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Chasing the sun: Dreamy autumn and winter holidays in Cyprus

After a summer holiday spent basking in the sunshine and revelling in carefree moments of seaside bliss, most of us can’t help that dreaded feeling of post-holiday blues. Transitioning back to the regular routine and demands of daily life can be a real challenge. But there’s no need to struggle through the drizzly and dreary days of autumn and winter without a sunny break. 

On the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, summer continues until the end of October. In fact, warm and bright days are a common phenomenon until the end of December and into the New Year. With daytime temperatures by the coast between September to Christmas hovering between 28 °C -18 °C, Cyprus has deservedly earned its reputation as one of Europe’s best winter holiday destinations! And unlike the summer months, there’s plenty to do beyond the beach, with more bearable temperatures making way for new discoveries under endless blue skies. 

Let’s take a journey through the country’s wonders to help you start planning your autumn and winter holidays in Cyprus…

Dive deep into the island’s history 

No matter where you spend your holidays in Cyprus, countless historic sites and monuments are within easy reach. But nowhere on the island whisks you away into the past quite like the historic seaside town of Paphos. The entire town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once at the centre of the cult of Aphrodite, inhabited since the Neolithic period. The Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos, home to ancient ruins and magnificent Roman mosaics, deserves to be on your holiday bucket list. The Medieval Castle is also a stunning site to see, commanding pride of place by the Paphos harbour, originally a Byzantine fort built to protect the area, rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century. 

Beyond Paphos, every inch of the island has a colourful tale to tell about days gone by. From the Tombs of the Kings in Ayia Napa, to the fascinating Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia outside Larnaca and on to the winding streets of old Nicosia, the old town of Limassol, the ancient Curium (Kourion), and beyond. 

Enjoy the thrill of an outdoor adventure 

The mild Cyprus weather in winter holds endless appeal for adventure-seekers and lovers of the great outdoors. You can explore without worrying about the sizzling heat, and comfortably enjoy hiking and cycling through the island’s rugged and diverse interior. 

The Troodos Mountains, rising almost 2000 metres above sea level, provides the perfect playground for outdoor fun, with countless nature trails and cycling routes weaving through areas of outstanding natural beauty blessed with gushing waterfalls and shimmering dams. Explore sunkissed slopes covered in rambling vines and dramatic mountain peaks topped with scented pines and capped with snow from January to March. Or take a leisurely stroll through flatter terrains speckled with olive trees and covered in citrus groves. There are endless areas of natural beauty to behold, no matter what kind of setting suits your outdoor style. 

Seaside walks also provide a breath of fresh air in the autumn and winter months as the scorched summer landscape slowly transforms into a green haven. Head to the awe-inspiring Akamas Peninsula in the Paphos district. Or visit Ayia Napa’s Cape Greco National Park for some of the best seaside walks to calm your mind and rejuvenate the spirit. 

Celebrate tradition at a local festival 

In the Cyprus countryside, autumn is festival season! Be sure to soak up the splendour of centuries-old traditions at the Ayia Napa Medieval Festival, to be held this year between September 21st-24th in Ayia Napa Square. Find out more about local customs, musical traditions, and folk art as you enjoy the warm Cypriot hospitality. The programme includes theatrical performances, concerts and Cypriot folk dancing. 

During your winter holiday in Cyprus, you can also enjoy a scenic drive from the coast to the countryside for a tantalising taste of the island’s culture, food, and traditions. Visit one of the many events paying homage to local produce, grown and cultivated on the island for centuries. Cyprus is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, so it comes as no surprise that a jolly annual autumn grape festival is held throughout September and October. Head to the island’s wine villages – in the foothills of the Troodos mountains that rise above Limassol and Paphos – to honour the mighty grape. Sip on local wine, enjoy winetasting competitions, watch some flamboyant folk dancing, and taste local grape delicacies like the delicious palouzes. 

Laze on a beach to call your own 

The charm of the best Cyprus beaches certainly doesn’t fade away when autumn sets in. In fact, this is the prime time to enjoy pristine golden sands and the cleanest waters of Blue-Flag seas sans the summer crowds.

In Ayia Napa, just take it easy on some of the island’s most popular strips on the east coast. These include Nissi Beach, rated as one of the top beaches in the world, and the equally lovely Makronissos. No need to worry about finding an umbrella or sunbed – you’re bound to have plenty of choice in the quieter autumn months. On the rugged west coast, make a beeline for the gorgeous Coral Bay for the ultimate time-out in serene and sun-kissed style as you make the most of your autumn or winter holiday in Cyprus. 

Whether you seek total relaxation, a thrilling adventure, or an authentic taste of culture, Cyprus offers something special for everyone in the autumn and winter season. The Amanti MadeForTwo adults-only hotel is ideal for couples seeking a luxuriously intimate and sunkissed stay in Ayia Napa. And if you want to travel with the kids during half term, the Olympic Lagoon Resorts Ayia Napa offers a world of limitless leisure for all the family. 

A sublime stay is also guaranteed during a Cyprus winter holiday in Paphos. The Amavi MadeForTwo hotel lures loved up couples, the Olympic Lagoon Resorts Paphos provides all included fun for all the family, while Alexander The Great Beach Hotel is an ideal beachfront destination just a stone’s throw from the Paphos harbour and port. 

Book your perfect escape away from the autumn & winter blues today!

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