PARALIMNI
 
Paralimni directly translated means “Next to the lake”, and is currently the fastest growing town in the area. Unfortunately, the lake is dry for most of the year, but if a good downfall does happen to come this way, the lake fills up and gets occupied by the beautiful pink flamingos, which usually reside in the salt lakes next to the Larnaca airport.
 


In the heart of the town, there are three churches, two of old and one of new sitting side by side, as is the way of life throughout Cyprus.



Through this ever-evolving town, there is a constantly changing and growing trend of modern shops with the latest designer clothes, Ethnic clothes and jewelry to probably one of the smallest Marks and Spencer shops ever! It is wonderful to just meander around and window shop, or buy (if you prefer) from some of the unique boutiques that are dotted around.
 
The blend of traditional cafés with elderly local men sitting around outside, lining the pavements drinking their strong coffees and playing Tavli*, or cards is an everyday occurrence. While nestling next to the traditional cafés are the new ultra-modern cafés, where the younger generation and business people prefer to sit and converse while grabbing a quick bite to eat.
 
If you are more interested in the cultural architecture and the way of living, visit some of the back roads and streets just off the center of the town, where you will find some old traditional arched houses which are still being occupied to this day, next to a modern built property, definitely some quaint houses.