The official Summer season continues in Cyprus in August. With summer holidays for schools in most countries, at least in Europe, there is a steady influx of tourists. In common with many Mediterranean countries, Cyprus observes a two-week general break. This is either the first two weeks or the middle two of the month. Many businesses – including shops outside the tourist zone – close down. This enables the staff to take time off with their families. Many travel to the mountains for cooler temperatures and lower humidity.
If you are staying at a hotel or an apartment by the beach, this break is unlikely to affect you. Restaurants and tourists shops stay open during the whole of August. But if you are staying with friends or renting somewhere outside the touristy areas, you may find that many shops are shut. Some have nothing more than a scrappy paper notice on the door letting customers know. Supermarkets stay open all year round now, even including during the official siesta time (approximately 1pm-4pm). Bakeries, too, are almost always open. However clothes shops, smaller fruitarias and even some pharmacies will take time off during August.
Nonetheless, Cyprus is a popular destination for families and singles during August. There is almost certainly continual sunshine and heat. There are mostly clean beaches, albeit somewhat crowded and a fairly safe atmosphere. With shallow waters a long way out, the sea is ideal for nervous swimmers, or children playing in the waves.
You might have your purse stolen if you leave it on view, but children are generally safe. There are few problems for groups of people walking around after dark. Restaurants are highly regulated these days, and there is a wide choice of food. Most restaurants have started to include some vegetarian options in recent years.
If you prefer to be away from the crowds, you can rent a car for a few days, and drive to more secluded areas. You could even travel into the mountains if you would like to escape the humidity for a while.
Festivals in Cyprus in August
There is just one religious festival during August. This is the Feast of the Assumption, on August 15th. It is the day when the Orthodox Church celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was ‘assumed’ into heaven when she came to the end of her life. Main tourist shops and restaurants stay open, but banks are likely to be closed, as are Post Offices. Most small businesses and shops will be taking their two-week break on this date already.
See also:
Cyprus in January – Cyprus in February – Cyprus in March – Cyprus in April – Cyprus in May – Cyprus in June – Cyprus in July – Cyprus in September – Cyprus in October – Cyprus in November – Cyprus in December