Cyprus has been ranked the sixth-best European island for autumn fishing, placing ahead of popular destinations such as Mallorca and Crete. The ranking by fishing trip booking platform FishingBooker assessed 44 European islands and placed Cyprus just behind Malta.
The island also achieved the highest ranking among destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean, highlighting its appeal to anglers during the autumn months.
Cyprus fishing offers 21 species in season
According to the ranking, Cyprus has 21 fish species in season during October and November, more than any other island in the Eastern Mediterranean. Eight species are currently at their peak season, including amberjack, leerfish, bonito and squid.
Cyprus also has 14 fishing charter boats, the third-highest number among the European islands assessed. Only Tenerife and Madeira have more, according to the study.
The ranking considered the number of fish species in season, the availability of fishing charter boats and reports of notable catches.
Autumn fishing season continues after summer
Fishing opportunities in Cyprus extend well beyond the summer months.
According to FishingBooker’s Cyprus fishing guide, amberjack can be caught from September to November, while bullet tuna remain available until November. October is also considered the best month for squid.
Other species anglers may encounter include leerfish, barracuda and bonito, offering opportunities to target different fish during a single trip.
Europe’s 15 best islands for autumn fishing
The FishingBooker ranking placed the following islands among Europe’s top destinations for autumn fishing:
- Tenerife, Spain
- Madeira, Portugal
- Fuerteventura, Spain
- São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
- Malta
- Cyprus
- Mallorca, Spain
- Lanzarote, Spain
- Krk, Croatia
- Hvar, Croatia
- Crete, Greece
- Lošinj, Croatia
- Rhodes, Greece
- Korčula, Croatia
- Santorini, Greece
How the ranking was compiled
FishingBooker assessed 44 European islands with active fishing charter boats. The target species listed for each island were cross-checked against scientific records of geographical distribution to exclude fish that do not inhabit local waters.
Only species in season during October and November were counted. Each island also had to offer at least three fishing charter boats to qualify.
The final score was based on three factors: the number of species in season, which accounted for 40% of the score; the number of fishing charter boats, worth 30%; and notable catches recorded in angler reviews and captain reports between 2023 and 2026, accounting for the remaining 30%.
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