Life is waking up from its winter sleep here in Cyprus. And with that change comes new things to see and do… and some essential chores.
When many people think of Cyprus, they think of its scorching summers and warm winters. But there is more to life in Cyprus than its extremes. The island has a glorious, vibrant spring that you shouldn’t ignore.
Signs of spring
Spring begins in March and usually stretches through to the end of May.
City life in Cyprus might not show the traditional spring signs – you won’t see lambs or chicks wandering the streets. But all four major towns still make it clear spring has arrived. You’ll spot traditional carob trees lining the main streets, bursting into blossom.
These towering trees display pink and deep cerise flowers that sway in the breeze. It’s a stunning sight.
Fruit trees are in full bloom too – orange, apple, and cherry blossoms fill gardens with colour and fragrance. In rural areas, walnut blossoms and lush greenery line the hedgerows.
Find warm beaches and flamingos year-round in Larnaca
Wild herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano grow freely. Caper bushes add to the mix. These fresh herbs will soon flavour meals during the upcoming Cypriot Easter celebrations.
With daytime temperatures at a pleasant 24°C, it’s a great time to tend your garden.
Lily and tulip bulbs start to sprout. Be aware – they grow faster here than in the UK, thanks to the extended warmth. That also means they need more water. If you’re not careful, you could lose new plants easily.
Vegetable gardens are starting to show signs of life too.
Cyprus has its own genus of tulip which bloom much more quickly than those in the UK
Outdoor life springs back
In town, cafes are coming to life again. The shutters that kept winter’s chill out are rolled back. Tables and chairs return to the pavements.
It’s time for coffee in the sunshine. Whether you prefer a latte, cappuccino, or Americano, sipping it outdoors with a Cypriot pastry or sweet treat is a true spring pleasure.
For those feeling more energetic, spring means getting back on the bike.
Locals and residents dust off their cycles and head for mountain or park trails. These routes often have picnic spots and souvla (Cypriot kebab) grills for meals out in nature.
Mountain tavernas also reopen, offering hearty local food and wine.
Hiking along rural nature trails is another popular spring pastime. The countryside is just a short 10–15 minute drive from any major town.
On the coast, in places like Limassol, Paphos, and Larnaca, beachfront walks are a favourite. The sea glows a vivid blue in spring. It’s still cool for swimming, but a quick dip is refreshing.
Beach yoga and volleyball are also back. Cyprus has long sandy beaches, so there’s plenty of space to stay active – or just relax with a book in the sun.
There’s more than spring cleaning to do around the home
Spring property checks
Spring is the ideal time for home and garden maintenance. Doing these tasks now gets your property ready for the hotter months ahead.
Start outside. Your home and garden need a good clean after winter. Sweep paths, clear leaves, and weed the flowerbeds. Check if your second home’s exterior walls need repainting. Look out for signs of damp from winter and fix them now.
Test all your appliances – especially the air conditioning. Make sure there are no leaks or blockages in the system. Summer dust can clog outdoor compressor units and reduce their efficiency, sometimes even causing water to leak inside. Clean the air filters too.
Don’t forget your solar panels. Wash off the winter dust so they keep running efficiently.
Check your house alarm system and get it serviced if needed.
Unfortunately, you can’t afford to ignore taxes just because the weather’s improved
Spring finances
Spring also brings financial responsibilities. Some of this is for home maintenance, but there are government-related tasks too.
Make sure you’ve submitted your personal tax return online via the Cyprus government’s portal. This includes income like retirement pensions. Social insurance and GESY (Cyprus’s health system) contributions will be deducted monthly.
Also, don’t forget about car road tax. The final deadline to pay is mid-March. You can pay this online too.
