Why Cyprus should be your next winter sun destination

Cyprus is a stunning island in the Mediterranean and the perfect all-year-round destination. Go beyond the sun-soaked stretches of sand to discover an island that’s packed with luscious landscapes and compelling culture steeped in myths. If you’re thinking of catching some winter sun, then this guide will inspire you to visit Cyprus.

The amazing weather

Did you know that Cyprus has one of the warmest climates in the European Union, even in the winter? The average temperature of 22 to 23 °C during the day and 12 to 14 °C at night is perfect. This makes it a pleasant time to visit the island as you will still have the chance to catch a tan while still doing all the amazing things highlighted below:

See the cultural sights

Since the weather isn’t scorching hot, it’s perfect for visiting all the cultural and historic sites that Cyprus has to offer. Cyprus is a country steeped in myth, and its multilayered past has left ancient riches laid right across the island. Bronze Age, Neolithic dwellings, and Phoenician tombs, remnants of once-mighty city-kingdoms, mountaintop castles, Roman mosaics, and Byzantine churches are scattered throughout the countryside. Take a stroll throughout the cities and you can spot the preserved architectural legacy of the Venetian, Lusignan, and Ottoman eras.

Enjoy the delicious food

It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, the food offered in Cyprus is delicious! Indulge in some local Meze to acquaint yourself with the local cuisine. Tantalise your taste buds with a feast of small dishes, including traditional kebabs, creamy hummus or afelia (which is a delicious pork cooked in red wine). The cuisine of Cyprus is influenced by Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern food cultures, which makes it a culinary delight. However, some authentic Cypriot cooking includes halloumi and kebab favourite sheftalia. Don’t forget about the wonderful desserts: sweet treats range from mouth-watering sticky baklava to warming rice pudding all flavoured with rose water, almonds, and pistachios.

You can ski

Another great thing about choosing Cyprus as your next winter sun destination is that, as well as soaking up the sun, you can even choose to ski! Take a visit to the Troodos which is a mountain chain located in Eastern Cyprus. Winters in Troodos are typically cool and wet with snowfall. The highest point on the island, which is the top of Mount Olympus, is covered with snow at least three months every year, granting wonderful opportunities for winter sports and entertainment fans.

From January until March, there is a ski resort open here. Several hotels offer accommodation within easy reach of the complex. There are also saunas and swimming pools which helps aid relaxation on holiday. This gives you the unique chance to experience sunshine in one area of the island, then a ski resort in the next!

If you don’t fancy skiing, you can visit The Troodos National Park, which occupies 45% of the overall area of the mountain chain. Snow-lovers will love it here as it snows in winter. But there are countless walking trails for walking enthusiasts around the park ranging from a short 2km to 9km. If you’re spending a couple of weeks in Cyprus, then this adventure is something unique to experience.

Take a tour

The great thing about Cyprus as a winter sun destination is the fact that tours still run, and the Cyprus beaches are empty – that means no crowds!

The ancient city of Kourion, Medieval castles (the Limassol castle, the Kolossi castle, the Paphos castle, the Othello Castle and many others), and world-famous monasteries ( the Stavrovouni Monastery, the Kykkos Monastery, Stavrovouni Monastery, the Ayia Napa Monastery, the Trooditissa Monastery) are open to visitors all year round. The scenic Cypriot villages are worth visiting regardless of the season too. Lefkara village, which is located in Southern Troodos, is equally just as beautiful in the winter as it is in the summer. You can wander down narrow paved streets, explore Medieval churches, try traditional dishes in local taverns, buy unique silver and laces and, finally, try your hand at fishing.

A tour of Omodos village is also a popular choice thanks to its famous monastery, the Timios Stavros Monastery, but there are also lots of gift shops and historical museums to explore. There are even many cellars filled with lots of local wine, so it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a bottle.

Visit the Zoos, ranches and animal parks

Whether you’re travelling with family, or simply love to surround yourself with animals, you’ll be thrilled to hear that Limassol Zoo is open throughout the year. With birds, animals, and reptiles inhabiting modern, spacious enclosed areas which are made up of natural materials, it’s the ideal choice for animal lovers. Other zoos and parks open include Nicosia Zoo, Paphos Zoo and Cyprus Lake.

Take a wine tour

Winter is the perfect time of year to visit the winemaking villages in Cyprus. There are four main winemaking regions of Cyprus: Vouni Panayias – Ambelitis (six western villages), Akamas Laona (six villages along the northwest coastline), Wine Villages of Limassol (20 villages in south Troodos), and Pitsilia (32 mountain villages). So there is a wine tour to be taken wherever you happen to stay in the country!

Before you head off on on your winter sun trip to Cyprus, you need to remember to have proper travel insurance to ensure you have a wonderful trip. Don’t forget that Fish Insurance offer travel insurance. In particular, we specialise in providing insurance to those aged over 50 or who have a pre-existing medical condition.

So if you’re planning on heading on a Cyprus vacation this winter then we would love to insure you. Just fill out an online form to gain a quote, or contact us to find out more information.