It’s Summer in Cyprus
It’s May already, and those of you who know me know it’s really my favourite month, well, apart from September. But there’s just something about that “summer’s really here” feeling that tips the balance. You can feel it everywhere, the boots and jackets are packed away for the next seven months, replaced by t-shirts, shorts, and my sandals. You have to keep the butter in the fridge, take the quilts off the bed, replace them with a sheet and a light blanket. I’ve even started thinking about putting the hammock out, so yes, it’s officially summer in Cyprus!
Opening Parties
While many venues opened around Easter, May is when things really kick off. On my travels around the island, I’ve been watching bars, restaurants, cafés, and clubs getting ready to launch into full summer mode, with opening parties everywhere. Normally, that would mean a few winter venues closing too, but this year I think more will stay open in the capital, Nicosia and Limassol, which I often call our capital on the coast. The latter really seems to be aiming at the cosmopolitan, sophisticated lifestyle they are used to.
Moving Outdoors
With just one bank holiday, Mayday, falling on Friday 1st May, making it a long weekend and the perfect excuse to get out and explore. A few must-visits this time of year are Cyherbia Botanical Park, in full bloom with seasonal events and harvests … Then there Paphos Zoo, especially great for seeing the new arrivals, so too The Camel Park in Mazotos, always a fun day out, or Protaras Ocean Aquarium, a cool escape as temperatures rise … oh and my latest find the absolutely fabulous Ammochostos Motor Museum … And with the heat climbing don’t forget the golden rule: Drink More Water!
Beach Bums
One of the best parts of May? Beach season is already in full swing. Temperatures have been hitting over 30°C since the end of April, the skies are clear, and there’s still no heavy summer haze. Even the nights are warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt. By mid-May, rain becomes a distant memory, and we probably won’t see it again ’til October unless we get a crazy surprise hail storm in August.
Music & Nightlife
There’s distinct signs of Life, the island is buzzing with DJs, live music, and packed venues …
In Ayia Napa
Places like Ambassaden Bar, The Square Bar, Queen Vic Pub, Paddy’s Bar in town and The King’s Sword out Maccronisos way are ready to offer traditional Cypriot hospitality and a free shot or two …
In Larnaca
Savino Live as usual leads the way with regular live music and alternative events … Harry’s Inn a little more karaoke style while in Oroklini, Lithos Rock Bar & Grill is the place to be … Ammos Beach Bar, on Mackenzie Beach it’s location, location, the decor by day, it’s cool, it’s calm, it’s sophisticated, but … don’t let that fool you, coz by night its pure party!
Limassol
As I said, I call it our capital on the coast, coz back in the early 2000’s the tourist beds reduced, the luxury apartments increased, and the cosmopolitan, sophisticated crew are doing it their way, taking it on to the beach with Guaba Beach Bar as always one of the favourites bringing top local and international DJ’s to the decks … whilst Wanax Beach Bar at Poseidonia Beach Hotel is more of a secret getaway … I’m hearing it’s gonna go back to the old days with an increase in tourists choosing Limassol again and places like Beachcomber Bar in the centre of it all … And on that note Dionysos Mansion still one of my favourite eateries in the world, seriously a must!
Nicosia
Sarah’s Jazz Club, as usual, is providing a lot a’bit of jazz and much more … Club Teez, the place for R’n’B, doing more than teasing those Urban Vibes and Music Hall with more than a weekly Live Concerts …
On The West Coast
Paphos, our year-round resort, is in full swing with O’Neill’s Irish Bar & Grill leading the way and the newly refurbished Aces Cocktail Bar with my good friend Spiros offering unbeatable Australian hospitality with a Cypriot twist … both my choice for live entertainment …
Paralimni & Kapparis
As far as you can go on the South East Coast, Kapparis has become a resort of its own … and it’s all year round with a number of expats choosing this area to live … my go to place has to be The Grand Slam Inn with Matty or Mr. Entertainment, not only providing the best Welsh Elvis ever but non-stop entertainment and things like Music Bingo.
Prtotaras & Pernera
At the top of town in both senses of the word, The Ghetto Cocktail Bar will always be tops for entertainment in my eyes … Opposite Joker Square, one of Cyprus’ biggest Bars, are on the ball and a little further down the strip places like Q Cocktail Bar and The Love Boat are karaoke and entertainment all night … While over in Pernera, Knights Bar are on another level and Di Capilla Seaside Stories are on Par …
Summer Season
It’s shaping up to be a huge season, as the Clubbing Capital Ayia Napa is steadily reclaiming its title as Europe’s clubbing capital, especially in high season … Top venues include: The Castle Club, which will be taking its roof off for the first time in July … Club Black n White, with their Urban Swing, Carwash Nightclub appear to be opening mid May and so to the fabulous Club Aqua Pool Partyt and after-party spot
Something a Little Different
Whatever you do, don’t miss the Stardust Variety Drag Show at The Octagon in Vryssoulles, without a doubt the best stage show on the island … truly a fabulous night out!
Must-Do List
A few highlights to catch: Nightstalker live at Savino Live on 3rd May, Pambos Napa Rocks Pool Parties return tba, Karen Kendals Fleetwood Bac mini tour late May, The Limassol Boat Show from 22nd to 25th May …
On the Med
May is one of the best times to get out on the water. The sea is often like glass, with visibility up to 12 metres. You might even spot some Sea turtles, Dolphins around Cape Greco and Limassol, and even the occasional seal these days
Boat Trips
From Ayia Napa Harbour: my favourites include Yellow Submarine, Aphrodite II Cruises, Ocean Queen, and the best pantomime on the sea, The Black Pearl Pirate Boat, OMG! Sooo much fun.
In Paphos
Tops have to be Wave Dancer Cruises, especially their evening Firework Cruise and Pafos Watersports, who’ll take you on a few wild rides and some chilled out cruises.
Eating Out
Cyprus is built around food and hospitality, part of the lifestyle … From beachside tavernas to international cuisine, it’s genuinely hard to find a bad meal. Exploring restaurants is one of life’s great pleasures here, and there’s always something new to discover. So just click on a city, go Eating Out, choose one of 16 cuisines and book a table.
Looking Ahead
This season is shaping up to be busy. Repeaters are returning in force, ignoring all that crazy media hype, and many already booking multiple trips this year. To them, it’s their second home … By the end of May, nearly everything will be open. By June, the island will be buzzing right through to November this year, coz we are predicting another Indian Summer all the way to December … so don’t leave bookings too late.
Thinking of Staying Longer?
There’s growing interest from buyers across the UK, Scandinavia, France, and Italy. If you’re considering making Cyprus more permanent, check out our recent article on Property … Explore different areas, stay in a hotel or villa first, get a feel for the lifestyle.
Stay Connected
For daily updates, events, and hidden gems across the island, keep exploring and stay connected online and follow our Facebook Page … there’s always something happening in Cyprus.
Final Word
Thanks for being part of the journey …
And in true Cypriot fashion …
Na da’boume,
Cyprus is Paradise!
