Fruits in Cyprus — season, what and when to buy

Fresh fruits can be bought year-round in Cyprus — the island’s climate allows harvesting almost without pause. It is simply important to know which fruits ripen in each season in order to buy them at their peak of ripeness and nutritional value.

• Bananas
• Loquat
• Citrus fruits
• Strawberries
• Summer fruits: watermelons, melons, peaches, apricots
• Autumn fruits: figs, pomegranates, grapes, prickly pear

Bananas

Cypriot bananas are small, sweet, and fragrant. The harvest is collected from December to February. During this period, local fresh fruits appear in supermarkets and markets at affordable prices. Unlike imported bananas, Cypriot bananas have a richer flavor and firmer texture.

Loquat

Loquat is one of the most recognizable fruits of Cyprus. It ripens from February to June. The fruits are orange with a refreshing, slightly tart taste. It grows everywhere — near houses, in gardens, and even along streets. It is inexpensive, especially at local markets.

Tip: Loquat is rich in antioxidants and vitamin A, making it especially beneficial for the skin and eyesight.

Citrus fruits

Oranges, lemons, mandarins, limes, and grapefruits in Cyprus are year-round symbols of abundance. The main season lasts from late autumn to spring, but a second harvest is often collected around April–May. Freshly squeezed orange juice is a part of daily culture, and lemon is added to almost every dish.

Tip: Local citrus fruits are most aromatic in winter. Try Valencia oranges or mandarins from the Paphos region.

Strawberries

Cypriot strawberries ripen twice a year — from February to May and from September to November. They are mainly grown around Limassol and Paphos. During the season, the berries are especially sweet, while at other times of the year, greenhouse strawberries are available, which are less fragrant.

Fun fact: Every year, Cyprus hosts the Strawberry Festival — usually in May, in the village of Deryneia.

Information about strawberry farms where fresh berries can be purchased can be found in our article.

Summer fruits: watermelons, melons, peaches, apricots

Summer in Cyprus is a time of fruit abundance. Watermelons and melons are harvested from June to August. They are especially juicy and sweet thanks to the hot sun. At the same time, peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums, and cherries appear on the shelves. These fruits are sold both in supermarkets and at farmers’ markets.

Tip: The best time to buy is in the morning, when the fruits are still cool from the night and retain maximum freshness.

Autumn fruits: figs, pomegranates, grapes, prickly pear

Figs are among the most beloved fruits on the island, with the season lasting from August to September. The fruits can be green or purple, soft, and honey-sweet.

Pomegranates ripen from late August to September. They are often used in salads and desserts, and pomegranate juice is considered a source of youth.

Prickly pear (cactus fruit) and grapes become available in August. Prickly pear is eaten chilled, and grapes in Cyprus are usually seedless and exceptionally sweet.

Tip: Autumn is the best time to taste Cypriot wines, as grapes reach ideal ripeness by then.

Summary: Cyprus is a true paradise for fresh fruit lovers. Here, the fruit season lasts all year: winter is for bananas and citrus, spring for loquat and strawberries, summer for watermelons and peaches, and autumn for figs and pomegranates. The main rule is to buy fruits in season, when they are most aromatic and nutritious.