Cyprus lies at the far eastern end of the Mediterranean, closer to the coast of the Middle East than to Greece. That makes the island one of the sunniest and warmest destinations in Europe. Summer is hot and dry, and winter is mild enough for excursions in a T-shirt. If you want to combine beaches, ancient sites and mountain villages, you will find it all here in a small space.
Which place suits you?
| Place | Location | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Ayia Napa | Southeast | Pale sandy beaches, nightlife |
| Protaras | Southeast | Families, shallow, clear water |
| Larnaca | South | Town with a promenade, close to the airport |
| Limassol | South | City, harbour, good restaurants |
| Paphos | West | Ancient sites, quieter hotels |
| Troodos Mountains | Centre | Mountain villages, monasteries, walking |
The beaches in the southeast
Around Ayia Napa and Protaras lie the island’s most beautiful sandy beaches. The water is pale turquoise and very clear. Ayia Napa is known for its nightlife in summer, but things are quieter outside the main season. Protaras is a good choice for families, with small bays and shallow water. At Cape Greco between the two there are sea caves and rocks from which the brave jump into the water.
Paphos: history by the sea
Paphos in the west is a treasure trove for anyone interested in history. The ancient sites with their magnificent mosaics and the Tombs of the Kings, burial chambers cut into the rock, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. East of the town, Aphrodite’s Rock stands in the sea, where according to legend the goddess of love was born from the foam.
North of Paphos begins the Akamas peninsula, a nature reserve with a wild coastline. Boats go to the Blue Lagoon, where the water shimmers in bright turquoise.
The Troodos Mountains
In the middle of the island the Troodos Mountains rise to almost 2,000 metres. It is pleasantly cool here in summer, and in winter there is sometimes snow on the peaks. The mountain villages have wineries, tavernas and small churches with wall paintings, several of which are World Heritage Sites. A day trip into the mountains makes a nice change from the beach.
When is the best time to go?
Cyprus is a destination for the whole year. In summer it is hot, around 32 °C on the coast and often more inland. The sea reaches up to 27 °C. Spring and autumn are ideal, with warm days and warm sea until November. In winter daytime temperatures are often 17 to 20 °C. The water is fresh for swimming then, but the weather is perfect for walking and sightseeing.
Good to know
The flight from Frankfurt to Larnaca or Paphos takes about four hours. The clocks go forward one hour. You pay in euros. Cyprus drives on the left, and the sockets have three square pins as in the UK, so pack an adapter. Easter follows the Orthodox calendar and is the most important festival of the year.
flug-123.de editorial team, updated 10 November 2026. We review our guides regularly. Rules can change. If in doubt, the details in your booking apply.
