Cypria

Easter in Cyprus - The Golden Bay Beach Hotel - Larnaca

 

 

Video by Anastasia Marou - All Rights Reserved

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

Larnaca, Cyprus

A. Introduction

Larnaca Beach

This is where the East meets the West, one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities of the world and a fascinating blend of the many cultures and civilizations that shaped its history. The quiet seafront city of Larnaca is situated on the southeast coast of Cyprus at about 7km from the International Airport. Larnaca is the perfect starting point from which you can set out to explore the surrounding countryside but also the rest of the island. Tiny villages offering a unique experience of agrotourism, miles of golden beaches, sport and recreation, cultural events and..... authentic Greek tavernas are only a few of the choices in and around the city of Zenon.

B. Off the beaten track

Pervolia, Larnaca

Lefkara, Cyprus

Agrotourism is a holiday offering an entirely different experience. Actually, it is an ecological way of enjoying nature, tasting local flavours and homemade wine or learning about the traditions of the villages. You can also enjoy the hospitality and friendliness of the locals who will only be too happy to tell you all about their villages and even invite you to share their lunch or dinner at their home. They will always tell you with a broad smile : "Kopiaste" (please come and share our meal). 

This mild form of sustainable tourism and multi-activity in Larnaca's rural areas is becoming increasingly popular giving visitors a taste of authentic Cyprus life. Get acquainted with agricultural areas, agricultural occupations such as farming, local products, traditional cuisine and the simple , daily life of the locals. End your day with a Cyprus/ Greek  coffee.Here's how you can order it:

1. Sketos = no sugar
2. Metrios = 1 tsp sugar
3. Glykis = 2tsp sugar
4. Variglykis = 3 or ...more tsp sugar

Cyprus is not just Ayia Napa - a mini version of Mykonos - night life in Limassol, or luxury holidays in Paphos. Discover what Cyprus really is about by visiting tiny villages off the beaten track that seem to be a world away but just a short drive from Larnaca such as Mazotos,Kiti,Dromolaxia, Pervolia by the sea and the mountainous Larnaca - Lefkara, Vavatsinia, Vavla, Ora. These villages, though small and close to each other, have their own individual character and charm, and are certainly worth discovering.

The village of Lefkara

C. Golden Beaches Vs Pebbles

Miles upon miles of clean, safe beaches on either side of Larnaca make the whole area a paradise for water lovers- especially for young children as our waters are shallow on the sandy beaches.. One of the most popular in the region is the Yannathes Beach in Voroklini - at about 5-6 km from most hotels. A beautifully designed footpath surrounded by flowers and trees make this beach ideal not just for swimming but also for a romantic midnight stroll far away from crowds. On the other side, MacKenzie Beach is close to the airport, near many popular restaurants and fish taverns - the ideal place to go if you love crowds. The famous Finicoudes Seafront in the very heart of Larnaca - the city centre- boasts a blue flag - an annual award to beaches that meet very strict criteria, ranging from water quality to area management and safety. Both MacKenzie and Finicoudes employ lifeguards from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and both boast the Blue Flag.

All beaches in Cyprus are public and anyone can use them without extra charge unless you want to hire sunbeds and umbrellas. However, if you use hotel facilities such as the hotel's sunbeds and/or sunshades the hotel's swimming-pool and / or shower / toilets and/or dressing-room , you will be charged by the hotel.

D. Multi-Cultural Larnaca

A Turkish Mosque in Larnaca..preseved by the Greek authorities

The Church of Saint Lazarus 

Since antiquity Larnaca has been at the crossroad of various civilizations. The heritage is evident today in its open-minded, welcoming attitude to all people, all races, all cultures and all religions. Here in Larnaca, Christians and Muslims co-exist in perfect harmony. Places of worship include Muslim Mosques like the Um Haram Mosque by the Salt Lake, Armenian, Anglican, Catholic and Protestant Churches stand alongside the plethora of Greek Churches the most famous of which is Saint Lazarous Church.

E. Larnaca's Greek Identity

Photo Credit

Larnaca is the hometown of the great Greek philosopher Zenon who was born here and later moved to Athens where he taught Stoic Philosophy. The Athenian General Kimon died at sea in Larnaca, defending the city from the Persians. In Christian times, Saint Lazarus lived and preached the word of Jesus in Larnaca and died here. His sepulchre at Saint Lazarus Church is visited by many people from all around the world.