Where to stay in Cyprus

The vibrant and cosmopolitan coastal city of Limassol is renowned for its international mix of seaside hotels and fine dining. With plenty of tourist attractions and Cyprus' main wine producing area nearby, it's an easy place to spend a few days in style.

Limassol is also within striking distance of many places of historical significance. The Greco-Roman Kourion Theatre still offers al fresco performances in the summer and the ancient Kolossi Castle should keep the history buff in you interested for hours.

Paphos is the legendary birthplace of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, making it a great spot for couples and honeymooners. It's also one of the finest sightseeing spots in the whole Mediterranean. Oozing history and culture, it's not surprising the town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

New Paphos is located just next door to Paphos and is home to a more modern holiday experience. The beach is lined with first rate, luxury hotels and it's all overlooked by Paphos Castle. Wherever you go in Cyprus, history is never far away.

Hide away from the crowds in the sleepy mountain village of Pissouri. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of all the tourist traps, this little village is the ideal secluded getaway. Perched up on the hill, you'll enjoy panoramic views and a quiet gentle stroll down to the even quieter beach.
 

Cyprus' climate

Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate, with warm, sunny weather for most of the year. Even in the winter, temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees Celsius, although do bear in mind that it can be considerably colder in the mountains. Temperatures overnight can also fall below 10 degrees Celsius in the winter, despite it being generally warm during the day.

The summer can see highs of up to 40 degrees Celsius and this is also when the least rain falls on the island - in fact, rain is very rare during the hottest months here. Even when it does rain in Cyprus, it's far from torrential, with the island regularly experiencing water shortages during the summer.

Sea temperatures drop down to around 16 degrees Celsius at their coldest, and hit the mid 20s in the summer. You can swim during any season, although you may find it a bit more bracing in the winter.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best beaches?
The beaches on Cyprus's east coast are generally considered to be its best and it's here that you'll typically find stretches of fine golden sands. The likes of Fig Tree Bay, Phinikoudes Beach and Kapparis Beach are some of the nicest spots in the east. Close to Paphos in the west, you have many lovely sandy and pebbly seaside stretches, including Faros Beach and Dasoudi Beach, while the Akamas Peninsula to the north and west of Paphos is where you'll find undeveloped coves and bays. In the south around Limassol are lots of lovely sandy bays, including Aphrodite Beach, which is linked to the Greek goddess of love.

Is it cheap to eat out?
Depending on where you choose to go, eating out in Cyprus can be very affordable. Stick to local restaurants for the best prices.

What is the local currency and what currency should I take?
The local currency is the Euro, but it's easy to exchange sterling in Cyprus. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across the island.