Cyprus 101
Jun 28th, 2012, 05:03 PM
#1
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Cyprus 101
Anyone have ANY information on their trips to Cyprus in recent years? Who did you fly with to get there? Did you only go to the southern part and what towns do you recommend staying in at Christmas time? Thanks for your help!
Jun 28th, 2012, 07:31 PM
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Really can't help you as I have not been there for many years, but topping to follow in case I ever go back.
Loved it when I was there in Kyrenia, but have no idea how it must have changed under the Turks. No pork chops in the Police canteen, I suppose.
Loved it when I was there in Kyrenia, but have no idea how it must have changed under the Turks. No pork chops in the Police canteen, I suppose.
Jun 28th, 2012, 08:29 PM
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I have been many times to Cyprus, but as i live in Greece i either used Cyprus Airways or Aegean Airlines.....
It is a very beautiful island, i can only speak of the Republic Of Cyprus ( that you describe as the Southern part).
I went on foot to the occupied turkish part of Nicosia, but i wasn't much impressed.... Only went there out of curiosity, since this part was isolated from the Republic of Cyprus since 1974, when Turkish troops occupied 45% of the island.
In the South there are 3 cities to choose from, apart from the capital of Nicosia, which would be interesting for a day trip.
The cities are : Larnaca,Limassol and Paphos.
All 3 cities are located on the sea, and have a mild climate.
I would recommend staying in Limassol, which is the second largest city of Cyprus. There are many nice hotels to choose from, and a ideal location for day trips to the Troodos mountain and Kykkos Monastery, or to the Akamas peninsula for hiking, my favourite part of Cyprus.
It is a very beautiful island, i can only speak of the Republic Of Cyprus ( that you describe as the Southern part).
I went on foot to the occupied turkish part of Nicosia, but i wasn't much impressed.... Only went there out of curiosity, since this part was isolated from the Republic of Cyprus since 1974, when Turkish troops occupied 45% of the island.
In the South there are 3 cities to choose from, apart from the capital of Nicosia, which would be interesting for a day trip.
The cities are : Larnaca,Limassol and Paphos.
All 3 cities are located on the sea, and have a mild climate.
I would recommend staying in Limassol, which is the second largest city of Cyprus. There are many nice hotels to choose from, and a ideal location for day trips to the Troodos mountain and Kykkos Monastery, or to the Akamas peninsula for hiking, my favourite part of Cyprus.
Jun 29th, 2012, 11:27 AM
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Thank you for taking the time to recommend some cities "clausar" as I just ordered some books and maps off of Amazon but won't get them for a week or so. Where would you want to spend the Christmas holiday to insure that there would be someplace open to eat,etc.?
Jun 29th, 2012, 12:00 PM
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i would definitely go to Limassol, a nice city on a kilometer long sandy beach, with a good nightlife, restaurants and many great hotels
From there you can do some day trips to Paphos or Nicosia, the divided capital of the island.
From there you can do some day trips to Paphos or Nicosia, the divided capital of the island.
Jun 29th, 2012, 01:06 PM
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You can stay in Paphos Limassol or Larnaca, all places are year round in Cyprus. Limassol is centrally placed so great for visiting the other towns, Old Limassol is especially interesting esp around the old pantopoleion which has cafes & restaurants. Paphos is a must see, with the tomb of the kings, the fantastic mosaics and the castle in the harbour, which is all pedestrianised now. A nice place for cocktails at sundown is Mare Mare on the seafront in Paphos. By Christmas time, there could be snow in the high peaks (Troodos and the mountain resort of Platres) and this is easily accessible from Limassol as well as the wine villages (Lofou is particularly pretty). There are even ski resorts. If you head out to the Akamas and take a boat from Latchi along the coast to the lovely blue lagoon, its very nice. Sadly in winter the restaurant Viklari (which is in the Akamas reserve) is closed.
In Limassol we like the Syrian Club for dinner & Mandaloun near to the Meridien but there are many many places to choose from. There are some very nice hotels in Limassol, best ones are slightly outside eg the Amathus, Meridien, Four Seasons (nothing to do with the chain of the same name)to name a couple.
The airport at Larnaca is new, alot of airlines fly there, depends where you are flying from, BA, Cyprus Airways, Easyjet etc. Larnaca has a nice seafront and marina. There is also an airport in Paphos.
In Limassol we like the Syrian Club for dinner & Mandaloun near to the Meridien but there are many many places to choose from. There are some very nice hotels in Limassol, best ones are slightly outside eg the Amathus, Meridien, Four Seasons (nothing to do with the chain of the same name)to name a couple.
The airport at Larnaca is new, alot of airlines fly there, depends where you are flying from, BA, Cyprus Airways, Easyjet etc. Larnaca has a nice seafront and marina. There is also an airport in Paphos.
Jun 29th, 2012, 06:20 PM
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Anyone have any information about the northern (Turkish) part of the island? That is the part I am hoping to revisit one day.
Just before the invasion we were living on our yacht in Kyrenia harbor, and I spent much of my time helping a group of folks restore an ancient wreck of a Greek vessel in a room inside the old castle. Anyone know if that restoration went forward under the Turks?
Just before the invasion we were living on our yacht in Kyrenia harbor, and I spent much of my time helping a group of folks restore an ancient wreck of a Greek vessel in a room inside the old castle. Anyone know if that restoration went forward under the Turks?
Nov 14th, 2012, 07:57 AM
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Going to Cyprus over the Christmas holidays and will be in the southern part of the island only. If you have any fav restaurants or things to do while in Larnarca,Limassol or near Paphos I would love it if you would share? Thanks-
Nov 14th, 2012, 04:59 PM
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I envy your trip, dutyfree! Wish I could join you, the southern part of the island is lovely, but so is the north, even though it is difficult to visit.
BTW, I ran into an article online about the shipwreck we were working on way back in 1974. It is still in the castle in Kyrenia, but the politics of the occupation have apparently halted the restoration at the point it was when I left because of the Turkish invasion. Here is a link: http://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogsp...l#.UKRKZodX1To
BTW, I ran into an article online about the shipwreck we were working on way back in 1974. It is still in the castle in Kyrenia, but the politics of the occupation have apparently halted the restoration at the point it was when I left because of the Turkish invasion. Here is a link: http://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogsp...l#.UKRKZodX1To
Nov 15th, 2012, 01:03 AM
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In Larnaca
Hala Sultan Tekke & the salt lake
Ayios Lazarus church which has important icons
Stavrovouni monastery
Seafront and marina
Outside Larnaca, there is Ayia Napa, world famous party village, however it does have the most serene monastery right in the centre. Restaurants leave alot to be desired, but the beaches and hotels are very nice.
Lefkara village - famous for embroidery but if you purchase, make sure it is authentic handmade, as there are cheap imitation imports from China.
Limassol
Old Pantopouleion (meaning the old market, think it is near the old Turkish area, its a old square with casual eating places, very nice for lunch), the Limassol library, Limassol castle, the ancient area of Amathus and amphitheatre of Curium. Outside Limassol is Kolossi Castle, similar to Limassol caste.
Syrian Arab Club for Syrian mezze
Outside Limassol
Lofou village, a UNESCO site, interesting traditional village with tavernas
Paphos
Muse restaurant
Kourides - this is not a tourist place, its in the main city (Ktima), near a petrol station & not fancy at all. Food is home cooked and very traditional Cypriot, a rarity, owner very very nice. If you want to sample real Cypriot cuisine, this is a good option.
There are too many restaurants to list out.
Sites to see - Tomb of the kings, the castle at the harbour, the mosaics are a must, they are really amazing.
Places outside Paphos
Peyia village - many restaurants in the main street, also has a wonderful bakery and a butcher who cooks kleftiko on certain nights of the week, useful for dining in.
Kathikas, Polis are worth visiting and weather depending, Akamas, Latchi and the area around Afrodites Baths, scenery is lovely.
Then there are the mountain resorts, Platres, Troodos & villages such as Kakopetria, which may have snow by the time you go.
These links might help
http://www.visitcyprus.org.cy/wps/portal
http://www.cyprus-eating.com/paphos-eating-out-guide
Hala Sultan Tekke & the salt lake
Ayios Lazarus church which has important icons
Stavrovouni monastery
Seafront and marina
Outside Larnaca, there is Ayia Napa, world famous party village, however it does have the most serene monastery right in the centre. Restaurants leave alot to be desired, but the beaches and hotels are very nice.
Lefkara village - famous for embroidery but if you purchase, make sure it is authentic handmade, as there are cheap imitation imports from China.
Limassol
Old Pantopouleion (meaning the old market, think it is near the old Turkish area, its a old square with casual eating places, very nice for lunch), the Limassol library, Limassol castle, the ancient area of Amathus and amphitheatre of Curium. Outside Limassol is Kolossi Castle, similar to Limassol caste.
Syrian Arab Club for Syrian mezze
Outside Limassol
Lofou village, a UNESCO site, interesting traditional village with tavernas
Paphos
Muse restaurant
Kourides - this is not a tourist place, its in the main city (Ktima), near a petrol station & not fancy at all. Food is home cooked and very traditional Cypriot, a rarity, owner very very nice. If you want to sample real Cypriot cuisine, this is a good option.
There are too many restaurants to list out.
Sites to see - Tomb of the kings, the castle at the harbour, the mosaics are a must, they are really amazing.
Places outside Paphos
Peyia village - many restaurants in the main street, also has a wonderful bakery and a butcher who cooks kleftiko on certain nights of the week, useful for dining in.
Kathikas, Polis are worth visiting and weather depending, Akamas, Latchi and the area around Afrodites Baths, scenery is lovely.
Then there are the mountain resorts, Platres, Troodos & villages such as Kakopetria, which may have snow by the time you go.
These links might help
http://www.visitcyprus.org.cy/wps/portal
http://www.cyprus-eating.com/paphos-eating-out-guide
Nov 15th, 2012, 04:00 AM
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Only spent 5 days on the island a few weeks ago so experience is purely anecdotal, but in Paphos we had a great dinner at Fettas Tavern near City Hall.
It has a nice setting, and our taxi driver from the nearby village recommended it as a good place for non-touristy fares (and prices).
The place was really busy inside with probably only local folks - which usually is a good sign IMO.
The numerous different Meze we sampled that night (plus 4 or 5 bottles of local red wine and coffee afterwards) came with a check of appr. €25 or 30pP - which was more than reasonable for the excellent quality of the food (and wine).
Cyprus (at least the Republic) has many, many holiday homes for rent, especially all along or near the cost. This may be an alternative to a hotel if you prefer more privacy and space.
You will probably already know this, but as I had been mildly ignorant, I was surprised to learn that they drive on the left side - in case that would be an issue for renting a car. Which you will need with many holiday homes.
It has a nice setting, and our taxi driver from the nearby village recommended it as a good place for non-touristy fares (and prices).
The place was really busy inside with probably only local folks - which usually is a good sign IMO.
The numerous different Meze we sampled that night (plus 4 or 5 bottles of local red wine and coffee afterwards) came with a check of appr. €25 or 30pP - which was more than reasonable for the excellent quality of the food (and wine).
Cyprus (at least the Republic) has many, many holiday homes for rent, especially all along or near the cost. This may be an alternative to a hotel if you prefer more privacy and space.
You will probably already know this, but as I had been mildly ignorant, I was surprised to learn that they drive on the left side - in case that would be an issue for renting a car. Which you will need with many holiday homes.
Nov 15th, 2012, 07:44 AM
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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...staurants.html
Ta Perix is in Pafos, well off the tourist trail at Moutallos, an old Turkish quarter. Well worth a visit for the mezze, if not to see the Turkish area.
Ta Perix is in Pafos, well off the tourist trail at Moutallos, an old Turkish quarter. Well worth a visit for the mezze, if not to see the Turkish area.
Nov 15th, 2012, 08:56 AM
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ODIN and Cowboy 1968-thanks sooo much for the info.
I cannot believe that there isn't more info about recent Cyprus trips on Fodors or any other travel threads.Being from the US, no one I know has been there as opposed to many Brits and germans who seem to vacation there frequently.I really appreciate the tips.
I cannot believe that there isn't more info about recent Cyprus trips on Fodors or any other travel threads.Being from the US, no one I know has been there as opposed to many Brits and germans who seem to vacation there frequently.I really appreciate the tips.
