While Europe bundles up, winter in Paphos offers sunny days and a cozy, festive atmosphere, painting a blissful picture. This Mediterranean gem offers a warm escape, blending breezes, holiday cheer, and vibrant local culture into a winter delight.
Do like the locals and stroll along the sparkling coastline under clear blue skies, explore festive markets, or head further inland to discover vine-covered mountainous regions where prized local red wine warms the soul. As the festive spirit envelops the island, a wide array of delicious winter treats also promise to delight you.
Keen to indulge in all the fun of the winter season? Here’s a local guide to experiencing the true joy of winter in Paphos!
1.Browse festive markets
In the lead-up to Christmas in Paphos, various holiday markets pop up throughout the seaside city, featuring handmade crafts, local delicacies, and festive music. Ideal for families and couples alike, you’ll find seasonal treats and unique gifts for your loved ones.
Be sure to visit the Peyia Christmas market on December 1st for a dose of holiday cheer or stop by the 10th annual Technopolis 20 Christmas market on December 7th. A real local favourite, the event is always packed with artists and creators showcasing their work. Take your time to browse through the colourful stalls and you’ll find a wide array of handmade items, from intricate jewelry to Christmas cards and ornaments, all in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
2. Rejoice in Christmas and New Year events
Throughout Paphos, Christmas lights illuminate the streets and locals pour into the town for their Christmas shopping. Meanwhile, In the days leading up to the big day, various choirs and philharmonic orchestras perform in the city streets. Performances are especially along Archbishop Makarios Avenue and around Kennedy Square. Many shops in the area extend their hours late into the evening, offering mulled wine and enticing shoppers with festive music and treats for passersby.
On New Year’s Eve, local establishments buzz with activity as residents enjoy live music and local dishes. Join in the fun and dance the night away until the wee hours of the morning. Be sure to catch the fireworks displays over the coastline as well!
3. Watch the epiphany celebrations
Epiphany, or ‘Theofania,’ is a cherished celebration in Cyprus, held on January 6th to mark the close of the holiday season. It’s also the day when many locals take down their Christmas decorations, symbolizing the transition from festive joy to the new year ahead. In Paphos, this day holds a special meaning as locals gather to celebrate the ‘blessing of the waters’, symbolizing Christ’s baptism and the purification of the sea.
The main event takes place along the Paphos harbour, often drawing a large crowd. After a church service, a priest leads a procession down to the water’s edge, carrying a cross. The cross is then thrown into the sea while brave swimmers jump into the cold January waters to retrieve it. This tradition is both a spiritual and physical challenge, with the belief that whoever retrieves the cross will have good fortune and blessings throughout the year.
4. Enjoy seasonal activities
As highlighted by a recent Forbes article, Cyprus is a true beach paradise. But beyond the island’s golden shores, there’s much to see and do in the winter season. Make the most of the mild Paphos weather which is perfect for exploring scenic trails without the summer heat. Nature reserves like the Akamas Peninsula National Park offer spectacular coastal and forest hikes with panoramic views, wild flora, and peaceful surroundings.
Just a short drive from Paphos, the cooler winter months are ideal for exploring the nearby Troodos wine villages. After all, Cyprus is famed for producing the oldest wine in the world! Tour boutique wineries, enjoy tastings with charcuterie, and sip wine made from indigenous Xynisteri and Maratheftiko grapes.
Paphos’ UNESCO-listed sites, like the awe-inspiring Paphos Archaeological Park – with its revered Roman mosaics and Tombs of the Kings – are much quieter in winter, allowing for a peaceful and immersive experience. Take your time to explore these ancient treasures, appreciating the history and artistry without the rush and heat of summer.
5. Tuck into winter treats
Winter in Cyprus is a magical season, inviting you to savour the rich, heartwarming flavours of the island’s culinary treasures. For instance, cozy up in a local taverna, where the aroma of ‘avgolemono’— a comforting, lemony chicken soup—wafts through the air, or savour a steaming pot of ‘tavvas’, melt-in-your mouth lamb baked in the oven in clay pot.
For the sweetest treat, do like the locals and head to a local bakery or patisserie and ask for the irresistible ‘melomakarona; delectable honey-soaked cookies infused with the essence of orange, cinnamon, and cloves. And don’t forget the ‘kourabiedes’, luscious butter almond cookies, dusted with a delicate veil of powdered sugar. Their crumbly texture and rich almond flavour are simply divine, making them a true Cyprus holiday favourite.
As the year turns, embrace the tradition of Vasilopita, St. Basil’s Cake. This special sponge cake, with its hidden coin is a symbol of hope and prosperity for the year ahead, bringing the promise of good fortune to those lucky enough to find the coin.
Seize the opportunity to make this winter extraordinary!
Book your stay at Kanika Hotels & Resorts in Paphos today and let your sunkissed adventure in this beautiful coastal city begin.
A luxurious, couples-only escape, blending upscale elegance with relaxed seaside charm, and offering tailored services and unique experiences for couples.
Discover the ultimate all-inclusive five-star Olympic Lagoon Resorts, Ayia Napa, renowned for its lush gardens, Blue Flag beach, bespoke entertainment, and top-tier luxury services.
Experience luxury and endless leisure at our all-inclusive Olympic Lagoon Resorts Paphos, on a prime Blue Flag beach. With personalised services, and daily signature entertainment for couples and families.
Overlooking a Blue Flag beach and Paphos harbour, Alexander the Great, offers luxury accommodations steps from the shore, with excellent leisure facilities, and exceptional dining.
The Kanika Half-Board Premium gastronomy and culinary concept has been developed by our award-winning team of Executive Chefs and Sommeliers in close cooperation with our consultant Michellin starred chef, Theodor Falser. The concept is designed to provide an innovative approach to dining by offering MadeForTwo guests the exclusive opportunity to experience unique and creative meals served in beautiful locations and settings, each one featuring a unique ambience and mood. The Kanika Half-Board Premium gastronomy and culinary concept includes the following:
Diverse culinary experience that combines modern fine-dining menus , fusion tasting menus and themed live cooking menus
Dine-around option includes our 4 signature restaurants; indoor Ezaria and Nocturne; outdoor Immenso and Fortolana
Indoor dining featuring from themed menus prepared in an open kitchen to luxury 7 course fine dining and fusion menus
Menus inspired by Cypriot, Mediterranean, Asian and other favourite cuisines from around the world, captured in innovative, contemporary and original taste combinations
Outdoor dining by the beach and on the roof garden with spectacular sunset views
Evening meals include aperitifs , premium wine labels, premium local beers, non-alcoholic drinks and digestifs, coffees & teas in our themed restaurants
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Your Price Includes
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The Kanika Half-Board Premium gastronomy and culinary concept has been developed by our award-winning team of Executive Chefs and Sommeliers in close cooperation with our consultant Michellin starred chef, Theodor Falser. The concept is designed to provide an innovative approach to dining by offering MadeForTwo guests the exclusive opportunity to experience unique and creative meals served in beautiful locations and settings, each one featuring a unique ambience and mood. The Kanika Half-Board Premium gastronomy and culinary concept includes the following:
A diverse culinary experience that combines modern fine dining menus, fusion tasting menus and theme live-cooking menus
A dine-around experience in four signature restaurants: Ezaria and Nocturne (indoors), Immenso and Fortolana (outdoors)
Ten signature live cooking theme buffet nights cooked in an open kitchen at the Ezaria restaurant
Menus inspired by Cypriot, Mediterranean, Asian and other favourite cuisines from around the world, captured in innovative, contemporary and original taste combinations
Outdoor dining on the terrace and on the roof garden with spectacular sunset views
Evening meals include aperitifs , premium wine labels, premium local beers, non-alcoholic drinks and digestifs, coffees & teas in our themed restaurants
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Your Price Includes
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There is little doubt that the offerings of our award-winning luxury resorts outrank any other all-included resort in Cyprus. Couples and families enjoy superior gastronomy including dining options, all-day snacks and unlimited branded drinks, combined with an array of bespoke facilities, amenities and services. Here’s what you can look forward to:
The most extensive dine-around concept in as many as 7 themed restaurants with à la carte menus, all-day snacks, premium ice-cream creations and themed buffet nights featuring unique culinary experiences, each with a unique setting and ambience.
A world of leisure and recreation with as many as 7 themed swimming pools featuring waterfalls, waterslides, hydro-relaxation loungers and zero-level pool entries, nestled in a tropical island setting with large landscaped gardens, lakes and beautiful palm trees.
As many as 4 themed bars, each with a unique setting and ambience, open from early in the morning until late at night, serving the world’s best alcoholic brands in unlimited premium alcoholic drinks and signature cocktails.
The most spectacular evening entertainment with our 7 signature musical shows and concerts staged daily at the high-tech entertainment arena, and many other entertainment acts performed in various venues and settings around the resorts.
The most extensive entertainment and weekly animation programme with more than 150 fun-packed activities performed by the proud Kanika All-Stars Team of professional actors, musicians, animators, qualified childcare experts and sports instructors.
Most engaging weekly kids and teens programmes with 3 dedicated supervised clubs including our own All-Stars soccer academy offering supervised interactive all day activities and sports, customised for groups of all ages.
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Your Price Includes
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There is little doubt that the offerings of our award-winning luxury resort outranks any other all-included resort in Cyprus. Couples and families enjoy superior gastronomy including dining options, all-day snacks and unlimited branded drinks, combined with an array of bespoke facilities, amenities and services. Here’s what you can look forward to:
The most extensive dine-around concept in as many as 6 themed restaurants with à la carte menus, all-day snacks, premium ice-cream creations and themed buffet nights featuring unique culinary experiences, each with a unique setting and ambience.
A world of leisure and recreation with as many as 5 themed swimming pools featuring waterfalls, waterslides, hydro-relaxation loungers and zero-level pool entries, nestled in a tropical island setting with large landscaped gardens, lakes and beautiful palm trees.
As many as 5 themed bars, each with a unique setting and ambience, open from early in the morning until late at night, serving the world’s best alcoholic brands in unlimited premium alcoholic drinks and signature cocktails.
The most spectacular evening entertainment with our 7 signature musical shows and concerts staged daily at the high-tech entertainment arena, and many other entertainment acts performed in various venues and settings around the resorts.
The most extensive entertainment and weekly animation programme with more than 150 fun-packed activities performed by the proud Kanika All-Stars Team of professional actors, musicians, animators, qualified childcare experts and sports instructors.
Most engaging weekly kids and teens programmes with 3 dedicated supervised clubs including our own All-Stars soccer academy offering supervised interactive all day activities and sports, customised for groups of all ages.
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Your Price Includes
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Our dine-around food and beverage experience caters to every taste bud, with three themed restaurants and endless culinary choice to tempt you, as part of our Half Board Plus package. Enhance the dining extravaganza with Full Board Plus, providing even more inclusions around the clock.
Lavish breakfast, and the choice of lunch or dinner taking you on a culinary journey around the world
Diverse culinary experience that combines modern fine-dining menus , fusion tasting menus and theme live cooking menus
A glass of sparkling wine, a glass of premium wine or a glass of premium local beer, or a glass of soft drink or juice and a bottle of mineral water for two
Menus inspired by Cypriot, Mediterranean, Asian and other favourite cuisines from around the world, captured in innovative, contemporary and original taste combinations
Dine-around option includes four outlets; with 3 à la carte restaurants
Outdoor dining by the beach with spectacular sunset views
December / 05th / 2024
