Cypria

The Church of the Holy Cross of Ayiasmatis - Platanistasa, Cyprus

The church of the Holy Cross of Ayiasmatis is located in the Troodos Mountains at about 7km north-west of the the village of Platanistasa in the district of Pitsilia. At one time it was the main church - the "katholikon" - of a small monastery dedicated to the Holy Cross, the existence of which is attested by the inscription over the south entrance of the church. Another inscription, over the north door, mentions the Church of "the Holy Cross of Ayiasmati".

The Church of the Holy Cross of Ayiasmatis

 

The Church, which dates back to the 15th century, is an important monument of ecclesiastical architecture with interesting decorations depicting a mixture of Byzantine and local folk art with some western influences.  For this reason, in 1985 UNESCO included this church in its list of World Heritage Sites.

The Church of the Holy Cross of Ayiasmati is a timber-roofed structure of a type that is very common in Troodos. It represents the single-cell aisleless type of church and is surrounded by a closed passageway, the ambulatory, on all four sides. The predominant and most distinctive feature of this type of church is its roofing system, which is quite complex. It is a steeply pitched double structure, which means that there are in fact two roofs - one inside the other.

Wallpainting at the Church of the Holy Cross of Ayiasmatis

 

The interior of the church displays one of the best preserved and most complete 15th century iconographical programmes in Cyprus. According to the inscription over the south entrance, the task of painting the church was completed on Tuesday 7 October:

The painting of the venerable Monastery of the Holy Cross was completed at the expense and desire of the most god-fearing priest Petros Peratis and his wife Pepani, on the seventh day, Tuesday, of the month of October in the year of Christ [....] and you who read this, pray to the Lord that they may find mercy on the day of judgement, amen. This gift of God was painted by the hand of the painter Philippos, surnamed Goul.

 

Information collected from: The Church of the Holy Cross of Ayiasmatis - Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation 

Kalopanayiotis, Cyprus

Kalopanayiotis is one of the most interesting resorts in Cyprus. It is located in the Marathasa Valley on the Troodos range approx 70 kms from Nicosia and Limassol. The Lampadistis Monastery – UNESCO heritage site - is the main pole of attraction. Other points of interest are the traditional architecture, the sulphur springs, the water mills, the evergreen valley.

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

How to Get There

Kalopanayiotis is located in the evergreen valley of Setrachos river on the northern slopes of the Troodos range. It is one of the fourteen villages of the Marathasa area, the most mountainous area of Cyprus. The village is 70 km away from Nicosia and Limassol and is the first village to come across as one enters the Marathasa valley driving up from Nicosia.

Photo Credit

Coming from Nicosia follow the road to Kykko Monastery, turning left at Astromeritis and right just before Evrichou, heading towards Kalopanayiotis – Kykko.

Driving up from Limassol the easiest route is to drive towards Moniatis – Saitas turn right just before Moniatis through the village of Kato Amiantos, past Kakopetria and Evrichou, and left at the junction 3 km past Evrichou torward Kalopanayiotis – Kykkos.

Climate

Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate with Kalopanayiotis, however, located on the Troodos mountains range, providing cooler summers, pleasant springs and autumns and mild winters with hardly any snowfall in the village itself, but frequent snowcapped mountains around. The average daily summer temperature reaches 26 °C dropping to 12 °C in mid winter. Blue skies, clear atmosphere and sunshine averaging 6 hours a day throughout the year are the characteristics of the local climate.

Photo Credit

European Tourism Days 2011

Eden Events 2011 – Brussels

As winner of the national contest, Kalopanayiotis will be representing Cyprus at the EDEN awards this year. The exhibition and award ceremony will be held in Brussels on the 27th and 28th of September 2011.

The community council will be represented by Mr. John Papadouris, president of the Kalopanayiotis Community Council, Mrs. Anthi Kyriakidou and Mr. Stavros Kazamias.

What is EDEN?

EDEN is the acronym for European Destinations of Excellence, a project promoting sustainable tourism development models across the European Union. The project is based on national competitions that take place every year and result in the selection of a tourist “destination of excellence” for each participating country. Through the selection of destinations, EDEN effectively achieves the objective of drawing attention to the values, diversity and common features of European tourist destinations. It enhances the visibility of emerging European destinations, creates a platform for sharing good practices across Europe and promotes networking between awarded destinations.

SOURCE

Damouchari - Pelion, Greece

  Damouchari is the only natural harbour on the wild Aegean side of Pelion. According to a legend, the name Damouchari derives from the greek expression "dos mou hari", which means "give me grace"- a prayer of the seamen.  The castle, built by the Venetians, protected the storehouse and the only station in the area for tired sailors from the frequent raids of pirates. The storehous was used by the locals to store the products they traded until cars reached the numerous villages around and stopped the sailing of ships into the harbour of Damachouri - a masterpiece of natural beauty.

Photo Credit

Besides its natural beauty, Damouchari is a tiny  peaceful village and has the advantage of not yet being invaded by tourists. There, one can enjoy a calm and dreamy stay at one of the two pebbled little beaches with amazing blue-green water, visit the remains of a "kastro" - a castle, see the little shops on the coast or admire the beautiful olive grove starting from the sea and ending up the mountain.

 

Merryl Streep among extras from the village

Photo Credit

 

Damouchari is also the place where part of the film Mamma Mia was shot. The producers of the film needed a place that resembled 1980 since the action takes place at that time. It was only consequent to choose Damouchari which had conserved the charm of earlier years without traffic and high-rise buildings. In September 2008, all the inhabitants of Damouchari became extras in the film. The resting shots were taken in the neighbouring island of Skopelos.

 

Information Collected from:

Greeka

Damouchari

Travel to Pelion

Chania, Crete

 

Chania harbour

Chania is the second largest city of Crete after the capital city Heraklion, occupying an area of 11 square kilometres and having a population of about 60,000. It lies on the eastern coast of Crete at 60 km from Rethymno and 145 km from Heraklion. Archaeological  research has proved that the city of Chania was built in prehistoric times on the ruins of the ancient city of Kidonia named after Kidonas who was, according to the Cretans, Mercury's son.

Chania City as seen from the old port

The old port in Chania

The lighthouse which predominates the old port.

Alexandroupolis and Chania are the most picturesque seaside cities I've visited in Greece. What I liked most in Chania is the lighthouse pre-dominating the old port. The Prefecture of Chania is a nature lover's paradise. Apart from its ravines, lakes, plateaus, rivers and pristine beaches Chania boasts the largest gorge in Europe - the Samarian Gorge which has been declared a National Park.

The Prefecture of Chania

Chania - the old city

If you feel like tasting the authentic Greek and Cretan cuisine, I strongly recommend Semiramis Taverna at Skoufon Street, right off the old town. From June to September, you will enjoy live Greek music (no microphones) and excellent food. Don't forget to order their traditional kalitsounia - delicious cheese pastries. Here's the recipe. 

Semiramis Taverna

Traditional Greek cuisine and Cretan dishes at Semiramis Taverna

 

In Chania, you will find some of Crete's greatest beaches. Here are only a few of the very best:

• Elafonisi  
• Marathi
• Giorgoupoli
• Souyia
• Balos-Gramvousa
• Sfinari
• Platanias

Where to Stay

Here's a wide range of hotels and appartments you can choose from.

How to get there

Chania has an international airport with scheduled flights year round and abundant charter flights serving much of Europe during the season - April to October. [see Flights to/from Chania]
Buses from the airport are virtually non-existent [see bus timetable]. If you're not driving, you should take a taxi.
Ferries sail to and from Athens (Pireas) daily - the port for ferries for Chania is at Souda, a few kilometres away. [see Ferry schedules]
When the ferry arrives, if you manage to scamper onto the bus in time, this will take you to Chania. But it is best to plan to take a taxi. Of course if you are renting a car on arrival, you can drive to your chosen destination at will!
If a pause in Souda before your first sighting of Chania seems just right, try "Exandas" cafe which serves Illy coffee and the famed, welcoming treat of a "bougatsa" (pastry with cheese or cream filling).
Reaching Chania by bus from other places in Crete - bus schedules.

(from CreteTravel)

Avra Imperial Beach Resort and Spa - Chania, Crete

The Greek word  “avra” means aura but also the cool breeze from the sea.  As soon as my husband and I set foot in Avra Imperial Beach Resort and Spa located at about 25 km from Chania on the island of Crete, we could feel this unique aura of class and discrete luxury in an amazingly elegant environment.  The minimal decor and colour white predominating all over the hotel won my heart.

The Lobby

The Lobby

Check-in took a minute and immediately afterwards, we were welcomed by Anna – the PR Officer – who showed us to one of the hotel’s imperial suites consisting of a large bedroom, a very comfortable living-room with an espresso machine(!) and a private outdoor swimming pool.   We also greatly enjoyed the Jacuzzi opposite the bed, the fruit and wine in the living-room which was the courtesy of the management and, of course, the swimming-pool! The swimming-pool area is furnished with sunbeds, a couch and a coffee table – all you need to make your stay a memorable one.  Considering the heat wave during our stay, we’d appreciate an umbrella!

Part of the living-room in our suite.-loved the espresso machine!

The living-room in our suite

The Bedroom

Both my husband and I were thoroughly impressed with the excellent housekeeping services and the impeccable cleanliness in our suite. Bath towels and beach towels were changed twice a day. We also got espresso capsules daily. We hardly left our suite as we both looked forward  to relaxing, swimming in our very own swimming-pool for a week and sunbathing for me.  We did try the beach, though, and truly enjoyed the crystal-clear waters, but we didn’t really like the pebble beach. It was so hard to walk barefoot on the hot pebbles. You also need special shoes to go into the sea, which we didn’t have.

Our Private Swimming Pool

The Main Swimming-Pool

The Bridge over the Main Swimming - Pool

We were on half-board terms – breakfast and dinner.  Both the breakfast and dinner buffets are an ode to the palate! The food is excellent!  Quantity never outweighs quality. For just one week, I forgot all about dieting and didn’t worry too much since the Cretan Cuisine is based on olive-oil and a healthy eating pattern. However, the dinner buffet includes a wide variety of dishes from all over the world including cheeses and desserts which are impossible to resist! No wonder I put on weight!  Breakfast consists of everything you should really indulge in to your heart’s content: live cooking (waffles, pancakes,  fried eggs),  a variety of delicatessen and cheeses, a wide range of fresh fruit, desserts, local pies,  rolls, croissants, bread and freshly squeezed orange juice to mention only a few.

The Pool Bar

Al Fresco Restaurant

We also tried the hotel’s Italian restaurant Al Fresco. For starters, we recommend Carpaccio from veal fillet, rocket salad, parmesan and marinated mushrooms, homemade pizza italiana with prosciutto, tomatoes and mozzarella and for main course try their fresh pasta. We had fresh tortellini with spinach and  cheese  in wine sauce.  Congratulations to Manolis – the  Executive Chef.

We would also like to thank a million the General Manager Mr Costas Papachristoforou for doing his very best to make our holiday one of the best we’ve ever had,  the F & B Manager Mr Elias Tsirmbas  who was also very helpful, especially at lunch, the waitress Evangelia  for being so helpful, friendly and polite, the waiter Yiannis and the head waiter Giorgos  as well as the waitress at the bar whose name I forget. There are so many people we’d like to thank from the bottom of our hearts, like all the staff at the reception and the maids who did their best to keep our suite perfectly clean.

Immaculate Cleanliness in Our Suite!

The Cretan Salad - my favourite - on the lunch menu at Al Fresco Restaurant.

Last but not least, considering quality and services, the Avra Imperial Beach Resort and Spa is great value for money. We truly hope that we’ll go back soon.

Zagora, Pelion - Greece

This beautiful, mountainous village, at about 47km from Volos, was built in a very inspiring area. It is the biggest village in Pelion and was very prosperous and wealthy  during the 17th and 18th centuries. Here one of the main occupations was the production of silk, which gave a big push to the development of factories. This in turn began trading by sea from the port of Horefto, which led to the village becoming wealthy. Evidence of this vast wealth can be seen in the many mansions in the village.

Today the locals live on  farming and cultivating apple and pear trees. Apples and pears from Pelion constitute the main Greek export market all over the world.

In the 18th century, Zagora was the largest centre of culture in Pelion. You must visit the old school of "Rigas" (1777) or the "Greekmuseum" as it was later named. It is known as the oldest school in Pelion. Many famous Greeks studied here, such as Rigas Ferreos (leader of the Greek Revolution ), Anthimos Gazis, Grigoris Konstantas and Kallinikos Lapatis (Patriarch of Constatinople).

You must also visit the famous library of Zagora, where there are 15,000 old books. You will also be impressed with the traditional architecture of the old houses together with the  cobbled paths and traditional mansions.

The impressive churches of Agia Paraskevi (1803), Agios Gergios (St.George) (1765) and Agia Kiriaki (1740) are decorated with  striking golden sculptured icons.

In early September, the female corporation of Zagora organises the festival of the "Apple", which includes dance and food. You can go swimming to the beautiful beach of Horefto, or Agioi Saranta if you prefer a quieter beach.. You will find a lot of tavernas and restaurants offering you an excellent taste of the unique Pelion cuisine.

WHERE TO STAY

Areston Rooms

Nefeli Maisonettes

 

Information collected from  Around Pelion

Lefkara, Cyprus

 

On the way to Lefkara

 

Lefkara is a village of the Larnaca district and it is located about 34 kilometres south-west of the city of Larnaca. The community is built on an average altitude of 480 metres. The terrain is hilly and the altitude in the north-east of the settlement reaches up to 417 metres ("Shinokefalos" hilltop). The landscape is fragmented by the rivers Syrkatis and Argaki, and of St. Minas, all tributaries of the Pentaschoinos river. The village receives an annual rainfall of about 570 millimetres. In the village's limited cultivable land, vines (of wine-making varieties), olive, almond, and carob trees, a few citrus-trees, forage plants, broad beans, a few fruit-trees such as pomegranate, and plum trees, and very few vegetables are cultivated. However, the village's greatest part is uncultivated and wild, natural vegetation grows in it, mainly pine-trees, thorny burnets and brooms, sages (cistus), thyme, and wild carob and olive trees.

To Spiti Ton Anemon Taverna

As far as transportation is concerned,  Lefkara is connected to the neighbouring village of Pano (Upper) Lefkara in the north-west (about 1 km), with the village Kato Drys in the south-west (about 4 km.), and with the Skarinou Station in the south-east via the Nicosia - Limassol Highway (about 8 km).

 

Once a haunt of nobleman of Venice and France, this old charm is simply captivating. Strolling through the narrow, winding streets and alleys of the village of Lefkara is an utter delight. In Pano (Upper) Lefkara, the houses built from local limestone have stood there for centuries and have been preserved and restored. As you pass by open doorways, beautiful courtyards filled with flowers or vine shelters are revealed.

The Village of Lefkara

 

Leonardo Da Vinci visited Lefkara by the invitation of the last Queen of Cyprus, Catherine Cornaro. Legend has it that Da Vinci took with him Lefkara lace, which he then donated as an altar cloth to the Cathedral of Milan. During the 14th and 15th centuries, Lefkara was a prominent town. Since then, Lefkara has been renowned for its embroidery and lace works. Women can still be seen sitting out in the alleys or courtyards carrying out their fine needlework. As a direct result of the lace trade, Lefkara has now taken a more sophisticated turn distinguishing it from other Cypriot villages. Many women have left working in the fields and turned to needlework and embroidery - a tradition that has been handed down to younger girls and women as well.

Lefkara lacework

 

The Museum of Folk Art, also known as the Patsalos Museum pays a tribute to the fine art of lacemaking in Lefkara. Patsalos refers to the surname of the wealthy family that once owned the house where the museum now stands. On entering the museum you will see the beautiful courtyard - an example of Lefkara's unique architecture. From here you can visit the original staff quarters which house images with information on the village's history. The steps leading to the main house display the rooms restored to their original decorative order with authentic furniture from bygone times. The original stone oven still takes pride of place in the courtyard as it is still used today by locals for the famous dish Ttavas Lefkaritikos - a slow-baked lamb with onions, potatoes, local herbs, bay leaves, cumin and cinnamon. You can also see local costumes and lacework displayed here.

Local Wine and Starters

 

Just behind the village's main square, you will come across the 14th century church of Timios Stavros (Church of the Holy Cross). Here you will find  one of the two pieces of the Holy Cross brought to the island by Saint Helen. The other piece is kept at the Stavrovouni Monastery.

Souvla Kotopoulo me Patates sto Fourno -Juicy Chicken on the Skewer with baked potatoes

 

Information collected from Larnaca Tourism Board

and Where to Cyprus

A Quick Guide to Cyprus

 

The island of Cyprus stands at a cross-road in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Europe, Africa and Asia meet. For this reason, it has been sought after and invaded over the centuries by all kinds of peoples seeking to make this fertile, sun-blessed and bountiful island their own. Who can blame them? Where else in the world can you find such golden beaches and secluded coves, resin-scented forests of dazzling green, impenetrable, wild mountain ranges, picturesque villages - all brought together in such a limited space? Where else in the world can you lie on the beach  in early March and go skiing in the mountains 30 minutes later? 

Petra tou Romiou - The Rock of the Greeks - Paphos

The Presidency of the Council of the European Union rotates among its member states every six months. During the second half of 2012 Cyprus will take over the Presidency as from July 1st 2012.

The Peninsula of Akamas

Despite the challenges that holding the Presidency presents, Cyprus aspires to rise to the expectations that the role entails and also to influence and assist substantially in furthering EU ideals and enhancing the profile of the Union internationally. Cyprus is strongly committed to acting fairly and to ensuring outcomes that conform to the spirit of cooperation in which the EU was conceived.

The Golden Coast Hotel, Protaras, Cyprus

The Golden Coast Hotel - Protaras, Cyprus

The Golden Coast Hotel has been, by far, my most favourite hotel in Protaras since it was built in 1986. Since then, many renovations have been made - the most recent  ones being in 2003 when 56 rooms were added to the main building. Out of 228 rooms there are 4 grand suites, 8 mini suites, 8 family rooms and ...30 kids' suites with bunk beds. I'd personally appreciate some more hangers in the wardrobe!

Wedding Arrangement at the Golden Coast Hotel

The Swimming Pool by Night

 

  Last year, the older rooms and public areas were also renovated. A new, modern design, new furniture with colour white predominating in the public areas mingle playfully with the call from the sea which, I must admit, is irresistible! No where have I seen so many shades of blue merging into an azure sky and ending in glorious sunsets which you can admire from the balcony of your room or the patio of Hesperides Bar.

Sunset from the Golden Coast Hotel

The renovated rooms at the Golden Coast Hotel

This is what you will wake to at the Golden Coast Hotel

 

As soon as you arrive, you will be welcomed by the friendly and very efficient staff  at the reception and you may choose to have your welcome drink outside in the patio or inside in the fully air-conditioned lobby. If you are an all-inclusive guest or on half-board / full-board terms, you will have cold meats, cheese and fruit in your room considering you arrive after 10 pm.

The Golden Coast Lobby

The patio at Hesperides Bar

Breakfast will reward you late-comers! At the Atrium Restaurant, live cooking outdoors includes pancakes, omelettes, waffles, scrambled eggs in addition to an endless buffet  including crispy rolls, croissants, various kinds of bread, jam, delicatessen, cheeses, sweets, cereals, yoghurts, fresh fruit, hot drinks and fruit juices. I truly hope that the French brioche will be added soon...as well as hot croissants!

Relaxing at the Golden Coast Hotel

Red Mullet

...and fried calamari

 

The Golden Coast Hotel is above all a family four-star hotel and a small paradise for children. There are special menus and buffets for children and a cute little restaurant for the very young guests. 

Entertainment for the very young guests

Amongst the various amenities, you can enjoy the health club including sauna, gym and massage in addition to a variety of entertainment which starts soon after breakfast in the swimming pool with activities including water polo or acqua aerobics  and competitions which give you the opportunity to win a bottle of sparkling wine. In the evening, right after dinner, you will enjoy a variety of events , like the amazing fire show last week, at Wood and Deck... right on the beach.

The Fire Show

 

Or you may just as well choose to bask in the sun all day,  somewhere in the luxuriant gardens of the Golden Coast. The golden beach just below is a public beach and if you choose to stay there, you will have to pay €5 for a sunbed and an umbrella as the beach belongs to the community of Paralimni.

The golden beach

Eating at the Golden Coast has always been for me an ode to the palate! Mr Panayiotis Aspris, the executive chef, will go out of his way to adapt his divine cooking to your taste.

Last but not least, at the Golden Coast Hotel you can close your eyes and forget all about worries and problems for a few days while you and your children enjoy a unique holiday in the eastern Med.

All photos by Anastasia Marou

 

Telendos, Greece

Telendos Greece is a small island, a very short distance from Kalymnos. Up to 535AD this tiny island was part of Kalymnos until an earthquake separated the two. It is a lovely, quiet, traffic-free island. 

The best way to get there is by way of a short boat trip from Myrties in Kalymnos. There's an assortment of places to stay; some are basic but most are extremely comfortable and very hospitable. Each of them provides more or less immediate access to some great beaches.

The boat trip costs 2 euros per person and it only takes a few minutes  to whisk you to a truly heavenly island. Sometimes the little boat is full, especially when the overseas flights arrive into Kos, and the visitors travel en-mass when the ferry has arrived from Mastichari. So, be patient!

There are also certain days throughout the year when particular celebrations take place on the island and on these specific days you will find hundreds of Kalymnians heading for the 'ferry terminal' in Myrties. It is chaos, but in true Greek style, nobody gets stressed, everybody is so friendly and welcoming and the job, as always, gets done.

The walk along the water front is calm and peaceful with only the Tamarisk trees swaying in the breeze. It is idyllic and beautiful, in spite of it being basic, but with very good amenities. It will almost certainly stay in your mind forever as a very special place to visit.

There are several places which offer accommodation on the island, and some outstanding tavernas and restaurants. They are all extremely welcoming and if you stay for a while, you will soon have many 'new friends' to share your holiday stories with.

The island is visited by the rock climbing fraternity from March to  end of May and September to late November. It has three good climbing areas, Eros, St Constine and one called North Face.

Its two main beaches are called Hohlaka and Potha. For those who enjoy nude sun-bathing, there is also Paradise beach further along the front which is a little more private, but also very pretty.

The island is considered by many to be the perfect getaway island. Telendos Greece will soothe away all those stresses, which have probably built up over many months, in a matter of moments.

Information collected from

Photo Credit

I had the pleasure to visit the island of Telendos last summer while holidaying in Kos. Such a pity I only spent a couple of hours there with my camera....short of memory! If you enjoy quiet holidays in the Greek isles off the beaten track, I'm sure you'll love Telendos.

Hiking in Cyprus

Cyprus is ideal for walking. A large number of walking paths are promising  a great hiking experience.

Cyprus belongs to the most beautiful destinations at the Mediterranean sea. Due to the fascinating coasts, forest and mountain landscape, Cyprus is a walking paradise. The multifaceted scenery offers many different places of excursions. The Troodos mountains, in particular,  are impressive. The fresh mountain air and the fragrance of cedars, pines and cypress forests are a unique experience. Some of the walking paths in Troodos lead along crystal clear little streams, creeks and waterfalls. 

Here are some examples of Cyprus Nature Trails. So better book your cheap airline tickets now.

Hiking in Troodos

 

Kalidonia Falls - Platres

 

Athalassa-Nicosia

 

Kalidonia Falls - Platres