Cypria

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

 

Easter in Cyprus - The Golden Bay Beach Hotel - Larnaca

 

 

Video by Anastasia Marou - All Rights Reserved

Platres, Cyprus

The village of Platres is situated on the fringe of the forest on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range, at an altitude of 1,200 metres above sea level. It has an ideal climate that is cool and dry during the summer months with temperatures ranging from 27*C to 12*C. In the winter months it's really cold, it usually snows and temperatures can go down to -5*C.

In the 1930s and 40s, visitors from neighbouring countries used to spend the summer in the mountains of Cyprus to escape the heat. Among them was King Farouk of Egypt and the Greek Nobel prize winning poet George Seferis who referred to Platres in his poem "Eleni", noting that "in Platres nightingales will not let you sleep." In the dense forests of the area, nightingales sing all night from mid-May to end of June.

Today, Platres is a popular mountain resort among Cypriots and visitors from all over the world. The scenic surroundings are ideal for walking, cycling, mountaineering, painting and skiing. The cherry blossom in spring, the rich fruit harvest in summer and the excellent wine produced in the area charm and delight the visitor.

Geographically Platres is situated in the centre of the island with excellent road connection to the main cities of Nicosia, Lemesos, Larnaca and Paphos.

How to get there:

by car from Larnaca International Airport - about a 60-minute drive

Where to stay:

The Forest Park Hotel

The Pendeli Hotel

The New Helvetica Hotel

 

Great Eateries

Psilon Dendron

Pigasos

Village Tavern

Kalidonia Restaurant

Skiing in Cyprus

You may not have heard of the Troodos Mountains, but enough snow falls on this normally sun-kissed Mediterranean island between December and March to make it possible  to go skiing and snowboarding in Cyprus.Troodos Resort is the only ski resort in Cyprus and, with just four slopes, the terrain's not extensive. That said, there's some variety.

The aptly named Family Run is perfect for beginners and normally packed with kids getting to grips with the basics. Other runs in the Sun Valley area are great for building up a bit of confidence. The Black Zeus run is where the serious riders head. Perched on the side of the 1,951 metre Mount Olympus, you'll need a good slug of Zivania just to attempt the T-bar. The run has some entertaining steep sections and enough slip and slide to put a silly grin on the faces of all but the very best riders. There's some reasonable off-piste here too.

There are no snow making facilities at Troodos Resort at present  so the best time to go skiing or snowboarding in Cyprus for guaranteed natural coverage is February. In March, weather permitting,  you may wish to enjoy a swim in crystal-clear waters in Limassol, lie on the beach for a while and then go skiing in Troodos.

There are a couple of hotels on the mountain itself, but with a better range of accommodation and nightlife available in Limassol, you might prefer to base yourself in the city which is only a 50-minute drive from Troodos Resort.

Cost

A day's lift pass will set you back around US$30 / 22 €

Getting there

Larnaca is the major international airport in Cyprus, which is served by most European airports. There are also regular buses to Limassol - a 40-minute bus ride from Larnaca.

The Monastery of Kykkos, Cyprus (2)

Most monasteries in Cyprus are situated in superb mountain areas with breathtaking views.  The Monastery of Kykkos,  founded in 1080 by Byzantine Emperor Alexios Komnenos is certainly the most famous of all the monasteries of the island and is known throughout the Greek Orthodox world. Located at about 1,200 metres above sea level, Kykkos took its name from the hillside on which it was built. It was granted autonomy by its founder who also donated one of the three surviving icons of Virgin Mary reputed to have been painted by Saint Luke himself.  Emperor Komnenos also handed over estates and property to assist in the financial upkeep of the monastery.

It is recorded that in the 14th century 400 monks lived within the monastery. In its 900 years of existence, it has burnt down four times - the last time was in 1813. The icon of Virgin Mary has survived to this day and is now completely covered with silver gilt plate. It is believed to have miraculous rainmaking powers.

A small but interesting museum may be visited at the monastery. It contains all the precious items and treasures that have survived the fires and which escaped the looting by the Turks in 1821. Today the monastery of Kykkos is a popular place of pilgrimage for the Orthodox.

Makarios III, first president of the Republic of Cyprus

Two kilometres uphill is Throni - the seat of Virgin Mary. Close to this holy monument is the site of the tomb of Archbishop Makarios III. Makarios was not only the first president of the Republic of Cyprus but also a leading member of Kykkos Brotherhood, and he personally chose the location of his tomb. It has a spectacular view over Cyprus and faces his birthplace - the village of Panagia (Virgin Mary). Since Makarios' death in 1977, Throni has become an additional place of pilgrimage for all visitors to Kykkos Monastery.

In Greek

Most people in Greece and Cyprus speak English but should you need to communicate in Greek, here's a handy survival guide.

Greek Word	Pronunciation	Meaning
Καλημέρα	Kalimera	Good morning
Καλησπέρα	Kalispera	Good afternoon /good evening
Καληνύχτα	Kalinihta	Good night
Γεια σας	Yia sas (informal)	Hello / bye
Ευχαριστώ	Efharisto	Thank you
Παρακαλώ	Parakalo	Please / you’re welcome
Πού μπορώ να βρω;	Pou boro na vro?	Where can I find?
Πού είναι;	Pou ine ?	Where is?
Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;	Milate agglika?	Do you speak English?
Παραλία	Paralia	beach
Πισίνα	picina	Swimming pool
Πώς μπορώ να πάω;	Pos boro na pao?	How can I get to?
Πώς είστε;	Pos iste?	How are you?
Από πού είστε;	Apo pou iste?	Where are you from?
Εστιατόριο	Estiatorio	Restaurant
Ταβέρνα	Taverna	Tavern
Πόσο κοστίζει;	Poso kostizi?	How much does it cost?
Παγωτό	Pagoto	Ice cream
Λεμονάδα	Lemonada	Lemonade
Νερό	Nero	Water
Καφές	Kafes	Coffee
Κόκκινο Κρασί	Kokino krasi	Red wine
Λευκό κρασί	Lefko krasi	White wine
Μπίρα	Bira	Beer
Τσάι	Tsai	Tea
Καρπούζι	Karpouzi	Water melon
Πεπόνι	Peponi	Melon
Φρούτα	Frouta	Fruit
Ταχυδρομείο	Tahidromio	Post office
Τράπεζα	Trapeza	Bank
Λεωφορείο	Leoforio	Bus
Φαρμακείο	Farmakio	Pharmacy
Μπριζόλα	Brizola	Pork chop
Μπιφτέκι	Bifteki	Burger
Κοτόπουλο	Kotopoulo	Chicken
Ψάρι	Psari	Fish
Πατάτες τηγανητές	Patates tiganites	Chips, French fries
Καλή όρεξη	Kali orexi	Enjoy your meal
Με συγχωρείτε	Me sihorite	Sorry / excuse me
Είμαι καλά, ευχαριστώ	Ime kala efharisto	I’m fine, thanks
Αντίο	Adio	Goodbye
Τα λέμε	Ta leme	See you
Ξαπλώστρα	Ksaplostra	Sunbed
Χάρηκα	Harika	Nice to meet you
Ελλάδα	Ellada	Greece
Ελληνικά	Ellinika	Greek  (language)

All Inclusive Holidays in Cyprus

Cyprus All Inclusive Holidays
Cyprus all inclusive holidays are a popular choice among holidaymakers. We offer a wide range of all inclusive holidays to Cyprus, no matter which resort you are interested in. An all inclusive holiday to Cyprus will cover most costs while in the resort including your flight to Cyprus, accommodation, soft drinks, food and some alcoholic drinks. 

Cyprus All Inclusive Holiday Resorts
Most of the resorts in Cyprus will cater for all inclusive holidays, amongst the most popular are Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca resorts. Cyprus has lots to offer, and some superb all inclusive hotels and resorts.

How to find your all inclusive holiday to Cyprus
Its fast and simple to find the best deals on all inclusive Cyprus holidays. You can use our advanced holiday search tool to find Cyprus all inclusive holidays, alternatively you can use the search tool on the menu to the left.

Cyprus holidays

via www.directline-holidays.co.uk

The All-Inclusive Golden Coast Hotel- Protaras, Cyprus

Latouros Restaurant - Mazotos, Cyprus

Mazotos is a small village in Cyprus, numbering about 1200 inhabitants and situated at about 20km west of Larnaca. It's off the beaten track and the bright touristy attractions of the island. But that's where you can find Latouros Restaurant which caters practically for every taste. Having visited most restaurants and tavernas on the outskirts of Larnaca, Latouros Restaurant is by far the best restaurant ever in the area. It is right next to Aldiana Hotel on the old road to Zygi and Limassol.

The new owner will greet you and welcome you personally, whether you are a repeat customer or visiting for the first time. The rest of the staff are friendly and helpful and really make you feel "at home" even though the service is not always fast. But Latouros Restaurant isn't a fast food restaurant and , believe me, it's worth waiting 20 minutes for your meal to arrive. Try their grilled seabream (lavraki) right out of the fisherman's net -the shore is only 2 km away- or try their barbecue (souvla) and ofton kleftikon usually served on Sundays. Have a glass of their homemade wine - made by a friend of the owner at the village of Dora. And... Don't say no to their homemade pishies for dessert -served with nuts and honey. You'll love them!

Soutsos Taverna - Pervolia, Larnaca

 

Photo by Anastasia for Cypria

Soutsos Taverna is located at the picturesque village of Pervolia at about 14 km south of Larnaca, Cyprus. Since I first discovered it two years ago, it's been one of my favourite haunts on a Sunday outing. Although the taverna features some international dishes for the less adventurous, I wouldn't recommend them. Soutsos is by far one of the best tavernas in Cyprus specialising in local cuisine. Try their copious meze, their divine souvlaki and sheftalies, their moussaka, their afelia or their king size grilled calamari.The staff are very friendly and helpful - and the service is fast and efficient.  Rembetica live music and Cypriot dancing will entertain you every Friday and Saturday night.

 Starters at Soutsos

Photo by Anastasia for Cypria

Souvlakia with Sheftalies and crispy chips

Photo by Anastasia for Cypria

In the winter, the taverna has two large fireplaces which create a very cosy atmosphere while you are enjoying your meal.

For reservations (strongly recommended):

24424832 / 99682957

The Coral Bay Beach Hotel & Resort - Hotel Review

The Coral Bay Beach Hotel & Resort is located at Coral Bay at about 10km north of Paphos, Cyprus. Since 1998, The Coral Bay Beach Hotel has been our favourite hotel for a summer weekend away. So, as almost every summer, last weekend we went off to Paphos. That was our 7th or 8th visit to the hotel. Upon arrival, a porter picked up our luggage and soon afterwards, we were greeted by the friendly and efficient staff at the Reception.  Five minutes later, we were enjoying a drink on the private veranda of our suite while contemplating the unique Paphos sunset.

The spacious suite is elegantly decorated in shades of blue and turquoise against an off-white background, thus matching the breathtaking view to Coral Bay. We were delighted to see that a bottle of wine and a large basket of fresh fruit was were placed in the living-room with the compliments of the management. I loved the sparkling white linen napkins placed in navy blue napkin rings!  I also appreciated the tea & coffee corner, fully equipped ,where you could make your own tea or coffee. As for the bed, that was the largest bed I've ever slept in.

Although the hotel was full when we were there, service was simply impeccable! As for breakfast, that was a special treat!  A wide range of freshly baked bread was neatly placed in a wooden cupboard with open doors and equipped with all sorts of knives and cake tongs. The breakfast buffet consisted of a great variety of smoked meats, sweets, fresh fruit, cheeses, pancakes, scrambled eggs, baked beans, sausages and freshly squeezed orange juice. Should you wish fried eggs with bacon, you could order on the spot. They arrive piping hot on crispy toast and garnished with crispy bacon streaks. Not a healthy option, but when on holiday everything is allowed!!!

At the pool bar you can have a light lunch and you can choose out of a wide variety of snacks. We had chicken gyros with chips and loved it! Despite the load of work service was great and waiters and waitresses were fast, friendly, POLITE, and very efficient!

We'll certainly go back to The Coral Bay Beach Hotel next summer.