If you are in a hurry, skip directly to the Travel Tips, at the bottom of this article.
In January is my husbands birthday and since we meet, we made a pact to spend each others birthdays, somewhere away from home. Last year, his wish was to fly somewhere warmer than Austria, where we currently live. On the other side, because our time for this holiday was relatively short - only 4 days, we could not afford to fly somewhere far. Therefore, we started researching on which european destinations offer the warmest weather in January and we were surprised to find our the Cyprus is one of them, offering temperatures of between 17 and 21 degrees during the day.
Spending four days in Cyprus in January offers a unique opportunity to explore the island's cultural treasures, natural beauty, and charming towns without the crowds of the peak tourist summer season. This is how we spend our 4-days in Cyprus in January:
Day 1: Exploring Larnaca
We arrived early in the morning, picked up a rental car and headed to our accommodation.
TIP! In January, renting a car in Cyprus is extremely cheap, due to the low number of tourists. Therefore, we rented an Opel Corsa for as low as €11 /day without insurance and we did not make any because Cyprus is pretty empty during the winter season...
Around 10 o'clock we arrived at our accommodation in Larnaca. We chose a hotel in Larnaca, as the prices were cheaper than in other areas and as we had rented a car, driving from one place to the other was pretty accessible, given the low traffic and the relatively small distances.
After having lunch at Ocean Basket, which is a greek taverna we absolutely loved (you have to try it and you will see why!) we spend the day exploring Larnaca, which is a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant culture. In Larnaca you can:
Visit the Church of Saint Lazarus, an Orthodox church dating back to the 9th century, and explore the nearby Larnaca Salt Lake, home to a flamingo colony in the winter months.
Relax on Finikoudes Beach, where you can soak up the sun, take a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean Sea, or enjoy a leisurely seaside stroll.
And of course indulge in a seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant, savoring fresh fish and seafood caught locally - we trully recommend Oceans Basket!
Day 2: Paphos Archaeological Park
On our second day, we decided to go for a history lesson. Therefore, we took a day trip to Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history and archaeological wonders.
What to do:
Explore the Paphos Archaeological Park, where you can marvel at ancient ruins including the House of Dionysus, the Tombs of the Kings, and the Roman Odeon.
Stroll along the picturesque Paphos Harbor, lined with colorful fishing boats and waterfront cafes.
In the evening, relax with a glass of local wine at one of the seaside bars and enjoy the breathtaking sunset view
Day 3: Troodos Mountains
If you like hiking, then there is no better time of the year for a good hike in Cyprus, then January. Why? Because the humidity is still relatively low, the temperatures are much lower than in summer and of course, the low number of tourists lets you relax and enjoy nature every bit of your hike. For our hike, we choose the Troodos Mountains - a place where you can immerse yourself in Cyprus's natural beauty.
What to do:
Visit the charming mountain villages of Omodos and Kakopetria, known for their traditional architecture, cobbled streets, and Byzantine churches.
Explore the Troodos National Forest Park, where you can hike scenic trails, discover hidden waterfalls, and marvel at panoramic views from Mount Olympus, the highest peak in Cyprus.
Enjoy a traditional Cypriot meze lunch at a taverna in one of the mountain villages, sampling a variety of local dishes. We had the best lunch ever at Symposio, a greek taverna with a cool greek traditional design, where my husband simply fell in love with their delicious moussaka.
Day 4: Limassol and Ayia Napa
On our 4th and last day in Cyprus, we had a beautiful winter day with 22 degrees and because the air was so warm and the sun so strong, we decided to enjoy some hours at the beach. We asked some locals about the most beautiful sand beach in Cyprus and they recommend us - Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa.
I totally loved Nissi Beach - because of its soft golden sand and the crystal clear, turquoise water. More, the weather was so perfect, that it felt like a proper european summer day and i was even able to get a tan in the 3 hours we spend there! In January, there were few people at the beach, but some locals we talked with there, told us that during summer, it gets so crowded that you it turns into a nightmare. Therefore, I do recommend going there in January, but I would probably not go there in summer, if it does get so crowdy.
After getting enough Vitamin D to last for the remaining winter months we were still having upfront in Austria, we headed to Limassol, which is the second biggest town of the island and a MUST VISIT spot in Cyprus.
What to do:
Explore Limassol's Old Town, where you can wander through narrow cobblestone streets, admire historic architecture
Visit its landmarks such as Limassol Castle and the Grand Mosque
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a traditional taverna, sampling Cypriot specialties like souvlaki, halloumi cheese, and moussaka.
Travel Tips when visiting Cyprus in January:
Weather: While Cyprus enjoys mild winters, January can be cooler and wetter compared to the summer months. Pack layers and waterproof clothing, especially if you plan to explore the mountains, but also take your swimmingsuit with you, because in some days you will also have the chance to get a tan
Transportation: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Cyprus, giving you the freedom to visit remote villages and natural attractions - we rented a car from Economy Bookings for only €11 / day
Opening Hours: Keep in mind that some attractions, shops, and restaurants may have reduced hours or be closed during the winter season. Plan your itinerary accordingly and check opening times in advance.
Local Events: Research any local festivals, events, or cultural activities taking place during your visit to experience Cyprus's vibrant traditions and customs.
Cypriot Cuisine: Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in traditional Cypriot cuisine, including meze (a selection of small dishes), grilled meats, fresh seafood, and local wines. Read this article to find restaurant suggestions above.
Currency: The currency in Cyprus is the Euro (EUR). Be sure to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases, as not all establishments accept credit cards.
Safe travels, dear traveller!