It’s Spring Already!
It’s March, and for those of you who follow me, you’ll know this is one of my absolute favourite months of the year. Mainly because it’s officially spring, which means summer is practically knocking on the door. And let’s be honest, this winter in Cyprus has been ridiculously mild. We’ve had some seriously hot days, and I’ve already started topping up the tan, obviously! But can we just talk about those nights? OMG! How freezing has it been after sunset? … One minute I’m in full sunshine mode, shorts ‘n teeshirt, the next I’m reaching for a blanket! … Spring in Cyprus, you’ve got to love it!
Daffodills
And of course, 1st March isn’t just about welcoming spring, it’s also Saint David’s Day, the national day of Wales. I love that it gives us yet another excuse to celebrate, as if we ever need one in Cyprus!. Traditionally, the Welsh will be out in full force rocking their national symbols, leeks and daffodils. I mean, quite iconic, right? And you just know all our Welsh ex-pats in Cyprus will be ready to party alongside everyone else. So for me, there’s only one way to kick off March … full-on celebration mode. Oh, we get one more bank holiday on Wednesday, March 25th coz it’s Greek Independence Day, like I said, any excuse to light a barbie!
Meat Free
The Greek Orthodox Cypriots are in the season of Lent, with Katheri Deftera, aka Clean Monday, falling early on February 23rd. Or as we like to call it … ‘Green Monday’! Because this is when we all head outdoors, claim our patch of countryside, fly kites, fire up the BBQs and lay out the most fabulous spread, and yes, it’s totally meat-free … Think fresh fish, calamari, prawns, octopus, mountains of vegetables, juicy seasonal fruit, olives, dips, lagana bread … basically anything that doesn’t moo, baa or cluck! It’s tradition, it’s family, it’s friends, it’s fresh air, and it followed the absolute madness in the best way possible, of Carnival Parades all over Cyprus.
Carnivores
Just in case you didn’t know, this happening was originally known as The Carnivore Season, when our nationals start to fast, eating no meat or dairy products for 49 days, or until Easter, which falls on Sunday 12th April this year, when most families will sacrifice the lamb, and cook it Kleftico style in the sealed clay oven or over charcoal on a slow spit roast.
49 Days
I feel sorry for our butchers at this time of the year, much as they’ll more than make up for it 49 days later over Easter. So we party hard for Carnival, and then we cleanse in style. Only in Cyprus do we go from glitter and costumes to fields and fasting in the blink of an eye, and honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Let it Rain
I think we’ve had quite a mild winter so far, much as we had a fair bit of rain in January and February, we might not get too much in March. But tbh, we need as much rain as possible, because by May we probably won’t see rain again ‘til October, bring it on I say! … I can’t wait to get my flip-flops out, … Oh, and I just love those spring rainbows we get in Cyprus!
Greeeeeen
So, as I was saying, it’s officially spring. You can see it, you can smell it, you can literally feel it in the air. Everywhere I look, it’s green, like really green, the citrus trees are in full blossom, flowers are bursting out in every colour imaginable, and the whole island feels like it’s showing off. The rainbow of colours is just stunning, and don’t even get me started on the aromas. Absolutely divine!
Live for The Table
And the food? Even better! We’ve still got fresh wild asparagus popping up if you know where to look, and those gorgeous strawberries are just coming into season, sweet, juicy, irresistible. Sadly, the bi-annual Strawberry Festival is giving this year a miss, but let’s be honest, in the village of Dherynia, there’s always something happening, especially if there are strawberries involved. I’ll be there.
It’s Almost Summer
Some say that Cyprus is a country of only two seasons, summer and winter. ‘It’s supposed to be Spring’, but whatever you do, don’t blink, coz in Cyprus it only lasts a few weeks, and by the end of the month it’ll be the start of summer, with temperatures already hitting over 30°C in direct sun in February, allowing us to Top Up the Tan and even grab a swim in the sea, Mmm!
Aura
I just love this time of the year, you can feel spring is in the air, coz all the blossoms are out, a bit early this year, confused by all the rain we had last month, maybe? not to mention all the sun we’ve enjoyed in between storms. The delightful aromas are everywhere, and everything is sooooo green, and the days have started to get longer and warmer, and I can almost spread my butter in the morning, but maybe it’s just a bit too early to take the quilt off yet? … Don’t you just love Cyprus!
Winter Warmers
Another reason I love this time of the year is having the time to take my dog Bandit for those long, invigorating walks along stormy coastlines, catching that fresh sea spray in the air full of Natural Iodine, perfect for us oldies. Then, on those chilly winter nights, most bars, cafes, and restaurants have homely, warming, open wood fires or those tall gas heaters. Some have wicked DJs, mixing to mostly locals, a few off-season tourists, and our ever-increasing long stayers.
On Stage
Many bars and restaurants put on a bit of live music, some of my favourites include O’Neill’s Irish Bar in Paphos, Rumours and The Rialto Theatre in Limassol, the original Savino Live in Larnaca, oh and leading the way on the east coast, Koursaros Music Bar in Protaras, who all have regular gigs throughout the winter or catch a little live bouzouki at The Old Village Tavern in Napa on the weekends, btw, it’s one of my favourite traditional restaurants in Cyprus … or one of my latest additions to my list of top eateries, Di Capilla Seaside Stories in Pernera.
Shopaholics
I’m telling you, the extended February Sales are still raging, and the discounts? Absolute madness! … I’ve been darting around the high streets, and if you’re not quick, you’ll miss out on some proper bargains. Honestly, now’s the time to snag that last winter warmer, you know, the one that still saves your skin on those crisp March nights, and maybe even into April.
Stylish
Fashion-wise, I always make a beeline for London Clothing Company in Paralimni and Napa. Another of my favourites is Y2K in Ayia Napa, just can’t get enough of it, Brouska and in Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, and Nicosia. Trust me, there’s always something stylish to grab, if you’ve got the energy to hunt for it!
Versatile
The season is just gearing up, but there’s still loads to do if you look around, tbh, Cyprus is so versatile, that you’ll probably still be able to Ski and Snowboard and even go Husky Sledding up in the Troodos Mountains ’til mid-March. Imagine being able to go snowboarding in the morning and wakeboarding on the Mediterranean in the afternoon. The air is really clear in March, so you’ll still be able to go Star Shaped and get a nice base for that deep summer tan! It’s also a great time to get Out & About or just go touring, and there’s plenty to see. The Troodos Mountains are in their element at this time of the year!
ChaChaCha, Changes
As I’ve been driving around Cyprus, I’ve noticed many changes happening; it’s exciting, places being knocked down and rebuilt, extra floors for more rooms, new fascia, new lights and sound systems, new bars, and a few up for sale and some changing hands, and I hear one or two new beach bars and clubs opening this year … stay tuned!
Mama Mia
With over 4.5 million visitors last year, things are looking good for Cyprus. Favoured it seems this year by many Brits, Europeans, including the ever-increasing French, Spanish and Italian lot, tbh, I’m expecting it’s gonna be a really busy year, so you’d best book early!
Clubbing News
I’m hearing whispers of some huge names getting booked this season, and if the rumours I’m catching are anything to go by, the outdoor club scene is gonna smash it again. I reckon, we’re going to be clubbing outdoors way more this year, and I for one can’t wait … Ayia Napa, as always, is leading the way, fingers crossed Club Black ‘N’ White will be opening for weekends soon, but I’ll take that! Carwash Disco, still hands down the best night out in Napa, should be open by the end of March. Castle Club, probably the best club in Cyprus, if you ask me, is rumoured to open in time for Easter, with Club Ice joining the party around the same time.
Everywhere Else
And it doesn’t stop there, as Larnaca’s got Club Deep and Ammos on the Beach smashing it, Limassol is firing on all cylinders with Guaba Beach Bar and Rummours, Nicosia’s Club Teez is on top form, and Paphos has Loft Club keeping the scene alive. Honestly, the island’s club game has never been hotter!
On the Beaches
Cyprus boasts more than a few of the top 25 beaches in Europe, and guess what, you can enjoy them in over 320 days of sunshine a year because I think we also boast the best climate worldwide, and we’re one of the safest places to live in the world, and that’s just a few of the reasons we all live here. Oh, and btw, Cyprus is The Mythological Party Playground of the Mediterranean, and they’ve been partying here since the Greek Gods invented party over 12,600 years ago! The least we can do is respect that, and keep partying! … Click for more Cultural Events
Honoured
It’s lovely to get recognition for all your hard work, as I’ve been doing this for over 33 years now, and much as I’ve always said, ‘We’re the best guide to Cyprus’, we’ve won a few awards recently including ‘The Best Tourist Platform’ in Cyprus by The Cyprus Prestige Awards in Birmingham, UK, and The TGI Travel Company. Last year we got the Best Online Leisure & Hospitality Guide 2025 for Cyprus by The Restaurant & Bars Awards. I have to say I’m flattered, of course, and I’ll strive to make it even better so we can win them again next year … Oh and, please can you introduce a friend to help us along? The site gets an average of 10,000 visitors a month these days!
Social Network
Our 24,000 plus followers of What’s On Cyprus include over 21,ooo on Facebook, where we do most of our daily stuff. It seems everyone’s talking about us, with our daily post engagement of around 20,000 views a day, commenting, liking, and sharing our posts and articles … you can also follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest, and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel, oh and please tag and share if you care … tbh, It’s Everything you need to know and … More!
Getting Around
To finish off this month … It’s a great time to go touring, so jump in the car and go check out some places of interest with wonderful Wineries within shouting distance, if you need some ideas? Check out Stanna’s article from our old mag called ‘Driving You to Drink’, get some wine tasting in, and top the Cava up for Christmas, Did I say ‘Christmas’? OMG, I meant summer! … btw the non-drinker has to drive, ok?
Enjoy March … Summer’s Coming!
