What to pack for Cyprus, season by season

A plug adaptor. Cyprus uses British three-pin sockets, and although many places to stay have adaptors, relying on luck with your phone at 2 % is not a good plan. It is the most satisfying two-euro purchase you can make.

Proper sun protection, even outside summer. The Cypriot sun gives no warning: it burns in spring and autumn just as effectively as in July. Sunscreen, sunglasses and something to cover your head.

Comfortable footwear you have already worn in. Cyprus involves plenty of walking: cobbled old towns, archaeological sites, trails. This is not the trip for breaking in new shoes.

Data and connectivity. If you are travelling from Spain or any European Union country, roaming in southern Cyprus is included in your usual plan (check your overseas data allowance with your provider). If you are travelling from outside the EU, your plan does not include roaming or you will be exploring the north of the island and want to keep things simple, an eSIM installed before flying, such as those from Holafly, gives you data as soon as you land without relying on Wi-Fi.

Light clothing, and not much of it. The heat takes charge, and performance fabrics or cool cotton are more welcome than any elaborate outfit. Something a little smarter for the evening if you fancy it, but nobody will look twice if you keep it simple.

Water shoes or sandals that can get wet. Many places to enter the sea are rocky, and your feet will notice. Bring a short-sleeved top to wear in the water if you plan to snorkel too: the midday sun at sea can catch you out.

A foldable beach bag and a reusable bottle. The two things you will use most on a day by the coast.

Winter on the coast is mild, but it is not summer: you need layers, a jacket and something for rain. The classic mistake is bringing only beachwear and feeling cold on terraces when the sun goes down.

If you head up to Troodos, the temperature drops several degrees compared with the coast in any season. There may be snow in winter; in spring and autumn, a windproof jacket or fleece makes the day more comfortable.

For trails such as Artemis or Caledonia, footwear with a decent sole changes the experience completely. You do not need specialist equipment; you need to leave the flip-flops behind.

These are the best seasons for many trips and the hardest to pack for: cool mornings, short sleeves at midday, evenings that call for a light jacket. The answer is to dress in layers and always carry a spare one.

Bring your swimwear anyway. The sea stays pleasant well beyond summer, especially in autumn, and swimming in October with the beach almost empty is one of the island's small luxuries.

Something to cover your shoulders and knees if you plan to visit monasteries and churches; some require it, and it is a matter of respect. A sarong or light shirt does the job without taking up space.

A small first-aid kit with what you already know works for you: painkillers, plasters, something for an upset stomach. Cypriot pharmacies are well stocked, but finding your particular medicine in a village at ten at night is another matter.

And leave some room. Between halloumi, sweets, local wine and village ceramics, your suitcase will come home fuller than it left.