Wineries and Distilleries

KEO

KEO brews the island's favourite lager beer and a wide range of red, white and sherry style wines, as well as dessert wines and local versions of international fizzy drinks and mixers. The tour of KEO's modern winery and brewery in Limassol takes about 30 minutes, followed by a tasting session, and is a great way to get to know Cypriot vintages.

Carlsberg

The quirky tour of the Cyprus subsidiary of the huge Danish brewing company includes not only a fascinating glimpse of the brewing and bottling process but admission to a natural history museum and mini-zoo within the brewery grounds.

ETKO

ETKO's best-known product is its Emva sherry-style wine. However, imminent membership of the European Union will mean the winery (along with its rivals) must re-brand some of its products, as EU rules insist sherry may only come from Spain. A tasting follows the tour.

Agios Ambrosios

Ambelida and Anassa (red and white) are the leading labels from this ecological winery, which prides itself on using the minimum of pesticides, fertilizers and additives.

Sterna Winery

The Paphos region has been famous for wine since antiquity, and a visit to this vineyard is a great way to try some of the best. Among the exhibits is a 200-year-old copper still that continues to be used to produce zivania, Cyprus's high-octane moonshine.

Monte Royia

The monks of Chrysorrogia- tissa monastery  grow their own grapes on the hillsides around Panagia and produce an excellent, dry white, Agios Andronikos.

Tsiakkas Winery

Tsiakkas has won awards for its red, white and rose wines, made by blending traditional grape varieties with foreign imports. Their winery is worth visiting just for its setting, high in the Troodos mountains.

Marki Winery

Look out for the reliable and well-priced "Kilani Village" red and white wines from this village winery.

For more information about any of these wines and distilleries please feel free to contact us at:

http://www.cypruspropertyvillas.com

Water Sports in Cyprus - Part 2

To continue on with last weeks post we’d thought we’d bring you some more water sports activities that are available throughout Cyprus. These include sailing, swimming, water skiing, and windsurfing. There are a variety of locations where you will be able to do these activities such as, Larnaca, Limassol, Ayia Napa, and Protaras.

Sailing

Skippered yachts can be chartered from island marinas (Larnaca and Limassol are the main centres) by the day or for longer cruises and smaller dinghies; and catamarans are available by the day or half-day from beaches around Ayia Napa, Protaras, Limassol and Lakki.

Swimming

Cyprus's sea is sparklingly clean and crystal clear making it ideal for swimming. Most beaches have lifeguards on duty in high season, but look out for red flags, which mean bathing is inadvisable at that time because of high waves or strong currents. Most holiday villas have a large outdoor pool which can be used most of the year round.

Water Skiing

Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa are the best spots for water skiing, for beginners as well as for experts, because the sea tends to be calmer at these spots. There are dozens of competing water-ski outfits at each resort that will supply all the gear and take you out on the water, so look around for the best price.

Wind Surfing

Ayia Napa and Protaras have the best windsurfing conditions, but boards can be rented by the hour, half-day or day at all the island's resort hotels and public beaches. The best time of day for windsurfing is often mid to late afternoon, when a light breeze usually springs up.

For more information about any of these activities please feel free to contact us at:

http://www.cypruspropertyvillas.com

Water Sports in Cyprus

Water sports are a great activity to enjoy in the Cyprus sun, these include banana rides, jet skiing, kiteboarding, and snorkelling. There is an array of locations across Cyprus where you can take part in these activities such as, Ayia Napa.

Banana Rides

Bright yellow inflatable "bananas" towed at speed by motor boats can carry half a dozen or so passengers. The challenge is to stay aboard while the boat's movement makes the "banana" perform an increasingly extreme series of aquatic manoeuvres. Life jackets are essential and most operators insist on an over-15s only policy.

Jet Skiing

Bouncing from wave to wave on the back of a motorized, water bike in imitation of your favourite action hero is a popular beach pastime for locals as well as visitors. Jet skis can be hired at all the resort beaches but, because of the cost of fuel, it's a relatively expensive activity. Lifejackets are compulsory and because of the risk to swimmers it's essential to steer well clear of the lines of coloured buoys which designate swimmer-only stretches of inshore water.

Kiteboarding

This adrenaline-pumping, extreme version of windsurfing involves being towed at high speed by a giant, parachute-like, kite. Skilled boarders can make spectacular and daring leaps high into the air before plunging back into the waves. It's just beginning to catch on in Cyprus and those who dare may find kiteboards for rent at some of Ayia Napa's beaches.

Snorkelling

There is plenty to see underwater, even within a few yards of the shore if you are a beginner at this sport. The shallows are teamed with tiny fish, sea anemones and urchins clinging to the rocks and, if you are lucky, you may even see an octopus slithering past. But it's well worth heading out to the more rocky shores where there is more to see than on the sandy bottom. One of the best places for snorkelling in Cyprus is the north coast of the Akamas Peninsula where rocky coves and tiny islands not too far offshore abound in a variety of sea life, including larger fish such as grouper.

For more information about these activities please contact us at:

http://www.cypruspropertyvillas.com

Cyprus - Walking Trails

Looking for a new way to discover Cyprus? We have compiled together a selection of walking trails that will give you a totally different view of the island. From short to long walks, there is a walking trail for everyone to enjoy. The trails to choose from include Kaledonia, Atalanti, Artemis, Persephone, Lefkara Circular and Gerakies.

Kaledonia Trail

This is a fairly gentle amble in the woods, from the Presidential Forest Lodge (where Cypriot presidents come to cool off and think things over) to the famous waterfall in its wooded ravine.  Following the course of the aptly named Kryos Potamos ("Cold River", which never dries up and is perfect for cooling hot feet) you will come across birds, butterflies and abundant wildflowers in the spring and early summer. Expect to complete this walk in less than two hours at an easy pace.

Atalanti Trail

A breathtaking panorama rewards walkers on this circular trail, which passes through forests of black pine and centuries-old juniper on its way around the slopes of Mount Olympus, the highest summit of the Troodos massif. Starting and finishing in the square at the centre of the Troodos Resort, the 12-km (75-mile) walk takes around five hours.  

Artemis Trail

In the spring and autumn, crocuses, cyclamen and anemones greet walkers on this high trail, which starts from the Chionistra-Troodos and Troodos-Prodromos road junction and ends in the centre of Troodos village, Look out for the ruins of a 16th-century fort where a handful of Venetians made a gallant last stand against the Ottoman invaders in 1571. This 8-km (5-mile) walk should take less than three hours.

Persephone Trail

For those who want to work up an appetite before dinner or burn off calories after lunch, this brisk stroll is ideal. Start just south of Troodos Square in Troodos Resort and walk through lush woods to the Makria Kondarka viewpoint, 1,700 m (5,575 ft) above sea level. The farmlands of the Limassol plain spread out below you.

Lefkara Circular Trail

Lefkara, with its old stone cottages, is seen at its best from above. This uphill short stroll - only 3km (2 miles) and about 90 minutes there and back - leads from the village's main street to the hilltop chapel of Metamorfosis tou Sotiros.

Gerakies Trail

This short walk, starting outside Gerakies, covers 3.5 km (2.5 miles) with fine views of the lush Marathas Valley and the Pafos Forest.

For more information on any of these trails please feel free to contact us at:

http://www.cypruspropertyvillas.com

Historic Sites of Cyprus - Part 2

A continuation of last week's post, we thought we'd bring you more information on the historic sites of Cyprus. The ancient sites we will be talking about this week includes Tenta in Kalavasos, Kolossi Castle in Limassol, Kourion (Curium) in Episkopi and Tomb of the Kings in Paphos. All four of these sites are the remains from ancient Cyprus and are filled with history just waiting to be uncovered.

Tenta, Kalavasos is an archaeological site that is home to the remains of a Neolithic settlement. The site dates back to the eighth millenium BC, developing an original civilisation called the Cypriote Aceramic Neolithic. The settlement is surrounded by walls and consists of a variety of buildings with either a simple circular or double circular ground plan. Just like Choirokoitia, Tenta was abandoned where the island remained uninhabited until the Ceramic Neolithic civilisation emerged. The ruins of Tenta include the remains of the winding walls which made up the circular huts of the village.

Originally Kolossi Castle, Limassol was a Frankish thirteenth century fortification in Cyprus. The castle was built by the Knights Hospitallers in 1210, which almost remained in their possession until the Mameluke raids 1525/1526 destroyed the castle. The only break that occurred was between 1306 and 1313 when the Knights Templar over run the castle. Kolossi Castle that currently stands today was built in 1454, the order to construct it was made by Louis de Magnac. On the walls of the structure you can still see Louis de Magnac’ coat of arms.

Kourion (Curium), Episkopi is an archaeological site that consists of both Byzantine and Roman ruins. The earliest sign of inhabitants of Kourion is believed to date back to 4500-3900 BC during the Neolithic period. However, it is believed that the town itself was founded by the Argives in thirteenth century BC. Kourion has played an important role in times of conflict During the Cypriot uprising against Persia (fifth century BC), its king, Stasanor betrayed his country, lending his support and troops to the Persians. Throughout both the Roman and Byzantine era Kourion continued to be inhabited and buildings, monuments and structures still remain today. The many remains are Kourion include, the theatre, a third century AD Roman market or “agora”, public baths, a Nymphaeum, the fourth century AD House of Achilles and a third century AD House of the Gladiators.

Tomb of the Kings, Paphos is a Hellenistic necropolis that contains eight well-preserved tombs. It is a third century BC archaeological site where its monarchy was abolished in 312 BC. The Tombs of the Kings was the cemetery to the elite, including prominent figures and high ranking officials. It was used throughout the Hellenistic and Roman era, up until the fourth century. In Medieval times it was damaged by squatters, who were said to have modified the tombs. When visiting this site you are able to go down into the tombs, you are able to see the tombs structures, columns and porticos.

I hope this information has been helpful in assisting you with the various ancient sites of Cyprus that can be uncovered on your visit. For more information about any of these locations please feel free to contact us at:

http://www.cypruspropertyvillas.com

Historic Sites of Cyprus

Cyprus’ history is so diverse, with historic sites ranging from Neolithic Villages to Roman Ruins and Medieval Castles. In the prehistoric period of Cyprus the island was shaped by many different cultures; such as, the Pharaohs of Egypt to the south, the Mesopotamian kingdoms to the east, the Hittite empire to the north and the Minoan and Mycenaean cultures of the west. These cultures all influenced different aspects of this beautiful country’s history.

Amathus is a historic site that contains the remains of one of the islands oldest ancient towns. The site has been inhabited since at least 1050 BC, but the origins are unclear. It is believed that the Eteocypriot’ originally founded the site. Amathus played host to many civilisations including the Greeks, the Phoenicians, the Persians, the Ptolemies and the Romans. Evidence shows that Amathus was abandoned in the late seventeenth century. The cult of Aphrodite and the legend of Ariadne are largely associated with Amathus. In present day, the ruins of Amathus consists of several ancient sites, these include tombs, an acropolis with a first century AD Roman temple to Aphrodite, an agora with some public baths and the remains of the eighth century BC palace of Amathus.

Choirokoitia, Larnaca, is a prehistoric agricultural settlement (7000 BC), which is the first archaeological sight of human inhabitants on the island. In 1998, UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage site. Choirokoitia is one of the most important prehistoric sites in neolithic history in the eastern Mediterranean, playing a significant part in the agricultural development of the area. It demonstrates the expansion of Neolithic culture with an island environment. When visiting Choirokoitia you are able to see the remains of the ancient site and reconstructions of the circular huts.

The Church of Agios Lazaros, Larnaca is a church from the Byzantine era. It was built in the 10th century AD on top of the believed tomb of Saint Lazaros. It is said that Saint Lazaros was resurrected by Jesus. He fled to Cyprus and then became ordained as a Bishop. During the Ottoman occupation of Cyprus it was used as a mosque and then reverted back to a church. Over the years it has fallen victim to a lot of damage including a fire, but has since been restored. When visiting you are able to enter the Church of Agios Lazaros crypt to see the reckoned tomb along with many others buried there.

I hope this information has been helpful about the many historic sites within Cyprus. For more information about any of these historic sites please contact us at:

http://www.cypruspropertyvillas.com

A Paphos Day

Paphos city, as opposed to Paphos region, has a complicated layout which defeated me for a long time. These days I feel like I have it more worked out, so felt I should share and save other people some time and trouble.

Let us start at the tomb of the Kings, not least because it is signposted everywhere. If you are going to visit the site, go early, as there is little shade, but our tour of Paphos starts at the site entrance. Walk or drive up the road directly opposite. There is one offset junction, with a right turn closely followed by a left to set you back in the same direction, but less than half a mile takes you to the escarpment on which the city sits above the coastal plain. If you are driving there is a large, shady car park here, and a glass-fronted lift to take you up with little effort. After the cultivated fields and apartment blocks below, it is a real eye-opener to be greeted by pavement cafes and market stalls as you walk out of the lift.

Shopping may distract you, as may the mosque now that you are in the old Turkish quarter. Unlike the tourist areas of the coast, buildings have that air of genteel sun-baked dilapidation. It may well be time for lunch, in which case you are well served by a super little taverna called Laona that has been rustling up great food for many, many years. Please check the map below, as it is tucked away up a shady lane, and not very easy to find.

Time presses. There are museums and civic buildings higher up the hill, but our itinerary will take us to Kato Paphos (the harbour) far below. If you are driving, retrace your route to Tomb of the Kings, turn left, then right, signposted Municipal beach. Ideally it is now late afternoon, and you can walk along the coastal path enjoying the views as the sun dips and loses some of its heat. There are shaded benches along the way to enjoy the outlook. Passing the lighthouse, you come into the harbour by the landmark which is the castle.

The castle may tempt you, not least because of the cool shade inside those thick stone walls. Alternatively there is a low stone building on your left which often has art exhibitions. There are also clean public toilets just a little further along. Hawkers will try and tempt you to sit at one the many restaurant tables at the water’s edge, and why not? An alternative, if you are ready for dinner already, is the upstairs section of Poseidonas restaurant, no more than a hundred metres from the castle. The food is good, and the elevated position means you get a great perspective across the boats in the harbour. Alternatively, carry on along the promenade, until the road starts to climb away from the sea. Pingouino’s is a glass-fronted café bar in front of you where they serve great coffee and well-priced simple food. For something fancier, the Gourmet tavern next door has an excellent reputation, although it is not a budget option.

A walk back along the coastal path, admiring the clever mosaics as the sun sets is an option. But if all this walking sounds too strenuous, there are frequent air-conditioned buses along Tomb of the Kings road which terminate at the harbour, and €2 gets you all day travel. However you do it, please take time to enjoy a city which has hosted visitors from all over Europe over the centuries, not least Richard the Lionheart, and is awash with World Heritage sites.

For information please feel free to contact us at:

http://www.cypruspropertyvillas.com