FAQ's

  • What's the weather like in Cyprus?

  • What is there to do in Paphos?

  • What is there to do in Cyprus?

  • How do I get there?

  • What about car hire?


 

Cyprus for all seasons
One of the benefits of being a Mediterranean island is plentiful sunshine throughout the year, and Cyprus is no exception. In fact, Cyprus epitomizes the ideal weather of the region with sunny days and fine temperatures almost every day. Extremes of temperatures are rare, meaning Cyprus has something to offer every month of the year, whether it's swimming (as late as November) or enjoying cultural sites and festivals (all year long). While seasonal fluctuations are not drastic, however, they are different. Here's what to expect:

Summer when it sizzles
Summer stretches from May to October and means high temperatures, cloudless skies and cooling breezes from the sea. It's the ideal season for swimming, sunbathing and a whole range of water sports from sailing to scuba diving.
At this time of year, explore the archaeological sites early in the morning or in late afternoon, avoiding the hottest part of the day. It's always a good idea to bring along sun protection, such as sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat. Even in the height of summer when it's 32C (90F) degrees at the beach (and warmer inland), temperatures are refreshingly cooler in the Troodos, making the mountains ideal for hiking or simply relaxing. The days of September and October are still sunny and the water warm enough for comfortable swimming. Basically, it's still summer. In Limassol, the first ten days of September bring the annual Wine Festival, a buoyant period not to be missed.
Autumn Warm and Sunny
Toward the end of October evenings do tend to get cooler, however, in October and through November the leaves change colour in the Troodos and vineyards take on gold and crimson hues against a backdrop of crystal clear sunlight. In Cyprus even mid-November can feel like summer, but by the month's end medium-weight apparel for the late afternoons and evenings will enhance the traveller's experience. It is still possible to enjoy swimming, while inland excursions to villages and vineyards for wine tasting can be very enjoyable. Autumn also brings with it the annual Cypriot festival, with prestigious local and international musical and dramatic performances at venues throughout Cyprus.
Winter An Active Season
December - February are the months of Mediterranean winter, bringing the possibility of rain, but still an average of six hours of bright sunshine a day. This is the time of year when smaller Mediterranean destinations shut down for the season, but not so Cyprus. The island is a major business centre and has many important heritage sites and museums, all at their least crowded in winter. The cultural calendar is also alive and well throughout the winter, with new events coming all the time. The summer resort of AgiaNapa, for example, offers a "Cultural Winter" with classical music concerts and modern and folkloric dance performances. Into early February there is occasional rain, and often snow in the Troodos - ideal for skiing!
Spring Delights
The first orchids bloom in January in Cyprus, and by mid-February the countryside is already alive with fresh green meadows and almond trees in bloom. March days can still be cool (daytime temperatures around 19C or 65F, 9C or 40F at night) but steadily moderate. Early spring is a wonderful time to visit to Cyprus, with pleasant daytime temperatures and many of the ancient ruins framed by a carpet of red anemones and other wildflowers. In April and into the middle of May spring is in full force. This is an ideal time for nature hikes and off-road adventures in the pristine Akamas Peninsula. Cyprus has 1,950 species of flowering plants, 140 of which grow nowhere else but on the island, and in the Akamas alone, there are 700 plant species, of which 40 are endemic. From February to April, pink cyclamen sprouts up from rocky foothills and thickets and forms a riveting adornment to the Baths of Aphrodite. From March to April, the pink wavy-leaved monkey orchid grows in dense patches around Paphos. If in summer Cyprus is the place to bask in the sun, then spring is the time to savour the natural beauty of the island in bloom.
 

Paphos
This south-west corner of Cyprus has an ambience all of its own. This is the kingdom of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and her presence seems to linger. Paphos itself is really two towns; Ktima on the cliff and Kato Paphos by the sea. The one is unchanged over centuries and thoroughly Cypriot while the other has expanded over the last decade from a sleepy fishing village and harbour into a bustling, busy, sprawling cosmopolitan resort which is still growing. Roman Paphos was the island's capital and the 3rd century mosaics here are the finest in the Mediterranean. The atmosphere is fun loving and friendly, with plenty of bars, pubs, discos, a few nightclubs and innumerable eating places providing a choice of Italian cuisine to sizzling souvlaki off the spit. The coastline to the north is peppered with small sandy coves. The area's best beach is a 15 minute drive away at Coral Bay. Paphos is an ideal centre from which to explore this region of wild coastline, unspoilt hillside villages and natural beauty. Paphos combines both culture and entertainment in a conveniently sized package. In Paphos you will find some of Cyprus' most stunning archaeological gems such as its Roman mosaics and Tomb of the Kings. Cultivated bananas grow in profusion along the south-western coast, which narrows to the Akamas Peninsula - one of the island's last unspoilt wildernesses and home to flora and fauna species found only on Cyprus. While Limassol is brash and Larnaca is demure, Paphos is quite friendly and is one of Cyprus' most desirable cities. Kato Paphos (Lower Paphos) is home to the greatest number of archaeological sites on the island.

Coral Bay
11 kilometres to the north of Paphos and 3 kilometres below the friendly hillside village of Peyia is Coral Bay - the best natural Blue Flag beach in the area. This is an established resort with many villas set apart from one another above a wide curve of dark golden sand. The summer heat is often tempered by a gentle breeze. The sea is shallow and children can play safely. During the busier months, water sports for hire include pedalos, water skiing, banana boats, jet skis and windsurfing.
Peyia
A very large friendly village - now designated a town with its own municipality. Peyia is tucked away in the hills about 3.5kms from Coral Bay and 15kms from Paphos. There are several coffee shops and welcoming taverna's which provide simple but excellent food. A picturesque drive north along winding roads through the Peyia forest and pretty villages brings you to the Akamas peninsula and the beaches of Latchi.
Polis ands Latchi
Polis is on the wide Chrysohou Bay that runs along the north-west sweep of Cyprus, ideal for walks and offering stunning views to both sides of the island. Its attraction lies in it being quieter and a less developed region.
Polis is much smaller and far more intimate than Paphos - the razzmatazz of mass tourism has not quite reached here yet. The northwest also gives easy access to the Paphos Mountains and has some interesting villages such as Droushia, Neo Chorio, Pomos and Pyrgos. Latchi with its coastal paved walk is the picturesque harbour of Polis - known for its fresh fish. In the past it served as a small port for shipping carobs. The old stone carob warehouses have been converted into restaurants, fish taverns and places of recreation. From Latchi, travellers to Polis can go on short sea cruises to the Akamas.
Pissouri
Pissouri is an attractive and friendly village to the East of Paphos. It is situated in the principal vine growing area with sultana grapes covering the surrounding countryside. This south-facing village set high up on the hillside about 1,000ft above the sea and commands the most magnificent view of some 20 miles of Mediterranean coastline. To the south and east there are panoramic views of the coast, across vineyards, olive and carob trees. To the north one can see the majestic Troodos Mountains. Pissouri is situated just off the main Paphos to Limassol road. Pissouri Village has a lovely flower-filled central square for pedestrians only. There is a Greek Orthodox Church, a bakery, postal agency, banks and small supermarkets. Several family-run taverna’s and restaurants serve excellent fresh food at competitive prices. In the summer months the village holds a Cyprus Night in the square every Wednesday evening. There's food and traditional Cypriot dancing; everyone is welcome!

Limassol
The people of Limassol have a reputation for being fun loving and are always ready to party. The wine festival in September and the Carnival in March are major events on the island. Limassol is a large, cosmopolitan port and resort with an enormous selection of restaurants, night clubs, discos and shops. Limassol is the gateway to the mountain resorts which can easily be reached via a very good road from Limassol. Pissouri and Governor's beaches are within easy reach as is the enormous beach at Curium. The villages in the mountains around Limassol are set in the midst of vineyards and several are featured in our programme. The crusader castle of Kolossi, the headquarters of the Knights Templar and St John, is within easy reach as are the ancient kingdoms of Curium to the west and Amathus to the east. It was in Limassol castle that Richard the Lion heart married.
Nicosia
The capital and main commercial centre, Nicosia, the last divided capital in the world. Travellers have often ignored Nicosia when visiting Cyprus, perhaps because it is not on the beach. A very dynamic mayor has, over the last 10 to 15 years, forced the renovation of the old town which is now quite charming with many cafes, open-air restaurants and shops within the narrow streets and old buildings. The archaeological museum is world famous and must be visited. The Cyprus tourist office runs free walking tours every Thursday. The restaurants in Nicosia - because they cater for the locals - are perhaps some of the best on the island. The old quarters are coming alive with courtyard restaurants, craft shops and houses as traditional buildings are renovated to stand side by side with excellent modern shops.
Larnaka
Larnaca or Larnaka was once the main port of Cyprus and the wealth still shows in some buildings in the old town. Larnaca has a very interesting salt lake which in spring is pink with flamingos. Like Paphos and Limassol, Larnaca has developed into a busy resort with many hotels and apartments built on the beaches. Larnaca has a very traditional, palm fringed harbour promenade and a very large marina. There is a wealth of historical interest around the town including the church of St Lazarus, the Muslim shrine and the monastery of Stavrovouni.
Ayia Napa
From its humble beginning as a small fishing village, Ayia Nappa now shoulders the mantle of Cyprus' prime sun-and-fun tourist resort. Ayia Napa is not for everyone – the majority of people visiting here are overseas tourists on package holidays intent on specific and limited pleasures - drinking, eating and sunning themselves. The beach, whilst crowded, is good and if you like raving the nightlife never stops.
 

Cyprus international airports
There are two operational airports in Cyprus; Paphos International Airport and Larnaka International Airport. Simply, if you would prefer to be close to your end destination; use Paphos for the West of the island and Larnaka for the East. If you intend to stay in Limassol, then it makes very little difference which airport you choose. However, considering that in little under 2 hours you can travel from Larnaka to Paphos and visa versa, if you don't mind a two hour journey after you flight then either airport is fine.

Please visit our Cyprus Links page to find further details about flights.

The choice is yours
We can arrange for any of our PoshGaffs guests to be picked up by Taxi (Mercedes) - just let us know after you have made your booking. We will arrange a fixed quotation.

Whether, its worth considering a car hire, will ultimately depend on the type of holiday you seek; laze around by the pool all day (no car hire or use the bus service) or travel to the four corners of the island (car hire recommended). If you decide upon car hire the road system is very similar to driving in the UK - Cyprus drives on the right.

Please visit our Cyprus Links page to find further details about recommended car hire companies.