CYPRUS 2018

See my other blogs by clicking on the links;

HERE (Gran Canaria 2012)
HERE (Gran Canaria 2018)
HERE (Lanzarote)
HERE (Madeira)

HERE (Peak district walks)

HERE (Majorca)
HERE (Kefalonia)
HERE (Fuerteventura)
HERE Parga

CYPRUS 2018

BASED IN CORAL BAY.

After a very stressful drive to the airport, featuring heavy, persistent rain, traffic jams, lack of parking spaces at the car park, absent shuttle bus and slow bus driver, we only JUST made it to the desk, to be informed that we'd got in with only TWO MINUTES to spare!

PHEW - I NEED A HOLIDAY!

Up, up and away.....

Views from the plane.

We LOVE a window seat, never tiring of the views.

Great views over the Pyrenees.

Excited now, as we approach Cyprus.

TOUCHDOWN!

It didn't take long to get to our hotel,

the Corallia Beach, in Coral Bay.

Just LOVE these continental sunsets

We set out to explore the bars and food situation (we were

self-catering) in the locality,

This guy Chris Andre was really good, and we found out later,

he is Peter Andre's brother! He plays several instruments (well).

Party animal Sue joins in.

The quiet harbour at night. Although Cyprus is very busy during the season, it doesn't seem too bad around here. Walking at night is particularly peaceful.

PART TWO.

Every morning, we had breakfast on the patio, with stunning sea views, and over the headland to the right.
We only had to walk across that lawn to reach the sea - and GREAT snorkeling.

Leave it, leave it - she's not worth it.....

We took a short (and cheap!) bus trip into Paphos.

We took a gentle stroll along the front, where we saw this thing???

It looked like Batman's boat - but it's actually a cinema (that doesn't leave port)

The old castle.

Paphos Castle is located on the edge of Paphos harbour. It was originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbour. It was then rebuilt by the Lusignans in the thirteenth century after being destroyed in the earthquake of 1222. In 1570 it was dismantled by the Venetians.

This was just a whistle stop visit, as we intended to come back and explore more.

Plus - I don't think we could stand much more of this guy's playing!

We returned to Coral Bay for some R&R in the afternoon.
The beach below the hotel is small, compared to the long, expansive stretch of sand to the west, but we like the way it's laid out. Interesting, rather than long and boring.

I love these little lizards you see on the islands. Funny, but we always feel we're on holiday when we see our first one.

The sunset view from our balcony was just perfect.

Yes please!!

PART THREE.

We'd seen a little Greek flag fluttering on the headland, so we decided to walk to it and see what it was all about.

The strangest thing, three nuns came to the beach for three days running and went for a swim - FULLY ROBED UP!!

This boat was an annoyance. It comes from Paphos most days, anchors up in the bay with loud, strident music playing. It ruins the peace and quiet.

I really wish the authorities would stop them playing the music.

Limni pools, a set of natural pools that you can swim in - BUT be careful, the edges are really slippery.

AHA! The riddle of the flag - SOLVED!
Just above the pools was this fabulously simple beach cafe, run by Elaine, a Scottish lady, and her Greek business partner.
It was here the flag was fluttering to attract business.

That night in the hotel, we were treated to some Greek dancing, including the famous 'glass balancing dance'.

PART FOUR

Time for our morning swim.

On the headland to the right of our hotel, they were building some very expensive looking houses. They were only partially finished, but the ones that were looked really good. Every one had a front pool, with acres of glass to let in the sunshine.

We decided to walk along the headland as far as we could, to explore what was beyond the Limni cafe and
restaurants further on..

It's a really lovely walk, with the rock being white, and the sea azure blue, it's a dream to be here.

On our walk, we found two good cafes, and a restaurant called Oniro by the Sea. I'd read about this place, and it was NUMBER ONE on trip advisor at the time of writing.

This was the first tavern though, called 'Yialos'.
Food good, but they need a lesson in making coffee!

This little motorised bicycle was in the Yialos tavern.

The views just kept getting better, and this next inlet was where the shipwreck, Edro 3 was. It was also where Oniro was situated too.

You can read all about the Edro here;

Edro III info. Click here.

You can watch a video of someone going inside here;

CLICK HERE

Nestling among the trees - Oniro by the Sea.

Oniro by the Sea.

The view back along the headland.

Lots of signs warning against going onto the Edro, some of them threatening fines, but hey - you know guys and signs!

These two were on board when we were there, but we saw others at other times doing the same.

An old Landy at the side of the track.

After earmarking Oniro for a meal one night, we set off back, settling at the Limni pools beach cafe, where Elaine fed and watered us.

Sue's new best friend!

It was a little cloudy the first couple of evenings,

but we still had plenty more Cyprus evenings to come.

A small party was going on at the pool as we made our way back.

I DO hope they took their litter home!

PART FIVE.

Simple breakfast on the patio - what more could you want?

The hotel had several resident rabbits, which were always in the grounds, nibbling grass. It was really nice to see them, they were quite tame too.

We walked south to have a look at some of the newer (swankier) hotels. This one overlooked the long part of Coral Bay. We MUCH prefer the interesting cove-type part where our hotel was.
Views from the Coral Thalassa hotel and reception.

***** NB - THIS HOTEL IS NOW CLOSED****

Panorama - click to expand.

We SO enjoyed the cafe at Limni, that we returned for anther relaxing hour or so that evening.

Yamas, Sue.

Showtime!

Our first sunset at Limni cafe.

My attempt at arty farty!

This was WELL worth waiting for.

Of course, a sundowner was called for.

We re-visited the bar where we saw Peter Andre's brother, to find it was cocktail night.

Well - be rude not to!

PART SEVEN

Today, we picked up a hire car. We always love to explore new places, and always hire a car at least once.
After being given a right 'nail', which had no guts and was heavy on fuel, I returned to the hire office and expressed my displeasure. We were give a 6 month old Fiesta as a replacement- RESULT!

Our objective was Polis first, via the Troodos mountains. as some friends have a house there.
(Click on this panorama for a larger version)

The harbour at Polis.

Coffee time at Latsi beach.

We next had Aphrodite's rock on our itinerary.

After a short drive, we parked up under a shady tree, as the

temperature was really climbing now.

Aphrodite's rock.

The pebbly beach was good for a relaxing lie down, snacks and a bit of snorkeling.

Afterwards, it was back to the car and a drive towards Polis.

On the way, we stopped at a sign that said; 'Dragons Cave'. You could easily miss it, but we decided to investigate.

A tarmac track led us down to the rocky coast, with steps and a handrail. What could be down here??

This was the Dragons cave!

Yes, but we saw no dragons - well, unless you count small lizards as dragons!

This cave was said to harbour a dragon, that kept the village of Pomos safe from marauding sailors.

Quite a lot of work has gone into making it accessible.

It's actually not very exciting when you explore - just a sea cave really! We spent a little time there before deciding to move on.

We travelled up higher into the mountains, visiting small villages for coffee etc. There was very little traffic, and the roads are a joy to drive.

It was a clear day with just a slight heat haze, so we were rewarded with lots of stunning views across the island.
We climber higher and higher.

As you probably know, Greece (and Cyprus) are heavily into religion and religious icons. You see hundreds of those tiny roadside chapels and, every now and then, a much bigger place of worship, usually open for you to explore or reflect.

This cross on a hillside to the right of the road attracted us , so we parked and walked up to it.

Sue couldn't resist ringing the bell.

(Watch the shock on her face!)

It was really peaceful here.

There was a small cafe, but it was closed, so it was just the two of us in the quiet & sunshine.

Breathtaking panoramas from up here.

Inside, as usual, there was really ostentatious decoration.
Quite stunning.

Who goes to these places in the middle of nowhere??

Sue comes to the top to join me and enjoy the view.

We were excited for tonight - it was time to visit Oniro by the Sea for a meal.

We'd had a long day driving in the mountains, so when we stopped here, Sue felt a bit queasy from all the twisty roads..

We sat on the wall, and the waiter came over, greeted us, and asked if we wanted a table. We explained, and he nodded and said; "I'll leave this pager, if you change your mind, or want anything, just press and I'll come.

We studied the menu, and Sue felt better as time passed.

It was TIME!

The thing I hate most about dining out abroad is that, of course, that's where the smokers are allowed. As there's no option to dine inside here (there isn't an inside!), we had to take a chance. The waiter gave us a great table, with views of the sunset over the Edro III. Luckily, no smokers.

The food really did live up to all expectations, and we had a fabulous 2 course meal.

Showtime!

PART SIX.

Today we decided to tour the 'Tomb of the Kings', a misnomer (probably for the tourists), as no king, or any other royalty, has been buried here. It was mainly rich merchants, no doubt using slave labour.

First though, after snorkeling, breakfast.

Then it was set off to the 'big city' - Paphos, to explore the tombs of the kings.

There's a small entrance charge, which we paid and went in. It was a VERY hot day, and we stupidly forgot to take water.

The intricate designs and sheer amount of work was incredible!!!

We were flagging though, as at 38C, it wasn't really a day for walking around with no discernible shade.

To think that all this was dug out by hand!!!

Just look at those columns - all hand carved.
It does make you wonder just HOW long all this took to create?

PART SEVEN.

Time to get back in the car again, as we wanted to see Aphrodite's rock (and do a bit of sunning and swimming).

We drove beyond it to get this retrospect

picture from the cliffs above.

Aphrodite's rock, that beach was calling!

We enjoyed the rest, but after some pretty heavy seas earlier in the week, the sea was like soup, so the snorkeling was not good.

The food in Greece & here in Cyprus is usually a cut above. We had been eating all over the place, being self-catering, and I have to say, the standard was usually pretty good.

This was the other cafe on the sea caves road. It's called the unimaginative 'Sea Caves Tavern'.

Food again is good.

Another great sunset didn't go amiss.

PART EIGHT.

Walkies!
Yes, today it was time to tackle the coast as FAR as we could walk (with time to return).
Again though, snorkel and breakfast first in the warm sea - gotta get your priorities right!.

The sea caves.

We took water, but there are the two cafes, nicely spaced,

for refreshment.

We clambered down to this little paradise. No sand, but crystal clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

When we saw this boat, we wondered how the HELL had he navigated the many, many small rocks dotted about this coastline. He obviously knew the way!

Others were enjoying this special place (but not many).

Looking back after climbing back up.

No sand, but still a great place.

Some of these houses

- MMMMMMM!

On our way back, we stopped at the Sea Caves cafe.

The salads here are really, really nice, and the prices very reasonable.

Hello there - got any food for the residents?

Got any 'french flies??'

Watching us!

After eating, and being entertained by the local lizard, we made our way back along the cliffs, having enjoyed a super day's walking.

We DO love to explore and walk a lot, but enjoy relaxing too.

Back at the hotel, we decided to eat in again. There was a group of Cypriot entertainers performing after dinner. They were very good too, particularly the 'glass dance' guy, who managed FIFTEEN glasses!!!

To end the evening, there was a spectacular firework display. Nothing to do with our hotel, but we had grandstand seats for the show! All the guests here gathered on the edge of the open dining room for a gallery view of the proceedings!

PART NINE.

Today, we drove to Agios Georgios.

This is the Greek orthodox church on the top of the cliffs. As usual, it was open for viewing.

The view down to the beach and harbour.

Yeronissos island.

The small cafe, the Mandoulis Beach Cafe, is another little gem with great views, and RIGHT ON the beach. Food was very good too. We ate, then made our way onto the sand to catch some rays, and do some snorkeling.

You can also hire sunbeds and parasols very reasonably here.

There was some sort of sailing competition going on, so the sailing fraternity were in great evidence.

We knew there were turtles here, but we didn't encounter them on our swims in the bay.

However, we DID see a couple in the small harbour.

The foreshore is flat and rocky, very good to walk around and explore.

PART TEN.

After some beach time, we pressed on along the dirt road to what's known as the turtle beach. Turtles come here (in the season) to nest and lay eggs. It's a pretty remote place, but we were told, worth the effort, so off we set.

Well, this is about as close to paradise as it gets. We stopped often to admire and paddle. SUCH a delight for the senses.

The look of love.

Where we'd stopped to paddle, we didn't realise, (and it was one of our biggest mistakes this holiday), there was a famous, but secluded restaurant called 'Viklari'. They have a set meal, no a la carte, but they say the food is just the best!
NEXT TIME!
To see Viklari on trip advisor;
Click here

We ended up at the Lara cafe. Stunning views over the turtle beach, but alas, not a place I'd rave about.

Lara beach.

Pretty benches at Lara.

Turtle nests, protected by cages.

Remnants of hatched eggs.

Flower snapped by Sue on Lara beach.

Lara panorama.

The balcony of the Lara cafe.

Mediterranean breakers, Lara beach.

Timelapse sunset

The toilets left a LOT to be desired! If this is the toilet hygiene, it makes me wonder what the kitchen is like?

Needless to say, we didn't eat here.

The coffee was ok though.

Instead, we drove back towards Coral bay, but were drawn into this place, the Sunset Taverna.
To be honest, the sun set behind some bushes, so you miss the death, but again, the food, wine and service were just perfect.

Yamas Sue.

PART ELEVEN.

We don't spend much time at our hotel usually, preferring to explore and swim in the sea. Today, however, we settled for a reading/rays/relaxing day overlooking Coral Bay.

My lovely, happy Susie x

Rare selfie.

Sundowner on our balcony.

Every one different - every one our favourite.

Afterwards, we made our way to a local Taverna that does Greek nights. The host dancer was happy to be photographed with Sue.

Sue really enjoyed it, and got right into the thick of it!

PART TWELVE.

Our last day. Take it easy, and visit our favourite cafe to eat, socialise and swim in Limni pools.

Millionaires row - new houses that, the builder told us, were mainly for Chinese and Russian clients who just wanted an access visa to Cyprus. You spend enough, it's automatic!!

The builder also said they would probably stand empty for the majority of their lives, having served their purpose.