flamingos arrive to settle on the salt lake in Larnaca and Limassol. Seeing all these birds gathered in one place is also a reason why more and more people come to Cyprus even in winter.
Before you learn even more about leisure and experiences that you can expect in Cyprus in winter, I would like to add a few words about the winter weather. To help you plan your trip, here is a brief overview of the weather - in December, January and February.
The weather in December is warm. You can expect temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius during the day and 10 degrees Celsius at night. Whether the temperature is enough for a swim in the sea is up to you. While some people go swimming all winter, others go for a walk on the beach in a winter jacket and woolen hat.
Of course, in December they also have to expect one or two rain showers. The wind can also show its stormy side. On average, temperatures are the same all over the island. The coldest place in Cyprus in December is Nicosia. While Agia Napa is rather boring in winter, because almost all seasonal establishments are closed, the cities of Larnaca, Paphos and Limassol offer much more life.
Yes, if you visit Cyprus this month, you will most likely be able to go skiing and hiking in the Troodos Mountains, excursions that are not suitable for the hot summer months.
Just spend a few days in nature and discover the panoramic path in Akamas Peninsula National Park. It is located near Paphos. Kykkos Monastery and Kolossi Castle are also worth a trip.
In summary, in Cyprus, as in all other European countries, there is also the anticipation of Christmas and New Year.
The vacations begin on December 23, but preparations for Christmas start as early as November. Houses are decorated with olive branches and garlands. In many public places there are large brightly lit fir trees and the streets are festively decorated with many lights.
The weather forecast for January is usually not very optimistic. Daytime temperatures are around 15 degrees Celsius and at night the temperature goes down to 6 to 8 degrees Celsius. Since the water temperature is around 15 to 17 degrees Celsius, many people avoid swimming in the sea. You also have to expect sudden rain showers every now and then in January. The days are more cloudy than sunny. So you do not need to hope to get a tan. Since January is the coldest month in winter in Cyprus, you should spend your vacation in December or February.
However, if you compare Cyprus with the rest of European countries, January is still warm. However, you should remain somewhat flexible in your leisure activities and adapt to the daily weather.
The weather in January is not as bad as it seems at first glance. Beaches invite you for a walk and in the cities many cafes and restaurants offer you a breather. Visit the many beautiful typical Cypriot villages and taste one or the other typical Cypriot wine.
In January, the fewest tourists are in Cyprus, so you do not need to stand in line anywhere. Take a long walk around the salt lake in Larnaca. Dry in summer, the lake provides a perfect winter home for thousands of flamingos.
Cyprus in January is a perfect destination to ski or snowboard in the Troodos Mountains. The snow is deep and the sun requires sun protection even in January.
February is the month in Cyprus when nature awakens. Spring begins and everything changes. Everywhere the first flowers appear, you see more and more tourists, the temperatures rise and invite you to extensive hiking.
On the snow-covered peaks you will see blooming snowdrops and blossoms of jasmine and lemon trees. In February, however, it can rain again and again. Up to 7 rainy days are not uncommon. The water temperature is 16 degrees Celsius, which is still too cold for many.
According to legend, it is said that Aphrodite rose from the sea. Couples who go into the sea on February 14 are said to have a long and happy life together. This is also the reason why you see so many people venturing into the cold sea on this day. Even though the sun doesn't show itself often, it does rise to between 17 and 20 degrees Celsius during the month.
If you want to celebrate Valentine's Day with your partner, February 14 is the perfect day to start your love with a swim in the sea. Spend a few days in one of the luxury hotels in Paphos and enjoy a mostly breathtaking sunset every evening.
Pamper yourself in one of the many spa hotels. From the all-inclusive hotel to the hotel, "only for adults", you will definitely find your personal place of well-being. The weather in February is quite warm, with more or less rain showers and strong winds. Since many hotels have an indoor pool, you can swim indoors or sunbathe outdoors, depending on the weather, should the weather permit.
February is also the month of carnival events and parades. If you would like to participate in the colorful festivities in Paphos or Limassol, you should try to get tickets early.
Especially in winter, the mountains invite you to hike and climb. In impressive nature you will experience waterfalls full of water and places with fantastic landscapes.
Around Larnaca there are a few small but cute villages to discover. One of them is Lefkara. And this has its reason. Surrounded by mountains and lying on the hillside, Lefkara offers a breathtaking panoramic view. The old village of Lefkara is a maze of narrow streets, which you can see in the architecture of the houses, which has not changed for centuries. There are romantic buildings with balconies from the 19th and 20th centuries, old houses from the Ottoman period and at the same time buildings that date back to the 12th century.
Lefkara has also become famous for its embroidery art and the production of filigree silver works. Even Leonardo da Vinci is said to have purchased an embroidered cloth here. The best time to visit is at the end of January and February, when the almond trees are in bloom.
A little further south are the wineries Ktima Christoudia (https://www.christoudia.com/) and Ktima Dafermou (https://www.facebook.com/dafermouwinery/) . Now, when the barrels are full of wine, it is the best time for wine tasting.
Meze is not a main dish, it is a Cypriot food sequence. There is no set sequence, yet it includes more than 10 different dishes. From salads and sauces to meat or fish dishes. Each taverna offers its own dishes and thus meze is rarely the same. Prices range from 15 to 20 euros per person.
Located in the southwest of the island, it is popular with all travelers. Here you can find luxury hotels and high-priced restaurants. Almost every building in Paphos is a part of UNESCO cultural heritage. Monuments, tombs, columns and many houses have historical significance. In winter, when the beach life is over, there is much to see around Paphos:
And there is Petra tou Romiou, a place where Aphrodite rose from the sea.
On Mount Olympus, the highest mountain on the island, the Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite and Hermes trails invite you to ski and snowboard. While the trail Zeus is predestined for experienced skiers, the other trails are also suitable for beginners. The ski season starts in December and goes until the end of March.
Winter or spring is the perfect time to take a closer look at the north of the island. Few tourists and empty border crossings make your entry easy, the ruins of the ancient city of Salamis and the city of Famagusta are among the places you should definitely visit.
For the city of Kyrenia, in the north of Cyprus, you should plan a few hours. Here you will discover the fortress, the promenade and the maritime museum, as well as nice restaurants and Turkish food.
What is a real winter for the Cypriots, is an autumn with pleasant temperatures for European tourists. Even if it rains in between, the sun shines again and again. The exception is January, where you have to expect cloudy skies.
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