While I can't address Cyprus specifically, the Aegean/Mediterranean can get pretty stormy in October -- We were in the Greek Islands and our ferry was held up due to severe weather. It's why most hotels in the islands close down for the season.

I don't think it's bad all the time (by the time we got to Samos, off the coast of Turkey, we had some great weather), but it could be a gamble.

I might also add that Turkey is quite warm and has some wonderful beach towns on its West and Southern coasts. And it's affordable, gorgeous, and the people are super-friendly.

Hopefully someone else can give you more specific advice as well.

Happy travels,

Jules

I was in Cyprus in the month of November and it was gorgeous with absolutely perfect weather. Of course, good weather is never a guarantee in any part of the world. As for what you are looking for, (food, wine, hiking) I think Cyprus meets all your requirements. I think Cyprus is an excellent choice, however jules had presented some good ideas as well.


If you would like to check weather stats, here's a good web site.

www.weatherbase.com

Hi annengreg,

Congratulations on the upcoming honeymoon! Hopefully wedding and honeymoon planning is coming along nicely. My wife and I have been living in Cyprus (from the U.S.) for the past 5 months (my wife is here on a short term assignment for work), and have done quite a bit of exploring around the island. Before coming to Cyprus, we had imagined scenes from Greece (whitewashed buildings looking out over the ocean, sandy idyllic paradises, etc.), but have been hard pressed to find it. We’ve been fortunate enough to do quite a bit of international traveling, and although an interesting small country, Cyprus lacks most of the charms of other European destinations. Cyprus does have a few historical sites and cute areas tucked away here and there, but it seems that sitting at one large scale fancy/expensive hotel on a beach is the draw for most of the tourists here (with the occasional jaunt into the accompanying attractive villages and mountains). The Greek Cypriot culture seems to accept the tourist industry but doesn’t really exude an extensive amount of warmth to the visitors. Unfortunately, if you couple the drawbacks with the dismal exchange rate, I personally feel Cyprus drops relatively low on the “top places to visit” scale. This is a very blatant overgeneralization (so please excuse the bluntness of it), but Cyprus seems to be the most popular with English and German tourists who shuffle between tacky tourists pubs to down a pint and the mediocre at best beaches. The towns of Protaras and Agia Napa are prime “spring break” clubbing/boozing destinations of debauchery which cater entirely to the tourist reminiscent of a mini Cancun. While there are small wineries dispersed throughout the island, most wine connoisseurs dismiss most of the wines that come from Cyprus. I really don’t want this to sound like a “complain about Cyprus” entry, but if you have done a little world traveling you might find yourself disappointed with Cyprus as a honeymoon destination. With all this said, if you do end up coming to Cyprus, I’m happy to provide some advice on places to see and stay. Happy travels…you’ll have a wonderful time wherever you decide to go! I’m not sure where you are from, but have you considered other destinations than European beaches, such as the South Pacific?

Response to bulampaul
Hi-My husband & I will be in Cyprus September 9-16th. We have a timeshare trade in Agia Napa.I was reading your response to annengreg & since you've lived in Cypus for 5 months maybe you can let me know places to make sure to see & eat. If you want to E-mail me direct my E-mail is Storzc7@aol.com
We have been to Greece two times & love it-I also love Islands & The Medeterrian.Thank you for any help you can give-we are from the Bay area in California-Chris