Cyprus in Spring: 10 Reasons Why It’s The Best Time To Visit

I visited Cyprus in spring for five days on a group trip hosted by the Cyprus tourism board. I was not paid. All opinions in this blog post are my own, honestly held and have not been edited by anyone apart from me (so apologies for any typos!). I don’t accept freebies in exchange for positive reviews. Prices may have changed by the time you read this. 

---

Cyprus is a glorious Mediterranean island known for its stunning coastline, vivid blue waters, and mouth-watering fresh food. But, unsurprisingly, that makes it popular! Between June and September resorts are packed with families, the beaches are buzzing, and the bars are full of red-faced Brits abroad who forgot to put enough sunscreen on. 

While Cyprus is lovely and definitely worth visiting, I’m not a fan of summer crowds. I understand why families with kids need to travel during school holidays, but I would much rather have milder temperatures than blazing heat, and I prefer sightseeing to lying on a beach frying my pasty white skin to bits. 

That’s why I think it’s much better to visit Cyprus in spring instead!

If this resonates with you too, then welcome to my club! Read on to find out why I think off-peak travel is the best, why spring in Cyprus is the best season, and what are some of the many things you can do if you visit Cyprus in spring.

About my visit to Cyprus in spring

I spent five days visiting Cyprus in early March, when the weather in the UK was rainy and cold, but in Cyprus spring was already bursting into life. I flew from London Gatwick to Paphos and stayed three nights in Paphos and one in Limassol.

We had a packed itinerary of sightseeing, hiking, and a lot of eating, and I loved it!

While five days isn’t nearly enough time to see everything that Cyprus has to offer, it was enough to get a great sense of the island, see many of the highlights, and experience the joy of being in sunny Cyprus in spring while everyone else was back home in dreary London. 

I’ll talk about some of the things we did later in the post, but first, here’s a quick introduction to the island of Cyprus. 

Introducing Cyprus

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia. 

It’s located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean, close to Turkey, Lebanon and Israel. Although closer to Asia, Cyprus is officially in Europe and is a member of the European Union.

This strategic position between continents made Cyprus a key stopping-off point for traders and invaders throughout history.Ruled by empires like Greece, Rome, and Britain, Cyprus absorbed influences from each, which you can see today in its archaeological treasures and lively culture.

The island is divided between the Republic of Cyprus, which is internationally recognised and mainly Greek Cypriot, and the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which was unilaterally claimed by Turkey in 1974 and is not internationally recognised. Tensions still exist between north and south, and while it’s possible to visit both parts, I only visited the south (Greek) part of Cyprus.  

Cyprus facts at a glance

Here are some top facts about Cyprus:

• Location: Eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey.
• Size: 9,251 square km (3,572 sq mi) – slightly smaller than the Big Island of Hawaii.
• Population: About 1.24 million.
• Currency: Euro.
• Languages: The official language is Greek, but there is also a Cypriot Greek dialect. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Home to the oldest manufactured wine in the world: Commandaria, a sweet dessert wine, dates to 2000 BC.
• Divided capital: Nicosia is the only capital city in the world divided between two nations, the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus (occupied by Turkey).
• Beaches: Cyprus has the cleanest waters in the EU and 76 of its beaches have a Blue Flag award for cleanliness and safety.
• Sunshine island: Enjoys around 320 days of sunshine a year.
• Cat lovers’ paradise: Cyprus is said to be home to more street cats than people. They love cats here and they are well looked after!
• Birthplace of beauty: According to Greek legend, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was born in Cyprus.
• Drive on the left: As a former British colony, Cyprus is left-hand drive, meaning that if you’re from the UK you’ll find driving round Cyprus a doddle! Search your Cyprus car rental here.

So as you can see, Cyprus has an awful lot going for it! And to be honest, a lot of this stuff – history, landscapes, cats (!) – you can enjoy all year round. 

But, having just got back from a trip to Cyprus in March, I can honestly say I think spring is the best time to visit Cyprus. Here are some reasons why:

10 reasons why spring is the best time to visit Cyprus

1/ The weather is near perfect 

Spring in Cyprus is the Goldilocks’ porridge of weather: not too hot, and not too cold. It’s just right. 

While northern Europe still struggles along in the dying dregs of winter, all rainy days and grey skies, Cyprus is busy casting off its coat and emerging into proper springlike weather.

March enjoys mild, sunny days with highs averaging a comfortable 19°C (66°F) and lows dipping to a cool 9°C (48°F). This is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, so you won’t become a dehydrated and sweaty mess in the summer heat. 

In April the sun really gets its hat on, pushing daytime temperatures up to a very balmy 22°C (72°F). But nights remain cool, averaging around 12°C (54°F). 

And May is about as good the UK in full summer, with warm days reaching an inviting 28°C (82°F) – perfect for swimming in the refreshing Mediterranean Sea, which by now has warmed up to a pleasant 20°C (68°F).

In my view any of these is better than full-on summer, which can reach a scorching 35°C (95°F) or even higher (40°C is far from unheard of in recent years). Meanwhile if you choose to visit in winter, temperatures are still mild with highs hovering around 17°C (63°F), but the skies tend to be grey and there’s more rain.

Spring in Cyprus offers the perfect balance. It’s warm enough to relax outside and even take a dip in the pool or the sea, while still cool enough for outdoor activities without the murderous heat.

2/ The landscapes are in full bloom

When you search online for photos of Cyprus, they’re usually taken in summer, and the landscape looks yellow and dusty. That’s because Cyprus enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year, so during the summer it almost never rains, and everything dries up. 

So when I visited in March I was surprised to discover how green and lush the island was! Fresh from the winter rain, the trees and grasses were in full bloom, making the landscapes look bright and healthy.

Spring in Cyprus is also wildflower season, with bright yellow marigolds and mustard flowers along every verge, vibrant red poppies in the fields, and delicate cyclamen (the national flower of Cyprus) peeking out from under the trees. 

Cyprus has its own blossom season too – except instead of the famous cherry blossoms they have almond trees everywhere, busting into delicate shades of pink. Meanwhile it’s also fruiting season for the lemons and oranges, adding to the colours in the trees. 

3/ It’s peaceful and crowd-free

Cyprus in spring offers a more relaxed and chilled out experience than the summer madness. Popular destinations are less crowded, and you’ll have more space to do your own thing without Other People ruining your vibe.

Compare this with summer, when Cyprus transforms from a tranquil haven to a bustling hub and the dreaded Brits abroad come out in force. Tourist hotspots like Ayia Napa and Protaras teem with partygoing hordes, making attractions crowded and restaurants busy. Finding a secluded spot on the beach or a sun lounger by the pool is a challenge!

Winter poses a different problem. While crowds are minimal and finding a peaceful corner is easy, many restaurants and shops close down, limiting your options.

So if, like me, you hate crowds and just want to get away from people and their screaming kids, give summer a swerve and visit Cyprus in spring instead! 

4/ It’s a bargain, baby!

Spring is shoulder season in Cyprus, so you can find better deals on flights and accommodation compared with the summer months.

Flights and accommodation drops in price as the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet. Hotels significantly reduce their rates, offering much better value for money. Restaurants may offer special deals or set menus to attract visitors during the shoulder season.

Meanwhile in summer, the school holidays and wall-to-wall sunshine bring surging demand, so prices for flights and hotels soar. Popular restaurants can be packed, and getting a table might require a reservation or paying more for the same thing.

I checked on Booking.com, and one night in the sensational Amara 5* resort in Limassol costs £307 in March, compared with £593 for the same room in August. What’s more, all the dates I tried at random in July and August were already fully booked, while there are still rooms available in March and April.

Autumn sees a slight dip in prices compared to summer, but it’s not as dramatic as the spring savings (a room at the Amara in October is £512 on Booking.com). Winter brings the lowest prices, but many establishments close, limiting your options.

That’s why spring in Cyprus offers the perfect balance of affordability and opportunity. You’ll find excellent deals on travel and accommodation, allowing you to stretch your budget further and experience more of the island. This, combined with the pleasant weather and fewer crowds, makes spring the most cost-effective time to visit Cyprus.

5/ It’s ideal for outdoor activities

If, like me, you love getting out into the fresh air and hiking, spring in Cyprus is for you. The weather is perfect for exercise and exploration, with sunny yet mild days, allowing you to get out and enjoy the great outdoors without breaking a sweat.

Hike the Troodos Mountains amidst fragrant wildflowers, or cycle through picturesque villages bathed in sunshine. We did the four-hour circular Aphrodite trail on the Akamas peninsula and the weather was perfect, with stunning views and a refreshing breeze at the top of Mutti Tis Sotiras peak. 

Imagine what it would be like to hike up here summer – with the relentless sun and limited shade I think I might have died from heat exhaustion!

6/ The waters are crystal clear

While the sea isn’t as warm as it will be in summer, the clear and shallow waters around Cyprus’s coast reach a refreshing 20°C (68°F) by May. This makes it fine for swimming and snorkelling. 

Visibility is excellent, allowing you to explore the underwater world teeming with colourful fish.

Of course summer has the warmest sea temperatures, often exceeding 25°C (77°F). While some people prefer swimming in bathwater, to me that’s excessive. Add to that the fact that the beaches and pools will be rammed, and I think I’ll take cooler and calmer, thanks!

Spring in Cyprus offers the ideal window for enjoying the sea. The water is refreshing but not freezing, visibility is exceptional, and the risk of encountering jellyfish is minimal. 

7/ Enjoy cultural events

Cyprus in spring hosts a great selection of festivals and celebrations. From traditional dance performances to food and wine festivals, there’s always something going on.

The festive spirit kicks off at the start of Lent with the Limassol Carnival – which was just getting going when we arrived there in early March. Sadly we didn’t get to experience it as we were only in Limassol for one night, but our guide told us that it’s a riotous 10-day celebration with lively parades, live music, and adds a real buzz to the city.

Other cultural festivals in Cyprus in spring include the Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations, the Latchi fish festival in April, the International Pharos Chamber Music Festival in May, the Paphos Flower festival in May, and the Cyprus Rose Festival in Agros, also in May. 

Cypriots are welcoming and friendly, so by participating in local festivals you’ll get to make new friends and discover the generous Cypriot hospitality, compared with the more generic beach-party and beer type events you find in summer. 

With fewer crowds, you’ll also have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.

8/ Spring in Cyprus is the perfect time to explore the island’s history

If you love history, spring is the best time to visit Cyprus for sure! 

You might have experienced dragging yourself round a dry and scorched archaeological site in the heat of summer, with zero shade, and a million tourists walking into every one of your photos! Awful, right?

But if you visit Cyprus in spring, you get none of that. Instead, you can enjoy warm sunshine, peaceful sites without any crowds, and a refreshing breeze whisking away any sweat. 

Take advantage and dive into Cyprus’ past, from Neolithic settlements like Choirokoitia to the grandeur of Greco-Roman sites like the Tombs of the Kings. 

Explore medieval castles like Kolossos, their imposing stones warmed by the gentle sun, without the summer heat making you want to collapse in a sweaty heap. Plus, without the annoying families getting in the way, you can stay longer at each historical treasure, truly immersing yourself in the stories they tell.

9/ There’s amazing fresh food to enjoy

I’ll admit, Cypriot food is sensational all year round, but if you want to enjoy the freshest fruits and vegetables in peak season, spring is the best time to visit Cyprus. 

Local markets burst with the fresh flavours of the season. Asparagus, artichokes, spring onions, peas, beans, lemons, oranges and grapefruits are all at their peak, while March is the end of strawberry season too. 

For seafood lovers, spring is prime time. The crystal-clear Mediterranean teems with plump fish like red mullet and sea bream, perfect for grilling and eating fresh from the water. So as well as enjoying a mouth-watering meal, you can feel smug that your dinner has almost zero food miles.

Don’t miss the chance to try local Cypriot staples like “horta,” a selection of wild greens lightly boiled and dressed with olive oil and lemon, or “kolokas,” a plant from the potato and yam family.

10/ It’s the best time for photography 

You didn’t think I’d write a post about visiting Cyprus in spring without mentioning photography, did you? Of course, if like me you want to take beautiful travel photos of stunning Cyprus, yet again, spring wins the prize. 

I’ve already mentioned the lack of crowds, meaning you won’t always have idiots walking through your perfect shot. 

The cooler weather means you can walk around all day with your camera and backpack without getting too hot and sweaty or getting heatstroke from the blazing sun.

The colourful flowers and bright green landscapes are much more attractive than the dry yellows of summer, and the light in the middle of the day is less harsh too.

And sunrise is later and sunset is earlier, meaning you can enjoy the best light without having to drag yourself out of bed too early, or stay out too late while everyone else is in the bar. 

So if photography is your goal, head to Cyprus in spring! 

Things to do in Cyprus in spring

Convinced? Here’s a quick list of some of the things we did on our trip that we were able to enjoy without the crowds and heat, because we visited Cyprus in spring. 

• Visit the Tombs of the Kings: Explore vast underground tombs dating back to the 4th century BC, although no kings were ever actually buried here. These impressive necropolises were carved into the rock for Paphos’ elite citizens. 
• Visit Nea Paphos Archaeological Site: Wander through the fascinating remains of Nea Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find Roman mosaics, the ruins of villas, theatres, and an agora (marketplace). 
• Visit Kourion Archaeological site: Delve into the history of Kourion, an ancient city-kingdom boasting Greco-Roman architecture including a stunning theatre overlooking the sea. 

• Enjoy a halloumi and bread-making demo and traditional lunch: Did you know halloumi was invented in Cyprus? So you can’t leave without learning how to make the island’s national cheese alongside traditional bread. And of course you’ll get to eat it afterwards too, alongside other freshly made specialties. There are a few different places you can do this, but had a brilliant time at Sofia and Andreas’ House in Letymbou.
• Learn how they make Palouze & Soutzioukko in Arsos village: Discover the art of making traditional Cypriot sweets like Palouze (grape jelly) and Soutzioukko (walnuts coated in thickened grape juice) in the charming village of Arsos.

Or why not try this multi-stop Cyprus food tour from Paphos?

• Visit a winery for a tour and wine tasting: Cyprus boasts a rich winemaking tradition dating back thousands of years. Take a tour of a local winery, learn about grape varieties and production methods, and enjoy tasting delicious wines. My favourite was the Xynisteri – a delicious dry white with low acidity.
• Discover Petra tou Romiou, Aphrodite’s Mythical Birthplace: According to legend, Cyprus is where the goddess of love, Aphrodite, emerged fully formed from the sea. The place where she set foot on land is Petra you Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock), is a dramatic rock formation jutting out into the sea. 
• Visit Agios Neophytos Monastery: Explore the fascinating Agios Neophytos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 12th century, this cliffside monastery is known for its beautiful frescoes and caves once inhabited by hermits. 

• Akamas Peninsula and visit the Baths of Aphrodite: Take a scenic hike along the Aphrodite Nature Trail, following in the footsteps of the goddess. The trail passes the Baths of Aphrodite, a natural pool where legend says Aphrodite bathed and where she met her lover, Adonis. 
• Take a jeep tour around the dramatic Akamas peninsula: Explore the rugged beauty of the Akamas Peninsula on a jeep tour. Discover unique rock formations, sea caves, and dramatic coastal landscapes.
• Catch sunset at the Edro III Shipwreck: In 2011 cargo ship the Edro III ran around just off the coast of Cyprus in heavy storms. It’s too costly and complicated to move it, so it’s still there, perfectly positioned with the setting sun just behind it, and has now become a top tourist attraction. 

Want to see more of my photography or travel writing? Have comments or questions? Come follow me on Instagram, Threads or Bluesky and share your thoughts!

• Take a drive into the Troodos mountains: Head into the cool Troodos Mountains, the ‘green heart of Cyprus’, stopping at the enchanting Cedar Valley. Here, admire towering cedar trees, some estimated to be over 1,000 years old. 
• Discover Kykkos Monastery: Perched high up in the Troodos Mountains, Kykkos Monastery is a rich and influential monastery known for its beautiful architecture, religious treasures, and stunning mountain views. 

Looking for tours and activities in Cyprus?

Where to stay in Cyprus in spring

I visited Cyprus for 5 days and 4 nights, during which we stayed in two hotels. I’d recommend them both.

RESORT: Coral Beach Resort, Paphos

In Paphos we stayed at Coral Beach Resort, a 400-room 5* resort with huge sea-facing rooms and suites, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, gym, beach access, a range of restaurants and bars to choose from, and much more. I loved my room and I thought the food in the restaurant was excellent.

TOP PICK: Amara Hotel, Limassol

In Limassol we stayed at the Amara, definitely one of the most elegant and luxurious hotels I’ve ever stayed in. It’s only a couple of years old and has been done up to the most exquisite style, with infinity pool, a huge spa, and a breakfast buffet that’s out of this world. I really didn’t want to leave!

Other Cyprus hotels

While I’d certainly recommend the two hotels in Cyprus that we stayed in, here are a few other options you might want to try.

Top Pick: Elysium Hotel, Paphos

Elysium Hotel stands out with its palatial architecture and landscaped gardens that lead directly to a private beach.The hotel features an expansive outdoor pool, a world-class spa offering a range of treatments, and multiple dining options serving international and local cuisine. Families will appreciate the well-equipped kids’ club and the proximity to the UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings, just a short walk away.​ Booking.com rating: 9.4.

High End: The Royal Apollonia, Limassol

The Royal Apollonia offers a blend of comfort and style, featuring spacious rooms with modern amenities and sea or mountain views. The hotel includes a large outdoor pool, a spa with various treatments, and three restaurants serving Japanese, Greek, and international dishes. Its location allows for exploration of Limassol’s vibrant nightlife and shopping districts.​ Booking.com rating: 9.1

Affordable: Abacus Suites, Ayia Napa

Abacus Suites offers chic, budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of Ayia Napa. The minimalist rooms are well-appointed with comfortable furnishings and modern amenities. Its central location provides easy access to local attractions, dining, and nightlife, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. Booking.com rating: 9.2.

Budget: Pyramos Hotel, Paphos

Pyramos Hotel provides affordable accommodation without compromising on quality, situated in the heart of Paphos.The hotel offers clean, air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs and private balconies. A short stroll takes you to the picturesque Paphos Harbour, bustling with cafes, shops, and historical sites like the Medieval Castle.​ Booking.com rating: 8.1

Or you can search for more hotels and resorts in Cyprus here.

Buy me a coffee

Did you enjoy this website or find it useful? If you did and fancy showing your appreciation, that would be amazing!

A small token of support helps keep Passport & Pixels going, so I can carry on creating free content for travellers like you. Also, it makes my day! Thank you!

Where to next?

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this Cyprus in spring post, here are a few others you might enjoy:

• The Best Ancient Ruins In Turkey And Where To See Them
• A Weekend In Palma de Mallorca: The Perfect City Break
• 11 Things To Do On A Thessaloniki City Break in Greece
• A Neilson Activity Holidays Review – Messini Beach Club in Greece
• Antler Luggage Review: The 3-Part Clifton Suitcase Set
• A Turkey Road Trip On The Gorgeous Aegean Coast

Liked this post?

Social shares help support my hard work! You can share via the buttons at the bottom, or pin this handy Pinterest Pin. Thank you!