Cyprus is Calling: Why September Is Ideal for Travel

Cyprus is a destination which ticks all boxes: delicious food, active excursions and refreshing water sports.

Visiting in September, travellers can expect pleasant temperatures, gorgeous beaches and an abundance of local adventures, all enjoyed with fewer crowds than the peak summer months. A more affordable option against nearby European hotspots such as Greece and Italy, Cyprus exudes the usual mediterranean charm whilst offering its own quirks exclusive to the island.

On Land Excursions in Paphos, Mare Resorts

Perched on a clifftop on the west coast near the UNESCO World Heritage town of Paphos, Mare Paphos is a fantastic choice for families and couples alike. The resort features 14 bars and restaurants, including authentic Greek Cypriot flavours at Estia and refined Italian dining at Nico, alongside five outdoor pools and an indulgent spa centre offering signature treatments and wellness facilities. The surrounding area is ideal for cycling and hiking, with a diverse terrain spanning scenic coastal routes, challenging long climbs in the Toodos Mountains, or routes through picturesque villages. Also a haven for wine enthusiasts, the region is known for producing 12 indigenous grapes including the Xynisteri white grape, Maratheftiko red grape and Commandaria, an amber-toned sweet dessert wine rumoured to be the oldest in the word, favoured by Cleopatra. Guests at Mare Paphos can book day tours to a selection of local, family-run wineries for expert-led tasting sessions accompanied by delicious bites of cheese, crackers and olives.

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Palate and Place at the AMARA, Limassol

Embark on a culinary escapade to the AMARA, a luxury sanctuary nestled in the heart of Limassol, with four world-class restaurants spearheaded by some of the world’s most celebrated chefs. Restaurants include Matsuhisa by acclaimed sushi savant Chef Nobu, providing a unique blend of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine; Michelin-starred Giorgio Locatelli’s Italian eatery, where guests can devour homemade pastas and rich risottos; the new Beefbar from meat maestro Riccardo Giraudi, offering a sensory journey of street food, iconic plates and delectable sides made with the best meat cuts from around the world; and the beachside restaurant, Nerea, dedicated to all things seafood. The resort’s crowning jewel, the Rooftop Bar, offers a chic, contemporary atmosphere where guests can soak up unobstructed views to a soundtrack of soothing beats. Encouraging exploration, guests of the AMARA are also invited to venture off-site and discover the culinary gems of downtown Limassol. From quaint tavernas to seafood specialists, there’s something to cater to every palate and preference.

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Aquatic Adventures in Ayia Napa, Mare Resorts

Located on the dazzling east coast of Cyprus,  Mare Ayia Napa offers direct access to some of the island’s most breathtaking shores, including Cape Greco and Palm Beach, laden with white sands and sparkling aquamarine waters. For the morning, the still waters welcome paddleboarding, snorkelling and turtle spotting (specifically the local green and loggerhead breeds), whilst the windier afternoons create the perfect scene for windsurfing adventures. Take to the seas on a private yacht charter or scuba diving adventure at world-renowned underwater sculpture park MUSAN, featuring over 93 nature-inspired sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor. Divers will encounter an abundance of marine life from colourful fish and coral to striking sea urchins, and with year-round warm water and no plankton, Cyprus has one of the longest diving seasons in the Mediterranean.