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Now that we have been blessed with rain, the Cyprus countryside is changing from a dusty and dry land to green pastures and with it the opportunity for excursions, picnics etc, especially for families and couples to visit.
Water Dams:
It is a great pleasure to see the dams either almost full or even better overflowing. Small dams such as those at Klirou, Kalopanayiotis and those in Paphos, are already overflowing, whereas the large ones such as Asprokremmos at Paphos and Yermasoyia in Limassol are a beauty to observe. We make a point for our readers to visit Xiliatos dam with pines growing “through” the water and a footpath all around, plus a picnic area.
Waterfalls:
The various waterfalls that Cyprus has are also worth visiting, such as Millomenis, Fini falls and Mesapotamos in the Troodos region, as well as others.
Lakes:
The best-known lakes (salt) are in Larnaca near the airport, but also that of Xylophagou and Oroklini village, are also worth paying a visit now that the migratory birds are there. For those in Nicosia pay a visit at the Athalassa lake park, as well as that of Lymbia.
Snow:
A rarity nowadays but Troodos is a place to open your heart (translation from the Greek language). Better visit the place during work days, as opposed to weekends with hundreds of people with cars and traffic problems. You must induct in the Troodos sky club should you wish to endeavour in “some sort” of a ski – not what you get in other countries, but great fun for amateurs and family bonding.
Akamas:
Now at its best but care is needed both because of the bad state of the dirt roads and distance from services (take with you a cool box, water and sandwiches).
Car Drive & Insurance:
Those destinations that are far from services, you should secure breakdown cover for your car, so make sure that you have insurance to cover such events.
Restaurants and places to stay:
Should you like this sort of outdoor activity and if you are following the Cypriot way of enjoyment (food) each destination has its own select restaurants to visit with superior quality and low cost.
Our recent visit at Pelendri village was a most welcomed surprise, not only for the hospitality of the restaurateurs but the quality of the wines and the local sweets to follow. Similarly, if you pay a visit to the Troodos region, visit the steak house at Phini, the trout restaurant at Psilodentro and Kyr Yiannis tavern at Omodos.
Agrotourism:
There are many establishments as these are listed and can be found on the internet. Visit Omodos village for a night party at a local tavern with rooms to stay and with music to go – Good family entertainment. Other villages such as Pahna etc offer similar setups.
Culture:
Not necessarily interesting for all, but should you want to combine your excursion with religious culture, there are several Byzantine monasteries and churches to visit. The best known is Kykkos Monastery (favoured by Russian visitors) as well as the women’s’ monastery at Trikoukkia (Troodos).
Children’s Playground & Sports
Worth visiting Platres children’s playground, whereas you can combine your recreation with sports that are set at Platres, Pelendri, Kyperounda and others. Organize dear readers your private excursions and/or group of friends to play a friendly game with places to stay, should you want and end up with any Cypriot restaurant food/drinks to follow. Arrange a bus for the wine consumes so no one bothers about the alcohol!!
Festivals
There are social events every week ranging from zivania and olive oil events to potato and strawberry “picking”. See Limassol villages for the first and the Famagusta region for the latter.
Rowing:
Our favourite sport which however depends on the water availability of the dams. The dragon race at Yermasoyia dam, which is attended by hundreds of people, is most entertaining.
Donkey Safari(?):
As part of our exploration, we undertook a donkey safari which started from Erimi and along the river which ends at the Troodos foothills. We spent one night under tents, but with full facilities to go and including guitar sing-songs. Not comfortable for everybody mind you, but an experience to be remembered.
Wine Tasting:
Take the road from Erimi village to Omodos and along the road, there is a number of wineries most welcoming for wine tasting, whereas some offer restaurant facilities as well.
These and other activities which depend on the weather conditions (in part) makes Cyprus most attractive both for locals and tourists and by projection adding to the attraction of the real estate market (something which we do not note in Cyprus’ promotion campaign). This sort of activity is of particular interest to foreign companies who wish to create staff bonding and keep them happy.
