Kefalonia or otherwise Cephalonia, apart from the "hidden magic corners" that it keeps hold of such as lakes, caves and mountains, where orchids grow and goats and horses graze freely on the mountain peaks, boasts a variety of fantastic restaurants and taverns, where the visitor has the chance to discover an amazingly traditional cuisine through a blend of homemade flavours. Here, culinary aspirations are not placed to the limit, to a single piece of “moussaka” and a traditional salad bowl; contrariwise, the visitor will be pleasantly surprised as the discovery of “another Greece” is undertaken through a journey of tastes. The Kefalonian cuisine is characterised by pies, greens, seafood and meats cooked with traditional recipes from local ingredients that you will find nowhere else. The particular climatic conditions and frequent rains make the island’s soil fertile, providing the production of a wide variety of agricultural products that render the Kefalonian diet as one of the richest diets in Greece and of high quality. Hence, it is more than certain that during your stay in Kefalonia you will enjoy scrumptious food at the plethora of restaurants, which offer delicious dining options and an exceptional experience within a surrounding of flavours. On the island, it will not be hard to find what you truly enjoy tasting since this land is regarded as highly developed in terms of tourism services. You will find, even in the most remote corner, restaurants of all kinds, while in the most popular places on the island the choices are simply…endless! You will even discover, in many beautiful spots of the island, restaurants and taverns that existed to this day solely in your imagination with most of them retaining a breathtaking view and as a main background, the crystal blue sea, where small boats commute transporting fresh fish on land. Some of the best places to visit for a complete pleasure in taste are the peninsula of great natural beauty, Lassi, the popular beach, Makris Gialos, the picturesque town of
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Lixouri, the beloved resort of Skala and the largest town on the island, the historic Argostoli. You may try the Kefalonian pies, which are incredibly delicious and considered to be the trademark of the island. They are made with homemade dough and contain a filling, which could be any of the following: rice with meat, leek and spinach, vegetables, cod and octopus. The Bourbourelia: is a type of pea soup with salt, pepper and olive oil. The Aliada: is a local dish that consists of octopus juice, garlic and mashed potatoes. The Strapatsada: eggs with tomatoes slightly fried in local olive oil, salt and pepper. The Riganada: sliced bread, either toasted or untoasted, oil and oregano. Kolokythokorfades: squash blossoms steeped in flour slurry, egg, feta cheese and fragrant dill, the perfect partner to enjoy a pleasant Kefalonian dish, which are fried and served hot. Tsigaridia: various sauced greens, which are basically cooked with a lot of tomatoes and herbs. These are just some of the delicious dishes that the Kefalonian cuisine has to offer, since you will discover later on and many other tasty combinations, which will become even more tasty if you accompany them with the local and fantastic white wine, Rombola. Rombola has been awarded as one of the best white wines worldwide. It has a delicate aroma and a unique flavour, holding as a main characteristic the scent of the white grape variety named as “Rombola”. At this point, it is worth noting that the vines for the production of Rombola thrive only on the plateau of the community of Omalon, at an altitude of 700 metres, on the slopes of the beautiful and lush mountain, Ainos and next to the monastery of Saint Gerasimos, the patron saint of the island of Kefalonia. By being on holiday in Kefalonia, you will surely not miss to taste the Kefalonian dishes, which are encircled by a traditional character. During all day and night the marvellous smell of food that fills the streets will take you for sure into a traditional restaurant, where you will discover an unforgettable cuisine through the aspects of an Ionian island. Importantly, the Kefalonian cuisine is dominated by local products such as meat, fish, olive oil, vegetables and cheese that will surprise you day by day for not only their quality, but for their purity, as well. Kefalonia is not only wellknown for its delicious food but for its mouthwatering desserts, too. If you enter a pastry shop in Kefalonia, you will realise that you can find everything you may desire. Nevertheless, if you are searching for something traditional the most famous are the Kataifi and the Baklava. However, there is also a puff-paste covered with sugar and cinnamon and filled with an amazingly delicious cream, named as Bougatsa, Mizithropita, a scrumptious cheese-based dessert and Ravani, a honey cake of delightful taste. The best way to end your meal is with a traditional Greek coffee. For the Kefalonians, brewing coffee is regarded as a ritual. You can drink this coffee either bitter, sweet or very sweet and it must be drank slowly to allow the coffee to settle down on the bottom of the cup. Finally, what will be kept in your memory is an adventure of indulgence through the essence of genuine flavours.
Wine has been made in Cyprus since at least 3500 BC making the Mediterranean island one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. Paphos is one of the key wine-producing regions in Cyprus along with Limassol and the Troodos region. There are about fifteen local and sixty imported varieties of vines. Of the local grapes, two namely the red “Mauro” and the white “Xynisteri” are used in making the world's oldest produced wine, the "Commandaria". The “Mauro” and “Xynisteri” grapes are dried in the sun for about two weeks leading to the shrivelling of the grapes, which in turn concentrates their sugar and intensifies their aroma. The grapes are then crushed and pressed. The juice is fer¬mented in large open tanks, where the high sugar content of the grape juice causes the fermentation to stop at around 18% of alcohol. The large wineries then buy the wine and take it to their cellars in Limassol, where alcohol is added for conservation. The wine is then left to mature in large wooden casks. Commandaria is a sweet dessert wine, which is made in a designated region; in the foothill mountain villages of the southern Troodos range. Commandaria derived its name from the Grand Commandarie, a huge estate at Colossi. Richard the Lionheart enjoyed the wine so much that he called it “The Wine of Kings and the King of Wines”. The first reference to Cypriot wine is in the Bible. In Solomon’s “Song of Songs” Chapter 1, Verse 14, it is stated that: “My beloved in unto me as a cluster of Cyprus in the vineyards of Engadi”. Furthermore, King Richard the Lionheart - who had liked the wines of Cyprus very much - had captured the island in 1191. In the same year he sold the island to the Knights Templar, who set up their headquarters or “Grand Commandaria” in the district. Hence, ever since, the best known wine of Cyprus, “Commandaria”, was being produced. The wine of Cyprus was first introduced to England by King Richard in the same year, 1191. In addition, the Cypriot wine was considered to be so pleasant that the Pharaohs of Egypt, the ancient Greeks and later on, the Romans placed orders for it. The mosaics at the House of Dionysus, God of wine, in Paphos - a private house with over 40 rooms that was believed to have belonged to a member of the Roman nobility - depicts the colourful history of the Cyprus vine and its mythological origins. Another famous traditional alcoholic beverage, which is made from the residue
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of grapes, is Zivania. This distilled clear drink has been produced for centuries in Cyprus and has played an important role in the everyday life of Cypriots. Since 2004, Zivania has been protected under EU regulations as a product unique to Cyprus, thus it cannot be produced in any other country or marketed under that name. Zivania is characterized by its typical taste and aroma. It is colourless and it has a pleasant alcoholic content with a light aroma of raisins. The typical alcohol content is 45% by volume. It is a pure drink that contains no sugars and has no acidity. Until 1949, wine producers used to sell zivania to merchants of wines and spirits. In that year, a colonial decree made the distribution of zivania by wine producers, illegal, thus sending production underground. As a result, zivania was produced domestically in small quantities for private consumption or it was sold to the government. The above-mentioned colonial decree was abolished in 1998 and ever since, the production of zivania has been legal, allowing producers to market it under its proper name. Quality control has been ensured by the Vine Products Commission according to the Rules and Regulations of 1998 for the control of zivania. These regulations have specified the requirements for obtaining the licence to produce and bottle zivania. Zivania can only be produced in industrial units, which have received approval from the Customs Department of the Government and its distillation apparatus has been approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment. As a result of the new regulation, zivania’s quality improved significantly, since it is now produced on an industrial basis and hence, consumption increased during the last decade. The Limassol Wine Festival: Every year, the Limassol Wine Festival usually starts from the 28th of August and ends on the 6th of September. This festival is more than just the juice of the vine. During this period, the city fills up with a two-week programme that includes cultural events, which are loosely linked to the glorious theme of wine. The festival consists of wine-themed songs by singers and choirs. In addition, there are concerts, satirical reviews, comedies and magic shows. A fireworks display gets things off with a bang from which point visitors can expect plenty to eat and drink in the grounds and pavilions of the Municipal Garden. Grape treading, Greek dancing and singing and copious amounts of free wine are enjoyed by up to 15,000 visitors, who attend the festival each year.
The name Ayia Napa is closely associated with religion. It originated from a monastery of the same name, which is, nowadays, adjacent to the clubs and bars of the central square. The name ‘Ayia Napa’ also holds its own meaning. Precisely, Ayia Napa is defined as holy wooded or otherwise, sacred forest, since it is considered to have once retained a luminous emerald forest of stunning beauty. In the old times, only hunters from nearby villages passed through this area. Unexpectedly, one day a hunter discovered the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary in a cave, which was most probably placed there during the iconoclastic period (7th-8th century). This cave became a place of worship for many believers and in the 14th century, a church was built around the cave to honour the Virgin Mary of Ayia Napa. This church was gradually converted to a women’s monastery and in 1978,
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it became an Ecumenical Conference Centre. Currently, it operates as a religious monument that also consists of an ecclesiastical museum. Geographically, Ayia Napa lies at the eastern part of Cyprus, in close proximity to Cape Greco, an astonishing seaside national park and a pristine Mediterranean landscape with breathtaking views of the coastline. At Cape Greco, visitors can hike and cycle through the nature trails and luxuriate in the exploration of the mystical sights of its ancient sea caves. The town of Ayia Napa is situated 8 kilometres from Protaras, a popular tourist resort with outstanding golden sandy beaches and an atmosphere of pure calm, rendering it as an ideal place for relaxation and recreation. Ayia Napa is believed to contain a location that is filled with the principles of comfort and easiness, where every visitor who enjoys travelling has the ability to revel in the short distances around this town’s periphery. During the summer season, Ayia Napa is visited by thousands of tourists, mainly from Northern and Western Europe to experience the lifestyle this town retains. Specifically, three types of people mostly visit Ayia Napa; young singles, who are usually under the age of 30, couples and families all being attracted by the amazing weather and the numerous sandy beaches, just to mention a few, Nissi Beach, Limanaki Beach and Makronissos Beach. The summer season for Ayia Napa commences in April and ends in October. However, the busiest time of year in the town is considered to be between June and late August, with the hours of midnight lasting until 4 am due to the lively nightlife scene that it creates. The town’s centre with its line of bars, big events with special guest appearances and famous DJ’s generate weeks of great amusement that turn the streets of Ayia Napa into a huge party. The town’s crowded bars even transmute to an arena of competition with all kinds of music blasting out as these bars contend for attraction. The acts of people dancing on bars and flirting become the protagonist role, producing electrifying moments of thrill each night and making Ayia Napa a one of a kind summer resort. Although the region is well-known for its party lifestyle, it is not the only aspect on show for tourists preferring a more peaceful and serene holiday. There are numerous churches and chapels to visit of distinct architectural beauty. Notably, the 15th century Venetian-era monastery of Ayia Napa, which has already been mentioned, in the centre of the town, is a famous ancient landmark cut into rock with its charm reminding of a time when Ayia Napa was a small quiet fishing village. One of the larger churches in the area that was built due to the augmentation of the population and the need for a new church is that of the Holy Virgin mother of God, which was constructed in 1990 and is found southwest of the monastery of Ayia Napa, both churches celebrating the birth of Virgin Mary on the 8th of September. Agios Georgios church is located near the centre of Ayia Napa, at the harbour, with an alluring designed structure that emphasises its contrast to the the town’s hustle and bustle. The church of Ayia Thekla is found on the western edge of Ayia Napa in the newly developed area of Ayia Thekla. There, buildings began in the 1990s forming a modern assembly of villa estates along the coast. Two other churches situated on the western part of Ayia Napa are the chapel of Ayia Varvara and the monolith of Ayia Mavri. The former was built during the Byzantine period, but was destroyed from an earthquake and was eventually, rebuilt lately. The latter is regarded as a holy place of salvation since at the centre of this pillar there is a hole, which is believed that whoever passed through it would be cured from an illness. All these churches have become a symbol to the town as they deCONTINUE ON PAGE 10
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pict the unspoiled features of the area, reflecting upon the human spirit that remains invariable to the continuous changing world. Moreover, Ayia napa is famous in keeping hold of the sea as its strongest possession. Located at the centre of Ayia Napa is the Thalassa Municipal Museum, which was opened in August 2005. The museum’s main focus is that of the sea and how its elements have had a major impact on the island’s history. The exhibits on display at the museum cover a wide range of historic periods from present times to prehistoric eras. The building is comprised of three floors providing a pleasant experience to visitors with its unique construction materials. It provides a great amount of information regarding the island’s historic periods and through the numerous digital panels the evolution of Cyprus through the centuries is depicted. The most popular item on display is the ‘Kyrenia II’ vessel, which was built in 1985 for scientific purposes as an exact replica of the ancient ship of Kyrenia (400 BC). Other exhibits on display comprise of marine wildlife, a few examples
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being fish, turtles, seabirds, seals and other impressive creatures of the sea, which live in the island’s surrounding sparkling sea waters . To the west of the town, the Makronissos Tombs archaeological site can be found. This is an ancient burial site consisting of nineteen tombs used during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Excavations began between 1989 and 1990 after being sponsored by the municipality. The tombs are located at a stepped road leading down towards a rectangular entrance. The tomb enclosures are very similar to each other and each one has three benches on all sides with a trench running through its centre. The dead were placed in clay sarcophagi and one of these is on display at the Thalassa Municipal Museum. The site also has a small sanctuary constructed of large irregular stone blocks. In addition, facing out towards the sea is the Ayia Napa Sculpture Park that was completed recently. The sculpture park is located on the crossroad of Cape Greco Avenue and Kryou Nerou, in an area of 20,000 square metres. Numerous sculptors from around the world have worked on some very remarkable creations that visitors will surely be excited to see. At the highest footpath of the park one will take pleasure in the panoramic view of the sea being inseparably united with the unbelievably beautiful artworks. Not far away from the sculptures resides the Dried Plant and Cactus Park that has also opened its doors recently. It is an area of considerable size with a range of impressive small and large plants of this type. Under the fair sky and above the crystal blue sea waters of Ayia Napa is the Lovers Bridge, an oasis of tranquility, where couples seal their eternal love by placing a lock on the railing of the bridge. This bridge is located in the area of Mavro Korona, east of Ayia Napa, towards Cape Greco. A must visit area of Ayia Napa is its harbour, a picturesque place where the many facilities offer to the visitor the opportunity to enjoy splendid moments both during the daytime and at night. The harbour is not far from the town’s centre and along its pathway, numerous restaurants serving excellent fresh fish are found with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, just a step off the walkway are many bars and cafes, where one could relish a refreshing drink or even a luxurious cocktail and gaze at the swinging of the boats from the smooth movement of the sea waves, producing a serene surrounding. Furthermore, a great day out at sea with unforgettable boat trips along the coast, including diving stops and a visit to the sea caves will definitely provide you with an excursion of unique fascination. Precisely, the sea caves or otherwise, ‘Palatia’, are regarded as one of the most significant features of the town and a main attraction to both locals and tourists. These caves are located between the Kermia Beach Bungalow Hotel and Cape Greco and keep hold of an economic, environmental and social paramountcy through an extraordinary geological historic pattern. The caves are deep passages in the cliffs, being accessible only from the sea as some of them go as deep as 80 metres into the rock. An extreme sport that is famous in this area is cliff jumping and cliff diving. Ayia Napa retains an everlasting beauty with elements of astonishing brightness, revealing a life of pleasure through the extension of fun and entertainment. In Ayia Napa, aspects of loneliness and boredom dissolve and spheres of activity enclose the town’s vitality. Therefore, do no hesitate to visit this party-oriented town that will not only energise your inner self, but will also provide you with the opportunity to get to know your limits through the thrilling experience of extreme watersports that will raise your adrenaline to levels that are unattainable by nature!
In the mountainous and picturesque village of Agros on the mountain that dominates the region is built, in traditional architecture, the Rodon Hotel. Rodon is known for its superb combination of comfortable accommodation, stunning panoramic views, warm Cypriot hospitality and a good homemade cuisine. In the decade of the 80s, the residents and friends of the village of Agros proceeded to the ambitious reconstruction project of the Rodon Hotel, which aimed on the tourism development of the village. The hotel owes its name to the small fragrant roses that abound in the area, making Agros Pancyprian as the first village in the production of rosewater, but also of dishes, beverages and products from rose. The hotel was launched in 1986 keeping hold of its own story and currently, consists of fully renovated rooms and venues with an upgraded service in order to please all the demands of modern travellers. The hotel is offered for relaxation, education, good and traditional food,
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physical exercise, a healthy lifestyle and quality entertainment. It is ideal for events of every form and on every occasion (weddings, baptisms, gatherings). It is also ideal for visitors with special interests, who prefer hiking, climbing, cycling, walking in beautiful nature trails, studying the natural florafauna and built environment (stone houses) of the area, as well as the lifestyle of the residents of the Cypriot countryside. Rodon is also accessible for people with disabilities. Today, Agros, as a result of Rodon, composes one of the busiest tourist resorts of Cyprus. Locals and foreigners spend pleasant breaks from their everyday life in a village that consists of restaurants, cafes, small workshops of local traditional products and many interesting activities. The tourism development has helped to increase the number of residents and the expansion of the village, determining it as one of the largest villages in the Pitsilia region. By staying at the Rodon Hotel, which is positioned in the heart of mountainous Cyprus, an opportunity for experience evolves as you take an excursion in the surrounding area. Here, the nature lovers could enjoy great hiking trails and driving routes, meet neighbouring villages that are located just a few kilometres from Agros and live in the rhythms of rural Cyprus. The Byzantine churches of the Holy Cross of Agiasmati in close proximity to the village of Platanistasa, the Holy Cross in the village of Pelendri and Panagia tou Araka outside the villages of Saranti and Lagoudera will monopolise your interest as they are globally considered to be monuments of Orthodoxy with a great religious and historical value that are under the protection of UNESCO. Furthermore, in the village of Agros there are two historic churches, the church of Our Lady of Mercy, a former monastery of Great Agros in which the image of Our Lady of Great Agros (one of the 70 icons painted by Apostle and Evangelist, Luke) is found and the church of Saint John the Baptist. The small churches of Saint Kyriaki and Saints Gerasimon, as well as the museum of the artist and icon painter, Solon Frangoullides, are also worth a visit. By descending from Rodon towards the three neighbourhoods of Agros, you will discover the unique of their kind “traditional crafts� with delicious spoon sweets, the ancestral traditional desserts soutzouko and paluze, the pure and genuine honey from the bee, the rustic halloumi cheese and the traditional smoked and dipped into wine cold cuts. Additionally, you will find the pottery workshop and smell the wonderful aroma of the roses, from which, apart from the famous Agros rosewater, various other products such as tea, liqueurs, aperitifs, wines, aromatic candles and biological cosmetics are produced. Get to know the secrets of the evolutionary course of fine wines and make tastings at one of the local wineries. You will even discover the village’s fresh fruits and vegetables and the flower shop with its amazing flowers, aromatic plants and trees. In the historic centre of the village, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the digestive water of Agros, along with Cypriot coffee or a rustic hot tea, in one of the traditional cafes. The view of the surrounding greenery overwhelms the travellers as the colours and scents of nature form a breathtaking beauty due to the countless trees mainly, apple trees, cherry trees, peach trees, walnut trees, hazelnut trees, adventitious roots and ubiquitous roses. This astonishing and harmonious image that relaxes the eyes and calms the soul looks like a divine intervention, where one could feel complete peace and tranquility. If you are a sports fan and enjoy action such as climbing, cycling, hiking, walking in beautiful nature trails and visiting historical, religious and cultural sites in the area, you could ask for more information from the hotel reception for the planned activities that are organised for all kinds of tastes and ages. You could even be informed about the cultural events that take place in the village, which you should not hesitate to attend! What will surely remain in your memory as an unforgettable experience is the hospitality of the residents, the traditional dishes and the amusement accompanied with delightful music that lasts until the morning hours!
The place for prayer. The place for worshipping nature. For some, a place to escape from everyday life. For others, it is regarded as their daily lives. Moments of everydayness blended with moments of relaxation. Common denominators: experiences, satisfaction, peace and diversity of the ordinary. It is almost certain that whoever reaches or lives permanently in Cyprus will feel at least something of the above. The island is large and the options are countless. The time that is required is from an hour to unlimited in order for someone to live what would please him or her the most. Churches and monasteries The churches and monasteries in Cyprus are hospitable to visitors. From parish churches in towns to Byzantine churches on the Troodos Mountains, chapels but also monasteries offer tranquility to the visitor. Places of peace and communication with God boost human stamina for the
hardship of our epoch. The religious heritage of Cyprus, rich in history and monuments, overwhelms any Christian visitor. Magnificent churches, small stone-built churches, Byzantine hagiography in churches and monasteries with ecclesiastical museums elicit admiration worthy of any space that houses the sublime faith to the Christ. The passage of time and the religious perception of the Christian Cypriots have given a large number of churches and a diversity in both architecture and the size of churches that someone could observe. Wine The wine records its own historical course on the island, which in recent years through the “Wine Routes” it highlights the particular characteristics of the Cypriot wine. Routes to the wine villages, visits to vineyards, wineries and local wine museums comprise for the visitor as sources that reveal the local wine. The journey with destination to wine is an experience of wine tastes combined with traditional dishes. The sun, the Mediterranean climate and the fertile soil are factors for the cultivation of vines on the island since antiquity, but also for the production of quality wines with the top being the sweet and fragrant Commandaria. The expansion of vineyards in some villages became the core, which around it rotate the daily lives of the residents. The wine as power became a tradition and a long-lasting history. It shaped the landscape, where the presence of vines dominates in plains and ridges of low mountains. Cypriot cuisine A unique and highly enjoyable pleasure for many! In Cyprus, as nowhere else, the great variety of food, the cleanliness and quality local ingredients play a vital role for someone to feel completely satisfied by the gastronomy of the place. Despite the plethora cuisine choices, the traditional Cypriot cuisine ranks first with its king being the well-known “Cyprus Meze”. The parade of the various appetisers, cooked and grilled dishes that will pass from the table tastefully compensate anyone who may think about his or her silhouette. Do not miss for any reason the experience of the Cyprus Meze, but also and of the other traditional dishes in a tavern, even if you escape for a while from your usual diet. It is no coincidence that the Cypriot cuisine gains more and more fans, who seek it in many parts of the earth!
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The acquaintance with tradition If you do not get to know the tradition of a place, then your tour is not yet complete. Cyprus, scattered with villages, divulges through these a more crystallised concept on hospitality, the beauties of nature and the joys of a more human everydayness. In the villages, the morals and customs are inherited from generation to generation. Many of these such as the traditional occupations that have been annihilated by the industry revive through small festivals that are mainly organised during the summer by each village. The architecture that characterises most of the villages in Cyprus is simple. It combines stone for building walls, tiled roofs and protruding chimneys, narrow streets and courtyards with every kind of container that has been made a flower pot. This simplicity is the characteristic beauty of the villages of Cyprus, which in combination with their rich cultural heritage and natural landscape are becoming interesting destinations for touring at any time of the year.
The following medical advice/precautions should be taken whilst enjoying your holiday, especially during the hot humid weather. Most common problems to holidaymakers are as follows: Sunburn, ear infections, gastroenteritis with dehydration, sunstroke, sprains/injuries, insect bites, STD’s, chest and throat infections, skin infections, allergic dermatitis etc. Sunburn Infants, children and fair skins are especially sensitive and are more likely to be affected. The sun is at its hottest during the hours of 10.00 – 16.00 hours. Reflections from the water and sand can intensify the sun rays. Sun block of a high factor should always be used. Some effects are: red tender skin, blisters, fever, chills, nausea and peeling skin. If you are affected a cool bath or shower will help. DO NOT: apply Vaseline, lidocaine or butter, these will have an adverse effect. Medical attention should be sought if there are any signs of the following: feeling faint or dizzy, rapid pulse or breathing, extreme thirst, nausea, fever, painful blisters, or your eyes hurt and are sensitive to light.
Ear Infections Extended time in the water i.e. the sea or swimming pool can cause infection of the ears, quite commonly known as Swimmers Ear. Bacteria can grow in the ear canal as too much water can wash away the protective coating (ear wax), the ear canal will then become red, swollen and painful. If you do get swimmers ear you may, in all probability, have to stay out of the water for a week to 10 days, antibiotic eardrops have to be used. You should contact the doctor if you have any of the following: • Pain in the ear with our without fever • Persistent itching of the ear of in the ear canal • Loss of hearing or decreased hearing in one or both ears • Discharge from an ear, especially if it is thick, discoloured, bloody or smelling. The doctor will decide after examination whether cellulites or otitis media is evident, once examined, you will then be prescribed the relevant medications. Gastroenteritis Also called stomach flu. This is caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Symptoms include: watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, headaches, fever and chills. Dehydration is caused by a loss of fluids from the body e.g. by the vomiting and diarrhoea. Gastroenteritis is highly contagious and is transmitted by people with unwashed hands, close contact with someone infected and/or by eating food or drink that is contaminated with the virus. It cannot be treated with antibiotics if it is diagnosed as viral, but it may be bacterial and therefore, antibiotics can be prescribed. What to do: stay inside and rest until the symptoms subside. Sip small amounts of clear liquids like tea, apple, grape or cranberry juice, 7-up, Gatorade etc. No coffee or caffeinated beverages or alcohol, as these can worsen dehydration. After 4 - 8 hours, if you are able to tolerate clear liquids, you may progress to gentle mild foods such as toast, soup and fruit. Seek medical advice if you notice: • Excessive thirst • Dry mouth • Little or no urine, or it is dark yellow • Severe weakness or dizziness Untreated severe dehydration can be life threatening. STD's We all know that whilst on holiday you meet people and sometimes enjoy a ‘One Night Stand’. It is essential that you take precautions i.e. USE A condom!! Some of the diseases are: HIV/AIDS, BV-Bacterial Vaginosis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Hepatitis, Herpes Genital, Syphilis. Symptoms are a burning sensation, itching, sores and discolouration of discharge. Seek medical advice immediately if you have any of these symptoms. Insect bites Insect bites can cause infections and swelling. Avoid too much scratching as this can make the problem worse. Use an anti-bite spray which contains Citronella which repels these annoying insects. Beware: Spiders and what look like ordinary house flies also bite. Seek medical advice if bites become swollen, if you have several, or if they become infected.
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Sea urchin spikes These can cause swelling and infection; you should seek medical advice to ensure that they are correctly removed and any infections can be dealt with at the same time. If you try to remove them yourself, you can cause the spikes to embed deeper.
Paralimni, an inland town, is situated in the southeastern part of Cyprus and is considered to be the largest town in the local area with a population of over 11,000. Specifically, Paralimni became a municipality in 1986, following a popular referendum. The name ‘Paralimni’ means lakeside, being regarded as a town which took its name from a neighbouring stretch of water that increases only during the winter season. The town of Paralimni is surrounded by villages known en masse as the ‘Kokkinochoria’, meaning the villages with the red soil, which got their appellation from the reddish colour of this area’s fertile soil. This region is popular for the cultivation of potatoes, also being distinguished from the reddish colour of their skin, which are renowned for their distinctive taste and firm texture. The prime beach resort of the town of Paralimni is Protaras, an area which extends along the eastern coast of Paralimni and is well-known for its amazingly golden sandy beaches, forming an exceptional escape to a turquoise paradise. Particularly, Protaras keeps hold of a picturesque bay, named as the Fig Tree Bay, which is considered to be one of the best beaches in Cyprus. This beach took its name from a tree that once provided shade to the locals prior to becoming a major tourist attraction. Around 100 metres from this beach is a small rocky island ideal for exploration, offering to the natural setting a charismatic charm. The Fig Tree Bay is located at the heart of Protaras and is in great demand during the weekends mostly by families and couples with young children. Around this bay, you will enjoy scrumptious dishes in the numerous restaurants of the area as well as exciting water sports that are excessively filled with
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aquatic adventures such as wakeboard, crazy squab and fly fish. An ultimate golden beach, where one could enjoy walking along barefoot is the Louma Golden Coast Beach in close proximity to Pernera. Pernera is a busy centre on the eastern coast of the island and is regarded as a northern extension of Protaras, which is enriched with lustrous sandy coves, an atmosphere of relaxation and an astonishingly picturesque fishing harbour for a peaceful walk and a memorable boat excursion. A wedding chapel painted exteriorly with the Greek colours of white and blue is located between the small harbour and the beach, at the edge of the land and just a step away from the sea, is a perfect choice for an impressive wedding filled with aspects of romanticism. This little chapel will not only place your wedding under the sunset’s beauty, but will also provide it with the natural sounds of the sea waves and a setting filled with white foams dissolving in the crystal blue Mediterranean sea, producing a breathtaking surrounding created by the hands of God himself. The town of Paralimni is also known for its picturesque windmills, which once used to draw water from underground aquifers to irrigate the surrounding land. Unfortunately, many of these are now derelict having been replaced by diesel-powered and electric pumps. An example of a working windmill can be found in the centre of Paralimni. Furthermore, Paralimni has a rich history dating back to Neolithic and Hellenistic/Roman times. Eolith findings in the area of Nissia, at Protaras, date from the 7th millennium BC and a radial cave with tombs, bones and amphorae recently discovered appears to belong to the Hellenistic or Roman periods. Near the Neolithic settlement in the area of Nissia, a picturesque bay is found, called Vizakia, which seems to have been created by the countless rocks of the coast, each one offering to this beach a unique natural elegance. A headland located in the southeastern part of the island, east of Ayia Napa and south of Protaras, which is worth visiting is Cape Greco, or otherwise known as Cavo Greco. This area is of an unspoiled allurement with a natural scenery that has been formed by the spirits of authentic art. Cape Greco covers 385 hectares of land and was designated as a National Forest Park since 1993. It consists of an exceptional botanical magnificence and an intriguing network of nature trails taking in the panoramic views of the environment’s pure essence. A small chapel that is regarded as a stop that should not be missed is the Agioi Anargirioi Chapel, a white and blue charm that is built on a cliff with steps leading down to a sea cave, where Holy Water runs. This monument is considered to be a famous spot for wedding photos and is one of the few buildings found in the park. One of the nature trails of the park leads to another wonderful spectacle, the Cyclops Cave, where a picnic site is situated close by to rest and admire the incredible surrounding in stillness. Two rocky arches found at Cape Greco of a breathtaking view are the Monachus Monachus Arch and the Kamara tou Koraka Natural Bridge, both providing the perfect background to take an extraordinary picture. Additionally, a lighthouse is also found in the park of Cape Greco, while walkers will come across remains of an ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite. On the hill in Protaras is a charming church named as Profitis Elias, which it is said to retain 156 steps to reach its entrance. However, it is worth the climb since once at the top, the view across Protaras is unbelievably wonderful. Trees of remembrance that are filled with ribbons on their branches in memory of passed loved ones are spread throughout the area, a very touching gesture that is followed by the memories of unforgettable moments. The interior of the church is decorated with expressive biblical images, particularly on its ceiling and walls. Furthermore, on the grounds of the church in the evening, when the sun falls below the horizon, an amazing sunset can be enjoyed providing the visitors with a carefree atmosphere of freedom and serenity. During the hours of darkness, the church is lit up, emphasising its spiritual existence that without cessation overlooks the resort of Protaras, where at night the movement still continues offering life to the patterns of its streets. Paralimni is considered to have become a fair shopping destination with innumerable showcases illustrating the latest elements of fashion that should definitely not be missed. Just beyond the town’s square is the Municipal open air theatre, attractive gardens and fountains that provide the area with a touch of an oddly picturesque scene. The town of Paralimni is the perfect destination to relax your body and soul and to enjoy a holiday home experience. It is regarded as a place, where the old and the new are interconnected through the countenance of harmony, a town where one can take pleasure in the advantages of a traditional village and the conveniences of a contemporary town that features aspects of modernity. In just a few words, Paralimni is a location where the ray of sunlight brightens every corner of its structure, generating a magical atmosphere that is truly worth a visit!