Cyprus has been named the best destination for British travellers seeking sunshine this October, with coastal temperatures reaching 27°C to 28°C and flights from the UK available for as little as £31.
Travel experts at Solmar Villas compared 105 holiday spots for good weather and cheap flights, finding Cyprus the top choice for Brits. According to Skyscanner, one-way flights can be as low as £31 during the off-season, making it an affordable break.
Top Spots in Cyprus
Cyprus offers consistent coastal temperatures around 24°C and low rainfall. Popular destinations include Ayia Napa, known for its beachside nightlife, as well as Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. Limassol combines city life with the coast, Larnaca is a chilled port city, and Paphos is ideal for history fans with its World Heritage sites.
Paphos is split into two main areas: Kato Pafos (Lower Pafos) and Ktima (Upper Pafos). Kato Pafos attracts most tourists with stylish hotels, resorts, restaurants, and a palm-lined promenade. Ktima offers a more relaxed atmosphere, full of traditional Cypriot buildings, narrow streets, and classic tavernas.
Historical Attractions
The Pafos Archaeological Site is one of Cyprus's most important archaeological sites and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1980. Visitors can see relics from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages, including Roman villas called the Houses of Dionysos, Theseus, Aion, and Orpheus, with detailed mosaic floors showing scenes from Greek mythology.
The Tombs of the Kings, part of the archaeological park, feature large tombs dating from the 4th century BCE to the 3rd century AD. Despite the name, no kings are buried there; it served as a resting place for high-ranking officials and aristocrats.
The Paphos mosaics, discovered by accident in 1962, are over 2,000 years old. Boardwalks allow visitors to view the fragile mosaics from above, with viewing spots and information panels explaining the scenes.
Dining and Beaches
Paphos harbour and waterfront offer bars and restaurants serving Cypriot dishes like Kleftiko, Souvla, and Afelia, as well as international options. Boat trips from the harbour include sunset cruises, glass-bottom boat rides, and snorkelling tours, with chances to see sea caves and turtles.
Paphos Castle, built by the Byzantines in the 13th century, has served as a sea fortress, a prison, and a salt warehouse. It is now a popular tourist attraction.
Coral Bay, 6 km north of Paphos, offers a sandy 500-metre-long beach with sunbeds, toilets, showers, and changing rooms. The nearby Coral Bay strip features lively bars and restaurants with a classic 'Brits abroad' holiday vibe.
Getting There
Direct flights to Paphos International Airport (PFO) are the quickest option, with airlines like British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair flying from London Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham. Flights take about 4 to 5 hours.
For a more adventurous route, travellers can take a train to Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam and then fly to Paphos. Alternatively, driving or taking a train to ports like Calais or Bruges allows for a ferry journey, though this is a long trip with several stops.
