Is Cyprus worth visiting in January?

Question

I am from the US, will be in the middle east this january, and considering traveling to Cyprus.

-Is Cyprus worth the visit at that time of year?
-Am I allowed into North Cyprus?
-will people understand English, or will i be totally lost?
-is it warm enough for going swimming in the ocean?

Also, I am not the kind of person who is interested to touristy things, or shopping or nightclubs. I'd like to hike around, or maybe rent a bicycle. any suggestions?

thanks

Answer 1

Hello, and congratulations on chosing to visit Cyprus. It is trully lovely island with very friendly people.
I have been to Cyprus myself more times than I can remember and it's one of my favourite places in the world.

However, December January and February is winter time in Cyprus and the weather is not particularly warm at that time of year and definatley not warm enough to swim in the sea unless you are very very brave!

There will be quite a bit of rain, especially in the mountains and yes you can find snow for skiing in the mountains, rarely on the coast although one Christmas a couple of years ago there were a few snow flurries in Paphos.
The average temp in January will be around 17 degrees with approx 5.8 hours of sun each day. Perhaps it's good for cycling if you don't like it too hot.

If you are going elsewhere in the middle east eg Dubai, that is certainly much warmer, but if you are thinking about Cyprus as a place thats worthwhile to visit in terms of lovely hotels I would reccommend Paphos and in particular The Elysium or the Annabel Hotels as being quality places to stay. If you'd like any reccomendations elsewhere, just ask!

You will also find lots to do and see in terms of history and culture, but if thats not youre kind of thing, then I'd suggest hiring a 4 x 4 car, get your bike in the back and take to the countryside for spectacular scenery and even a bit of off-road driving.
Nearest bigger villages easily accessable from Paphos/Coral Bay would probably be Polis & Latchi and well worth a visit.

For a first visit, I wouldn't particularly recommend Limassol it's a city, not very pretty and busy. The east of the Island (Protaras & Ayia Napa etc) is not busy in winter and most of the tourist facilities will be mainly closed so theres not a lot going on there. Many hotels also close during the winter time.

Many locals at least in the south speak very good English- the road-signs are all in English & Greek and it is very easy to get around the island.

As for visiting the North of the Island, since the Republic of Cyprus joined the EU in 2004 the rules relating to border crossing in Cyprus have slightly changed and the majority of Cyprus guide and travel books are actually out of date.

If you’re travelling to Northern Cyprus from south Cyprus you should drive to Nicosia and follow the few signs that exist to ‘Keryneia’ and you will arrive at the Metehan crossing point. You will not be stopped until you reach the Turkish Cypriot side.

I an unsure about an American passport and would reccommend checking with the American Embassy what the rules are but I know that If you possess a British passport, an EU member state passport or have a visa to enter TRNC you will just have to present your papers, complete a white visa slip and you can proceed without any problems.

Please be aware that hire cars from south Cyprus are permitted to enter Northern Cyprus but all cars have to purchase additional insurance at the border crossing point.

The protocol for crossing the borders in Cyprus is the same whichever crossing point you choose. There is another pedestrian crossing in Nicosia at the Ledra Palace, and there is another popular crossing point in Famagusta that people use to access Agia Napa for a good night out!

Despite what the guide and travel books say the main crossing points are open 24 hours a day and you are not restricted on the number of times you cross backwards and forwards and you will get stamps on your white visa form not in your passport so those who worry that they won’t be allowed onto the Greek or Turkish mainland with stamps from North or south Cyprus needn’t worry.

Oh, and the tour operators in south Cyprus who advise you to take your own water, sandwiches etc., with you when you travel to Northern Cyprus are slightly out of touch because they do actually have shops and restaurants in North Cyprus nowadays!!

Whatever you decide to do, I can promise that a visit to Cyprus is well worth your while and I hope that you have a lovely holiday there.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Cyprus In January

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is Cyprus worth visiting in January?
I am from the US, will be in the middle east this january, and considering traveling to Cyprus.

-Is Cyprus worth the visit at that time of year?
-Am I allowed into North Cyprus?
-will people understand English, or will i be totally lost?
-is it warm enough for going swimming in the...

Answer 4

Cyprus is very nice in the winter especially if you are not interested in the tourist crowds in neon color t-shirts. I recomend visiting the villages on the Troodos mountains. You can stay at agrotourism houses to be closer to real village life. I think it is cold for swimming in the winter. You are allowed in the occupied areas of Cyprus. Most people do speak english.

Answer 5

only if you like skiing