W Strone Slonca – Towards the sun

I always thought of Cyprus as a land of sunburnt tourists, crowded beaches, and overpriced cocktails. But this time, I decided to be a rebel — I booked a trip in February. And let me tell you, it was the best decision ever.

Forget the blazing heat, packed beaches, and overpriced hotels — winter in Cyprus is where the magic happens. And yes, I still got my fair share of sunshine! But winter gave me something that summer never could: empty beaches, half-price hotels, and a real taste of local life. If you’ve ever thought about visiting Cyprus in the off-season but weren’t sure if it’s worth it, let me tell you why winter might just be the best time to go.

Say Goodbye to Tourist Crowds

You know that feeling when you visit an amazing historical site, but all you see are selfie sticks and massive tour groups? Yeah, me too. But not in winter.

I visited Aphrodite’s Rock, usually surrounded by hundreds of visitors in summer, and guess what? It was just me and the waves. Walking through the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, I could actually appreciate the ancient beauty without being bumped into every five seconds.

Even Fig Tree Bay and Nissi Beach, famous for their summer madness, were peaceful and almost empty. I could walk along the shore, feel the warm sun on my face, and hear the actual sound of the sea — not just the sound of loud beach clubs. If you want a peaceful escape, winter is your best bet.

The Weather is Actually Perfect

If you hate the idea of melting in the summer heat, then winter in Cyprus is a dream. Temperatures in February hover around 12-25°C (54-77°F) on the coast. That’s warm enough to explore without freezing, but cool enough that you’re not sweating through your clothes after five minutes.

One day, I wandered through the charming streets of Lefkara, famous for its lace-making tradition, without a care in the world. The next, I was enjoying a coffee by the sea in Limassol, wearing just a T-shirt while my friends back home were complaining about defrosting their cars.

And yes, I did bring my swimsuit. While the sea is a bit chilly, brave souls (or anyone used to cold water) can still go for a refreshing dip!

Snow in Cyprus?!

This completely blew my mind. One day, I was sunbathing on the beach in Paphos, and the next, I was standing in the snow in the Troodos Mountains.

Yes, you can ski in Cyprus!

On Mount Olympus (yes, Cyprus has its own Olympus!), there’s a ski resort where you can hit the slopes, sip on a hot coffee in a mountain lodge, and feel like you’re in the Alps… just without the winter blues.

But be warned! During the winter, when it snows, the main roads leading to Troodos and the nearby mountains are often closed to regular cars. Access is only allowed for 4×4 vehicles or cars with snow chains. So if you’re planning a mountain trip, make sure to check the weather forecast and road conditions, unless you want to end up stranded in the middle of nowhere, staring helplessly at your tiny rental car.

Even if skiing isn’t your thing, visiting the villages in the Troodos Mountains is an absolute must. Places like Kakopetria and Platres feel like something out of a fairytale, where you can warm up by the fireplace, enjoy traditional Cypriot dishes, and sip on local aromatic wine. Snow, wine, and a cozy fire — sounds like the perfect winter scene, doesn’t it?

Save Money Without Sacrificing Fun

Winter in Cyprus = off-season prices. Hotels? Cheaper. Car rentals? Cheaper. Food? Still delicious, but cheaper.

I booked a 4-star seafront hotel for half the price of what it would cost in July. I rented a car for a week at a fraction of the summer price. Even restaurants were more affordable, and I never had to worry about waiting for a table.

And if you’re flying from Europe, winter flights are insanely cheap compared to peak season. So, if you want a luxury trip without the luxury price tag, winter is the way to go.

The REAL Cyprus

One of the best things about traveling in winter? You get to see the true nature of Cyprus.

Without the summer crowds, the island feels more authentic. I walked into a local bakery in Larnaca, and instead of rushing through my order, the owner offered me free samples and told me stories about Cypriot traditions. I visited a family-run winery, and instead of a quick, rehearsed tasting, I got a full tour, endless samples, and a hilarious conversation about how Cypriots believe wine is the cure for everything.

Restaurants were filled with locals instead of tourists, and I got to experience Cypriot hospitality in its purest form. If you want to connect with the culture and not just do the “tourist” version of Cyprus, winter is the best time to visit.

Final Verdict – Should You Visit Cyprus in Winter?

If you love adventure, history, and exploring without crowds — YES.
If you want to save money and still experience paradise — YES.
If you want to ski in the morning and walk on the beach in the afternoon — YES!

Would I do it again? Absolutely.
Would I tell people about it? Yes, but only if they promise not to make it too popular.

Have you ever visited Cyprus in the winter? Or do you still think summer is the only way to go? Let me know in the comments!