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.

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Facts about Cyprus - What you didn’t know

Cyprus is located in the mediterranean sea and is the furthest east of all the islands. There are many facts about Cyprus from past to present that you may not know. The island has always been famed for it’s sun, receiving 340 days each year. That is nearly double the amount of sunshine received in most parts of the UK. On average Cyprus only receives 40 days of rainfall each year, that isn’t a lot of rain at all. In this blog post I have compiled a list of interesting and fun facts about the year round island. Have a read and you will find some interesting facts about Cyprus that you may not know!

• Through archaeological evidence it is suggested that people first lived on the island of Cyprus 10,000 years ago.
• During the Copper and Bronze ages Cyprus was once the wealthiest nation in the known world. The island’s rich natural copper resources were exported.
• During the reign of the Franks and the Venetians, Famagusta was once the richest city in the known world.
• In Cyprus there are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these are Paphos, The painted Churches in the Troodos Mountains and Choirokoitia.
• One of the most important Neolithic settlement sites in Europe was that of Choirokoitia
• On 1st October Cyprus’ Independence day is celebrated.
• The oldest monastic site in Cyprus is the Stavrouvouni Monastery in the Troodos Mountains. The monastery was founded in the 4th century by St Helena.
• One of the biggest and most important historic religious sites in Cyprus is The Sanctuary of Apollo Ylatis near Kourion. It was built in the 5th century BC.
• In 45AD, Cyprus became a province of the Roman Empire. It was also the first country to be governed by a Christian.
• Cyprus is home to one of Europe's most southerly ski resorts.
• Geographically speaking Cyprus is a ophiolite. Rising from the sea around 20 million years ago.
• In Cyprus there are more than 1,950 species of flowering plants. Of which 140 can only be found in Cyprus.
• Around Cyprus 260 species of fish circle the warm Mediterranean waters.
• Green Turtles and Loggerhead Turtles can be seen nesting in Cyprus, one of the few places in the world.
• In Cyprus more than 45 beaches have been awarded the EU Blue Flag for cleanliness and safety.
• Every Autumn around 10,000 Greater Flamingos temporarily stop over to feed at the salt lakes near Larnaca Airport. This is during their migration South to a warmer climate.
• In Cyprus, traffic drives on the left-side of the road.

I hope this blog post has given you an insight into interesting facts that you may not know about the island of Cyprus. Feel free to leave us a comment to let us know which fact interested you the most?

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The Cities of Cyprus

Nicosia

Since the 10th century Nicosia has been the capital city of Cyprus. It is centrally located and is the largest city on the island. Nicosia lies on the central Mesaoria Plain with the breathtaking mountains of Kyrenia mountains to the north, host to the distinct Pentadaktylos (five fingered peak). It is the world’s last divided capital with the Northern side being the capital of Northern Cyprus and the south side being the Republic of Cyprus. There are many things to do there, such as visiting spa’s, cinema’s and shops. There are also a variety of places to eat and drink. Below are some great places to go to in Nicosia:

• Hamam Omerye - This spa is situated in the old town in Tyllirias Square within the ancient Venetian Wall. It has some amazing treatments that relax and unwind you and help detox your body.
• K. Cineplex - A modern multiscreen cinema. The majority of films will be screened in their original language with Greek subtitles. It isn’t really that different to what you would get back home.
• Erodos - A cafe-restaurant which is situated in Old Town Nicosia within the Venetian walls. A great place to watch live music, drink traditional beers, and indulge in eccentric food.
• Babylon - This is a popular, long established bar within a converted 1950’s house. It has a great garden to sit and relax in in the Summer and log fires for the Winter months.

Limassol

The coastal city of Limassol is situated in the Southern part of Turkey and is the second largest city in Cyprus. It is a popular tourist destination as well as a principal hub for international business in Cyprus. The climate is Mediterranean in Limassol with hot, dry Summers and warm, wet Winters. Recently in the old town and port area, renovation projects have been pursuing restoration of the historic center, making Limassol more accessible and interesting for sightseeing. Below are some great places to go in Limassol:

• Limassol Carnival - This event happens every year in February/March. It is a vibrant and eccentric event with floats through the street and a lot of fancy dress.
• Ayios Andreas and Anexartisias Street - If you are looking for traditional shopping then this is the perfect location. It is away from the modern streets with old cobbled pathways.
• Columbia Steak House - This is the perfect choice if you are looking to splash out on a romantic meal. Located in the Old Town this restaurant imports high quality meats with kitchen staff supervised by American chef Jeannie Pierola.
• 7Seas - This bar is situated in the Old Town and is a great place if you are looking for live music and dancing. It is probably the classiest nightclub in Limassol.

Agia Napa

The coastal village of Agia Napa is located in Southern Eastern Cyprus. Over the past few years Agia Napa has become a popular party destination, similar to Ibiza. In particular, it has become a popular holiday destination for those who follow the UK garage scene. Agia Napa attracts tourists worldwide for its dramatic transition from day into night. The patron Saint of the city is Saint Napa whose venetian monastery is located in the centre of town. Below are some great places to go in Agia Napa:

• Grecian Bay - A sandy beach which is the closest to the city centre. This stunning beach stretches across three coves and to the east is a small fishing harbour.
• Makronisos Beach - Perfect choice if you are looking for a more family orientated beach. It is a bit further away from the city centre but is lovely if you are looking for a less touristy place to relax.
• Fiji Polynesian Cuisine - This restaurant is the best place to experience exotic Polynesian cuisine. Enjoy an array of fruits, vegetarian option, meats, poultry and seafood.
• Castle Club - This club opened its doors in 1998 and has been dominating the Cyprus nightlife scene ever since. If you enjoy music this is the place to go.

I hope this information has helped with things to do in the cities of Nicosia, Limassol and Agia Napa. For any further details please don't hesitate to contact us at:

http://www.cypruspropertyvillas.com

Facts about Cyprus

Welcome to our blog page! On this page you will be able to find out about all things Cyprus. To start off with we thought we’d provide you with some interesting facts about the all year round island.

Cyprus is a beautiful island located on the eastern side of the mediterranean sea and is situated east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria & Lebanon, northwest of Israel and north of Egypt. Their capital is Nicosia (also their largest city) and is located near the centre of the island, it is the only divided capital in the world with the southern and northern portions divided by a green line. The languages spoken in Cyprus include Greek, Turkish and English. The currencies used vary between the areas of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot. The Cypriot pound (CYP) is used in Greek Cypriot areas, whereas, in Turkish Cypriot areas the Turkish Lira (TRL) is used.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the mediterranean and is known as the year-round island. The country enjoys 340 days of sunshine every year with average temperatures on the coast reaching 24 degrees in the day and 14 degrees at nights. Below are some interesting facts about the island:

• In Greek mythology Cyprus was the birthplace of one of the most famous Greek Gods, Aphrodite God of Love and Beauty.
• Snow in the mountains also lasts until late spring making it possible to go skiing in the morning and relax on the beach in the afternoon.
• The Cyprus Mouflon exists nowhere else in the world and can found in the Troodos & Paphos Mountains
• A sweet red wine is produced in Cyprus called Commandaria and it is believed to be the oldest wine in the world.

There is so much culture and history behind Cyprus and its subtropical climate makes it possible to visit the island all year round.

For more information contact us at: 

http://www.cypruspropertyvillas.com