Fresh from her own Cyprus winter holiday, Travelista Editor Jessica Ruth Gibson shows you how to make the most of the island during its quieter, sun-soaked season.
Introduction: Cyprus in Winter
“Where to go for a winter sun holiday?” is one of the questions I’m asked most often in this job, and after visiting Cyprus in November, I have a new top contender for you.
Typically thought of as a European summer favourite, Cyprus offers something entirely different in winter. With fewer tourists and a slower pace of life, the island feels calmer, more authentic and deeply inviting. Days are still warm enough for ocean dips, coastal walks and al fresco lunches in the sun, while the evenings bring a slower rhythm that encourages cosy dinners, local wine and good conversation.
This guide is shaped by my own recent experience of Cyprus in winter, based around Limassol; a vibrant coastal city that makes the perfect base for exploring both the island’s shoreline and its quieter mountain villages. From here, almost everywhere in Cyprus is within an hour’s drive. This makes it an ideal base for those who to venture out of the resorts and beyond the sun beds.
If you love the idea of Cyprus winter sun holiday filled with slow exploration, authentic experiences and exceptional Mediterranean food, this Cyprus guide is for you.
This article is written in partnership with Jet2 Holidays and Visit Cyprus, following a press trip in November 2025. As always, all words and opinions are entirely my own.
Jump Menu
1. Reasons to visit Cyprus in Winter
2. Where to Stay; Hotels in Limassol and beyond
3. How to get around in Cyprus
4. 12 Unique things to do in Cyprus during winter
5. Best Restaurants in Cyprus; Local tavernas to modern dining
Reasons to visit Cyprus in winter
One of the biggest draws of Cyprus in winter is, of course, the sunshine. During my visit in November, we had consistent sunshine and temperatures reached an incredible 26°C. This is warmer than average for November, but clear blue skies and warm, comfortable days are incredibly likely throughout the whole winter season. Evenings can feel cooler, particularly if you venture inland and in to the mountains. A light jacket or jumper is usually all you’d need to pack for the evenings.
Average winter temperatures in Cyprus
• October: 27.3°C
• November: 22.7°C
• December: 18.7°C
• January: 16.9°C
• February: 17°C
• March: 19°C
Average temperatures sourced from metoffice.gov.uk.
But beyond the climate, visiting Cyprus in winter brings a number of additional advantages:
• Comfortable temperatures for walking, hiking and exploring
• A lively year-round food scene, with tavernas filled with locals rather than tour groups
• Excellent value on flights and accommodation outside the peak summer season
• Fewer crowds at major archaeological and cultural sites
Flights to Paphos with Jet2 run all year round, meaning a Cyprus winter holiday is always accessible from anywhere in the UK. Even in December, flights still operate from Gatwick, Stansted, East Midlands, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle. In January, it reduces a little further to Stansted, Birmingham and Manchester.
For the rest of the year, Jet2 flies to Paphos from Gatwick, Bristol, Stansted, Birmingham, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Alongside this, Cyprus continues to deliver everything it’s known for all year round: freshly made local food, warm hospitality, varied landscapes and long stretches of sandy coastline.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Limassol and beyond
Limassol is one of the best bases for a winter trip to Cyprus thanks to its central location. From here, you can reach beaches, mountain villages, wineries and historic sites within around an hour’s drive. It’s also conveniently positioned between Paphos and Larnaca airports.
Depending on the style of trip you’re looking for, these are three standout places to stay:
Grand Resort Limassol by Leonardo Hotels
A beachfront resort just outside the city centre, offering the best of both worlds: relaxed beachside living with easy access to Limassol’s cultural and dining scene. With direct beach access, extensive facilities and spacious rooms, it’s particularly well suited to families or those seeking a luxurious winter sun escape.
Book Grand Resort by Leonardo Hotels
NYX Hotel Limassol
For a more urban and cosmopolitan feel, NYX Hotel Limassol delivers a stylish city break atmosphere. Think bold interiors, a rooftop pool and bar, and sweeping views over the Limassol promenade. Ideal for couples or younger travellers wanting a buzzy base close to the sea, marina and old town.
Cyprus Villages Hotel and Restaurant – Tochni
For those drawn to slower travel and total tranquillity, staying inland in a traditional village offers a completely different experience. Cyprus Villages in Tochni features restored stone houses, a much-loved taverna and views across the surrounding hills. It’s ideal for long lunches, quiet mornings and immersive Cypriot living.
Book Cyprus Villages Hotel and Restaurant
Alternatively, Paphos is also a very popular place to stay in Cyprus, offering plenty of sea-facing resorts and restaurants.
Browse hotels in Paphos.
How to get around Cyprus
Public transport isn’t one of the islands strengths, so the two best options is to hire a car or arrange some day trips and tours. You may be able to book excursions and tours through your travel rep or hotel.
Hire a Car
If you really want to explore the island at your own pace, the best way to do it is by hire car. The roads are quiet and the driving is easy and stress-free in Cyprus. If you’ve never driven abroad, this would be a great place to try it. I am a huge advocate of hiring a car for your holidays as it gives that extra layer of freedom on your holiday and exploration.
Pre-book tours and excursions
However you prefer the idea of having a guide to show you around the island and a driver to get you there, I’d recommend booking a series of top rated local tours through trusted tour site GetYourGuide such as
Airport Transfers
If you are truly planning to just ‘fly and flop’ for total relaxation, you may only need to think about airport transfers. One benefit of booking a package holiday is having airport transfers organised as part of your price. Jet2Holidays always include transfers to and from the airport as part of your holiday package. This is usually a shared coach or mini bus transfer, but if you book one of the Jet2’s Indulgent Escapes packages, you’ll enjoy a private airport transfer both to and from your hotel.
12 Unique Things to Do in Cyprus during Winter
I think that one of the greatest joys of visiting Cyprus in winter is how the island really feels like it’s your own; as if you’ve tapped into a best-kept secret. With fewer visitors, experiences are quieter, more authentic and often shared with locals rather than tour groups.
Here are 12 experiences, discoveries and places I visited during my November trip to Cyprus. From exploring quaint mountain villages to getting creative with local artists and local beekeepers, these experiences will help you to peel back the many layers of what Cyprus has to offer;
1. Enjoy the Coastlines and Beaches
The coastlines and beaches of Cyprus can most definitely be enjoyed all year round, and are probably appreciated in winter more than ever. Locals swim in the sea all year round in Cyprus, so refreshing sea dips are always part of any holiday in Cyprus. Some top coastal spots include ;
- Aphoditie Beach and Aphrodite’s Rock (near Limassol)
- Vouppa Beach (near Limassol, by Amathus Beach Resort and Four Seasons Hotel)
- Govenor’s Beach
- Lady’s Mile Beach in Akrotiri Peninsula
- Kourion Beach
2. Stargazing in the Troodos Observatory
High in the Troodos Mountains, the island’s new observatory offers a pioneering perspective of Cyprus’ starry night sky. Visit during the day for panoramic views across the mountains, or pre book an evening stargazing session to see the moon, stars and often planets through the observatory’s main telescope.
The island of Cyprus is emerging as a world-class astronomy destination. With longer nights and reduced light pollution, winter is one of the best times of year for astronomy experiences.
3. Hiking in the Troodos Mountains
Winter is arguably the best season for hiking in Cyprus. Cooler temperatures make exploring the Troodos Mountains far more comfortable than in summer, with trails winding through pine forests, valleys and traditional villages. Whether you choose a gentle village walk or a longer mountain trail, winter hiking offers fresh air, dramatic scenery and a quieter connection to nature.
4. Explore Lefkara village – with its famous Lefkara lace
Set in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, Lefkara is one of Cyprus’s most charming villages. It’s on the map for its intricate lace-making tradition, which is famously linked to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper paining. The unique lace patterns can be spotted as a detail within the painting. But beyond the lace, the village is filled with other artisan shops and silversmiths. Roam through the cobbled streets and back alley ways, and in November and December you can enjoy the village’s Christmas market.
Winter is the perfect time to wander slowly, watch craftspeople at work and pick up handmade jewellery or lace as a meaningful souvenir.
Lefkara is also home to the luxury and adult’s only Agora Hotel which is part of the SLH group (Small Luxury Hotels of the World)
5. Visit Lania: Cyprus’s Artist Village
The small mountain village of Lania is home to a creative community of artists and makers. As you wander its narrow streets, you’ll notice tiny ceramic snails dotted along walls and doorways – a whimsical village signature. Each snail has its own name and you can even buy your own ceramic snail from the artist who still lives within the village.
During my time in Lania I got to take part in a mosaic workshop with a Lania-based artist Antonis Rizopoulos who welcomed us into his light and airy studio, and gave us tips and encouragement to create our own mosaic masterpieces. The finished piece is a little souvenir that will always remind me of this unique experience.
This same experience can be booked through any local tour company or you can email him directly at [email protected].
Check out Pleiades Art Cafe Gallery Mosaic – Art Workshop
6. Visit Omodos Village
Surrounded by vineyards, Omodos is one of the most atmospheric villages to visit in Cyprus in winter. Highlights include its traditional wine press, cobbled streets and the Holy Cross Monastery at the heart of village life.
Winter brings a slower pace here, making it an ideal place to combine gentle sightseeing with a long, leisurely taverna lunch.
7. Festive Magic at Fikardou Christmas Village
From late November through December, the mountain village of Fikardou transforms into a festive winter wonderland. Twinkling lights, fire pits and alpine-style stalls line the historic streets, creating a cosy, community-led Christmas atmosphere.
Expect live music, traditional food and a strong sense of local celebration. This is a lovely hidden gem for anyone visiting Cyprus in November or December.
8. Enjoy Limassol Old Town and Castle
Limassol’s Old Town is perfect for a relaxed winter day. From the Old Port to Limassol Castle, everything is walkable, especially if you’re staying centrally. Street art, cafés and independent shops give the area a laid-back energy, while the castle adds historical depth to your wander.
9. Go Wine Tasting at a Cypriot vineyard
Cyprus’s wine scene truly comes into its own in winter. Visiting mountain wineries offers insight into indigenous grape varieties and traditional winemaking methods, often enjoyed beside a fire with local cheeses and generous hospitality.Wine tasting feels particularly atmospheric during the cooler months, framed by vineyard views and crisp mountain air.
We visited Oenou Yi Winery in Omodos Village which hosts regular wine tastings within its shop.
Book a wine tour or tasting at Oenou Yi Winery – reservation required
10. Step Back in Time at Kourion
Perched high above the sea, Kourion Archaeological Site is one of Cyprus’s most impressive historic landmarks. Winter allows you to explore the amphitheatre, mosaics and ruins comfortably, without the intense heat or crowds of summer. If you’re not so into your history or ancient ruins, this option might not be for you, but the sweeping coastal views alone would make this place worth a visit.
Book a tour to Ancient Kourion
11. Aphrodite’s Rock
No trip to Cyprus would be complete without a visit to Aphrodite’s Rock, the legendary birthplace of the goddess of love. Local folklore suggests swimming around the rock three times brings eternal beauty, true love, fertility, or good luck, though in winter, most visitors are content to admire the dramatic coastal scenery. This popular site is located on the main coastal road between Paphos and Limassol and a restaurant, a tourist pavilion and the Aphrodite Hills Resort are nearby. It’s a powerful place to pause, reflect and experience Cyprus’s mythological roots.
Book a tour to Aphrodite’s Rock
12. Become a Beekeeper for the Day at Ecophysis Honeybee Farm
At a local honeybee farm, visitors can learn about traditional Cypriot beekeeping, honey production and sustainable farming practices. Hands-on experiences offer a rare glimpse into rural island life and provide a meaningful contrast to coastal sightseeing. It’s an unexpectedly memorable winter activity, especially for those interested in food culture and sustainability. This experience really was such a unique and memorable part of my recent Cyprus trip.
Book your visit to Ecophysis Honeybee Farm.
Best Restaurants in Cyprus
Food was one of the true highlights of this trip. Cypriot cuisine is so fresh, flavourful and laced with cultural and social traditions. Mezze is central to dining culture here, which is a sharing feast of dips, salads, grilled cheeses and meats that offers incredible value and variety. You’ll find the option of a ‘Greek Mezze’ on most of the traditional restaurants in Cyprus, which is a 2-3 course meal involving lots of different sharing dishes and priced per head.
When opting for the famous Greek Mezze, expect to be served a combination of fresh bread, tahini, hummus, salads, grilled halloumi, souvlaki and slow-cooked dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The quality and freshness of the food alone make Cyprus a incredible destination for winter travel.
Whilst on my recent trip, I learned about the Taste Cyprus initiative, which showcases some of the island’s most authentic tavernas and puts them on the map for both tourists and locals to find. I was lucky enough to visit a handful of ‘Taste Cyprus’ approved restaurants as part of this trip. All the restaurants we visited included;
• Taverna Tochni – TRAVELISTA FAVOURITE
• Dragon Nest Tavern
• To Katoi Tavern, Omodos
• Symposio Taverna, Pelendri – TRAVELISTA FAVOURITE
• O’Vrakas Tavern, Pissouri
• Pier One, Limassol Old Port
Cyprus with Jet2 Holidays
For this trip we had flights from Manchester airport, which makes Cyprus feel wonderfully accessible even in the winter time.
In general, travelling with Jet2Holidays made the entire experience feel calm and well organised from the moment I arrived at the airport. As soon as we arrived in check-in there were lots of staff ready to help us individually to get our baggage tagged up. This friendly service continued throughout both flights, which luckily were both perfectly on time. Winter sun holidays to Cyprus with Jet2 provide excellent value, flexibility and peace of mind, with flights, accommodation and transfers included.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn by the sun-soaked coast, the mountains or the promise of long lazy lunches in village tavernas, winter reveals a side of Cyprus that’s calm, authentic and feels like a well kept secret. But you didn’t hear it from me!
