Michalis Michaelides
What does the perfect Cyprus summer look like? A sunset in Pomos, an after-work swim, mahalepi by the sea, or dinner in a mountain village? Before the office emptied for the holidays, I asked colleagues to share the experiences that make summer on the island special to them. Their answers, along with a few of my own favorites, became this very local summer bucket list.
Yiota Kouridou
Can you have summer without Paphos? Of course not. As the well-known song goes, "Summer and Paphos, in your embrace, shipwrecked on your shore, with the blue as my companion.”
Or perhaps it does not go quite like that, but this is my version as a genuine, well, half, Paphian.
The ultimate summer setting comes alive in Peyia. After hours of baking in the sun and splashing in the cool waters of my beloved Coral Bay, we gather our buckets and beach gear and head to Porto Antico for food and cocktails.
There is only one choice, and it is non-negotiable: the meat platter for two, a Pink Spritzer, and a Luce di Limone Spritz.
If paradise exists, this must come pretty close.
Yiannis Adeilinis
When I think about summer holidays in Cyprus, the road almost always takes me west.
Development there has been relatively restrained, and there are still places that remind me of the Cyprus I first encountered in the 1990s.
Paphos was deservedly named one of the world’s best destinations for watching the sunset this year. The colours really are extraordinary, with deep orange and red reflections across the sky. Agia Marina and Pomos are among the best places to enjoy them.
Whenever I am passing through Paphos and hunger strikes, I stop at Filiotis in Timi, near the airport. It is an honest, family-run fish tavern right by the sea, serving quality ingredients, homemade dips and fresh fish, with a skilled hand in the kitchen.
Service comes with a smile, along with a warm sense of familiarity that takes you back in time, as though not a single day has passed.
The coastal road trip from Latchi to Pachyammos is a spectacular drive unlike any other in the government-controlled areas of the island. On one side is the blue of the sea; on the other, the green of the mountains.
The unpaved forest route from Lysos to Pelathousa through Paphos Forest is also beautiful. But the paved descent from Pelathousa towards Limni is the real showstopper, opening up to a sweeping view of Chrysochous Bay.
Families staying in Latchi or the surrounding area should also stop at AM Drouseia Dairy in the village of the same name.
Stock up on Maria Kapona’s wonderful traditional cheeses, including halloumi, fresh anari and goat’s milk halitzi.
Once you reach Pomos, one of the most dependable places for lunch is Chrysta’s Kafeneio. Try her excellent stuffed courgette blossoms while sitting beside elderly village regulars playing backgammon.
If those much-loved classics do not quite satisfy your search for the ultimate holiday dining experience, you can dig considerably deeper into your pocket and head to COR Gastronomy in Limassol.
Chef Chris Theofanous and his team offer an unforgettable explosion of flavors. The airy foie gras parfait, scallops with cauliflower, chorizo and Madeira sauce, and sea bass with leeks, shiitake mushrooms, and dashi beurre blanc create combinations you might never have imagined were possible.
Aphrodite Dermata
If you find yourself in Nicosia during August, the most nostalgic way to experience an authentic Cypriot summer is with an evening at the Constantia Open-Air Cinema.
There is no better summer option in the capital than surrendering to the magic of a good film with an ice-cold beer and freshly made popcorn beneath the stars.
When the credits roll, the evening can continue at Palaia Pineza, with a refreshing cocktail and music selected by the night’s DJ.
Its distinctive atmosphere and easy-going energy make you feel, at least for a few hours, as though you are on holiday, without ever leaving Nicosia.
Myria Neophytou
If you are visiting beautiful Paphos this summer, make sure you try the Mediterranean flavours at NEMA, located at Anemi Hotel & Suites in the heart of Kato Paphos.
It is a cosy space with wonderful energy and faultless service.
My favourite dishes, which never fail to appear on our table, are the roasted red beetroot and goat’s cheese salad; the Bruschetta Pizzetta with tomato pesto, fresh tomatoes, Parmesan and balsamic glaze; and the penne with smoked burrata.
For dessert, my favorites are the tiramisu and chocolate cookie fudge.
Riana Stylianou
It may sound simple, perhaps even boring to some, but this is what real summer means to me.
I spend endless hours beside the sea, enjoying the sun and the crystal-clear waters of Protaras. As the sun begins to set, I head to the Kafeneio at Cavo Maris for mahalepi with ice cream and a cup of unsweetened Cypriot coffee.
That moment, when the breeze begins to cool the air and the day slowly fades, is my perfect image of a Cypriot summer.
These small, simple habits often become our most treasured memories.
There is another summer habit I believe we should all adopt: stop waiting for the weekend or our holidays before allowing ourselves to enjoy the season.
I know everyday life can be demanding. There are children, work, responsibilities and schedules that leave very little room to breathe.
Even so, there is usually a way to steal a little piece of summer — if not early in the morning, then after work.
An afternoon swim, an hour at the beach, a sunset with friends or even a coffee beside the sea can completely transform an exhausting day.
After all, the sea is only a short distance away for most of us, yet we often take it for granted.
Theofilos Tsierkezis
I cannot offer you an unforgettable August experience in Cyprus because I am always abroad at that time. I can, however, describe my ideal summer afternoon in Nicosia.
I would begin with an afternoon cocktail at Swimming Birds, just as golden hour arrives and a welcome breeze begins to blow.
The relaxed atmosphere, good music and soft light before sunset create the perfect setting for leaving the day’s stress behind.
Once hunger begins to set in, there is really only one next stop: BIGA for authentic Neapolitan pizza.
It is a simple but complete summer outing that proves you do not need to leave the city to feel as though you are on holiday.
Demetria Mavrommati
If you are looking for a summer escape that combines relaxation, tradition and Cypriot hospitality, the picturesque village of Lofou is an ideal choice.
Begin the day with brunch at Kreouzo Cafe, where you can also take a dip in the pool. Then wander through the village’s narrow streets and try a halloumoti — a traditional halloumi-filled pastry — from Chrysolofitissa Bakery.
In the evening, enjoy authentic Cypriot flavours at Lofou Tavern, followed by a walk and a relaxed drink at Apokryfo Hotel.
If you visit Lofou between Aug. 13 and 16, stop by the 35th Akis Theodorou Festival, held in the historic courtyard of the village primary school.
A summer day in the government-controlled Famagusta district has everything.
Begin with a swim in the area’s crystal-clear waters. As the sun starts to drop, head to Cliff Bar, overlooking Konnos Beach, for coffee, dessert or a refreshing cocktail.
Finish the day in Sotira at Old Simos Tavern. Try the halloumi sticks with jam sauce — along with plenty of other dishes.
Michalis Michaelides
Just after a swim in the government-controlled Famagusta district, as dusk approaches and before the area’s restaurants begin their busy evening service, Mousikos in Sotira is hard to beat — and, if you are lucky, you may even find a table without a reservation.
Against the backdrop of the beautiful stone arches of the building housing the tavern, you can enjoy boiled goat’s and sheep’s milk halloumi with sea salt, tangy sheep’s milk yoghurt, grilled snails, ofto kleftiko served in a clay dish and fried poulles, the small taro roots for which the area is known.
This is Cypriot cooking at its best.
Start with an early morning swim in Latchi, at the spot between Anassa and Yiannakis reached by walking down the stone steps.
Have fresh fish for lunch at Periyiali, then head to Coco Bloco in Pomos for afternoon drinks and a magical sunset.
Finish with a light dinner anywhere along this dreamy route through the island’s northwest.
In the early afternoon, walk through the lush hazelnut valley in Polystypos — or fountoukies, as we call the trees locally.
Follow it with coffee and ice cream at Stavroula’s Kafeneio, then head to Madari for one of the most beautiful sunsets in Cyprus.
End the day with dinner either at Pantheon, with its wide-open views, or at Stavroula, surrounded by bougainvillea.
You have to experience it to truly appreciate August.
