I’ve just returned from a little Paphos winter sun in Cyprus with Jet2Holidays and Visit Cyprus and I’m so excited to share Cyprus with you guys as the perfect out-of-season destination. You guys know I LOVE travelling in the off-season or shoulder-season and have scored some amazing travel deals doing this worldwide over the years. Not only is it a fantastic way to benefit from cheaper prices, but places are often super quiet and wayyy less touristy so if you’re keen to escape the crowds, this could be a perfect way to explore the beauty of Cyprus as a winter sun destination without the busy beaches and attractions.
I know what you’re going to ask me…
Is It Worth Going To Cyprus In Winter?
A resounding YES. It is so worth visiting Paphos during the winter months. There is so much to see and do beyond the beaches but often the summer temperatures and crowds can be limiting. Travelling to Cyprus between December and May gives you the opportunity to make the most of the amazing hiking, outdoor activities, cultural and historical sights and attractions scattered around Paphos while still enjoying some beautiful blue skies and sunshine.
Why visit Cyprus in winter?
Okay you might think I’m mad but Cyprus has so much more to offer than just hotels and swimming pools. Don’t get me wrong they’re a lovely side to the island, but there’s so many amazing activities for the slightly more adventurous traveller who gets bored laying by the pool. Some of Paphos’ top activities for enjoying out of season include:
- Hiking the Aphrodite Trail and enjoying the coastal views
- Off-road jeep tours around the island exploring shipwrecks, caves and gorges
- Wine tastings and vineyard tours
- Cultural visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- See falcons in the wild and explore unique natural sights
These activities are PERFECT for enjoying in the sunny but cooler days of winter in Cyprus. If anything, some of these activities such as hiking would be pretty challenging in the full heat of summer. With temperatures ranging from 30-40ºC during the day in July and August – it can be quite limiting for those keen to explore.
Cyprus Winter Temperatures: How cold is Cyprus in winter?
Winter looks a little different in Cyprus compared to the UK. Expect sunny days and a surprisingly green landscape which is a lot lusher than the Cyprus you see in summer. From December to February, the average daytime temperatures hover around 15-17ºC with around 6 hours of sunshine, then around 7ºC at night. These temperatures are perfect for adventures, just make sure you travel prepared for the odd rain shower and cooler temperatures at night.
Does Paphos close for winter?
If you want to travel during the winter months, it can be a challenge to find a Mediterranean destination that doesn’t shut down for the season. However, Cyprus provides a perfect escape with just a handful of businesses and tavernas closing for the season. Actually, winter provides a great time to visit Paphos’ many heritage sights, natural landmarks and tourist attractions while the island is quieter and the weather cooler. If you choose to travel in April, just be sure to check before booking as more places may be closed while the island observes Orthodox Easter.
Is Cyprus expensive?
Cyprus is a great destination for families, couples and groups to enjoy a holiday with lots of package deals and holidays where they can save money. For solo travellers it may be a little more expensive, however, I have a great discount code and offer to help solo travellers save even more on their next trip – read on to find out more. Here’s the average costs of Cyprus but please bear in mind that your choice of accommodation and restaurants will affect this.
- Local beer costs €2.30
- Meal for two costs €37
Lots of hotels also offer half or full-board dining options which can help to reduce spending while you are away travelling.
Solo Travel in Cyprus
Is Cyprus a good destination for solo travel?
Of course, I never visit a destination without considering what it would be like to travel solo. I would feel very confident and comfortable travelling Cyprus solo as a woman of colour. It’s a beautiful, vibrant country with so many amazing activities to suit all abilities and interests – which makes it a great destination for solo travellers of all ages. I simply can’t fault the hospitality of everyone we met during this trip, I have no doubt if I was travelling solo I would also have felt very welcome. My only warning would be to consider whether as a solo traveller every activity you wish to do is easily accessible, or whether you might need to hire a car during the trip as that could bump up the costs.
Is Paphos safe for solo female travellers?
Paphos felt like a very safe town for walking around as a solo female traveller. Everyone I met was very friendly and welcoming, it was a lovely, sunny, town with plenty to see and do. As a solo female traveller, I would feel very confident returning to Paphos on a solo trip after experiencing the town with a group on this trip.
How to save money on solo travel in Cyprus
Cyprus is a great destination for solo travellers. Forget about the dreaded “single supplement tax” solo travellers face when booking trips, I actually have a way for you to SAVE MONEY when booking a solo trip to Cyprus. If you’re booking flights to Paphos with Jet2 – you can actually save up to £90 on your holiday. Jet2 offer a £60pp discount for anyone with a myJet2 account, but you can also save a further £30 by using their discount code SOLO30.
Photo credit: Inside Our Suitcase
Travelling to Cyprus: How to Get to Paphos & Where to Stay
Tips for Booking Flights to Paphos
If you’re hunting for cheap flights to Cyprus, you will find that April is the cheapest month to travel and Jet2 are currently offering up to £240 off flights with an extra £60 off using their code SPRING60. Flights from London Stansted Airport to Paphos International Airport (PFO) take around four hours and 45 minutes and the airport is around 14km from Paphos Town which takes around 20 minutes by car or private transfer. Flights start from £45 in April.
TOP TIP: Remember that Cyprus is two hours ahead when booking your flights. Book a morning flight on the way out and an evening flight on the way home to gain an extra day on your winter sun holiday in Cyprus.
Where to stay in Paphos?
During this trip we stayed at the Constantinou Bros Athena Royal Beach Hotel which is located right on the seafront and caters for the adults-only crowd who want a little extra luxury during their stay. The rooms are huge, the service is impeccable, and the hospitality is fantastic. The hotel also comes with a choice of swimming pools including a heated indoor one which is lovely during the cooler winter temperatures, plus a spa and gym for those who like an active holiday. There are multiple restaurants on-site and several at their sister-hotel next door, the Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel, which is a slightly more budget option aimed at families with waterslides for the children and live entertainment. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend these hotels for a solo trip as I feel they very much cater to groups, couples or families.
During our stay we also visited the stunning Minthis Golf Club which is an exquisite resort featuring a luxury spa, incredible restaurants and a golf course in the grounds of 12th century monastery with breath-taking views of the Troodos Mountains. While a much more luxury option, it would be perfect for a luxury spa escape and is just a few minutes away from the heart of Paphos Town. The food is honestly unreal here – it would be worth visiting even just for lunch like we did.
Best Things to do in Paphos in Winter
There are so many great activities to try in Paphos during the winter months, whether you’re a lover of culture and heritage, prefer to stay active or love indulging your inner foodie traveller. Here’s my highlights from visiting Cyprus in winter:
- Hiking the 7.5km Aphrodite Trail in Akamas for incredible ocean views
- Take an off-road Jeep tour around the Akamas Peninsula to discover shipwrecks, sea caves, chapels and gorges
- Visit the Tombs of the Kings – a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Stop at Episkopi Environmental Centre for spectacular views and wildlife, including rare falcons
- Eat delicious seafood mezze with ocean views at the Baths of Aphrodite restaurant
- Visit Petra tou Romiou – legendary birthplace of Aphrodite
- Join in traditional Cypriot dancing
- Explore St. Neophytos monastery which dates back to the 12th century
- Join a Cypriot cooking class and learn how halloumi is made
- Tour a Cypriot winery and enjoy a wine tasting
- Explore Fyti village museum and meet a local weaving family
- See historical mosaics at Paphos Archaeological Site – another UNESCO World Heritage site
- Visit ‘The Place’ handicraft centre in Paphos and create your own artwork
Don’t miss out on a trip to Cyprus in winter – it really is such an amazing time to travel there. I had previously travelled to Cyprus on family holidays as a child but had never experienced anything of this side of the island. Even if you have visited before, there is so much more to discover in Paphos.
