Cyprus:
The third largest Island in the Mediterranean is a place of legends that basks year-round in the light of the warm Mediterranean sun. A history 10,000 years old that has seen civilizations come and go, and the likes of Alexander the Great and Cleopatra stake their claim here. Aphrodite made her home on Cyprus, and travellers throughout antiquity came here just to pay her tribute. Today Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with ancient enchantment. Here you will discover a compact world of alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone villages where sweet wine flows as freely as conversations at the local taverna. A carefree place where a sense of timelessness is magnified by the warmth and kindness of its people, where Greek and English are spoken with equal ease.
Paphos Shopping:
Paphos itself has the best climate on Cyprus; mild in winter (typically 16 - 20oC), cooled by sea-breezes in summer, and with well over 300 days of sunshine each year. It should be no surprise, therefore, to learn that the local shops, markets, restaurants, tavernas and the like, are open all year-round, unlike many other resorts on Cyprus. Local handicrafts are many and varied, from traditional pottery, woodcrafts, copperware and filigree silver to leather goods, folkweave, needle and crochet work, and the beautiful 'Lefkaritika' or 'Lefkara Lace'. Men's suits and shirts can be made-to-measure within about a week, shoe shops sell modern styles at very reasonable prices, Cyprus brandy, Commandaria and even Halloumi - the Cyprus cheese, are also popular favourites.
Diving Information:
There are several local dive centres within between 2 and 10 minutes walk from the apartment. Fantastic dive sites for all levels, from submarine cliffs with pinnacles, tunnels, caves and overhangs to famous wrecks such as H.M.S. Cricket, the Diana, Three Stars, Pharses II, Zenobia, M.V. Habe and a British copper bottomed Man ‘O’ War. An abundance of marine and fish life can be found all over the area. Beautiful coral fans grow on the roofs of the caves and inquisitive baby Grouper watch you enter and leave. Hand-feed Grouper, Bream and Bass and be inundated with thousands of smaller multi-coloured Wrasse and Damselfish. Morays, Congers and Octopus are frequently seen and interacted with, and large pelagics have been sighted, as well as schools of Amberjack, Tuna and Barracuda.
Other Activities:
Skiing & Snowboarding, Jan-Mar, Troodos Mountains (2 hours drive).
