0 Larnaca

• Locations
• by Administrator
• 17-03-2021

  LARNACA   This area is a highly diverse town with a great mixture of old Greek and Turkish Cypriot architecture mingled with modern architecture, but both offering their own history. Starting out from Larnaca airport, you will see on your left-hand side heading into Larnaca town centre, The Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke. An impressive building visible from across the lake and nestled amongst palm trees, the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, which was built in 1816 over the tomb of Umm Haram, is a wonderful place to visit. Opening hour’s summertime is 07:30am - 07:30pm. Winter times are 09:00am – 05:00pm. The Salt Lake has been a great source for extracting salt since ancient times, and this continues on a smaller scale even today. This Lake is also home to various migrating birds and wonderful pink flamingos in the late winter period and early springtime. Larnaca is a great shopping area with such a diverse range of boutiques and specialist shops ranging from home decorating to up to date fashion shops.  Situated amongst the modern shops near the harbourside, the old market still exists selling anything from food to clothing. It is definitely worth a trip to explore and wander around the beautifully modern harbourfront, where you can sit at one of the many lavish cafés for an afternoon lunch or just for a drink and relaxation in the sun from a hard days shop. Here are some suggestions of places of interest: Larnaca Salt Lake Larnaca Castle Church of St Lazarus Hala Sultan Tekke Mazotos Camel Park  

0 Protaras

• Locations
• by Administrator
• 20-02-2021

Protaras Located on the southeast coast of Cyprus, Protaras is the main tourist area of the town of Paralimni. Originally a farming area, tourism first came to Protaras about 1980 after the division of Cyprus in 1974 closed off infamous the tourist area of Varoshia in Famagusta which is now known as the 'Ghost Town'. A great location for a holiday away for all the family and just a 10-minute drive from Ayia Napa which is another major tourist destination. Protaras and its immediate area is home to 9 Blue Flag beaches with golden sands, crystal clear blue water and many kinds of watersports. Many are equipped with disabled facilities and some even have Seatrac and Floating Wheelchair facilities. The most famous of these is the world-renowned Fig Tree Bay which has been ranked over the years, by many sites, including Tripadvisor, as one of the top 10 beaches in Europe and the world. Offering something for all the family the Protaras main 'Strip' is lined with shops, cafes, ice cream parlours, restaurants, bars, mini-golf ranges, small funfair and amusement arcades and rides. A range of restaurants provide a wide choice of international flavours from the traditional Cypriot meze, Italian, Japanese and everything in between. Entertainment for all the family can be found in the family-friendly bars with many offering live entertainment including tribute acts, fire eaters and dancers; live sports are also offered in many of the bars. Things to do in the area, apart from relaxing on the beach, include the many watersports, scuba diving, horse riding and walking along some of the most scenic nature trails or the seafront walkway. If you prefer relaxing whilst taking in the sights there are many non-expensive 1/2 day cruises along the coastline or private excursions available. Alternatively, you could just relax in the sun with a cool drink and a good book.

0 Paralimni

• Locations
• by Administrator
• 20-02-2021

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 jewellery 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.

0 Ayia Napa

• Locations
• by Administrator
• 20-02-2021

Ayia Napa was originally a fishing village but has now expanded from a quaint harbourside village into a major tourist resort. The beautiful, historical mediaeval monastery situated in the main square is a well-known centre point to all locals and visiting tourists. The charming octagonal courtyard fountain with its surrounding cobblestoned path and plants, make this place a must to see. The 16th Century church is quite unique as it is partly underground and cut into the surrounding rock. The ancient sycamore tree, which is a prominent part of the monastery grounds, is believed to be over 600 years old. The tiered outer courtyard has been made into a social gathering area where concerts and plays have been held. During the summertime, the square is a hive of activity with the surrounding cafés and pubs being open till late into the night, talented craftspersons and artists are present in the evenings to offer their talents for you. Ayia Napa is well known for its never-ending nightlife, clubs and discos as well as its vast array of popular and intercontinental restaurants to tempt everyone’s taste buds. Make sure to check out in the local English newspapers or at the Municipalities for current shows and activities that are available to the public.   RECOMMENDED SITES / ACTIVITIES Nissi Beach- one of the best beaches in Ayia Napa. Recommended to go early so that you can find a good spot to lay your towel down or grab the closest sun lounger to the sea. Can get quite busy during the summer period especially in August, the Cypriots main holidays. The Marine Life Museum – can be of some interest to the little ones for a day out and can be found within the premises of the Agia Napa Municipality. Open Monday – Saturday from 09:00 –14:00 hrs. Cape Greco – A large cliff overlooking the sea and Ayia Napa town. It has some wondrous cave formations along part of the cliff called the Palaces; A fantastic photo opportunity. There is also a nature trail and a small church where you can walk down to a sea cave. Harbour Promenade –a lovely newly renovated area, where you can sit at one of the may harbour cafés and look out at the fishing boats. The kiddies can sit with a hand line and catch some little fish. Water sports – There are a variety of water sports companies around on the beaches that can offer you a multitude of different rides. Water World” Water Park - well renowned overseas for its facilities and amazing rides. The Water Parks’ theme is based on Greek mythology. Catering facilities are available. You can see a local travel agency where you can buy tickets with return transfer to the park, or you can make your own way there and buy your ticket at the door. Open from March to Mid-November from 10:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs daily. Tel: 23 24444.