Cyprus draws festive attention abroad
Cyprus is being highlighted by foreign media as an attractive Christmas destination, offering festive atmosphere, mild weather, and easy access for short winter breaks.
An extensive feature published by Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel’s highest-circulation paid newspaper, encourages readers to spend a few days on the island during the Christmas period, presenting Cyprus as a nearby European escape without long travel times or winter cold.
“Europe without the winter chill”
The article, written by journalist Maya Levin, notes that experiencing the Christmas spirit does not require expensive trips, long flights, or alpine temperatures. As she explains, a 45-minute flight places visitors in Europe, complete with Christmas markets, festive music, seasonal discounts, luxury hotels, casinos, and shopping areas.
Levin describes her four-day stay in Cyprus as filled with festive songs, roasted chestnuts, and sweet mulled wine, adding that the only thing missing was snow- something she says was hard to imagine given the warm daytime temperatures.
Festive season until January
According to the feature, Cyprus has already entered full Christmas mode, with celebrations continuing until 6 January. The journalist speaks positively about Cypriot hospitality and the welcoming attitude shown toward visitors during the holiday period.
She shares impressions from Limassol and other areas, highlighting the relaxed festive atmosphere and the island’s ability to combine Christmas traditions with a Mediterranean setting, making Cyprus a top Christmas destination.
Food, villages, and local culture
A significant part of the article is dedicated to Cypriot cuisine and traditional experiences. Particular praise is given to the village of Lefkara, near Larnaca, where visitors are encouraged to wander among artisans rather than focus solely on the Christmas market. Lefkara is rightly famous for Lefkara lace and silver filigree, which makes it a perfect spot for enjoying Christmas and local traditions.
Levin describes women embroidering outside stone houses, cats roaming freely through restaurants, and local artists selling traditional silver jewellery and handmade wicker baskets, noting that prices remain reasonable.
The feature also references the festive atmosphere in Kalopanayiotis and other locations, while devoting substantial space to luxury accommodation in Limassol, including spa facilities and casinos.
Cypriot products and festive traditions
The article also highlights the affordability of local supermarkets, where the journalist purchased products such as halloumi, feta, yoghurt suitable for tzatziki, olive oil, spices, nuts, and traditional walnut spoon sweets. She notes that these products allowed her to prepare Cypriot dishes at home for an entire week after returning.
Finally, the feature observes that although Christians make up a small percentage of Israel’s population, Christmas- which this year coincides with Hanukkah- is widely recognised and enjoyed, as is the case in many non-Christian countries.
Christmas Spirit
In recent years, Christmas markets and festive events across Cyprus have grown in both scale and popularity, becoming a familiar part of the holiday season for many communities. Beyond attracting visitors, these celebrations increasingly serve as a chance for locals to rediscover towns and villages, support small businesses and artisans, and engage with traditions that reflect the island’s evolving winter identity.
Also read: Fikardou Christmas Village lights up Troodos mountains
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