Cyprus: holidays in Paphos, Limassol and Ayia Napa
Cyprus is Aphrodite’s island: legend says the goddess of beauty rose from the sea on its shore. It has the warmest winter in Europe, sandy beaches, Roman mosaics, mountain villages and peaks that see snow in winter. The flight from Zagreb takes just under three hours, and with Top 10 Potovanja you book your flight and hotel in one package. Below you will find where to stay, what to see, what to do with children and the hotels we recommend.
Why Cyprus
- Europe’s warmest winter: around 17 °C in January and plenty of sunshine, ideal for sightseeing and walks.
- Swimming until late autumn: the sea is pleasant from May to November.
- Hassle-free Europe: Cyprus is in the EU, you pay in euros, an ID card is enough and almost everyone speaks English.
- All on one island: beaches, ancient cities, mountain villages and great food.
- All in one package: flight, hotel and, with many offers, airport transfer too.
Weather in Cyprus
Average daytime high air temperature and sea temperature in Paphos:
| Month | Air | Sea |
|---|---|---|
| December | 19 °C | 20 °C |
| January | 17 °C | 18 °C |
| February | 17 °C | 17 °C |
| March | 19 °C | 17 °C |
| April | 22 °C | 18 °C |
| May | 25 °C | 21 °C |
| June | 29 °C | 24 °C |
| July | 31 °C | 26 °C |
| August | 32 °C | 27 °C |
| September | 30 °C | 27 °C |
| October | 27 °C | 25 °C |
When to go to Cyprus
- December–February: 17 to 19 °C and lots of sunshine, great for sightseeing, seaside walks and low prices. The Troodos mountains often get snow.
- March–May: the island is green and in bloom, 19 to 25 °C, ideal for hiking and trips.
- June–September: hot summer with 29 to 32 °C and a warm sea.
- October–November: the sea is still warm, around 25 °C, and there are fewer crowds.
Flights to Cyprus
In winter, packages on our site include direct flights from Zagreb to Paphos. Limassol is about an hour’s drive from the airport, Larnaca and Ayia Napa around two hours. Exact departures and prices, and whether luggage and the hotel transfer are included, are shown with each offer.
Where to stay
- Paphos: closest to the airport, with the archaeological park, harbour and the mildest winter on the island. The best choice for a winter holiday.
- Limassol: a lively city with a marina, a long seafront promenade and an old town.
- Larnaca: Finikoudes palm-lined town beach and a salt lake where flamingos spend the winter.
- Ayia Napa: the island’s finest sandy beaches. Very lively in summer, quiet in winter as many venues close.
What to do in Cyprus
- Kato Paphos: the UNESCO-listed archaeological park with stunning Roman mosaics, and the rock-cut Tombs of the Kings.
- Aphrodite’s Rock: Petra tou Romiou, where Aphrodite is said to have risen from the sea, most beautiful at sunset.
- Troodos mountains: mountain villages, Kykkos Monastery and UNESCO-listed painted churches, with snow in winter.
- Kourion: an ancient city with an amphitheatre on a cliff above the sea between Paphos and Limassol.
- Akamas and the Blue Lagoon: a wild peninsula in the north-west with boat trips to a turquoise bay.
- Lefkara and Cape Greco: a village known for lace and silver, and a cape with turquoise water and sea caves near Ayia Napa.
Practical tips
- Driving on the left: as in the UK. Renting a car is best for trips, as buses between towns are infrequent.
- Sockets are British (type G), so bring an adapter.
- Nicosia is a divided capital. You can cross to the northern part of the island with an ID card.
- Tap water is safe, but most people drink bottled water.
- Tipping around 10 % in restaurants is usual but not compulsory.
Cypriot food
Try grilled halloumi, meze (a dinner of 15 to 20 small dishes), kleftiko (lamb slow-cooked in a clay oven), souvlaki and sweet loukoumades. Finish with a glass of commandaria, one of the oldest wines in the world.
Cyprus with children
Cyprus is great for families: the flight is fairly short, the food is child-friendly and the people are very welcoming. A few tips:
- Beaches: Nissi and Fig Tree Bay in the east are sandy and shallow, while the coast around Paphos is rockier, so choose a hotel with a pool or by an organised beach.
- Trips: Paphos Zoo, a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon and the water parks in Limassol and Ayia Napa, which open only in summer.
- In winter: for swimming, choose a hotel with an indoor pool, such as King Evelthon, Avlida or Kapetanios.
- Sun: summers are very hot, so plan sightseeing in the morning and bring high-factor sunscreen.
Hotels we recommend
We have chosen hotels with a good location and high guest ratings, and you will find more in the search.
Paphos
King Evelthon Beach Hotel & Resort ★★★★★
Luxury seafront hotel near Paphos with outdoor and indoor pools, several restaurants and a spa. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4/5)
Why book: five stars, half board and a heated pool in winter too.
Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel ★★★★
Hotel right on the water’s edge in Kato Paphos, with three outdoor pools, a few minutes’ walk from the harbour and the archaeological park. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4.5/5)
Why book: a seafront location with all of Paphos within walking distance.
Avlida Hotel ★★★★
Hotel in Paphos with outdoor and indoor pools and a spa. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4.5/5)
Why book: excellent guest ratings and a pool for every season.
Artemis Cynthia Complex ★★★
Small complex with a pool and garden in Paphos. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4.5/5)
Why book: a good price and very good guest ratings.
Limassol
Poseidonia Beach Hotel ★★★★
Hotel right on the beach in Agios Tychonas, east of central Limassol. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4/5)
Why book: the beach in front of the hotel and the city nearby.
Kapetanios Limassol Hotel ★★★
Hotel 100 metres from the beach in Limassol with outdoor and indoor pools, a sauna and a hot tub. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4/5)
Why book: a good price and a heated pool in winter.
Larnaca
Sveltos Hotel ★★★
Hotel 200 metres from the beach near Larnaca with a pool and sun terrace. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4.5/5)
Why book: peace and quiet, a nearby beach and high guest ratings.
Ayia Napa
Limanaki Beach Hotel ★★★
Hotel by the fishing harbour in Ayia Napa, right next to the largest sandy beach. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4/5)
Why book: the beach and harbour on the doorstep.
Green Bungalows ★★★
Bungalows with a pool set in greenery in Ayia Napa. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4/5)
Why book: a relaxed atmosphere and a few minutes to the beaches.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cyprus good in winter?
Yes, Cyprus has the warmest winter in Europe: around 17 °C and plenty of sunshine. It is ideal for sightseeing, walks and trips, while the best time for swimming in the sea is May to November.
Do I need a passport?
No, a valid ID card is enough, as Cyprus is in the EU.
How long is the flight?
A direct flight from Zagreb to Paphos takes just under three hours.
Where are the best beaches?
In the east of the island: Nissi and Fig Tree Bay near Ayia Napa and the coves around Cape Greco.
Is it worth renting a car?
Yes, if you want to see more of the island. You drive on the left and the roads are good.