Snow among pine trees, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus. Photo: Sapir Peretz When we think of Cyprus, most of us imagine sun, beaches and turquoise waters. However, this time of year, the island shows a completely different side.
Winter is doing Cyprus a favor. The rain has turned the island green, the dams are full of water, the waterfalls are gushing and the mountain peaks are covered in snow. In other words, the landscapes take on a dramatic and refreshing look, fully contrasting the island's boiling yellow image in summer.
This is the ultimate time for travelers looking to combine a good hotel with a nature experience. With so much to see, we piled up five recommended spots within a star-studded trip from Limassol city:
Located throughout the mountain villages of Limassol district, in the Troodos mountain range, the beautiful Millomeri waterfall flows freely at this time of year. The water cascades at the bottom, rising to a height of about 15 meters to create a natural pool amidst a green landscape with dramatic rocks and shady trees around.
The name Millomeri means "the humid place," suitable for the area with humid and refreshing air even on hot days. During fall and spring, the place takes on the colors of blossoms, and in the summer, the icy waters offer a refreshing immersion experience in nature. Now, as of this writing, it is very cold. Another thing to take into account is that reaching the waterfall involves descending, and then ascending, a steep staircase.
Photo: Sapir PeretzIn the center of the island of Cyprus, the Troodos Mountains rise, a spectacular mountain range that dominates the landscape. The place is a rare combination of nature, eucalyptus and pine forests, traditional villages full of character, must-see viewpoints, and ancient churches and monasteries, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The highest mountain here, Mount Olympus, rises to a height of about 1,952 meters above sea level. At this time of year, it is very cold even on the lower peaks. Yesterday (January 20, 2026), when we hiked there in the early afternoon, the temperature was minus 2 degrees, so make sure to wear thermal clothing. Perhaps because of the cold, we hiked there almost alone. In our opinion, this is the ultimate time to hike in the area, first because of all the greenery, the flowing water and the snow, and then because of the zero swarms of tourists.
Lying Sun Jeep trip to the Troodos Mountains. Photo: Sapir Peretz
Snow piles up on the sides of the roads. Troodos Mountains, Cyprus. Photo: Sapir PeretzAt an altitude of about 780 meters above sea level lies the village of Lofou, one of the traditional and picturesque villages of Cyprus. Its name is derived from the word λοφος: hill. The winding alleys, the traditional stone houses, the small cafes and the open landscape immediately carry you to the quiet rural pace of life.
In winter, the place looks temporarily deserted, but who needs the noise of tourists when you can wander quietly through the magical alleys.
Each alley is more beautiful than the last. The village of Lofou, Cyprus. Photo: Sapir Peretz
Lofou village. Photo: Sapir Peretz
Photo: Sapir PeretzThe village of Alassa lies at a relatively short drive from Limassol. When you arrive, you don't really see the village, for the simple reason that it is buried underwater. The village was "naturalized" following the construction of the Kouris Dam in the 1980s. The resulting reservoir is an important body of water for the region and also a destination for birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers.
Locals claim that, during really rainy seasons, water also covers the remains of the Agios Nikolaos Church, which is now completely dry.
Sinkhole under water. Alassa village. Photo: Sapir PeretzIn recent years, Cyprus has become a wine lover's favorite destination, thanks to the impressive concentration of wineries scattered throughout the island and the diverse styles they offer. From the mountainous vineyards of the Troodos Mountains to the southern beaches, you can find quality local wines. There are plenty of guided tours of the wineries including tastings.
We visited Zambartas Winery, a boutique family winery that combines traditional winemaking and sustainable farming with modern techniques, using local grape varieties alongside international varieties. The visit to the winery includes an explanation of the production process, a tour of the vineyard, and, of course, guided tastings.
Photo: Sapir PeretzIn conclusion, all of these places and many more charming ones that Cyprus has to offer turn the island into a destination worth experiencing even in winter.