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Longing to get away from the gloom and freezing weather of winter in Europe? Well, you don’t even have to travel far for it, with quite a few winter sun options in Europe and nearby that offer the escape. Two of the most popular are the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Cyprus, but which should you pick, Cyprus or Malta?
On paper, the two countries normally offer similar experiences. Both have distinct cultures, some interesting histories, inviting beaches, lively nightlife, and tasty cuisine. But what’s it like visiting Cyprus or Malta in winter?
I’ve had the chance to travel to both countries during the low season. I’ve visited Malta twice for two long trips between January and March and I’ve travelled around Cyprus in January/February. Let me show you why both are worth visiting in winter, but why I think one island is a better choice.
Why visit Cyprus in winter?
In many ways, Cyprus is a good representation of what the Mediterranean offers. Beaches, nightlife, food (oh the food!), and culture are all on the menu with a visit to Cyprus in popular destinations such as Paphos and Larnaca. Winter in Cyprus doesn’t change the appeal of most of those things at all.
Your time at the beach is going to be the activity most affected by the cold weather. I would have thought it was too cold for the beach when I was there in late January, and yet I did see people swimming at Larnaca. But you can still enjoy other aspects of the seaside in winter, from often clear skies to the gentle sounds of waves breaking.
While you’d be coming to Cyprus to escape the cold, you can choose to experience it here if you wish to. The island’s mountains do get snow and there is even the opportunity to ski on Troodos Mountain. I’d rather experience the many historical and cultural attractions of Cyprus without the summer crowds but to each their own.
- Cold weather provides the perfect excuse to fill up on Cypriot cuisine
- Explore cultural and historical attractions without crowds
- Option to visit snowy mountains if you choose to.
Why visit Malta in winter?
Beaches aren’t the first thing I think of when I think of Malta. You have beautiful cities like Valletta and the Three Cities to explore, loaded with culture and history. But the countryside in Malta is fantastic too and I’ve had such a great time exploring the walking trails on Malta and Gozo.
And speaking of Gozo, you don’t have to stick to Valletta and the main island if you don’t want to. Gozo and Comino are different to the island of Malta, providing you with options for a flexible itinerary. There is the issue that sometimes ferries to Gozo get interrupted in Malta during winter because the sea gets choppy. Still, Malta has more than enough towns, villages, and attractions that are also easy to reach to keep you entertained.
- Choose whether you stick to Valletta or visit multiple islands
- Cool sunny days are ideal for all of its coastal walks
- Malta is extremely easy to get around
Which is best to visit in winter, Cyprus or Malta?
If you have to make the hard choice of picking between these two islands for a winter sun getaway, go to Malta. It’s the easier and more flexible destination to travel at, allowing you to adjust your plans according to the weather when you’re there.
Neither winter sun destination guarantees nice weather, you could still get rain, wind or grey days. And while that can cause issues with the Gozo ferry, Malta has the better museums and indoor activities in my opinion. I will say that I lean in favour of Cyprus’ food, but there are lots of international restaurants in Malta if you prefer.
If you’ve been to both islands in winter, which do you recommend, Malta or Cyprus? Are there other things about the islands you want to know before deciding which to visit? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
