Cyprus, land of legend and romance

When to go to Cyprus, from someone who knows it well: spring wildflowers, the warmest sea in September, autumn harvests in the villages and mild winter sun. Our family home has been in Yeroskipou, near Paphos, since I was a child.

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Love Bridge, near Ayia Napa: swimming weather from late May to October

Cyprus is close to my heart. Our family home has been in Yeroskipou, just outside Paphos, since I was a child, so I know the island well: the famous beaches, and the hidden gems most visitors never find. When you plan Cyprus with me, you can book with confidence, knowing your journey is created with a personal appreciation for the Cypriot way of life.

It's one of the sunniest islands in the Mediterranean, but when you go makes a real difference. Here's how I'd think about it.

April to early June: the island at its greenest
Warm days of 22 to 30°C, wildflowers across the Akamas and the Troodos mountains, and quieter, better-value resorts. Easter is the highlight of the Cypriot year. It follows the Orthodox calendar (2 May in 2027), and the village celebrations are something special. The sea warms up nicely from late May.

July and August: high summer
Hot and dry, often 35°C or more, and hotter still inland around Nicosia. Perfect for pure beach days in Ayia Napa, Protaras and Paphos, and for families tied to the school holidays. Expect the highest prices and the busiest beaches, and save sightseeing for the early morning or evening.

Mid-September to October: the golden season
The sea is at its warmest, around 26 to 27°C in September, the crowds thin out and the grape harvest brings wine festivals to the villages. A lovely time for couples, food lovers and anyone who wants a warm sea without the summer heat.

November to March: winter sun
Mild by European standards, around 16 to 20°C by day on the coast, with most of the rain between December and February. Wonderful for walking, cycling and culture: the Paphos mosaics, Kourion and the painted churches of the Troodos. Some coastal hotels and tavernas close or keep shorter hours, especially around Ayia Napa, and in January and February there's often snow on Mount Olympos, where you can even ski.

Quick picks
Beaches and swimming: June or September
Walking, wildflowers and culture: April, May or October
Families: the late May half-term, or October half-term for a warm sea without the heat
Couples, food and wine: September or October
Winter sun on a budget: November or March

Around Paphos
Just minutes from Yeroskipou are the Tombs of the Kings and the mosaics of Kato Paphos, the harbour and its castle, and sunset at Petra tou Romiou, Aphrodite's Rock. Further west, the Akamas peninsula has the Avakas Gorge and the Blue Lagoon. And in Yeroskipou itself, try the loukoumi, the soft Cyprus delight the village is famous for.

By sea
Limassol is a regular port of call on Eastern Mediterranean cruises, which mostly sail between April and November, so Cyprus can be part of a cruise too.

Why plan it with me?
I'll match the right part of the island to the time you travel: a beach hotel in Protaras in June, a village house in the Troodos in October, or a winter-sun base in Paphos. I'll plan every flight, transfer and stay with you, from the first idea to the moment you're home. You deal with one person the whole way, you get a pocket guide with every reference, and you have a 24-hour contact while you're away.

Where can I take you?

Highlights

• Spring wildflowers and Easter in the villages, April to early June
• The warmest sea of the year in September, around 26 to 27°C
• Grape harvest and wine festivals in the autumn villages
• Mild winter sun, with snow on Mount Olympos in January and February
• Paphos mosaics, Kourion and the painted churches of the Troodos
• Planned by someone whose family home is in Yeroskipou

With thanks to Love Cyprus – Deputy Ministry of Tourism