Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and attracts more than 2,000,000 visitors each year. The island has something for everyone, including friendly people, an incredible coastline, a stunning mountain town, family-friendly resorts, marinas, a thriving agritourism scene, world-class spas, and award-winning golf courses designed by golf legends. On your budget holiday to Cyprus, sample traditional Cypriot cuisine and follow the island’s new wine trails to celebrate the 40 new wineries that have developed on the island in recent years. Six wine routes criss-cross the island, passing some of the best boutique wineries. Cypriot wine production dates back nearly 5,000 years. Cyprus’ warm waters are perfect for scuba diving and water skiing, while adventure seekers can explore this beautiful island on hiking or bird-watching tours.
So why go to Cyprus for your winter sun vacation? Apart from holiday packages being the lowest priced this time of year, the following are just a few of the reasons why Cyprus is the perfect choice for your holiday during the winter season.
1. Average daytime winter temperatures across Cyprus rarely drop below 20°C, making it an ideal time to explore the island and all it has to offer. With 340 days of sunshine a year, you can be sure to enjoy the sun throughout December and January. The island’s magnificent blue flag beaches enjoy sea temperatures in the teens during the winter months, making it possible to take a dip on Christmas Day!
2. Christmas is an amazing time in Cyprus with age-old traditions and plenty of delicious Cypriot food. Unique to the region is the custom of hanging crosses wrapped in basil and sprinkled with holy water on the front door of a house to ward off kallikantzari (goblin-like spirits), who are said to get up to mischief during the twelve days of Christmas. . The towns and villages of the island celebrate Christmas with magical processions accompanied by kalanda (carols) that have been passed down from generation to generation since Byzantine times. The main festival on Christmas Day is held at Eleftheria (Freedom) Square Nicosia. Larnaca hosts one of the most dramatic services on January 5 when young swimmers dive towards a cross which they return to the priest.
3. Winter is not excluded from the colorful cultural scene of the islands throughout the year. Concerts and events take place all over Cyprus, from local bands, choirs, orchestras, dancers and groups to Viva Verdi – Moscow New Opera in Rialto, Limassol. Eleftheria Square in Nicosia is the place to be for live acts with performances every day for the last two weeks of December with free entertainment every Sunday at the Pafos Mosaics entrance near the harbour.
4. Cypriots love their food, which plays an important role in their Christmas celebrations. Christopsomo (Bread of Christ) accompanied by dried figs, walnuts and honey is eaten on Christmas Eve with stuffed turkey, roast chicken and roast lamb traditionally served on Christmas day. If you have a sweet tooth, you will love traditional cakes such as kourabiedes (small almond cake covered with icing sugar), melomakarona (traditional honey cake) and finikia (walnut cake). If you’re hankering for a traditional British Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, you won’t be disappointed as most hotels observe UK traditions with traditional British food and festive decorations.
5. The New Year is an important date for families in Cyprus with January 1 marking the Feast of Saint Basil, the regions equivalent of Saint Nicholas. This is the main day for gift giving. Downtown Limassol hosts some of the best New Years parties, but most hotels celebrate in style. Visitors should ring in the New Year in Cyprus with a piece of Vassilopitta (Saint Basil’s Cake) which is baked with a silver or gold coin to bring good luck to the person who finds it.
6. Visit Cyprus to pamper yourself and relax. In recent years the island has seen a number of high-quality spas and health farms open which, combined with the year-round good weather and varied terrain, offer a great way to recharge your batteries. Intense yoga stays and relaxing spa breaks along with indigenous Cyprus treatments, such as the opportunity to soak in the healing waters of Ayii Anargyri, will leave you totally relaxed and revitalized.
7. Car rental is exceptionally cheap at this time of year, giving visitors the opportunity to explore this incredible island on their own. The Cyprus Tourism Organization has partnered with the Travel Foundation to create 6 self-driving routes that will guide you to some of the most beautiful and special parts of the hidden interior of the island.
Just a four hour flight from the UK, December holidays in Cyprus remain a popular winter sun holiday choice with visitors from the UK and around the world – 136,000 Brits who visited the island last year! they can’t be wrong!
