An English speaking island, a short flight from the UK, with a split capital and around 300 days of sun annually reaches temperatures of 22C in the winter — making it the ideal winter escape
An English speaking island, only a short flight from the UK, experiences 22C heat in the winter.
The island of Cyprus is around a four-and-a-half hour flight from the London experiences average winter temperature of 22C – a far cry from the chilly, damp misery that is currently being inflicted upon the UK. The island benefits from sun all year round and from March, the island’s flowers start to bloom. Cyprus is a great option for families also, as it is only a short flight from the UK and the island is home to plenty of family-friendly hotels.
Cyprus is a great destination for many different activities including hiking, cultural and historical sights. The winter season is usually quiet on the island, with less crowds, meaning less queues at attractions. It is the perfect time to head to the popular places, and be able to enjoy them all in one holiday.
For those who like to party, the island boasts one of Europe’s best party destinations — Ayia Napa. But if staying up late isn’t for you, Cyprus benefits from 300 days of sunshine per year, so you can just enjoy the warmer and sunnier climate.
One popular activity to do on the island is head into the Troodos Mountains. Here travellers find a vast mountain range, with idyllic scenery. There is also a small village in the valley, below the mountain range, which you can visit.
Surprisingly, there is also a ski resort in the Troodos Mountain Range, open from January to March and located on Mount Olympus. Holidaymakers can drive up to the pistes which present several vista points along the roads to them. The village in the valley — Omodos — is home to many restaurants on a main square, serving traditional dishes that will go down a treat after a day hiking in the mountains. The village is also home to a monastery, which is open for tours.
Local fortified sweet wine — named commandaria — is also a popular in the area, and when wandering the streets you will be able to find many locals bottles of it on their doorsteps for €2-5 (£1.61-£4.23).
Nicosia is another popular place to visit — Cyprus’ divided capital. In 1974, Cyprus experienced conflict that led to the division of the island along a UN-administered buffer zone, splitting it into two distinct areas. In the south is the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus, governed primarily by Greek Cypriots, while the north is controlled by the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognised only by Turkey.
The border is known as the ‘green line’ and runs through the centre of Cyprus’ capital city, Nicosia, which makes it the only divided capital city in the world. For tourists, there are several points at which you can cross the border from one state to another.
The island also boasts hikes under waterfalls, a turtle conservation station, Aphrodite’s Rock, the Tombs of the Kings, snorkelling adventures, Akamas Peninsula National Park, castles and even a wellness retreat.
