Enjoying almost 360 days of sunshine every year, it is unsurprising that Cyprus is often referred to as the ‘the jewel of the Mediterranean’. One of the most popular holiday destinations for tourists from all over the world, the island’s stunning scenery features beaches, mountains and forests, with both rural towns and vibrant, modern cities scattered across its regions.
Situated between the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa, Cyprus was a much sought-after destination for conquerors in the past and has a rich history of inhabitants. The North of the country is now under Turkish occupation owing to a complicated political past, and the Greek-Cypriot Republic of Cyprus covers the remaining two-thirds of the island with a multilingual population of just over a million.
Cyprus is steeped in history and culture, including being home to the mythical birthplace of the Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. Archaeological ruins and historic sites can be found across the island, including castles, tombs, theatres and the remains of ancient cities alongside modern civilisation.
The island has remained mainly untouched by industrialisation, and its Mediterranean climate has allowed for the environment to flourish. A huge amount of wildlife can be found across Cyprus from marine life to exotic birds, and the fertile soil in particular has made the country famous for its plentiful vineyards and their product.
Historically the Cypriots have always been known for their warm and generous hospitality, which is reflected in the island’s popularity with travellers and holidaymakers. The variety of attractions in Cyprus make it a superb location for any visitor, and September is a perfect time to plan a stay.
The Mediterranean climate in Cyprus makes it an ideal villa holiday destination, and September is a particularly good time to visit and make the most of the warmth whilst avoiding uncomfortably high temperatures, especially if you are staying in one of the beautiful Cyprus villas with friends or family. Taking a trip at the beginning of Autumn will also mean the island is less swamped with tourists than the busy summer months, allowing for a more relaxed stay and better opportunity to appreciate its beauty.
September weather in Cyprus remains as sunny as the summer months, but with slightly lower and more bearable temperatures that start to drop as October approaches. The highest average temperature in September is 34°C inland, 29°C on the west coast and 31°C on the south-east coast, whilst the mountain regions of the island are much cooler, with an average temperature of 24°C.
The warm water temperatures in Cyprus are famous and remain up to 26°C in September, meaning that you can still enjoy swimming in the sea at any of the island’s spectacular beaches.
Evening temperatures in September are lower but still very pleasant, averaging around 19°C – 21°C.
Cyprus is an island country, so one of the best ways to get there is by plane.
International arrivals into Cyprus should fly to either Paphos or Lacarna, which are the two main airports on the island that connect with a range of destinations around the world. If you’re looking for the best deals on flights to Cyprus in September, use Skyscanner to find the best prices for tickets.
You can travel to Cyprus on a ferry either from Greece or Turkey, with ships making the trip regularly through the summer and still into September. Either travel from Piraeus in Greece to Limassol on Cyprus, or from Taşucu in Turkey to Girne (Kyrenia) in northern Cyprus. If you want to stay in the south of the country, you’ll then have to cross the border into the Republic of Cyprus.
Often taking place across the first weekend of September, the Paphos Aphrodite Festival is an event that showcases operatic productions by world-famous companies, in the UNESCO World Heritage site town of Paphos. Performances are open-air, with the medieval castle near to the town’s harbour acting as a dramatic backdrop for the three evening shows that take place during the festival.
Organised for the first time in 1999, the aim of the Paphos Aphrodite Festival was to put the city on the map as a centre of cultural events and contribute to Cyprus’ promotion as a cultural and tourist destination. The festival is now a significant event on the island, merging historic surroundings with classic performances of operas that attract a large audience.
The biggest event in Cyprus in September is the annual Limassol Wine Festival, which is held from the end of August to the start of September in the Southern coastal town of Limassol. Cyprus has a history of wine production that can be traced all the way back to 800BC, and the region of Limassol is particularly famous for its vineyards and wineries, earning it the title ‘City of Vine and Wine’.
The festival was first held in 1961 as a celebration of the country gaining independence, but also echoes the ancient traditions of island locals, who would worship and celebrate the gods by drinking and dancing. Whilst Cyprus has strong ties to the goddess Aphrodite, the festival is primarily dedicated to Dionysus; the ancient Greek god of wine and madness.
A small entrance fee grants you access to the festival, which takes place in the Limassol Municipal Gardens on the seafront. This fee covers the chance to sample an unlimited amount of wine from the island’s wineries with the compliments of the Limassol Municipality, and entertainment ranges from traditional Cypriot dancing and singing to theatrical performances and live music.
Even if you’re not visiting Cyprus when the wine festival takes place, we still recommend that you book a wine-tasting tour if you’re in the area so you can sample some of the famous produce.
Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, explore the landscape or take in some of the many historical sites in Cyprus, the island’s regions and cities offer a range of different attractions, and its small size means that you can experience as much as possible during your stay.
Paphos is a coastal town combining historical sites with contemporary tourist resorts and is one of the most popular areas of Cyprus to stay and explore. After being named European Capital of Culture in 2017 a lot of the town was renovated and redeveloped, but the ancient ruins and stunning countryside remain untouched.
Visiting in September will mean that all tourist attractions are still open, but that you can avoid the long queues and typically crowded areas, and really enjoy all that Paphos has to offer. If you want to ensure you tick off all the top attractions, we recommend a walking tour or even a segway guided tour of the town so you can learn all about the famous sites from a knowledgeable guide.
One of the best places to experience some of the town’s rich history is with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Archaeological park, whose preservation sparked the drive to protect all the town’s historic remains. The site features the mosaic floors of Roman Villas, a preserved amphitheatre, a medieval fortress and an early Christian Basilica.
Another World Heritage Site in Paphos is the famous necropolis known as the ‘Tombs of the Kings’, an underground set of preserved tombs that are not thought to be the burial site of any royalty but instead earned their title because of their grand appearance. Seven excavated tombs are available to visit with creation dates ranging from 3rd century BC to 4th century AD, each carved out of solid rock and elaborately decorated.
Paphos’ popularity makes it a great place to stay in Cyprus because of the range of accommodation options. In September, peak season prices will start to fall at the end of the month, making it a great time to book a luxury hotel for a night or two.
When it comes to luxury options, the Avanti Hotel right on the coast is ideal for travellers that want to be near the beach but also want to enjoy the facilities of their hotel, including private balconies, indoor and outdoor pools and an onsite restaurant and coffee bar.
If you’re looking for more of a mid-range hotel, the Axiothea Hotel in the old part of the city is family-run and offers great breakfast options for guests with excellent reviews for the friendliness of its staff.
If you’d rather enjoy the freedom of staying in your own self-catering holiday home, Paradise Cove has a range of luxurious villas on the coast of Paphos that can sleep up to six guests and each has a private sun terrace and access to a shared garden with a pool.
Within the Paphos district is the Akamas Peninsula, home to the Akamas National Park and one of the most outstanding areas of natural beauty on the island. Hundreds of species of diverse wildlife inhabit this part of Cyprus and the area is perfect for hiking, with trails through the forests providing cool shade if you need some respite from the September sunshine.
One of the most popular places to visit in Akamas is its Blue Lagoon; a beautiful bay with crystal clear waters that tend to be warmer than anywhere else on the island. Perfect for swimming and snorkelling, the Blue Lagoon is a very secluded area that can only be reached by boat or four-wheel drive but is well worth a visit if you are in Akamas. We recommend taking part in a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon, as this will ensure you visit at the best time of day and can relax on the journey there and back.
This historical location was made famous by the claim that the goddess Aphrodite used to come to the cavern and bathe in its water, and that it was here she met her great love, Adonis. The surrounding area also features a botanical garden and hiking trials named after the two mythical figures, and an afternoon can be spent exploring and absorbing both ancient history and your beautiful surroundings.
A popular option if you’re in Akamas is to visit both the Baths of Aphrodite and the Blue Lagoon in one day, taking part in a guided boat tour like this one, which also includes a wine-tasting experience.
A small town nearby to the Baths of Aphrodite, Poli Crysochous (Polis) is known for being a quiet and romantic place that will be particularly tranquil during a visit in September. The location is perfect to spend time simply relaxing by the sea, or there are a number of historical churches and an archaeological museum to explore.
Whilst most of the Akamas Peninsula is an uninhabited national park, there are still plenty of places to stay towards the base of the headland.
If you’re looking for hotel recommendations, Aphrodite Beach Hotel is named after the nearby baths and is incredibly close to Yiannakis Beach, perfect for days when you just want to spend time outdoors in the sun.
If luxury accommodation is more your cup of tea, Anassa Hotel is a village-style option with both private rooms and villas to rent, as well as a range of facilities like a spa, kids club and multiple restaurants.
Travellers looking for self-catering options in the Akamas Peninsula should opt for Kallizoni Villa, which sleeps up to seven guests and has an outdoor swimming pool, terrace and barbeque perfect for warm evenings.
The island’s second-largest city, Limassol is a modern and well-developed part of Cyprus on the south coast. If you are planning on attending its wine festival in the evening, the daytime can be spent wandering the palm tree-lined promenade along the seafront and taking in fantastic views of the ocean and nearby Limassol Marina.
Rural Limassol can be explored in its surrounding countryside and famous vineyards, or there are a number of interesting cultural attractions to fill a day of sightseeing in the city centre. You might enjoy partaking in a guided tour of the town to learn more about its history and most famous sites.
The Kourion or Curium in Limassol is an archaeological site containing the remains of a city, though to be some of the most impressive ruins in the whole of Cyprus. This usually busy tourist spot is a lot quieter in September, meaning you can spend time appreciating the architecture undisturbed by crowds. Most worth a visit is the Kourion ancient amphitheatre, which is still occasionally used for music and theatrical performances.
In the centre of the city’s old town is Limassol Castle, originally built in the 13th century and rebuilt by the Ottomans in 1590 after sustaining damage from earthquakes and invasions. The location is steeped in varied history, with the building housing the Cyprus Medieval Museum and the castle’s chapel said to have been where Richard the Lionheart was married in 1191.
Limassol’s size means that you’ve got a great range of options when it comes to choosing where you’d like to stay in the city.
Travellers that want to be right on the coast will love the Old Port Hotel, offering classic rooms and guest suites in a prime location in the middle of the city’s Old Town.
If you’re travelling solo or just want more budget-conscious accommodation, the Lemongrass Hostel is an adults-only hostel with colourful decor, small dormitories and a garden with a barbeque that guests can use.
If you prefer to stay in a private apartment when you’re travelling, 2 Brothers has a selection of two-person flats right on the coast that each have a terrace offering views of the city and the sea.
Another one of Cyprus’ large and modern cities is Larnaca, featuring a collection of beaches, restaurants and shops along the front, important Christian and Islamic religious sites, huge salt lakes and a surrounding landscape of rugged mountains. It’s also a good spot for wine tasting if you fancy unwinding after a long day of sightseeing.
Located high above the sea on a rocky peak is the Stavovouni Monastery, providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside on the journey up to the site. The monastery was founded by Saint Helen in 330. AD, and houses a piece of the Holy Cross which the building is dedicated to. Only men are allowed inside of the monastery, but the location and its spectacular environment still make it a worthwhile visit.
One of the most impressive examples of Byzantine architecture in Cyprus, this church is named after Saint Lazarus, who is said to have come to the island after being resurrected by Jesus. It can still be very hot during the day in September, but visitors can escape the heat and spend some time looking around the church’s cool, stone interior and the underground tomb space where the saint is buried.
Many people choose to stay in the centre of Larnaca when they visit this city so that they can be close to all of its attractions. Here are some of our top recommendations.
If you’re looking for outstanding quality accommodation, the Leonardo Boutique Hotel is a popular option with a great range of facilities that promise a luxurious experience.
For a more creative hotel option, The Rise Street Art Hotel is so named because of the colourful murals painted on the outside of the building, offering double rooms with unique decor.
If you’d prefer private accommodation, Jimmy’s Suites are very close to the beach and is an aparthotel perfect for couples that want their own space to relax on holiday.
Ayia Napa in the east of Cyprus is famous for being a party town, with a vast range of clubs and bars making it a popular destination for young travellers. However, in September it is likely to have quietened down a bit and offers a great chance to experience some of the best beaches on the whole island without the usual hordes of summer visitors. There will still be boat tours happening at the start of the month, giving you the chance to sail along the coast from Ayia Napa and swim in sheltered bays or snorkel alongside fish.
Makronissos Beach is actually a combination of three small bays extending in different directions, linked together by coastal paths and providing safe and sheltered beach spaces. Nearby to the beach is also one of Ayia Napa’s oldest sites; a set of Hellenic and Roman ancient tombs that provide a historical excursion from the beach.
Taking its name from the single fig tree which has been on the beach since the 17th century, Fig Tree Bay is a popular spot that is part of the tourist resort in Paralimni. As well as clear sea and golden sand, there are a host of beachside facilities including changing rooms and umbrellas, alongside kiosks and cafes providing food and drink.
Beaches and nightlife are the two main attractions for visitors to Aiya Napa. You’ll want to be close to both when you visit in September, so here are some of the best places to stay in the centre of the village.
If you want beach views and high-end facilities, the Okeanos Beach Boutique Hotel is right on the coast and offers guests plenty to do dining and entertainment options, as well as being right next to one of Aiya Napa’s best beaches.
If you’re visiting with family or just fancy a quieter atmosphere, Christopher’s Sandy Beach Suites is an aparthotel with holiday flats and studios right next to a beach and only a 15-minute walk from town.
If you’re travelling in a group and want to enjoy the comforts of your own private holiday home, the Villa Kalypso is only a 4-minute walk to the beach and sleeps up to twelve guests across four bedrooms.
Myth and legend have always been attached to the island of Cyprus, and it is easy to see why the goddess of beauty is said to have favoured such a specular location. This island is the perfect destination for any traveller wanting to experience a range of culture, sightseeing and exquisite natural surroundings, and September is an ideal time to enjoy the Mediterranean climate and warm welcome that every visitor receives during their stay.
It might rain during your trip to Cyprus in September, but the chances are very low. Any rainfall is most likely to occur in the mountain region of the island, so if you are staying on the coast the weather is likely to be dry and warm for your entire trip.
Events such as the Limassol Wine Festival at the beginning of the month may make certain areas of Cyprus busier, but in general, most places will be a little quieter than the peak holiday season. The later in the month you visit, the less busy the island is likely to be.
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