Governor's Beach, Limassol, Cyprus

This beach is not as crowded as others and is located midway between Larnaca and Limassol. Governor’s beach has a sandy coastline and shallow clear water with a rocky area beneath the shore ideal for snorkeling and fishing. It is a relaxing beach where you can witness a beautiful sunrise and enjoy a meal in a typical Greek Cypriot Taverna just a few metres away from the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean sea.

Ladies Mile, Limassol, Cyprus

The beautiful Ladies Mile beach is located near the New Limassol Port and is only a 10-15 minute drive from Limassol town centre. Here you can walk along the golden sandy beach, swim in the crystal calm waters or even have a go on the water sports facilities. The water here is shallow and very clear, so it’s safe for kids, and the sand runs for miles so if you’d prefer some peace and quiet you will be sure to find it here.

Ladies Mile beach is one of the most popular windsurfing spots on the island due to its flat shallow water. East Beach is the common name for all of the beach front area along Limassol town centre, it is mostly sandy and varies in width upon its length of 12 kilometres and now proudly boasts a meandering pedestrian walk way spotted with pleasant coffee shops to sit and watch the world go by in.

Limassol Carnival, Cyprus

The Lemesos (Limassol) Carnival is an important institution; a tradition for the Limassolians, which remains alive and will survive throughout times. It is a festivity so much expected desperately by everybody, thousands of children, younger and adults from all the free parts of Cyprus. Even the foreigners, who happen to be here during this period of the year or live permanently on the island, are passionate to expect it.

The Municipality is the official vehicle and organizer of a series of festive Carnival events. These events start on the Shrove Thursday with the Carnival King entering the town in a festive atmosphere, then the children’s parade, the various Serenaders’ shows and finally the Grand Carnival Parade which takes place on the last Sunday of the Carnival festivities.

Over the last couple of years, the main aim is the biggest possible participation of the Limassolians in these festivities. A second objective is to bring back elements, which are related to the identity of the traditional Carnival as the Limassolians remember it and have experienced it in the past.


In a few words, the Serenaders’ shows take place at the central key points of the town like the Heroon Square, the Medieval Castle Square, the Market Square, the Irenes Street Park etc. The children’s parade takes place at the city centre, along the coastal street in front of the knoll, so that the public may participate directly as easy as possible. The traditional Tuesday dance is organized on the Medieval Castle Square and many people in fancy dresses participate to enjoy a special razzle-dazzle.

Finally, special consideration has been given to the decoration of the town. All the places where festivities are planned as well as the central key points of the town are decorated in an as ingenious way as possible.

Village of Omodos, Limassol, Cyprus

The historic village of Omodos is located only 42 kilometers away from the city of Limassol and “is the centre of the wine-villages" of Limassol District.

Take a 1,000 year old village, preserve its quaint narrow streets and old stone build houses, add a venerated and spectacular monastery, sprinkle it all with star dust and you have OMODOS! Nowhere in the Troodos Mountains offers the attraction that Omodos can and does.

Omodos is well set up for tourists but still very appealing with a shopping lane and old ladies hand making lace type mats in the streets. The ancient church bell dates back to 1812 and was the first Christian Church bell to ring in Cyprus. An event of some significance in (the then) Turkish ruled Cyprus.


Omodos values its heritage. It does not live in the past - indeed it is one of the most progressive villages in Cyprus. Every resident is careful to preserve the wonderful ambience and traditional village atmosphere, so visiting Omodos today is not so very different from a visit say, 100 years ago - except for the donkeys. It's not true that all the donkeys are in Paphos! There are still a few in Omodos for you to see and pet. The villagers love their donkeys and so will you. Of course motorised transport holds sway but not in the village center. The quaint winding little streets and lanes are far too narrow for cars and in any event they are forbidden by statute.

VISIT LIMASSOL TOWN, CYPRUS

A multinational seaboard city, Limassol, is the main port and an essential tourists choice. It is the centre of the wine production. Limassol is well known for its extensive hotel accommodation, which has nightclubs, bars, restaurants, taverns. In Limassol there are Carnivals and Wine Festival, once a year. Down town, the Archaeological and Folk Art Museums are located.


Amathus and Curium - two ancient city - kingdom was joined and thus appear the city known now as Limassol. This city is the most impressive archaeological place in Cyprus. The extraordinary Greco-Roman theater is situated on the sea cliff near the Mediterranean. In the theater you can see theatrical piece and musical concert. Close to the theatre stands the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, the protector of the city of Curium.


Limassol is a historic city and everywhere is the smell of history. Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria in Limassol Castle that now is the Cyprus Medieval Museum. In the west part of the city there is the Kolossi Castle, where the Crusaders made their headquarters and it is a very good example of military architecture and confirmation of their wine production.

The Folk Art Museum, Limassol, Cyprus

This beautifully preserved old house provides a very interesting collection of Cypriot Folk Art of the last two centuries. Some of the most fascinating objects of the collection are: national costumes, tapestry, embroidery, wooden chests, waistcoats, men’s jackets, necklaces, a variety of light clothes, town costumes, country tools etc.

The museum was established in 1985. More than 500 exhibits are housed in its six rooms. The museum was awarded the Europa Nostra prize, in 1989. Here, the visitor can study Cypriot culture through the hand-made exhibits

Authentic Cypriot handicrafts are also offered for sale.

LOCATION: 253 Ayios Andreas Street, Limassol

OPENING TIMES: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 1.30pm, and 3pm to 5.30pm
on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
(June to September 4pm to 6.30pm)

ADMISSION: £0.50

The Limassol District Archaeological Museum

The museum was founded in 1948 and exhibits some very interesting artifacts, dating from the Neolithic Age to the Roman Period. There are three main rooms in the museum which contain a number of objects which portray Cyprus’ history.

The first room exhibits tools and pottery from 3000 B.C. to 1300 A.D, from archaeological sites such as Amathus and Kourion, as well as other areas in Limassol. The second room exhibits jewellery and sculptures from 1700 B.C. It also holds Roman coins and even early razor blades. The third room exhibits some of the most significant findings which are mostly from the ancient site of Amathus and includes the statue of Artemis, along with other remains depicting ancient icons.



Through the exhibited material the visitors can follow the development of civilisation in the island from the 9th millennium to the end of antiquity (Late Roman period).

LOCATION: District Archeological Museum , Vyronos 5, Limassol.

Limassol Municipal Art Gallery

The Limassol Municipal Art Gallery displays paintings done by some of the most talented and renowned artists from Cyprus. During the winter months the gallery is open between 8.30am till 1.30pm and after siesta, 3pm till 5.30pm. However, in the summer months, due to the excessive heat, the museum only opens at 4pm till 6.30pm.

LOCATION: 28th October Street, Limassol

Platres Waterfalls, Foini, Cyprus

Around Platres are marked hiking trails. The short walk to the Caledonian waterfalls is very popular. To reach the waterfalls you have to jump from stone to stone to cross a rustling river. Be prepared to sit and wring your socks out with other intrepid tourists !

The waterfalls, situated in the all green area of "Hantara", completes the picturesque beauty of the village Foini - which receives an average annual rainfall of about 830 millimeters; as a result winemaking vine varieties, several kinds of fruit (apples, pears, peaches, and plums), walnuts, a few vegetables and citrus trees are cultivated in the land.

A system of waterfalls can be found including Caledonia, Millomeri, Hantara and others. Fantastic for tough hikes and nature exploration, awarding you beautiful views which are well worth the effort, and maybe the wet feet.

Ancient Amathous, Limassol, Cyprus

The foundations of ancient temples, city walls and Byzantine churches mark this evocative hillside archaeological site just outside Limassol. Founded more than 3,000 years ago, Amathous was rediscovered during the 19th century, but archaeologists continue to uncover new finds here every year. Once on the waterfront, Amathous’s harbour silted up centuries ago and the site is now some distance from the sea.

To cool off after walking around the site, head for the sea at Agios Georgios Alamanou. The beach is pebbly, but the water is clean and there’s a good, basic taverna, the Paraliako Kentro.

LOCATION: Coast road, 11 km (7 miles) east of Limassol
OPEN: 9am–6pm daily (until 7:30pm Jun–Aug)
ADMISSION: CY£0.75

Londa Caprice Restaurant, Limassol, Cyprus

Londa’s signature outlets are sought-after venues on the Limassol social scene. The vibrant Caprice at Londa restaurant and bar are the places to be seen for the cognoscenti of Cyprus. The restaurant’s minimalist interiors are the perfect setting for the Mediterranean cuisine served with a twist, while the bar offers a range of icon cocktails and snacks.

Guests can also enjoy dinner outside on the terrace and deck overlooking the sea, as well as at the poolside bar.


"Because we love to cook and you love to eat, we encourage communication. All our dishes are always home made from the freshest produce right here in this kitchen, and the team are happy to improvise!"

LOCATION: 72 King George A St. Potamos , Yermasoyias, 4048 Limassol, Cyprus
TEL: +357 25865555

ANGELOKTISTI CHURCH, Larnaca, Cyprus

Angeloktisti means "Built by the Angels". This 11th century Byzantine church was erected over the ruins of an Earlier Christian basilica. The original aspe has survived, together with one of the finest pieces of Byzantine art to be seen in this area, a rare 6th century mosaic of the Virgin Mary and Child between the two archangels, which allegedly rivals even the Ravenna Mosaics.


LOCATION:Kiti village, 10 km west of Larnaca airport.

Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis, Kakopetria, Cyprus

Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis, The village of Kakopetria.

The church of Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis, meaning 'Saint Nicholas on the Roof', named after its steep wooden roof, which was built to protect it from climatologically conditions, located 5 kilometers north, of the charming village of Kakopetria.
Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis is considered as one of the most interesting Byzantine churches on the island, as its completely covered with mural paintings, dating between the 11th and 17th centuries.

Additionally, in the village of Kakopetria, there are another two churches, both from the 16th century. The first is the church of Panayia Theotokos, a small church which has retained half of its murals, and the second is the church of Ayios Georgios Perachoritis, on the east of the village. The old quarter of the village has been officially declared a protected area, and many of the traditional houses are now listed buildings, and have been fully restored to their former glories.

The Church of Ayios Nikolaos dis Steyis,
5 km from Kakopetria village.

Open all year.
Tues-Sat-09:00-16:00
Sunday-11:00-16:00

THE VILLAGE OF AGROS, LIMASSOL, CYPRUS

Agros is the village in the centre of Troodos district. A 19th century church now stands where once was the site of the Panagia Eleousa monastery, which was founded by monks from Constantinople during the 9th century.

HOW TO FIND IT: 45 kilometres North of Limassol, through Ayios Theodoros.

Panagia Podithou, The village of Galata, Troodos, Cyprus

In and around the village and Galata region, there are four churches which date back as early as the beginning of the 16th century.

Firstly, the church of Panagia Podithou once belonged to a monastery. First erected in 1502, its paintings are typical of those from the Ital-Byzantine influence. The church of Ayios Sozomenos dates back to the early 16th century, and thankfully still retains a complete series of frescoes from the post-Byzantine period.

The smaller church of Ayia Paraskevi, on the old Kakopetria-Galata road, has murals dating back to 1514. The old inn, 'Chani Kalianon', which has been faithfully restored, is a very interesting example of rural architecture from the period.

Cedar Valley, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus

Cedar Valley in Tilliryan Troodos is a must for nature lovers.The cedars in this secluded valley are indigenous Cyprus cedars, close relatives of the famous cedars of Lebanon. There are thousands of them in Cedar Valley.

It's not the easiest of places to find, but you are guaranteed peace and quiet once you get there. And if you are really lucky you can see the moufflon, a species of wild sheep native to Cyprus, and the national symbol.

Voroklini and Pyla Beaches, Larnaca, Cyprus

The coast of Dekelia bay in the area controlled by the Republic of Cyprus, is divided in two main parts, Pyla beach and Voroklini beach. There is no clear “border between the two.

Voroklini beach begins at the Eucaliptus forest (known as “Dasoudi” ie “little forest” in the east) and goes up to the first fence of the oil refinery in the west. Voroklini beach is about 3 km long, and can be roughly divided into 2 parts. The developed (almost 2 km long) east part, with luxury hotels and many amenities and the less developed west part.

Yanethes beach (which is part of Voroklini beach) has been awarded the Blue flag eco-label (www.blueflag.org) and has handicap facilities. The west part has almost entirely pebble on its surface, whereas the east part has many wavebreakers and a mixture of pebble and sand.

Castella Beach, Larnaca, Cyprus

The beach takes its name from the Larnaca castle (which is almost 1.5 km to the east). It is a 400 m sandy beach right on the west of a fishing shelter. Usually in summer after midday the wind is blowing from the south, and there are (small) waves in the bay. The beach has been awarded the Blue flag eco-label (www.blueflag.org). There are many fish taverns in the vicinity.

Cyprus Recipe - Scaloppini Etna

This recipe is featured in Varoshiotis website, the real gastronomic delight can be sampled at their restaurant in Larnaca itself.

Ingredients for 4 portions:


* 1200 gram pork fillets cut in cubes
* Vegetable oil for frying
* 300 gram sliced mushrooms
* ½ litre fresh cream
* 1 small coffee cup of Commandaria liquor
* 1 small coffee cup white wine
* Finely chopped parsley
* 1 medium onion finely chopped
* 400 gram vegetables to your liking
* 400 gram mash potatoes
* Salt & pepper


Method:

* Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the fillets until slightly browned.
* Remove extra oil.
* Add the onions & mushrooms and once sautéed slightly add the Commandaria liquor and wine.
* Once the juices evaporate, add the fresh cream.
* Cook on a low gas until sauce combines, garnish with parsley and serve with mash potatoes.

Accompany with vegetables that please you.

Bungee Jump in Cyprus

Centuries ago the Vanuatuan natives on the Island of Pentecost paved the way for modern day jumping by diving with vines bound at the ankles from towering Bamboo Structures as proof of their manhood. This inspired three New Zealanders, A J Hackett, Henry Van Asch and Chris Siggelkow to spend some years furthering the science of Bungee Jumping using latex rubber, developing systems and safety calculations that Bungee Downunder and A J Hackett use today.

Bungee Downunder opened on the Gold Coast, Australia in 1990 and in 1992 opened Cyprus' first professionally operated bungee facility. Over the last 11 years more than 1,000,000 people aged from 12-82 at Bungee Downunder sites in Europe, The Middle East, The Far East and Australasia have enjoyed the thrill, secure in the knowledge that they are jumping with a professional company which has maintained a 100% safety record

Bungee Down Under celebrated their 10th anniversary in Cyprus. Come and jump with the professionals at Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa.


Open 7 days a week from May 1st through to October
OPEN DAILY FROM 3pm-1am JUST BEHIND McDONALDS
Night jump specials, Bar & BBQ

Horse Riding in Cyprus

Cyprus Adventure can organise a horse riding trip, set a leisurely pace, ideal for families, beginners and anyone who would like to enjoy a pleasant horse riding experience through unspoiled countryside and perhaps the Sea Caves Area.

This ride runs hourly during the first and last hours of daylight depending on time of the year. It is too hot in summer for midday riding.

Bookings to be made at least 48 hours in advance and preferably longer.

The trip begins at the Ranch and follows tracks through fruit plantations to the Sea Caves Area if in the Paphos option.

They can arrange transfers depending on where you are staying if needed.
Riding from Paphos, Polis, Larnaca, Limassol and Nicosia.
We do not endorse or organise in Ayia Napa.


Price EURO 44.00 Deposit Required of EURO 9.00

Included: Riding hats, Insurance, English speaking guide.

Quad Bike Safari, Larnaca, Cyprus

Quad Bike Safari, Larnaca, Cyprus
Quad bike safari was formed in 2004 and has since established itself as one of the leading tourist attractions and activities in Cyprus, very popular with the holidaymakers and local businesses. Quad bike safari is constantly developing its self and keeping the focus on customer satisfaction and pleasurable experiences.

Driving your own quad bike is an experience in its self, but the views and adventure that go with it are second to none. Fully trained staff that give you all the encouragement and confidence you need for this all inspiring adventure.
This is something the whole family can enjoy, at a nice relaxing pace and the safari's are tailor made to suit everybody's ability, try it for yourselves, because this is something completely different from the norm.

Address: Dhekelia Road (opposite Golden Bay Hotel) Larnaca, Cyprus
Follow the coastal road to Dhekelia and you will find us on the left hand side 100 metres passed The Lordos Beach hotel.
Tel: (+357) 24 647729

Larnaca Sports Facilities, Cyprus

On the airport road, at the roundabout nearest the American Academy is the New sports ground. It was built on the grounds of the old Larnaca Football Stadium.

The old Larnaca Stadium offers to the public the following:

Children's playground built to European Safety standards

Special area for children's parties

Fully equipped Gym with professional trainers

4 Futsal courts

Basket ball court

Tennis court

2 beach volley courts

A special running or walking track.



There is a nice and relaxing cafe which hosts the kids, parents and friends during the day. There is now a new football stadium on the edge of town on the Nicosia road which is not the only football stadium in town, but it houses football matches on Saturdays throughout the season.

Larnaca Bay, Cyprus Beaches

Larnaca Bay itself is one of the CTO (Cyprus Tourism Organisation) beach in the middle of Larnaca on the Dhekelia road. There is a restaurant, showers and changing rooms, children's playground, volleyball, umbrellas and all the paraphernalia one would expect from a professional beach.

There is a bus, usually hourly until about 5pm which runs along the Dhekelia road. A nice beach for kids with a couple of interesting rock pools.

Mackenzie Beach, Cyprus Beaches

Whilst there is a lovely promenade near the marina, with a very pleasant sandy beach all along the front. Most tourists don’t ever get beyond this beach. If you keep driving along the same coast road (which at some points looks so close to the sea, you might fall in), you move closer and closer to the airport. Just before the airport is Mackenzie Beach. It is signposted off the main road and there is a large municipal car park.

The area behind and lining the beach is back to back with good local restaurants, including lots of good fish taverns. You will find grilled chicken, traditional meze, kebabs, fresh fish served by the kilo – it’s all here. The beach itself has hundreds of sun beds and umbrellas and the surface is really good sand-castle sand, so perfect for the children. Many of the beaches in Cyprus are rocky and pebbly, so this is a real gem.

The sea is shallow here too, so you can walk out for at least fifty metres and it is only waist deep and sandy underfoot, so again, perfect for the children.

You will see lots of the locals ‘power walking’ up and down the beach too as it is very long. This is good fun for the people watchers amongst you.

Sadly the beach is right in the approach path to the airport, so if you are an aircraft spotter then you’ll have a great day out, but if you are not, the novelty of seeing planes coming only a few hundred feet over your head every few minutes does wear thin, pretty quickly. The noise, the smell of aircraft engines and the smell of burning tyres when they land is just not good.

Cyprus Recipe - Penne di Roma

Penne di Roma - a dish served at Varoshiotis Restaurant, Larnaca, Cyprus

Ingrediants

* 600 grams cooked penne pasta
* 50 grams olive oil
* 400 grams of beef fillet pieces
* 100 grams of white wine
* 200 grams fresh cream
* 200 grams sliced mushrooms
* Parmesan cheese
* Salt & pepper

Method:

* Heat olive oil in pan and sauté the meat
* Add the mushrooms and then the wine
* Once the sauce has combined, add the fresh cream, lower the gas and leave the sauce to thicken.
* Then add the hot pasta, add salt & pepper to fix taste your liking.

Phinikoudes Beach, Larnaca, Cyprus

Phinikoudes is the most famous beach in Larnaca, Cyprus. Phinikoudes means small palm trees (now grown into very big palm trees) that were planted in 1922.

Phinikoudes beach is in the centre of Larnaca and is lined with cafes, restaurants and bars where you can sit and enjoy the sun. The beach is sandy and the waters are shallow so perfect for children.

There's lots to do for all the family at Phinikoudes Beach. If you get bored there is a small fun park for young children, arcades and watersports for the more adventurous. Sunbeds and umbrellas are also available. As busy as Phinikoudes beach sounds, it is still relatively laid back.

There is also a marina to the north of beach with various sea boat tours available and also diving.

Kudeta Kitchen Bar, Larnaca, Cyprus

Kudeta Kitchen Bar is one the most romantic spots in Larnaca, set along the shore of the Makenzie strip, next to the Larnaca Fort. Listening to the waves you can enjoy a variety of dishes ranging from steaks to salads and even fresh fish accompanied by wines from Kudeta’s very own selection.

If hunger is not that which will lead you to Kudeta, you may simply enjoy the sensational aromatic tastes of hot chocolate and coffee or even the delicious sweets and cakes on offer, whilst taking in the relaxed atmosphere created by the smooth lighting and chill-out music.

LOCATION: Makenzy Area - Larnaca - Cyprus
TEL: +357 24620603

Varoshiotis Seafood Restaurant, Larnaca, Cyprus

Simply the best fish restaurant in Cyprus, go along the main promenade in Larnaca, past the fort and it's right on the sea as you go towards the airport. Presentation and taste go hand in hand in this chic place on Larnaca's waterfront. Prince's prawns are laid out like orange slices on a bed of wild and white rice, a swirl of soy sauce surrounds a radish and, with a glass of chilled white wine, your palate is headed for a great night out.

Not cheap, but excellent value for money, Sundays are booked up almost right through the year, if you have the fish meze you won't even think about food for the rest of the day!

LOCATION:
7,Piale - Pasia Street - Larnaca - Cyprus
TEL: +357 77 77 77 08

House of Tan Li, Larnaca Restaurant, Cyprus

A small family run restaurant providing authentic Chinese food. Boasts of not using the flavour enhancer MSG in its food, so the exotic flavours are due to the skills of the chefs, as opposed to the compulsive chemical usually used in chinese cookery.

LOCATION:
Address: Pervolia - Larnaca -Cyprus
Tel: +357 24424877

Diving at Zenobia Wreck, Larnaca, Cyprus

Scuba divers should absolutely go for a dive at Zenobia, a passenger ferry which sank in 1980 and is now rated as one of the world’s top ten wrecks. Zenobia is now lying on its side at a depth of 16 to 42 meters, I mile off Larnaca's fishing harbor.

Since sinking the Zenobia has been relatively untouched with no salvage work being allowed. The rights to dive the Zenobia have been acquired by a local company, the protection of the Zenobia keeps it a brilliant dive site.

There are many rumours surrounding the exact cause of the sinking of the Zenobia none of which have ever been proved and it seems never will be. According to local legend the insurance money for the Zenobia was never collected by its owners and no formal investigation into the sinking has ever been published.

Cape Greco, Cyprus Natural Beauty

Cape Graco lies between the towns of Ayia Napa and Protaras, both of which are popular tourist resorts. It is frequently visited by many tourists for its natural beauty. It is a protected nature park, full of dense shrub land and rocky terrain. From the high points on the cliff that rests at the cape one can view amazing sights out to sea.

This relatively wild spot close to the overdeveloped Ayia Napa is ideal for hiking in Cyprus.

According to local legend it is also the home of the 'Ayia Napa sea monster'.

Athalassa Dam, Cyprus Natural Beauty

Athalassa Park can be described as the “green lung” of a rapidly expanding city with minimal green grounds, Nicosia. The Athalassa Park is the largest and most important green ground of greater Nicosia, acting as a stopper against the pollution and exacerbation of the natural environment, coinstantaneously offering various forms of entertainment.

Other than its main function, that is forest and cultivation research, the park is also used as a picnic place, fishing spot, for apiculture, collecting flowers, billets and snails, bird watching, bicycling, as a nature trail (there are over 20 Km of trails), and sports ground (with football, volleyball and basketball grounds).

It serves also as a fantastic birdwatchers' spot so close to the capital. Many kinds of birds dwell here,including egrets and kingfishers.

Akrotiri Salt Lake, Cyprus Natural Beauty

A salt lake or saline lake is a landlocked body of water which has a concentration of salts and other minerals significantly higher than most lakes. High salinity will also lead to a unique flora and fauna in the lake in question; sometimes, in fact, the result may be an absence or near absence of life near the salt lake, though this is not the case with Akrotiri, where an abundance of wildlife flourish, the most common of which are the Greater Flamingos.

The lake itself is considered to be one of the eastern Mediterranean’s most important wetlands. The fact that the water level over 50% of the lake is less than 30cm deep attracts thousands of wading birds to use it as a stopover during the migration seasons. Birdlife International estimates that between 2,000 and 20,000 Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) spend the winter months on the lake.