If you've only seen Cyprus during summer, you really have no idea what this island is capable of. I spent nearly a year there and saw how dramatically the landscape changes once the rainy season starts. Honestly, it’s like watching two completely different worlds.
In summer, Cyprus feels like a desert. There’s no rain for months, the sun burns relentlessly, and everything looks dry.
Fields turn into dust, the ground cracks, and the landscape is dominated by brown and beige tones. Sometimes, it’s like you’re standing somewhere in North Africa. Even the air feels heavy and dusty, like the land itself is struggling under the heat.
But then, late autumn arrives, and the first rain comes. At first, it’s just a few drops or maybe a light drizzle. Nothing too exciting. But soon, the rain becomes more frequent, and suddenly, everything changes. The dry, dusty earth soaks up the water like a sponge, and within a few weeks, the transformation is incredible.
The brown fades away, and green starts to take over. Grass grows where there was only dirt before, and tiny flowers pop up out of nowhere. The hills, which looked so bare in summer, seem full of life again. It’s not just the plants – you can hear birds chirping everywhere, and even small streams, which were completely dry, begin to flow again.
What surprised me the most was how quickly this happens. One moment, the landscape looks like something out of a Western movie, and the next, it’s like a postcard from somewhere in Europe. The air feels fresher, and the entire island seems alive in a way that’s hard to describe.
During summer, the land has its own rough beauty, but it feels harsh, almost unwelcoming. In the rainy season, though, it’s softer, calmer, like the whole island is taking a deep breath and relaxing.
This green phase doesn’t last very long. As soon as spring arrives and the heat comes back, everything dries out again. The flowers disappear, the grass withers, and the landscape slowly turns back into a desert.
Maybe that’s what makes this time so special. When you walk through the green fields or drive through valleys that were barren just weeks ago, it feels magical. It’s like the island is reminding you that there’s always life hidden beneath the surface – it just needs the right moment to show itself.
Spending this year on Cyprus really changed the way I see it. The island has two completely different sides, and I’m glad I got to see both. Especially now, during the rainy season, it’s clear how incredible and resilient nature can be. If you’ve only ever visited Cyprus in summer, you should definitely come back in winter. You won’t regret it.
Best regards
Jonas - @future24