Today Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with ancient enchantment. Here you will discover a compact world of alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone villages where sweet wine flows as freely as conversations at the local café. A carefree where a sense of timelessness is magnified by the kindness of the people.
One of the benefits of being a Mediterranean island is plentiful sunshine throughout the year, and Cyprus is no exception. In fact, Cyprus epitomizes the ideal weather of the region with sunny days and fine temperatures almost every day. Extremes of temperatures are rare, meaning Cyprus has something to offer every month of the year, whether it's swimming (as late as November) or enjoying cultural sites and festivals (all year long). While seasonal fluctuations are not drastic, however, they are different. Here's what to expect:
Summer: When It Sizzles
For just about Summer stretches from mid-May to mid-October and means high temperatures, cloudless skies and cooling breezes from the sea. It's the ideal season for swimming, sunbathing and a whole range of water sports from sailing to scuba diving. At this time of year, explore the archaeological sites early in the morning or in late afternoon, avoiding the hottest part of the day. It's always a good idea to bring along sun protection, such as sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat
. Even in the height of summer when it's 32C(90F) degrees at the beach (and warmer inland), temperatures are refreshingly cooler in the Troodos, making the mountains ideal for hiking or simply relaxing.
The days of September and October are still sunny and the water warm enough for comfortable swimming. Basically, it's still summer. In Lemesos, the first ten days of September bring the annual Wine Festival, a buoyant period not to be missed.
Autumn Forecast: Warm and Sunny
Toward the end of October evenings do tend to get cooler, however. In October and through November the leaves change colour in the Troodos and vineyards take on gold and crimson hues against a backdrop of crystal clear sunlight. In Cyprus even mid-November can feel like summer, but by month's end medium-weight apparel for the late afternoons and evenings will enhance the traveler's experience. It is still possible to enjoy swimming, while inland excursions to villages and vineyards for wine tastings can be very enjoyable. Fall also brings with it the annual Kypria festival, with prestigious local and international musical and dramatic performances at venues throughout Cyprus.
Winter: An Active Season
December and January are the months of Mediterranean winter, bringing the possibility of rain, but still an average of six hours of bright sunshine a day. This is the time of year when smaller Mediterranean destinations shut down for the season, but not so Cyprus. The island is a major business centre and has many important heritage sites and museums, all at their least crowded in winter. 
The cultural calendar is also alive and well throughout the winter, with new events coming all the time. The summer resort of Agia Napa, for example, offers a "Cultural Winter" with classical music concerts and modern and folkloric dance performances. Into early February there is occasional rain, and often snow in the Troodos - ideal for skiing!
Spring Delights
The first orchids bloom in January in Cyprus, and by mid-February the countryside is already alive with fresh green meadows and almond trees in bloom. March days can still be cool (daytime temperatures around 19C or 65F, 9C or 40F at night) but steadily moderate. Early spring is a wonderful time to visit to Cyprus, with pleasant daytime temperatures and many of the ancient ruins framed by a carpet of red anemones and other wildflowers.
In April and into the middle of May spring is in full force. This is an ideal time for nature hikes and off-road adventures in the pristine Akamas Peninsula. Cyprus has 1,950 species of flowering plants, 140 of which grow nowhere else but on the island, and in the Akamas alone, there are 700 plant species, of which 40 are endemic. From February to April, pink cyclamen sprouts up from rocky foothills and thickets and forms a riveting adornment to the Baths of Aphrodite. From March to April, the pink wavy-leaved monkey orchid (Orchis italica) grows in dense patches around Pafos. If in summer Cyprus is the place to bask in the sun, then spring is the time to savor the natural beauty of the island in bloom.
Varied Island
Your experience of Cyprus can be as varied and rewarding as the geography of the island itself. Starting with the sea: There are beaches in Cyprus to suit just about everybody, from families with small children to seekers of solitude. The mountainous interior, the Troodos, offers an alluring contrast to the coast that shouldn't be overlooked. Bracing pine-scented air, hiking trails and Byzantine churches are just some of the treasures to be found here. It is also possible to experience firsthand the village life of the hill towns. By the beach or further afield, in the towns or storied countryside, the distinctive culture of Cyprus is always close at hand.
Were an ancient Mycenaean Greek in Cyprus to suddenly spring to life, or even Aphrodite herself, she would find the same warm sun overhead. The sun is a resilient force in Cyprus, shining high and bright enough to keep the sea warm for comfortable swimming from early May all the way through October. It helps give the island its quintessential Mediterranean atmosphere.
Even in the middle of winter, when temperatures get on the cool side, the sun usually shines for the better part of the day. The best place to soak up the Cyprus sunshine is at the beach, and with more than four hundred miles of coastline, there are plenty from which to choose.
The "Blue Flag" is an exclusive eco-label awarded to more than 2.900 beaches and marinas in 24 countries in Europe and South Africa in 2003. The "Blue Flag Campaign" is a program launched in 1987 during the European Year for the Environment, which promotes clean beaches and environmentally sound management of coastal areas. The "Blue Flag" is awarded to beaches meeting strict criteria relating to environmental education and information, beach area management and quality of bathing water. The Campaign is owned and run by the independent nonprofit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
With the initiative of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) and the cooperation of the Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association (CYMEPA), the local authorities and the relevant government bodies, Cyprus has introduced the "Blue Flag Campaign" and became a full member of the FEE in 1995.
In 2003, the International Jury awarded the Blue Flag to 39 organised beaches located in 12 coastal communities and municipalities in Cyprus.
Pafos Region - Brief History
Pafos, situated on the south-west coast of Cyprus is capital of the district, and historically one of the most important centres on the island. Together with Palai-Paphos (modern Kouklia) they illustrate some of the most glorious moments of the island's history from the times of the Trojan Wars. The Roman capital of Cyprus, Pafos was famous throughout antiquity, for two main reasons: its association with the cult of Aphrodite and the spread of Christianity. In fact, such was the role of Pafos and such is the importance of its ancient remains, that, in 1981, the sites of Palai-Paphos and Nea Pafos, were put on the World Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO.
The moment you begin to explore Pafos (or Paphos or Pathos as is sometimes written by mistake) from the furthest outskirts at Petra tou Romiou - where it is said that Aphrodite was born from the foam of the sea - you understand the reason for its existence on earth. Pafos is a place specially created for holidays. Throughout Pafos area, Pafos town, Yeroskipou, Peyia, Polis Chrysohous and the entire countryside with all it's
Add to this a lovely subtropical climate, where the changes of season are miraculously distinct. Springtime signals colourful splashes of flowers, fruit and fauna. In the summertime the wondrous Pafos beaches invite sunning and swimming in the clear Mediterranean waters. Autumn is the perfect time to experience the sheer, natural beauty of the Akamas Peninsula where the delicate balance of nature is kept intact. Winter is subtly cooler and within half an hour of Pafos the Troodos Mountains offer the opportunity for excellent skiing. Here in Pafos the purest traditions of Cyprus live on.
But it is also a land of striking contrasts. Everywhere you turn, the past mingles with the present. The Dionysos “wine” mosaics, the intriguing Tombs of the Kings, the 16th century Fortress in the picturesque fishing harbour, Byzantine painted churches, cathedrals and museums are just some of the splendid attractions that have been celebrated for centuries.
Delightfully, Pafos is not just sea and sun, tradition and antiquities, nature and beauty. Pafos embraces in such a unique way both the tradition and contemporary, that makes you feel that this blend is just the way it should be. It offers delicious restaurants, cozy pubs and trendy outdoor cafes. Discos and luxury hotels along the waterfront add just the right cosmopolitan flavour not to mention an all – encompassing range of shops and boutiques. And for those who like more active holidays, or just prefer to combine holidays with their favourite activity, Pafos is again the right place. Whether it be golf or bird watching, water sports or bowling, car rallies or yachting to name but a few, Pafos has it all.
Pafos has a charm and up to date quality all its own and guests from around the world are assured by its distinctive warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Shopping
Pafos offers an impressive selection of shopping options that range from the typical handicrafts of the island including lacework, weaving, art metal work, jewelry and pottery as well as high fashion items in cloths and leather.
Contact lenses and optical ware are known to be extremely good "bargains" in Cyprus with a wide choice of ordinary and designer frames. Jewelery is handcrafted in 18 carat gold and 925 silver.
The ancient craft of pottery is still popular in Cyprus today and dishes, jars, vases, candle holders and decorative ornaments are beautiful purchases as well as antique wooden chests and furniture.
Still one of the oldest crafts of this region must be copper work. Modern earrings, bracelets and age old plates and bowl are examples of fine copper work in Cyprus.
Baskets and sponges are excellent bargains in Pafos costing approximately one third of the price you will pay at home. Pafos woven material with cross stitched patterns are also lovely purchases as well as ceramic pottery that is styled in beautiful village patterns.
Most shops are still small, friendly and family run where a cup of coffee is frequently offered to go along with a smile which is still so typical of Cypriot hospitality.
