Under the sunshine of the island of love, a thrilling action fueled by features of energy is ready to commence its journeys that are encircled with views of amazing beauty. Cyprus is well-known for its relaxing sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. However, the experience of an overland safari tour is the perfect way to spice up the amusement of your vacation. By providing a safe and controlled environment, a safari experience appeals to all ages, offering an enthralling exploration beyond the beach and onto the inland part of Cyprus, where places of hidden beauty are discovered in every corner of the tour. In Cyprus, safari does not retain the meaning of a voyage based on chasing. Without doubt through this trip one could get to know some of the most remarkable parts of the island. A safari excursion is addressed to those who consider their holidays as new adventures through the elements of inquisitiveness and an escape from the ordinary. To those, who consider it to be a ‘destination’ that offers excitement and adore the essence of action, explor-
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ing the natural surroundings, love photography, but who also would like to enjoy with their family and friends an unforgettable experience filled with a blend of incredible moments. This trip may even be a choice for a romantic honeymoon close to nature, which will leave memories of colours and landscapes, depending on the season. Undeniably, a safari tour has always been regarded as a shocking type of travel experience since it leads to an adventure of unknown territory. It reveals each time to the participants a mystery of the scenery it encloses through a natural and wildlife charm of endless artistry. Simultaneously, as this trip progresses in time and revelations, it shapes aspects of fun and entertainment since gradually one commences to feel himself or herself as a part of nature and as an even ‘Modern-Day Robinson Crusoe’. In Cyprus, safari is accomplished by jeep type cars 4x4, while for those who would like more autonomy an option of four-wheeled motorcycles is available. The distances will perfectly be combined with the experience of the safari tour and the comforts of your stay through the features of an attentive and satisfying service. Particularly, some of the most spectacular routes in Cyprus are those conducted on the eastern part of the island, which definitely deserve to be explored. Through modern high quality and professionally serviced bikes, quads and buggies you will experience the real Cyprus and meet the amazingly charming beauty of the island, which includes the exploration of the national park of Cape Greco in Protaras, the municipalities of Sotira and Deryneia, the village of Frenaros and the ghost town of Famagusta, enhancing the levels of action of your holidays in Eastern Cyprus. Without hesitation take your family and friends on a professional guided quad buggy safari through the impressive scenic back roads, churches, parks and natural spectacles. Take in the breathtaking scenery and simply enjoy an extreme safari experience through an unbelievable leisure of an awe-inspiring atmosphere!
Kefalonia is a wooded island that is surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea and is considered to be an island of mystery and strange phenomena! It is the largest island of the Ionian Islands and invites you to discover and to even identify everything that it has to offer since it is regarded as an island of endless amusements and splendid scenery! Few places worldwide have the ability to gather so many geologically “strange” phenomena and one of these is the island of Kefalonia. Apart from the natural beauties of the island, its “geological mysteries” cause the interest to both, visitors and scientists from all over the world. Today with a tour through the island one can see close at hand the grandeur of nature being contrary to laws and rules and “acting freely” through the creation of “artworks” on the canvas of the Kefalonian landscape. Despite being given some explanations for the phenomena by geologists, imputing them to the position of the island, which is found at the junction of the Earth’s tectonic plates, they still compose a scene of mystery that is reinforced by mythology, legends, traditions and religion, offering uniqueness to the island. Melissani Cave Here, the sea water mysteriously disappears at some point below Argostoli, the island’s capital, at the so-called “Katavothres”. It flows with momentum on the ground and underground traverses the entire island, from west to east, a distance of about 15 kilometres to reach the Melissani Cave, which is considered to be an amazing grotto, a real “miracle” of nature. At Midday, when the sun’s rays enter from the cave’s roof and are perpendicular on the surface of the water, the water of the lake creates turquoise reflections on the cave’s walls, an extraordinary spectacle generated by the elements of magic and regarded as one of its kind.
The grotto took its name either from the legend of Nymph Melissanis, who is believed to have committed suicide in the lake because the Greek God Pan would not reciprocate her love or from the legend that states that the shepherdess Melissanthi died after falling into the lake while she was chasing one of her sheep. Today, the cave could be visited from an artificial entrance which, through a tunnel, leads to the main hall. The tour is done by boats along the entire length of the lake, while it composes an idyllic place for weddings. Saint Gerasimos Saint Gerasimos, the patron saint of the island and the founder of the monasterial landscape that operates until today with monks living an ascetic tradition, has an imperishable body! This saint is regarded as recent and his blissful repose took place on the 15th of August 1579. However, since on this day the Virgin Mary is also celebrated, Saint Gerasimos is celebrated on the following day, precisely, on the 16th of August. When Saint Gerasimos was a monk he performed miracles to believers and his body, when it was exhumed three years after his death, in 1581, was found incorrupt and it is said that it gave off a pleasant smell, a sweet fragrance like that of perfume. Since then, it has been placed in a glass case and everyone who visits the monastery has the chance to observe such a supernatural phenomenon. Behind the glass, the saint seems as if he is sleeping and not a body deprived of life since his relic has remained miraculously intact. The Holy Snakes of the Virgin Mary The church of Panagia Fidoussa (Our Lady of the Snakes) is located in the village of Markopoulo. Every year in early August, the so-called snakes of the Virgin Mary make their appearance, crawling around the church and onto the image of the Virgin until the 15th of August, the feast day of the Assumption of Mary. These snakes consist of a characteristic cross on their head and are harmless as they are considered to be holy. Indeed, their appearance is regarded as a good omen for the year to follow, while their absence is believed to be a portent of bad luck. Characteristically, it is mentioned that in 1940 and 1953, the snakes did not appear and major disasters followed. Specifically, in 1940 the island was occupied by the Italians and in 1953, it was struck by devastating earthquakes. The Tomb of Odysseus Next to Kefalonia is a small island which according to tradition was the home of the mythical hero Odysseus, Ithaca. When the Trojan War had ended, Odysseus needed 20 years to find his island, experiencing many adventures in this long journey that have become a source of inspiration for Homer and have been described to us through his Odyssey (Omirou Odysseia). But was the current Ithaca the real homeland of Odysseus? This question arises due to the fact that in Ithaca, nothing has been found to support such a statement. The characteristics described by Homer about the island of “Sami” are those of Kefalonia, while great discoveries that have been found on the island support the view that Odysseus, in antiquity, was the king of the Ionian Islands, which nowadays we know as Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Corfu and Ithaca. In the small village of Poros, on the southeastern coast of Kefalonia, in accordance with the findings of excavations, remains of the ancient city that was once the capital of the kingdom of the island chain, which was governed by Odysseus and his father, Laertes, were found. Additionally, a majestic tomb, which is almost certain that it belongs to Odysseus, has been also discovered. CONTINUE ON PAGE 8
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The Drogarati Cave One of the biggest and most beautiful sights on the island and in extension, of the Ionian Islands is the Drogarati Cave, where the formation of stalactites and stalagmites has made its appearance for thousands of years. This cave is considered to be a natural “work of art” of millions of years, since every a hundred years the length of the stalactites and stalagmites grows to only just 1 cm. The cave is located a short distance from the grotto of Melissani and was discovered 300 years ago, when during a strong earthquake a part of it was
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crashed and hence, the cave was revealed. Nowadays, this area composes the entrance from which the view of the cave is truly magical. According to the archaeologists, the part which is currently free to access is only a part of it, since they are almost certain that the cave communicates and with other caves or cave formations in the region, which until today remain unknown and are hidden in the bowels of the earth. The depth of the cave is approximately 60 metres, with an average temperature of 18 °C and sufficiently contains high humidity that reaches up to 90%. It holds excellent and natural acoustics to the point that even a whisper will reach clear as crystal to the human ear. The atmosphere of this spectacle is astonishing and generates a sense of mystery. However, how many other natural “treasures” are hidden under the Kefalonian earth that no one has ever had the chance to discover?
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
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gradually converted to a women’s monastery and in 1978, 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 depict the unspoiled features of the CONTINUE ON PAGE 12
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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
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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 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!
Crete, the island of contrasts with Minoan palaces, Roman towns, Venetian castles, blue waters of the Mediterranean, deep canyons, coastal paths and charming fishing villages, is an ideal destination for family vacations that combine outdoor activities with educational adventure. In Crete, as nowhere else, you can experience an adventurous destination close to its nature and rich history. If you are adventurous parents and your children want to feel that they are explorers, then you could all enjoy together exciting activities by discovering the real Crete! If you prefer though guidance, better organisation and more company then you may contact an agency that organises adventurous holidays and let their experience guide you to great places on the island that are worth a browse.
River Trekking A refreshing adventure for spring and summer. Cross rivers, swim and enjoy the natural waterslides and beautiful small waterfalls in places of extraordinary beauty. It is a joyous and interesting activity that appeals to the whole family. Choose at which gorge you will cross the river, wear your swimsuit and take with you a little snack, a bottle of water and definitely …a camera! You will observe a path of an outstanding beauty in the gorge of Sarakina in Ierapetra, on the river of Kourtaliotis, which ends to the famous beach of Preveli through a palm forest and the amazing gorge of the river of Patsou with plane tress. Speleology The rough morphology of Crete could not but include a plethora of caves that make it a speleological paradise with caves of high speleological and ecological importance. Its approximately 2000 caves compose of apart from stunning monuments of nature and a hodgepodge of myth, history, natural beauty and secrets awaiting their discovery. The caves of Crete gave birth to many of the myths on the island, such as the birth of the greatest god of ancient times, Zeus, which is placed in Diktaion Antron of Lassithi Plateau and his upbringing at the Ideon Andron (Cave) of Mount Psiloritis. The cave of Eileithyia in Karteros existed as a place of worship of the homonym goddess of childbirth in the Neolithic Era. The god Cronus lived in the cave of Kronio in Lassithi Plateau. The caves though operated and as refuges for the locals from the various conquerors of the island and became places for fighting and sacrifice. They even hosted saints such as Saint John the Hermit, but also many who chose the ascetic life as done in the Goumenospilio cave of the Agiofarago gorge in Heraklion. Hiking The ideal way to explore the heart of Crete is by hiking in the mountains, coastal trails and gorges. The sounds, colours and fragrances of the Cretan nature will soothe and rejuvenate you, while enjoying the rhythm that you prefer through nice routes. Wander in paths of rich flora and fauna and on rustic roads in the White Mountains and Mount Psiloritis. Meet the mountainous villages and "authentic" Cretans with their traditions. Choose your route, reach a point by car and from there hikers, you will take a closer look and with more time at your disposal at everything that you could not discover through rapid, planned trips with multitudinous groups. Cycling A combination of exercise and entertainment along with adventure. Crete offers a variety of cycle routes for all ages. On forest roads either of soil or asphalt the landscapes alternate constantly something that will hold irreducibly the interest for all on exploration and journey! Apart from the joy of cycling as an exercise, you will have an excellent opportunity to taste on air, the smells of nature and admire beautiful views, which if you utilise another means to travel you may possibly miss their beauty. If you do not have your own bike in Crete, you will find many specialty stores where you could rent bikes for both kids and adults for either road or mountain use. Simply wear comfortable clothes, athletic shoes, sit in the saddle and enjoy every minute!
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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 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 un-
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der 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!