When summer arrives in Cyprus, it's not just the annoying mosquitoes and noisy cicadas that can be a problem, but also the sweltering heat.
This year, since the first of June, the thermometer has consistently read at least 40 degrees during the day. In the evening, if you are lucky, it drops to just under 30 degrees. Some parts of the island have even broken temperature records. Earlier this month, the weather station in Atalassa recorded the highest maximum temperature ever recorded in June - 44.5 degrees.
Weather forecasters issue yellow or orange warnings almost daily. The Ministry of Health advises against going outside to avoid heat exhaustion and sunstroke. If you still can't stay indoors, know that under Cypriot law, anyone can go into any public place on the island to cool off and stay there for an unlimited time (until closing time, of course). For example, in a shop, cafe or bank where the air conditioning is on. No one will look at you funny in this heat, let alone chase you away.
For many visitors, the heat is a major drawback of Cyprus, but not for Cypriots. The locals know how to enjoy the 'harsh' Cypriot climate like no one else, turning its disadvantages into advantages. At the same time, they sometimes give very good advice to tourists and migrants on how to cope with the island's heat.
I have collected what I consider to be the most effective:
Stay in the shade
Cypriots are often surprised (and even frightened) by foreigners who spend hours in the sun, for example when they fly to the island on holiday. Especially disheartening to locals is the sight of tourists walking around the centre at 3pm, when the sun is at its zenith over the hot city. Cypriots are understandable: with dry, sunny weather and temperatures above 36 degrees, it is best to stay in the shade as much as possible. And don't worry about the tan: it will still 'stick' to your skin. Unlike visitors, locals prefer the afternoon siesta.
The Cypriot siesta is one of the island's most famous traditions, especially in summer. Among other health benefits, it's sometimes the best (and sometimes the only) way to beat the heat. Especially if you don't have air conditioning (yes, it happens!) or you want to save money on your bills. Incidentally, many visitors scold Cypriots for their long afternoon breaks until they spend the summer on the island themselves. Admittedly, the longer you live in Cyprus, the more you realise that long afternoons are more a matter of survival than lazy idleness.
Go to the sea
Cyprus has some of the cleanest seas and beaches in Europe. And it's an acknowledged fact! In 2024, 76 beaches and two marinas on the island were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag. The record holder is the Municipality of Paralimni with 18 beaches. It would be a crime not to take advantage of this.
If time permits, spend the morning and evening hours by the sea, preferably in the shade, with short swims to refresh yourself. No one is stopping you from sitting under a eucalyptus or acacia tree, reading a book or listening to your favourite podcasts. But from 12 to 16, I still recommend using the point above.
Replace your air conditioner with a fan
Instead of an air conditioner that will cost you hundreds of euros later on, use a fan. You can put a bowl of ice cubes or a bottle of water from the freezer in front of a large fan and direct the airflow towards it. The ice will cool the air. If you are working on a computer, you can use a mini fan that connects to your computer via a USB port.
If you don't want to use the air conditioner at night, or the noise of the fan keeps you awake, you can put clean bed linen in a plastic bag, put it in the freezer for 15 minutes and then make your bed with it. It's not a bad refresher. You can cool down your balcony or terrace with a water hose.
Limit your exercise
Try to limit your physical activity as much as possible during the heatwave. But if you're an active person and can't imagine life without sport, try board games. Chess, draughts and backgammon are very popular with Cypriots. By the way, a few words should be said about backgammon. In Greek it is called τάβλι, and the clatter of their checkers can be heard in every village café and courtyard. And the merrier the players, the louder they pound their checkers on the board.
You can find them and play over a cup of your favourite coffee in almost every major coffee shop in the city. Or head to the centre of the Cypriot universe - the kafeneion. At the same time, you can catch up on the details of the recent elections, find a place to stay if you need to, or arrange a tour with the owner's nephew, Kyrios Yorgos. As a last resort, you could mention the TV games (τηλε-παιχνίδια) that everyone secretly dreams of winning, or the lottery (το λότττο).
Drink more fluids
Doctors would, of course, recommend that you drink at least two litres of water, in small portions of 100-150ml. But a true Cypriot will tell you that in the sweltering Cypriot heat, nothing is as refreshing as a glass of iced frappe. There's no doubt that drinking cold coffee is bad for your stomach, but isn't smoking even worse? That's why almost every Cypriot drinks at least one glass of frappe a day in the heat. And some are prepared to drink it as long as they stay awake.
Interestingly, the drink was not invented in Cyprus, but in Greece. And it happened quite by accident. In the late 1950s, at a trade fair in Thessaloniki, one of the speakers decided to take a break from his speeches and make instant coffee in a creative way. He mixed instant coffee with cold water in a shaker. The result was a coffee drink with the texture of a milkshake. The recipe was further refined by adding ice and sugar for sweetness. Cypriots took this discovery at face value.
Get in the rhythm
Ideally, you should go to bed at sunset (at least after a walk by the sea). An icy or cool shower before going to bed will help you sleep. In the heat, it is best to sleep alone or at a sufficient distance from your partner. Cuddling in the heat is not fun, it just makes you sweat.
Try to get up early in the morning when it is not too hot outside. Don't stay in bed too long and start your morning routine quickly. Eat a light breakfast, mostly in small portions, and avoid fatty foods. Focus on fresh fruit and vegetables.
The hit of the season in Cyprus in the summer heat is Halloumi cheese. In the first half of the summer it is wonderful with berries, in the middle with fresh vegetables and at the end of the summer season and in early autumn this cheese should be enjoyed with the largest berry in the world - watermelon. It is a delicious and very Cypriot combination. It may seem unusual or strange at first, but you will be pleasantly surprised by the result.
If you don't like the heat, check your wellbeing and trust your senses. Follow the basic safety rules when outdoors and indoors during the hot season and enjoy the Cypriot summer!
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