Holidays in Cyprus in May 2021 – weather, prices for tours, photos, descriptions, reviews
May is a wonderful time of the year, causing an irresistible desire after the long winter months to plunge into nirvana on a sandy sunny beach, emerging from the invigorating azure sea. Holidays in Cyprus in May are the best opportunity to enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the island, find unfading beauty and youth by swimming in the bay of Aphrodite, tirelessly contemplate the breathtaking Cypriot landscapes and see with your own eyes ancient sights covered in legends and myths.
Peculiarities
The island of Cyprus, washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, closes the triad of the largest Mediterranean islands. It attracts tourists with picturesque landscapes with valleys, bizarre cliffs, amazing mountain reliefs and a blooming coastline with beaches awarded with Blue Flags for ecology and comfortable infrastructure. The mild subtropical climate and sunny days favor the beach season, which is not interrupted for 8 months a year.
Tourists who traveled independently by car say that you can cross the island from west to east in 3 hours, getting a vivid palette of impressions from the sights of antiquity and the Middle Ages. To travel to the Republic of Cyprus on a direct flight from Russia without transfers in 2019, you need to obtain a Pro-visa, which is issued online on the consulate website and will not take much time.
Weather
In the last month of spring in Cyprus, warm weather sets in, comfortable for relaxing. The average monthly air temperature in the coastal resorts during the day is within + 23⁰, water – + 21-22⁰ C. The first week can be somewhat cooler and windy. In the middle of the month, the air warms up to +25, and sometimes up to +27 degrees. At the end of the month, comfortable summer weather sets in up to +28 degrees, warming the sea off the coast to +23 degrees.
In May the weather is expected to be:
| Resort | t in the afternoon | t at night | t water | precipitation |
| Ayia Napa | +23 – +28°C | +19…22°C | + 22 -+23°C | Without prolonged precipitation (4mm) |
| Larnaca | +23 -28°C | +19…22°C | + 21-+22°C | no rain |
| Protaras | +23 – +28°C | +20…22°C | +21+23°C | No rain |
| Pathos | +21- +25°C | +17…19°C | +20 +22°C | 1 day (18.6 mm.) |
| Limassol | +21- +25°C | +18…20°C | +20°C +22°C | 1 day (25.1 mm.) |
| Pissuri | +24.5°C | +18.5°C | +22°C. +23°C. | 1 day(19.2mm) |
| Policy | +24.3 | + 19.0°C | +21 | 2 days (23.1 mm.) |
Is it possible to swim
Warm sunny days, which are rich in May in Cyprus, irresistibly attract to the magnificent sandy and pebble beaches. In early May, on the southwestern and southeastern coasts, sea water warms up from +20⁰C to +22⁰С by the third decade of the month and up to + 23°C in resorts located on the southern part of the island. At the beginning of the month, the water is still cool, so there are fewer vacationers with children in coastal resorts, who begin to gather towards the end of the month, filling the beaches. For Russian tourists who are not accustomed to swimming in too warm water, the sea is quite suitable for swimming in the first half of the month. When the sea warms up to +23, it is quite suitable for bathing children.
Which resort to choose
The resorts of Cyprus, like sea pearls scattered along the coast of the island, are distinguished by their unsurpassed color. It is not easy to make a choice of a vacation spot from the gallery of natural beauties, the uniqueness of nearby attractions and hotels that are almost equal in terms of comfort to a beach holiday. A description of the best resort towns will help you decide where to stay, and given the short distances between them, it's easy to rent a car and visit other popular holiday destinations.
Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa is located on the east coast of Cyprus and is considered the best resort on the island. The name of the city was given by the local monastery built in the Middle Ages by the Venetians in the center of the city. In May, the beach season opens here, conducive to sunbathing and swimming. By the end of the month, the atmosphere of Ayia Napa warms up to + 30 ° C.
The bright sun, warm summer evenings, a light refreshing breeze from the sea and beautiful sandy beaches, equipped with everything you need, create an atmosphere conducive to a comfortable stay. The most popular beach in Ayia Napa among young people is Nissi Beach with parasailing from a boat over the water, yacht trips, diving, catamaran or jet skiing and parties that do not subside until the morning. The beaches – Lanta, Makronisos, Grecian Bay are distinguished by a peaceful atmosphere.
In the city center, it is worth visiting the Thalassa Municipal Museum of the Sea, which displays stuffed animals of the underwater world and life-size models of ships, objects found in the depths of the sea at the site of shipwrecks. Hotels in Ayia Napa stand out for their high level of comfort and service. In many of them, animators work with children of different ages. With the influx of tourists starting from mid-May, you need to book a tour to the hotel now.
View prices for tours in Ayia Napa
Larnaca
Larnaca opens the tourist season in May. This resort attracts with beautiful landscapes along the coastal strip, filled with the healing aroma of eucalyptus groves. Daytime temperature reaching +26⁰C warms the sea up to +21⁰С, conducive to tanning and invigorating sea bathing. The most popular recreation area of Larnaca is the shallow Mackenzie Beach dotted with gray sand, with a fluttering Blue Flag and surrounded by fashionable hotel complexes. Near the beach strip there is a series of restaurants and cafes offering traditional dishes and soft drinks.
All beaches of Larnaca are distinguished by comfortable conditions for recreation with changing cabins, showers, sun loungers, umbrellas and toilets. Diving training here can be done in diving centers. After a beach holiday, tourists enjoy strolling along the picturesque Funikoudes promenade, visiting the medieval fort, the archaeological site of Kalavasos Tenta and the many kilometers long ancient aqueduct. Shoppers will have an exciting time in the large shopping centers Zenonos Kitieos and Ermou Street.
View prices for tours to Larnaca
Protaras
The quiet resort town of Protaras is one of the best in Cyprus for a beach holiday. May is the beginning of the holiday season, when the daytime temperature rises from + 25⁰С to + 27⁰С, and in the second half of the month it reaches + 30⁰С. The sea is still cool, but quite suitable for swimming. A series of cozy sandy beaches and picturesque shallow bays with a gentle entrance to the sea especially attract families with children. On all beaches there are sunbeds and umbrellas for sunbathing, showers, conditions for diving are created.
Near the beach line there are many cafes, fast foods and stalls with beach accessories. A chain of comfortable hotels stretched along the 1st and 2nd beach lines. The city does not have a vibrant nightlife. Cultural leisure of tourists includes visiting the historical museum, dancing fountains and the Church of Elijah the Prophet.
View prices for tours in Protaras
Pathos
Paphos, the cradle of the goddess Aphrodite, is a wonderful place to spend your holidays in May, when the weather is ideal for any pastime. During the day it is already quite warm, sometimes the thermometer rises to +28⁰С, although the water may not seem comfortable enough to especially heat-loving people. But towards the end of the month on the beaches of Paphos there is already a “full house”.
The sandy and pebbly shores of this resort differ from the sandy coasts of Ayia Napa and Limassol, but in terms of their infrastructure they are not inferior to them. Above the best beaches in Paphos, Coral Bay, Geroskipou, Vrisoudia, the Blue Flag flutters. Indescribably picturesque and secluded wild beaches near the city, among which Lara Beach is especially popular. All city beaches are kept perfectly clean. They belong to the municipality and are visited free of charge, you only need to pay for the rental of sunbeds and umbrellas.
The coastline of Paphos is lined with luxury hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops. The resort is interesting for its numerous cultural and historical sites: a fortress built by Alexander the Great, ancient monasteries, the archaeological park of Kato Paphos, a bathhouse and the temple of Aphrodite. Evening life in Paphos is relatively calm.
View prices for tours in Paphos
Limassol
The city of Limassol is located on the southern coast of the island. This is the second largest modern resort in Cyprus, with a charming old town with a medieval fortress, historical houses and temples of different religions. The southern location of the resort, which pleases with warm sunny weather, contributes to the filling of the beaches from the beginning of May. The air warms up to + 25 ° C, and the sea up to + 22 C. The beaches of Limassol, covered with gray-black volcanic sand, occupy a narrow coastal strip. The central beach is lively and noisy, located next to the seaport.
The embankment runs along the entire coast, stretching eastward to the bay of the ancient city of Astmus. These places are built up with hotels of different status: from luxurious to democratic. Limosol has excellent conditions for diving and kiting. The services of local spa centers and thalassotherapy are very popular. The fascinating history of Limassol is interesting to learn when visiting the old fortress, the ancient city of Kourion, the Muslim mosque Jami Kebir and other cultural heritage of past civilizations.
View prices for tours in Limassol
Pissuri
The small picturesque village of Pissouri, located near Pissouri Bay in the middle of the way from Limassol to Paphos, has gained resort status not so long ago. In May, the weather is sunny for 30 days, and the daytime temperature varies from +20°C to +22.6°C. The sea is still cool, warming up to +21.0°C on average. On the coast, stretching at the foot of a high hill, there are 2 sparsely populated beaches covered with pebbles and sand. The azure crystal clear waters are ideal for diving. To diversify your holiday in Pissouri, catamaran trips and fishing are offered.
For tourists, on the shores of the bay and on the outskirts of the village, surrounded by gardens, there are family hotel complexes, resort hotels, apartments and holiday homes. The picturesque mountainous and hilly area is conducive to hiking and cycling. Having rested in the arms of the sea and among the mountains, tourists rush to refresh themselves in numerous local taverns, delighting with homemade cheeses and wine. In the evenings, live folk melodies sound and dances are arranged in taverns.
See prices for tours in Pissouri
Policy
Polis is a quiet resort town with shores washed by the azure sea, surrounded by picturesque landscapes of almond groves. The unhurried rhythm of life, the environment of ancient antiquities, fish fairs and yacht trips organized by the yachting center create a unique atmosphere of the resort. You will not find a large selection of hotels here. For the most part, apartment complexes and villas are oriented towards the accommodation of guests, notable for their comfortable conditions for living with children.
The thermometer in May, as a rule, stops at + 23⁰С, but sometimes exceeds +30⁰С. Coastal water warms up to +21⁰С, which already makes it possible to indulge in an invigorating bath. Municipal pebble beaches delight with cleanliness and well-being – children's and volleyball courts, cafe-bars and restaurants. Fans of active nightlife are unlikely to like it here, as local hotels do not pay much attention to entertainment.
View prices for tours in Polis
What to see in spring
In May, when there is no exhausting heat in Cyprus, it's time to enjoy its blooming nature, visit the picturesque corners of the island and visit the sights that keep echoes of ancient myths and legends. When you are close to Ayia Napa, do not miss the chance to visit Cape Greco, which strikes the imagination with bizarre rocky landscapes, the romantic Love Bridge and the church that crowns couples with eternal love. No less amazing are the 40 white marble and stone exhibits of the sculpture park, recently opened in these places.
The exotic nature of the Cape Greco National Forest Park and the breathtaking views from its observation decks will leave amazing pictures of Cyprus in memory. Be sure to visit the amazing beauty of nature and the legendary beaches of Petra tou Romiou, where Aphrodite appeared from the foam of the sea, the Baths of Aphrodite and the Fountain of Amoros. In the white-stone village of Lefkara, not far from Larnaca, marvel at the art of silver lace weaving and 18 ancient churches that hold valuable Christian relics.
Entertainment
With the beginning of the tourist season, the entertainment industry is activated at resorts, hotels and beaches. Beach holidays are complemented by parachuting, jet skiing and catamarans, water skiing, winderfing, banana fun and other beach attractions. Water parks, amusement parks, club and beach discos and parties are starting to work at full capacity.
The most active party place, popular among young people, is Ayia Napa, nicknamed the “Cypriot Ibiza” for entertainment that lasts almost around the clock. Bars, restaurants and nightclubs in other cities and hotels keep up with the entertainment leader, arranging fun activities for vacationers of different age groups.
The main event of May, the apotheosis of luxurious spring flowering was the holiday – Antestiria. This is a luxurious flower festival held in all the cities of the island. Festive processions, decorated with flower arrangements on the platforms, thematic flower exhibitions and flower fairs, incendiary concert programs and a dizzying aroma that fills the city streets will remain in memory and vivid photographs for a long time.
Vacation with children
All resorts in Cyprus have excellent conditions for families with children. Most hotels are equipped with special children's pools and children's playgrounds, they offer a children's menu in restaurants and cafes. Consider what amenities and what interesting resorts for children can offer.
The golden sandy beaches of Ayia Napa with a smooth entry into the sea and a comprehensive infrastructure are ideal for families with children of any age. The largest water park on the island, the Dinosaur Park and the Luna Park will not let your children get bored. The boys will be interested in visiting the ship “Black Pearl”, which took part in the filming of “Pirates of the Caribbean” and a donkey farm.
Larnaca with comfortable beaches and hotels has long been popular with families with children. Lucky Star Park and Wow Action Park offer a huge selection of traditional and water activities on unique rides and games for children of all ages. A visit to the camel park will be memorable, where you can ride a “ship of the desert”, a donkey, a pony and watch a movie in 5D format in a film capsule.
Limassol, in addition to a beach holiday, has created excellent conditions for leisure in the city park with a variety of playgrounds, cafes, and a mini-zoo. In the entertainment center “Galaktika” the whole family will be able to have an exciting time.
Children will remember Paphos by visiting the Bird Park with antelope, camels, giraffes and a fascinating show of parrots living there. A bright surge of emotions will bring the time spent in the water park “Aphrodite”.
Protaras will delight you with well-maintained sandy beaches, an exciting visit to the oceanarium and a water park, and Polis and Pissouri with family boat trips on yachts and catamarans.
Tour prices
Here is the estimated cost of popular tours to Cyprus in May, calculated for 2 people. Prices are valid at the time of publication.
Hotel prices
When opening the beach season in May in Cyprus, be sure to use early booking, which will give you the opportunity to settle in the chosen room of the hotel you like and, in addition, save money. The cost of the tour consists of the star status of the hotel, the classification of the room, according to the comfort provided: standard, deluxe, deluxe, apartments or villas. For the cost of living in a hotel, it is important how far from the beach it is located: on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd coastline. Accommodation in a hotel close to the sea will be more expensive.
The price of the hotel includes the type of food and a number of other services. Meals can be chosen from breakfast, breakfast and dinner, all inclusive – (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and a set of services) and ultra all inclusive with three meals a day, snacks throughout the day and alcohol. The cost of the hotel also depends on the time of year – during the peak of the holiday season, any room will cost more. The popularity of the resort also affects pricing. Hotels in Ayia Napa, Protaras and Limassol are more expensive than the hotels of other resorts that are not inferior to them in terms of service and comfort.
Excursions
The weather in May is favorable for excursions. In the absence of a large number of tourists, you can visit any fortresses and museums without rushing, taking your time to explore them and choose a good angle for a selfie. In addition, the cost of excursions in May will be cheaper than in the high season. Tourists interested in places of worship will be offered tours of Orthodox Cyprus with visits to ancient monasteries glorified by holy springs, healing icons and unique frescoes.
History lovers can drive along the “Golden Ring of Cyprus” – places mentioned in ancient Greek myths and legends with a visit to the temples of Apollo and Aphrodite, the bay of Aphrodite, the lake where the goddess bathed and arranged love dates. Excursions to the memorable villages of the western coast – Eba, Leba and Latsi will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the bays, churches and get acquainted with the history of the settlements that arose in the Copper Age.
See the treasures of Cape Greca on an exciting journey by car. It is unlikely that anyone will refuse a “gourmet tour” with a tasting of several varieties of wine, meat and fish delicacies, local cheeses and desserts. This is just not a complete list of exciting voyages organized from Ayia Napa, Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca and other cities chosen by you for your vacation.
Food prices
Tourists who have not bought an all-inclusive tour will have to spend a lot on food. In Cyprus, the cost of specialties, side dishes and snacks in restaurants and cafes will be the highest. On average, a meal in a tavern for 2 people will cost 59 €, and in a restaurant you will pay from 40 to 100% more for the same dishes. Fast food and fast food chains will feed two with spring rolls, pita kebab with coffee or juice for 30€-40€.
In Ayia Napa, in a cafe far from the beach, for lunch, including soup, dumplings or fish cutlet plus coffee, pay 15 € per person. A combo lunch at McDonald's will cost 5€-6€ per person. Dinner in a restaurant with a hot meat dish and a glass of wine for 2 people will cost from 60€ to 70€. A cocktail costs 5€ to 15€, ice cream up to 4€.
In a cafe for a meat dish or a national fish dish – meze, pay up to 45 € for two. Dishes in Cypriot catering establishments are very large, so do not be afraid to order one dish for two. Do not bypass supermarkets, where you can often buy products of excellent quality at 20-40% cheaper with promotions. We have given the average food prices expected in May, but in different resorts and they may vary slightly.
Reviews of tourists
Many tourists who visited Cyprus in May mention that the island pleased them with great weather. The air temperature sometimes reached + 30⁰С -35⁰С, and the sea warmed up by noon to 23⁰С-24⁰С. Sometimes the wind from the sea annoyed, forming small waves that made swimming difficult, but when the breeze subsided, the sea became calm. The comfort and service of Cypriot hotels deserves the highest praise: helpful staff and a large list of services create all the conditions for a carefree holiday.
Three-star hotels with swimming pools, restaurants, playgrounds are often not inferior to hotels of higher categories in terms of service and comfort, while at the same time pleasing with a lower cost of living. In May, nature, surrounding well-maintained beaches, villages and cities, enchants with luxurious greenery and flowering. Hospitable people, delicious national cuisine and legendary sights bring a lot of positive emotions.
Conclusion
The advantages of a holiday in May in Cyprus are obvious: spaciousness on the beaches, prices for hotels and boarding houses that did not have time to rise without an influx of tourists, comfortable weather without heat and rain, favorable for hiking in the beautiful corners of the island and unique sights, which are endless in Cyprus.