Contents
A fairytale wedding emerging from the faith of love 4
Off-season breaks - a diverse travel experience 12
Let’s drink a beer like... the ancients! 14
A tour in Lefkara full of new eperiences and amazing images of folk architecture 20
Ayia Napa - Protaras the ultimate holiday destinations 6 & 8
Small villages of western Cyprus perfectly traditional 10 & 16
Five star cruises across the blue with the magnificent cruise ship Oceania Marina 18
Ayia Marina Xyliatou 24
2
Whether you prefer an intimate civil gathering, a traditional church service in a stunning venue or the sheer opulence of a chapel wedding at a luxury hotel, the island of Aphrodite can exceptionally meet all of your dreamful ceremony requirements. From a traditional feast in a village tavern to the ultimate sophistication of a luxury reception in a magnificent hotel, Cyprus consists of a multitude of fantastic options that aim to make every wedding special and to generate an ideal dream day, regardless of wedding party size or budget. Moreover, Cyprus is most fortunate as it enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate with an amazing sunshine, especially from May until October. From October through to April the temperature is cooler with little rain, lots of sunshine and an astonishing emerald green panorama. Cyprus, the land surrounded with crystal blue waters, is the perfectly unique place to enjoy remarkable and astounding forms of weddings. Beach weddings are surely an alternative to the regular and to even the traditional weddings as they consist of the faculty to make your whole day a memorable moment. By the Mediterranean Sea with a glass of champagne, the smooth noise of the waves caressing the rocks and your beloved one is merely a memory that will indubitably last a lifetime. Exclusive weddings on decorated yachts surrounded with ravishing balloons, rosettes and flowers and anchored in a natural bay are individually tailored to formulate the most perfect wedding, you could ever imagine. As far as tradition is concerned, it has nowadays entered into the perspective of a modern era, in which a traditional wedding has become an incredible ceremony in a fantastic luxurious hotel with its own stonebuilt church, renovated spaces and specifically embellished areas that embrace this paradisiacal happening. Its incredibly romantic sea view rooms that gaze upon the breathtaking sunset, the silver sands and the massive blue are certainly a panoramic
4
A fairytale wedding emerging from the faith of love
view of the Mediterranean aspects, which touch upon the island of love and beauty. Cyprus is composed of the greatest love stories one could ever think of, a mythical sensation that Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and beauty has produced into the island. On his way to the Holy Land, Richard the Lionheart used his might to possess the island, but in the heat of battle, the arrow of love had hit him and fell in love with the enchanting Berengaria of Navarre in 1191. Throughout the centuries, on the island love become a myth and myth became a legend with picturesque patterns of history remaining perpetually as a fantasy. Live your own myth under the love spell of
the Goddess, who rose from the foam of the sea and chose Cyprus to be her outstanding sacred palace, inciting feelings of affection and passion, wherever she passed through. By leaving footprints in your heart feel her strength in your soul and live your fairytale not as a dream, but as a day of excitement and joy, a day to look forward to and to remember for the rest of your lives. On the land of such an incredible beauty generate your own true fairytale and as most fairytales end “and they live happily ever after�, this would undoubtedly be the delightful ending of your story as well. A story of true love on the island with a miraculous sense of peace, hope and robust desire.
Ayia Napa - Protaras the ultimate holiday destinations
walk or ride around the main busy streets that the town keeps hold of, where you will find many restaurants, cafes and taverns to enjoy scrumptious international but also local delicacies, as well as pubs and nightclubs with Greek and foreign music. The nightlife in Ayia Napa is simply… incredible! For all kinds of tastes and all ages! Without doubt, in the town of Ayia Napa you will find an outstanding atmosphere and an excellent service and what makes this breathtaking place so unique is that everything is constantly provided with a smile. Therefore, what exactly prompts a contemporary traveller! The monastery The medieval monastery located in the centre of Ayia Napa is dedicated to Our Lady of the Forests. The 16th century church is partly underground and carved into the rock. Undoubtedly, what will impress you the most is a century old sycamore in front of the south gate, which is believed that it is over 600 years old! Within the convent an ancient icon of the miraculous Virgin Mary of Napa is kept. The monastery is surrounded by a high wall with carved stones and the whole complex has a great medieval architecture.
A paradisiacal land for vacation! The golden sandy beaches of Ayia Napa and Protaras gently touch upon the east coast of the island of Cyprus. Once being small picturesque fishing villages, Ayia Napa and Protaras with their stunning coasts of astonishing white sands, their wonderful beaches and beautifully blue waters, today are bustled with life and a cosmopolitan atmosphere and are regarded as the main and most popular summer resorts of the Mediterranean. The shallow, calm and crystal clear waters have made these coastal areas a heaven of extreme attraction for beach lovers and enjoyable water sports. While you are there, spend the day by sunbathing on one of the many magical beaches, by swimming in the warm waters or by even taking a short cruise along the coast to observe from cosmopolitan beaches to secluded coves and incredible sea caves. Additionally, you could take another trip to Cape Greco, a place of an indescribable beauty, where you will obtain the opportunity to go for diving and enjoy the exceptionality of the seabed through underwater observations. At night, you could go out and dine at one of the many restaurants that serve international cuisine or at traditional taverns with delicious local dishes,
6
while later on enjoy every moment by dancing and having fun with the most modern rhythms at some of the many nightclubs that the areas consist of. If you love being inspired with culture and tradition, then you will feel truly pleased by visiting these extraordinary destinations as year round events and festivals are organised by their municipalities that strongly express the island’s culture and traditions.
The sea museum Remarkable is the Sea Museum situated at the municipality of Ayia Napa, where in a pleasant environment you can explore the role and importance played by the sea in the history of Cyprus from antiquity until today. The exhibits of the museum include fossils of marine organisms and animals aged up to 100 million years old and stuffed sea animals and organisms like fish, turtles, seals, birds, starfish, sea urchins, sponges and corals. However, the most awe-inspiring exhibit of the museum is the life-size effigy of the ancient ship in the era of Alexander the Great that was found wrecked off the coast of Kyrenia. Apart from the exhibits, within the spaces of the museum a few shops, a café and a place for educational programs are also available.
AYIA NAPA Ayia Napa is a very famous destination for summer holidays and people from all over the world visit this amazing cosmopolitan resort to enjoy in particular, the sun and sea on its remarkable beaches that will surely not disappoint them. Come to Ayia Napa and discover a unique temptation within the crystal waters of the Mediterranean, take pleasure in having a peaceful walk across the shore, enjoy the excitement that the water sports have to offer and try to take upon new and unprecedented experiences hence, getting to know your strengths and weaknesses or perhaps even, any new abilities. Moreover, take a chance to relax in the spas of luxurious hotels that will unquestionably satisfy even your highest expectations. Go for shopping in the trendiest stores you could ever imagine, take a
The port Enjoy a coffee or lunch beside the waters of the Mediterranean at the port of Ayia Napa. Gaze upon the colours of the sea as they change in the sunlight and let the relaxing sounds to lure and accompany you to beautiful moments. The anchored boats and other vessels offer to the landscape a tranquil atmosphere that will undeniably calm your spirit. At the port, what will surely surprise you is the cosmopolitan aura that exists as there are so many people, who wish to visit and sit in its restaurants and cafes. Its location offers a special view to both foreign and local visitors alike and is regarded as an ornament to the town of Ayia Napa, by producing an exceptional sensation both during the day and night. Continue on page 8
Ayia Napa - Protaras the ultimate holiday destinations From page 6 Beaches of Ayia Napa The beaches of Ayia Napa are considered to be among the best that exist in Cyprus. The crystal blue waters and sandy beaches are what make each guest to adore them and become attracted to their beauty. From cosmopolitan beaches to almost empty ones, with white or golden sands, well organised to completely isolated ones, at either a green or deserted environment, with calm waters to large waves, with steep cliffs to remarkable caves, in this part of the world you can find any type of beach that would satisfy your needs without having to travel miles just to find it. If you are either an athletic or adventurous type of person and you like action, you will be impressed by the wide variety of water sports available on the beaches of Ayia Napa. Your adrenaline will reach its heights and will provide you with a unique experience. On the other hand, if you prefer to be in a calmer state then take a ride on a boat to which its bottom part is actually like a submarine! The windows that it consists of will let you observe throughout your journey the magnificence that the underwater life has to offer and when an anchor is casted, a diver feeds the fish in front of your eyes within the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea or even better why not dive for yourself and let them eat from your own hands?
PROTARAS Protaras, the tourist area of Paralimni, is one of the most incredibly beautiful areas of Cyprus. This area extends along the eastern coast of Paralimni, which is famous for its golden sands and blue, calm and warm waters. It took its name from a picturesque bay with crystal clear waters called ‘Protaras’ or otherwise ‘Fig Tree Bay’. When you visit this small tourist town, what is certain is that you will constantly be occupied with something. Apart from the luxurious and modern hotels on the coast of Protaras, to which you will definitely have a superb accommodation and fantastic views of the Mediterranean, there is also a wide variety of bars, clubs, restaurants with various kinds of cuisine, Cypriot taverns and of course, fish taverns to try a variety of delicious fish meze. Protaras was and is predominantly the agricultural area of Paralimni. In this town, you will see large areas with highly seasonal crops. The old iron windmills that were used for water irrigation are scattered in these agricultural areas, offering to the landscape of Protaras a charming and outstanding character. Beaches of Protaras Protaras consists of many beaches some of which have been awarded with the Blue Flag. On most of them, you will find a wide variety of water sports, restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels and a lifeguard service. One of the most amazing beaches is the one found at the gulf of Protaras, the Fig Tree Bay. This beach is composed of high sands and shallow
8
waters that make it ideal for families with children. The beauty of the beach becomes complete with the existence of a small island, which is just about 100 metres away from shore. Other astonishing beaches in Protaras are the secluded beach situated at the bay of Konnos, the Kapparis Beach and the Louma Beach. From the Louma Beach, there is a coastal path with a length of 2.5 km, which is connected northwards to the beach of Vrisi that is considered to be the largest beach of Protaras. The trail is easy and possesses a picturesque path ideal for taking a walking. It passes through bays, the beaches of Pernera, Potami and others and from low cliffs and small piers. En route, you will see several anglers with their fishing rods. Chapels If you enjoy visiting small chapels, in Protaras you will have the opportunity to visit several of them. Just before the centre of Protaras, on a hill, the chapel of Prophet Elias is located. This is a church that was built during the 20th century. To reach it, you will have to take some stone built stairs with 153 steps, but the entire panoramic view of Protaras and the sea will surely reward you back. During the evenings, the hill of the church is illuminated with breathtaking lights that create an exquisite spectacle. An experience that undoubtfully should not be missed for anything! The journey from Cape Greco to Protaras near the headland of Cape Greco, a short distance from the sea, is a picturesque chapel dedicated to the Saints Anargyri, Cosmas and Damianos. By following this route, before arriving at the centre of the tourist area of Protaras, 300 metres from the road, is the chapel of Panagiotissa. It is a small church dedi-
cated to the Virgin Mary. The small church of Agia Triada is situated in a picturesque bay near the area of Kapparis. The bay and the fishing shelter that was built there for the local fishermen, both took their name from the chapel. Cape Greco Between Protaras and Ayia Napa is the headland of Cape Greco, a small peninsula to which owing to its great natural beauty, it has been declared a national forest park and nature conservation site. The Cape Greco headland is rocky and high thus, offering a magnificent view over the sea. Cape Greco is for those who strongly enjoy walking, cycling, diving and exploring. On this peninsula, there are nature trails for taking a walk through remarkable places covered with young pines and cypresses and special paths for cycling as well. The sea area of Cape Greco is popular for diving as a result of its clean waters that allow visibility up to 40 metres to the bottom of the sea, the fauna of the seabed which includes many interesting species and the sea temperatures that range from 16 degrees Celsius in winter and up to 28 degrees during the summer. For those who like swimming, on the beach of Cape Greco they will gain the chance to swim in the sea caves that were carved by time and the waves hitting on the rocks. It is a beautiful creation of nature that was rightly named by the locals as “Palaces”, since if seen by someone from a distance they actually resemble palaces stuck in the rocks of the cape. Some of them contain a height that reaches up to 10 metres, while if you swim within them you will enjoy the sounds of the crystal clear waters. Truly an amazing experience!
Paphos and Polis Chrysochous are considered to be two of the richest cities of Cyprus in history and ancient monuments. They both occupy the entire western part of the island that is composed of a beautiful area with lush green nature combined with magnificent plains, mountains and the blue sea. This was the region that was chosen by the Goddess of Love and Beauty in Greek mythology, Aphrodite, to be born and live strong love. Moreover, it is regarded as the perfect place to get a taste of authentic Cypriot tradition by visiting small picturesque villages. Two villages that will surely amaze you are Filousa Chrysochous and Koilinia. These two small villages provide the sense that they are wrapped within an emerald green nature, therefore satisfying the interests of every traveller, who is looking to enjoy some peace and quiet through exploratory walks within breathtaking paths. Filousa Chrysochous At a distance of about 12 kilometres from the bay of Polis Chrysochous is the small village of Filousa Chrysochous. From Nicosia you could reach the village by following the route to the Troodos Mountains, then to Kykkos, then to Stavros tis Psokas and then to Polis Chrysochous. From Limassol, you will have to take the road to Paphos and then, to Polis Chrysochous. The village keeps hold of a striking and distinctive feature as it is built on the side of an idyllic green hillside, spread under the passage of the sun, remains invisible from the north until it is approached from all the other sides and retains vast views of the villages and mountains of Paphos. The name of the village comes from two large poplars
Small villages of western Cyprus perfectly traditional
that existed in the area, one close to the other, which the romantic attitude of the residents wanted them to kiss. The other version and much more realistic wants the name of the village to derive from the location that it is built that guards it from any northerly or westerly winds.
The houses of the village are surrounded with fruitbearing trees, carob trees and olive trees and are built according to the traditional Cypriot architecture. In Filousa Chrysochous, a visitor can observe from two-storey mansions, renovated stone-built houses and small traditional houses to new homes in harmony with the rest. The majority of them combine the great views with the tranquillity of the countryside and the enjoyment of an amazingly beautiful nature. Even though the residents comprise a small number, most of the houses are repaired and used as villas, while some of them have been bought by foreigners to make peaceful and relaxed holidays throughout the year in close touch to the Cypriot tradition. Today, Filousa Chrysochous is the perfect destination for excursions and hiking tours. The village attracts travellers of all ages, who seek peace and a good dry climate to rejuvenate body and spirit! The traveller has the opportunity to participate in the simple way of life that the Cypriot countryside keeps hold of, which for many is now a nostalgic memory. In addition, the visitor will get to know the true Cypriot hospitality and to live a return to the old beautiful things, which are identified through the true and pure life of the Cypriot land. It is the ideal place for taking a walk in nature and cycling, while the river of Stavros tis Psokas that pours in the dam of Evretou, which is located just a few kilometres from the village creates a path of habitats with an outstanding natural beauty. Koilinia Koilinia is one of the smallest villages of Cyprus in the Paphos District. It is built in a valley surrounded by hills Continue on page16
10
Off-season breaks - a diverse travel experience Have you ever wondered if planning your vacation during another season, apart from the summertime, you would perhaps have had a better and much more enjoyable and relaxed experience while spending less? If you are thinking to make your holidays during this period of time, Greece is full of amazing destinations that offer a wide variety of options for a distinct holiday associated with rural tourism, spa and many recreational activities. During the summer, the sun and sea are surely gaining the attention of visitors, but now, if you do not like diving of course, you could live a different travel experience and enjoy the magic of a beautiful and diverse holiday. Discover Greece, learn and see things you did not even know of or have ever imagined. This crossroad of cultures and colours with rich history, apart from being a constant journey in time from present to past, it boasts stunning natural landscapes, historical and religious monuments and charming traditions that reveal unknown and interesting aspects. Therefore, plan your vacation during an off-peak season and you will realize that on the same amount of days, apart from paying less, you will also experience and learn new things about this specifically incredible destination. Below are some of the many opportunities that you will definitely obtain if you have your off-season holidays in Greece and will undoubtfully agree that it is ultimately... the perfect choice to make! Better service At hotels, restaurants and bars, during the nonsummer months the people are plentiful, but never to a great extent as in on-peak periods. Hence, you will be able to enjoy your food and drink with greater ease, without the hubbub and stuffy atmosphere of the crowds. In addition to this, shop services are of a higher standard and food is usually of a superior quality and indubitably, much more carefully prepared! The ideal season It is the perfect time for those who would like to be enthralled by the beauty of nature and be guided to remarkable landscapes and attractions. It is a period of time, when the weather will not be particularly warm but definitely not characterised as cold either, like that of the northernmost
12
countries. Moreover, it is considered to be the best time for those who would like to take pleasant and exploratory tours without sweating and to occupy themselves with various exciting sports such as cycling, climbing, archery, flying fox, paintball, canoeing, river trekking, paraskiing and horse riding. More rest Off-season holidays are composed by enhanced privacy hence, generating calmer and much more relaxed moments. Overlooking the waves of the breathtaking sparkling blue sea or emerald mountainous scenery, read a good book or sleep even more! Take the opportunity to pamper yourself with various revitalizing spa treatments if offered at your accommodation. Prefer having treatments that contain essential oils from Greek herbs so that you will be acquainted with the therapeutic benefits offered by the treasure of the Greek nature. Explore the glory of the place During this period apart from having your vacation, you will also acquire the chance to truly get to know the area that you are staying at. Discov-
er the ancient history, traditions and customs of Greece, which you will surely find very interesting and strongly captivating. Come into contact with the people of the island, who during this period of the year have greater amounts of time to manifest their hospitality and friendliness. Additionally, it is not at all unusual during off-season holidays to create new friendships and build a completely new social network on such a memorable place! Live the enchantment of an exceptional culture Most of the areas of Greece maintain their customs and traditions and conduct events and local festivals that reflect their cultural and artistic presence. Get to know through these festivities, the past and presence of a land that was formed through precious olden times. Take pleasure in visiting such celebrations, where traditional music and local dances lead the excitement of the night by producing great fun to a moment, where everybody is definitely welcomed! Therefore, seek more information about these happenings from the local authority (District, Municipality and Community) in order to attend to an experience with a unique hospitality, an artistic touch and a lot of entertainment and celebration!
Let’s drink a beer like... the ancients! Beer is a drink that brings people together from the beginning of the human civilisation. This exceptional alcoholic beverage contains the ability to refresh, revive and change our attitude by stimulating our senses. Beer, with its white sparkling foam, is the most popular drink of the summer as it is perfectly associated to the summer profile of a place. How many times have you seen adverts with a golden sun, an amazingly beautiful beach and beer in an impressive appearance of rich foam ready to provide you with an absolute breeze with its distinctive taste? Surely everybody has had the chance to enjoy a glass of cold beer with good friends and tasty ‘mezedakia’, which are small dishes of scrumptious food or otherwise, with delicious snacks. However, did you know that this drinking creation, which is today widely known, is connected with a great story that dissolves within the centuries? Hence, let’s undertake this journey to discover the secrets of this remarkable drink of great age by drinking a beer like the ancients used to do. Therefore, cheers! An ancient drink By browsing on works of antiquity, you will be amazed when you find out that ancient people actually drank beer! From Ancient Greece to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, people drank beer at their symposiums, but also in their daily lives. In an ancient board made from clay 6000 years ago, people with straws drinking beer from a big receptacle are illustrated. Around 2000 years later, this is exactly how the Sumerians described in their writings the drinking of beer. Kings had in their palaces ‘barley wine’ or in other words beer and caroused with this drink at their symposiums. In Greece and later on in Rome, beer was well-known amongst the working class and was regarded as a ‘barbaric’ drink unlike the wine, which was considered to be the gentle and smooth drink of that era. Over the years, the way that the ancients drank their beer varied. Some drank it in wide cups, others in narrow ones while others continued to follow the Sumerian way by utilising straws to drink beer from a big receptacle. Some of them even kept the beer in jugs, while others preferred to keep this drink in barrels and always in the dark. Nevertheless, whichever way they used to drink or keep their beer, what is significant is that beer comes from old, truly old times…
14
Who discovered beer? We all know that it was God Dionysus, the Ancient Greek Deity of vine and fertility, who invented the existence of wine in antiquity, but do we know that he had also discovered the creation of beer too? The word beer in Ancient Greece was named as ‘zythos’, which subsequently obtained the denomination of ‘mpira’. Due to all these facts, the word beer could be supported that it is a word that has purely been derived from Greek mythology and history. However, others also boast that they have discovered its production as it is recorded in history that they were involved in the cultivation of cereals too. Who though would not want to keep hold of the exclusive glory of this already glorified and well-known drink? Thus, apart from the Greeks, Egyptians, Sumerians, Indians and even the Chinese are trying to acquire the title of being the inventor of beer. After all, they all used the same ingredients and methods for its production such as water, barley, hops and yeast. And beer was the… result Beer and bread share a lot of ingredients in common; indeed many people believe that beer was generated prior to the production of bread, even accidentally. It is much easier for a random fermentation to occur rather for someone to bake bread. The baking of bread is a complex process that required care, while the fermentation could have simply taken place by gathering fresh barley that got wet and became exposed to fungi. Therefore, this fermentation has offered a primitive drink that had definitely led the ancients to their first… drunkenness! Even though it may surprise you, ancient beer was actually more nutritious than bread and was regarded as a much safer drink compared to the water that they used to hold for use. Let’s all raise our glasses The raising of glasses when drinking beer symbolically joins the glasses of the group to feeling as one. Going way back to ancient history, we discover that the roots of this particular customary practice originated from the Sumerians, who used to drink their beer with a straw from a shared receptacle. For the Sumerians, the drinking of beer had a ceremonial and ritual character and consequently, quite a lot of people used to sit around the receptacle. By having gone through the alteration of time, the way that beer was drank has changed and given that it is no
longer drank from a common receptacle, the raising of the glasses has taken its place instead in memory of that old custom. Proposals and greetings that we exchange while drinking this incredible golden drink are also considered to be the remnants of that time as an indication that beer unites those who drink it. Besides nowadays, inexplicably, we believe that it is much more pleasurable and enjoyable to drink beer along with others! Brown, blonde and red beers At the present day, beer has a very large number of admirers from all over the world and it is perhaps the most popular drink on earth. It is served fresh and ice cold in a tall glass or even from the bottle that it is packaged. Many people have even applied the tradition to place a slice of fresh lemon on the mouth of the bottle or to add a few drops of lime in the beer to create just a little bit of a more sour taste. When serving the beer in a glass attention is needed in order not to produce a lot of foam that will result in overflowing from the glass. Instead, try to maintain its beauty which is its astonishing sparkling colour and its smoothly white foam that has to be served in the right proportion. Throughout the world, the process of brewing presents diverse kinds of beer with impressive flavours as each one consists of its own secrets. These differences, as emphasised by the brewers, are determined by the composition of grain, the quantity of hops, the type of yeast that is decisive for the kind of beer that will be manufactured and the quality of the water that will be used. Brown and black beers acquire a dark colour owing to the malted barley that is being roasted before brewing. The darker the beer the more intense is the taste. Usually, black beers have more alcohol and a stronger flavour. Blonde or golden beers are brewed usually with malt and are made from wheat, therefore obtaining a much paler colour. In fact, they are frequently also aromatised with some spice. These kinds of beers are regarded as more popular than the darker ones and are much lighter to drink. Red beers are characterised by the red colour that the traditional Vienna malt from Vienna provides them with. Additionally, they retain a much bitter taste than the others, owing to the more hops that are added to their production.
Small villages of western Cyprus perfectly traditional
From page10 at an altitude of 620 metres above sea level. You will find it at a distance of 32 kilometres on the route from Paphos to the monastery of Panagia Chrysorogiatissa, between the villages of Galataria and Vretsia. The story about the founding of the village goes back centuries, while legends link it with the mysterious Queen of Cyprus Regina, a person of Cypriot folk tradition of the Middle Ages. Regina was identified in Cyprus as retaining the same significance as the ancient Goddess Aphrodite and in accordance with local traditions she particularly loved Paphos as well. She possessed a tower at the Akamas Peninsula and everything in Cyprus belonged to her. This mythical queen had knowledge of all the villages, castles, caves, valleys, mountains, rivers, churches and beautiful locations of the island. The settlement of the village was originally built on a mountain around 1 kilometre from its current location. It was completely destroyed though in the 18th century by torrential rains that caused landslides. The village was built back again in the same area in a valley. The church that was built in the new village was dedicated to Saint Anastasia Farmakolytria, meaning the Curer. It was built on a site, where an ancient cave was discovered to
16
which within it was found a stone plaque with the name of the Saint carved on it. It seems that this cave was a secret Christian church during the Ottoman Rule, a period in which the Christians were persecuted for their faith. In the old village that was destroyed, in recent years, two chapels were restored; that of Saint Evlogiou and the only one that exists in Cyprus and that of Saint George. The two chapels were built on top of the ruins of older churches of the Byzantine Period. The village today has a few inhabitants, but most of the houses are still preserved, since those who have moved to the cities retain them as their villas. Their architecture is beautiful and simple. Some of its main elements are the coating of the walls with stone, the double wooden roofs with tiles and the hanging wooden balconies towards the side of the street. The inhabitants are mainly engaged in agriculture and livestock at limited production. As you are found in Koilinia you could purchase genuine homemade halloumi, trachana and sousioukkos of an attentive and non-industrialized construction. You will also find fresh fruit depending on the season. What will make an impression to you in the village of Koil-
inia are the cauldrons of zivania that you will see in the fields. If you observe any of them having hot coals and creating smoke, do not hesitate to ask the villager, who handles it, to see how the distillation and production of this Cypriot drink is made from the stalks of the grapes. It is really worth to both, watch the process of its manufacture, as well as to try it! Another attraction that is worth visiting is the bridge of Routhkias. It is located a few kilometres outside Koilinia in the forest of Paphos. It is one of the few stone-built bridges that were constructed by the Venetians (1489-1571) in Cyprus and which survive to this day. It was built over the Xeros River and was once used to connect the villages with the ones of Marathasa. Today, it is a historic monument besides the main road, which also leads to the region of Marathasa. The area that the bridge is found, due to the astonishing forest and habitats that are generated from the passage of the river, is of an outstanding natural beauty. While touring around Koilinia, you can make a pleasant break in one of the two cafes of the village. There, with a breathtaking view that reaches up to the Troodos Mountains and Kykkos, you will have the opportunity to meet and discuss with the residents, while enjoying a hot coffee, tea or the traditional refreshing cream called machalepi. In addition, if you would like to try any local wines, you may visit the small winery of Sioufa. He produces from the vineyards of the region, an amazing white wine named Xynisteri in Cyprus and a variety of remarkable rosĂŠ and red wines. The paved square that was created during the recent years offers a quiet place with beautiful views. Free from the stress of the city, listen to the pulses of nature and refresh yourself from the gurgling water of the stone-built fountain that reaches from the mountains of the forest of Paphos.
Five star cruises across the blue with the magnificent cruise ship Oceania Marina
In an epoch where freedom of choice has been associated with absolute luxury, the cruises, when they relate to luxurious cruise ships, constitute the ultimate expression of luxury travelling by providing a unique experience on board that will rejuvenate and surely entertain you. One such ship, beautifully fitted out for luxurious cruising by accommodating an ostentatious touch and an impeccable service to its passengers, is the brand new Marina of Oceania. The Marina offers cruises identical to the concept of unadulterated luxury and high benefits that will undeniably make you feel an extraordinary sensation. Designed with elegance and style, it carries its passengers to the most alluring ports in the world with the amenities of a luxurious five star hotel. It is composed of fifteen floors and contains very impressive public areas all designed with an amazing taste as astonishing combinations of colours, wood, marble, granite and exceptional furniture generate a hospitable environment. Each space of the Marina is unique in character and a work of art in itself that will unquestionably invigorate you with
18
its own distinctive experiences and memories. During a cruise, the traveller will not feel bored not even for a moment as the Marina could be described as a small floating city that may accommodate up to 1250 persons on each of its journey. Some of the many facilities that the passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy during their voyage are a comfortable stay in luxurious cabins of diverse classes, a Canyo Ranch Spa Club, a gym with a breathtaking view of the blue, a swimming pool, a hammam, a library with a broad range of books, cafes, a mini golf, a casino, shops, rest rooms and a variety of bars and clubs. All that a traveller today is looking for and much more as every evening can be enjoyed until the early hours by watching arts programs that include spectacular shows and pleasurable live music. Furthermore, every day the cruise ship is found in a distinct port therefore, its passengers obtain the chance to participate in excursions and hence to observe new remarkable places, sites of history and to get to know different lifestyles and cultures that each land has to offer.
Taste is regarded as an integral and significant part of the high benefits that the cruise ship provides its passengers with. What is certain is that the Oceania Marina is surely for those who adore good food combined with an enjoyable experience in travelling. Its customers retain several options to choose from since on the cruise ship ten restaurants are operated from which six provide sophisticated gourmet flavours! All the restaurants are of open access and are included in the price of the cruise! The passengers simply choose, depending on their mood, from a light lunch to French, Asian or even American tastes. All the meals on board are made of an outstanding gastronomic art that is produced by specialist cooks who utilise the most excellent ingredients. While travelling, you will surely acquire the opportunity to be ascertained by solely having your first bite! In recent years, more and more people prefer cruising owing to the combination of destinations that it may provide them with only with just a single trip. The cruisers, apart from the pleasant stay, they also obtain the chance to get to visit places away from the crowds and mass tourism, places that encompass a unique touch of beauty. The cruises of the Oceania Marina are addressed to both those who are more careful on the costs that they have to pay and to those who have the ability to pay as much as possible to live and feel the sense of luxury even for just an instance. At any place on earth that you may be, during any period of time, you can choose the cruise that you prefer without worrying about how and how much you will need in order to get on board. The price of the cruise also includes your air or road transport to the port – a starting and ending point for this specific cruise. Indeed, the sooner you book the better as you will be able to obtain the best value possible that commences from ₏2169 per person and includes a full board cruise, transfers, flights, hotels and all the taxes. Two of the most popular itineraries of the Oceania Marina are: > 20-night Sultan, Kings and Emperors voyages from Hong Kong to Bangkok with stops in China, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Hong Kong. > 10-night Mediterranean Tapestry voyages from Athens to Barcelona with stops in Greece, Turkey, Sicily, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Marseilles and Barcelona. Last but not least, Century Travel exclusively represents more five-star and six-star cruise lines in Cyprus than anybody else including Oceania Cruises. For further information please visit: www.centurycyprus.com
A tour in Lefkara full of new eperiences and amazing images of folk architecture A visit to Lefkara is definitely a good choice for an escape to the tranquillity and natural beauty that the place has to offer. This charming small town of Cyprus is famous for its picturesque, characteristic and well-preserved architecture and its tradition in silver and embroidery, known as the ‘Lefkaritika’. Centrally located in Cyprus, it is found 50 kilometres from Nicosia, 43 kilometres from Larnaca and 50 kilometres from Limassol. Impressive is the history of Lefkara, as the area was inhabited since ancient times. According to the excavations, in Lefkara there used to be a small Neolithic settlement (6000-3000 BC), while in various areas of Lefkara tombs which contained vessels of the Geometric, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods were discovered. Additionally, ruins of a Roman settlement were also detected. The settlement, in its current location, probably started to grow from the 7th or 8th century, when continuous attacks of invaders had started, who forayed into mainly coastal towns and villages, forcing the Cypriots to seek refuge on the island. The first houses were built near a source located in the eastern part of Lefkara so that the residents could obtain water for their households and animals. A reference on the settlement designated as Lefkara was left by Saint Neophytos in the ‘Typical Testament’, which sets the rules of the life of monks. Specifically in the Testament, the Saint states that he was born in Lefkara in 1134. Saint Neophytos became a monk at the age of 18 and later on, lived as a hermit in a cave, 10 kilometres north of Paphos, where he founded the monastery that bears his name. Another significant historical landmark for Lefkara is that of 1911, when Richard the Lionheart on his way to the Holy Land (Third Crusade) conquered Cyprus and sold the island to the French nobleman Guy de Lusignan. Lusignan had brought nobles and distributed among them fiefs, Lefkara being one of them. Later on, during the Venetian Rule 14891750, Lefkara had become a seaside resort for the noblewomen of Venice, who, according to one version, taught embroidery to the ‘Lefkaritisses’, meaning the women of Lefkara. During this period, the great painter Leonardo Da Vinci had visited Lefkara
20
and bought a large embroidered tablecloth for the altar of the Cathedral of Milan. A particular impression on the visitors of Lefkara is caused from the architecture that is characterised by the use of flat stones in grey and white. The old houses are built next to one another and on this street the only thing that you may observe is merely a high stone-built wall that supports the main entrance of each house, which the majority of them are wooden and double-leaf. It is truly amazing when these main doors open as remarkable courtyards and traditional rooms can be gazed. In Lefkara, hidden behind high walls, was unfolding the daily life of the residents of each house. The newer homes are not characterized by this introversion, even though they do maintain the local architecture, their yard is external and fenced with a low wall that allows the viewing of the house from the street. For those who love the simple joys of everyday life will be delighted in walking within the narrow cobblestone streets of Lefkara, monitoring the manufacturing of delights called ‘Loukoumia’, women embroidering, the silversmiths forming shapes to silver and the purchase of these traditional products from
the traditional shops of Lefkara. On the other hand, if you like visiting shrines, in the centre of Lefkara towers the church of the Holy Cross, which dates from the 14th century. Characteristic of the church is its carved iconostasis of 1760, which contains a hidden crypt where a large silver Cross with gold plating is kept that bear part of the Holy Wood and was brought by Saint Helen during her visit to Cyprus. In the heart of Lefkara, but also around the surrounding area many old churches and small chapels are found. Apart from the religious sights, it is certainly also worth visiting the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmithing, which keeps hold of important exhibits and illustrates the tradition that the small town of Lefkara retains until today. You may end your tour in one of the restaurants or cafes of Lefkara or if you prefer the idea to stay a bit longer and take more tours and excursions in nature, then, book a room in one of the traditional houses of the area. The traditional furnishings will take you back to the old times and you will indubitably, enjoy the warm hospitality that you will find in such an astonishing pure environment.
Ayia Marina Xyliatou Enhance your travel experience in Cyprus and visit local destinations of an outstanding natural and traditional beauty. One such destination is the village of Ayia Marina Xyliatou, where you will attain the opportunity to experience the magnificence of the Cypriot countryside, rural daily life and to visit a village with an exquisite charm. Ayia Marina Xyliatou is found on the route from Nicosia to Troodos, at a distance of about 40 kilometres. The village is bordered with the lush and extraordinary woods called ‘Adelfi’ and is regarded as a worthy destination for walks in combination with points of interest and well-cooked food at its taverns. The village was named as Ayia Marina in honour of the homonymous Saint, to whom the church of the village is dedicated to. In Cyprus, there are four villages named as Ayia Marina, therefore when the post office was generated, in order to differentiate them they were provided with the name of the area in which each village was found. This specific village was named as Ayia Marina Xyliatou owing to its close proximity with the village of Xyliatos. The area has been inhabited since the ancient times; this is attested by the many ancient ruins that you could observe while exploring. Caves, graves, rust from copper in mountains, tunnels and ancient olive trees are simply some of the many attractions that will fascinate your historical and archaeological interest. It is worth mentioning here that the settlement was recorded as S. Marina on the map of Cyprus in 1570, which was utilised by the Venetians. The village of Ayia Marina Xyliatou, despite the urbanization that prevails, in recent years has been noted of an increase of its inhabitants. As a result, the settlement of the village that was once confined to the region of the valley has now grown
and spread to the surrounding hills. Nevertheless, the landscape of the village, as you will realise, still maintains its traditional and architectural character. The village is hilly and perched at an altitude of 450 metres, by providing stunning and unobstructed views of Nicosia, the sea of Morphou, the range of Pentadactylos, the imposing mountains of Troodos and the mountain peak of Madaris. Simultaneously, this altitude offers a cool and dry climate that provides an aid to the agricultural activities of the residents, but also to the recreational activities of visitors, such as taking a walking tour and cycling. For those who love nature and tranquility there are three organised places, where under the shade of the pines you may enjoy not solely the rich nature, but also a pleasant picnic. The first area is located to a close distance from the dam ‘Xyliatou’, the other near the forest station ‘Kapoura’ and the third one at the ‘Bridge of the Virgin Mary’ opposite the homonymous forest station. By strolling around the narrow streets of the village, as you reach its centre, you will see the old church of Ayia Marina. It is a small stone-built church with simple patterns of architecture and an imposing belfry, which both offer a robust
sense of admiration. The church is considered to be of a double-aisled type and was built during the Byzantine era, an epoch where such churches were mainly built in the area of Troodos. Its interior is decorated with an exquisitely crafted wooden iconostasis that is partially gilded. It is an edifice of a great archaeological value, which has been declared as a landmark and is under the care of the Cyprus Museum. With the passing of time and increase of population, the need to build a new larger church had been created. Therefore, in a short distance to the old church was built, in 1999, the new church that was based on the new architectural type; a cruciform shape with a dome and a high belfry. It is worth noting that at the community park of the village, there is a fountain from which flows the holy water of Ayia Marina, which has remained inexhaustible for centuries. The acquaintance with the village of Ayia Marina Xyliatou is a unique experience for visitors wanting to discover the magic of the Cypriot countryside through picturesque villages. The history, culture, harmonious combination of traditional and modern elements, attractions and warm hospitality are just some of what a visitor will find at this destination. Simple things, but capable of becoming unforgettable and... even favourable!
The walking tours through beautiful landscapes, the visits of monuments and places of religious importance, the climbing of mountains and the culinary delights are some of the most interesting activities that you will offer to yourself and your friends, as you decide to take agritourism excursions in an amazing emerald green environment. Rent a car and explore the villages of Cyprus. Wander around the narrow alleys and observe the incredible folk architecture of their houses with beautiful gardens that are full of potted flowers. The villages are the perfect place for those who are tired of the hectic pace of the city and would like to live peaceful moments and come into contact with the sounds and smells of nature. Relax and feel that you are truly a part of these wonderful images, which fill your eyes with excitement. You may enjoy a coffee or a drink in small picturesque cafes, try the tasty delicacies that are offered by local restaurants and visit ancient sites and monasteries. Learn the history of each village, customs and enjoy their astonishing beauty. Five villages that are regarded as lovely agritourism destinations combined with a great history are the village of Kakopetria, Spilia, Trimiklini, Eptagonia and Alaminos. Whichever village you may choose to visit, be sure that you will surely live the tradition that these five amazing places have to offer.
26
Small trips combined with an agritourism interest Kakopetria The village of Kakopetria is located southwest of Nicosia and is built upon the foothill of the Troodos Mountains; specifically, in the north side of the mountain range. It is a village of the Nicosia District and stands at a distance of about 55 kilometres from the capital and about 55 kilometres from the second largest city of Cyprus, Limassol. The village stands at an altitude of 667 metres and is regarded as the highest village in the valley of the Solea region. The new village of Kakopetria, with its large modern houses and their tiled roofs, is located in the eastern part of the valley. The old village of Kakopetria is built west of the valley and between the two rivers of Karkotis and Garillis. The roofs of the houses
are sloped and tiled and almost all of the houses have an upper floor and a wooden balcony. With regards to the name of the village, there are three versions. The first version supports that the village took its name from the compound of the words ‘Kako’ and ‘Petra’, meaning bad/rough and stone/rock, since in older times its area was not only rocky, but also difficult to climb too. Furthermore, close to the large bridge at the village’s entrance, there is a big rock known as ‘Petra tou Androgynou’ (the Couples’ Rock). According to tradition, newly-wed couples would sit on this rock. During the day, the rock would roll over and bury the newly-wed couple under it. Owing to this belief, the Continue on page 28
Small trips combined with an agritourism interest
From page 26
inhabitants named the rock ‘Kakopetra’ (Bad Rock) and later on, the village itself was named ‘Kakopetria’. Another version reports that a nobleman from Marathasa had 3 sons. They were Nikos, Panagiotis and Petris (Peter). Petris was mischievous, uptight, unbearable and evil. His brothers were tired of him and asked their father to send him away. As a consequence, the father sent Petris to the other side of the mountain. In that way, Petris arrived in the area of the old village and was the first settler. By combining the words ‘Kakos’ (bad/evil) and ‘Petris’, the village obtained the name of Kakopetria. Furthermore, the village of Kakopetria retains an astonishing National Forest Park with an immense natural beauty. Additionally, two watermills were generated in the village due to the abundant waters of the rivers of Karkotis and Garillis. The first watermill was named ‘Milos tis Gonias’ (meaning the watermill in the corner) and the second ‘Milos tou Hadjistavrinou’ (the watermill of Hadjistavrinos). The watermills used to grind grain and barley to make flour. The two watermills of Kakopetria worked in order to cover the needs of the village, but also for the vicinal villages especially in periods of droughts.
28
Spilia Spilia, a village in the area of Solea in the Nicosia District, is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque villages in Cyprus and one of the most amazing agritourism resorts. The village is situated in a magnificent place rich in natural beauty that will surely carry you away. It is located in the middle of a mountainous amphitheatre at an altitude of 1.200 metres and surrounded by the pine and fir trees of the forest ‘Adelfi’. In addition, the village has a wonderful climate and is considered to be the third highest village in Cyprus. Spilia and its surrounding area consist of many museums, monuments, monasteries, old and new churches, traditional houses, nature trails, a traditional Cypriot tavern with a scrumptious cuisine and a warm hospitality. Furthermore, the village of Spilia took its name from the fact that in the western side of the village Roman graves were found, which were named ‘Spilioi’. Moreover, towards the central hill of the village a small ancient church of Saint Anthony is built. What is exceptional about this small church is the ‘pine tree of Saint Anthony of Spilia’ - an ancient tree that is considered to retain the church’s bell - which will surely impress you. Next to it, the new church of Saint Anthony is built and further down, the Park of ‘Eirini and Andreas Chrysanthou’, a place of relaxation and amazing views.
The road to the village centre will pass you through the narrow streets found in the picturesque neighbourhoods of the village. There, you will see the various houses that are stuck close to each other with most of the times their traditional front yards being open. Without doubt, you will definitely be tempted to take a look and visit these traditionally beautiful yards. Usually, in the upper part of each house, a wooden pendant roofed balcony adds to the remarkable architecture of the village. Trimiklini The village of Trimiklini is built in the largest valley of Cyprus and is located 27 kilometres from Limassol, between Limassol and the Troodos Mountains. Since many years ago, it was a necessary stopover for rest. The village is surrounded by continuous high mountaintops, with the highest mountain being Mount Zalaka, by retaining though the exception of a large ravine on the south side of the community, which is watered by the crystal clear water of the river of Kouris, the largest river in Cyprus. The village is constructed in a way, which makes it impossible to be viewed as a whole from one spot. In addition, the villagers are occupied by tree and vineyard cultivation. The largest production in percentage is that of peaches, nectarines, pears Continue on page 30
Small trips combined with an agritourism interest
From page 28
and plums. Wine and zivania (an alcoholic beverage) are both well-known, as they are considered to be the traditionally made products of the village. In Trimiklini, during 1955-60, a dam had been constructed at the shore of the river of Kouris that waters a large area of the community (approximately 14,400 feet). It is the only dam of Cyprus that is always full, forming a huge lake of exceptional natural beauty, where various birds nest during the summer months. An ancient bridge is found in Trimiklini, which was built by the shores of the Kouris River during the Venetians’ era. It is made out of stones and retains three consequent arches. In addition, this point was the connection of the district of Paphos to Kalo Chorio, Lefkara and Nicosia. During the Christian era Saint Helen, with Stavrovouni as her starting point, crossed the bridge and carried the Holy Cross and Holy Rope to the ancient monastery of the Cross, at the village of Kouka and Omodos. By the contribution of the people of the community, the first elementary school was made by stones of the area and begun functioning with 49 students in 1926. It is now considered to be a part of the cultural heritage of the village and is owned by the community. It was revived by the Community Council and faces the community park and the amphitheatre. Today, a new regional elementary school operates with students from 11 communities. Across the community park stands the statue of the hero Demetris Arminiotis, who was killed on the 7th August 1974 fighting against the Turkish invaders and whose grave is found in the cemetery of Trimiklini. In Trimiklini, by the Limassol-Platres highway outside the village’s coffee shops, there is the everyday bazaar with traditional products for sale, such as zivania, wine, sousioukkos (a traditional sweet), all kind of sweets and fruits produced by the villagers. It is a one of a kind bazaar held in Cyprus. Eptagonia Eptagonia is a village that is found in the Limassol Dis-
30
trict. It is a village that belongs to the Pitsilia geographic area and is located at about 28 kilometres northeast of Limassol, at the foot of Papoutsa. The village is found in a semi-mountainous area, it is bright green during the months of spring and in summer it is surrounded by high mountains, at an altitude of 475 metres above sea level. The Eptagonia village is a great destination for agritourism, where you are given the opportunity to tour around the magnificent nature that the village keeps hold of and breathe the fresh and magical mountain air that it has to offer. The village of Eptagonia was known at least since the beginning of the Frankish Rule. Originally, it constituted one of the domains of the Templars in Cyprus. After the dissolution of the Order of the Knights Templar, Eptagonia, a village that constituted one of the villages of the Big Commandaria, fell into the hands of the Knights of Saint John, who had Colossi as their headquarters. Moreover, Eptagonia is mentioned on ancient maps as ‘Astagonia’. The church and chapels that you will see in and around the village definitely offer a peculiarity to the landscape, which attest that you will find a rich and religious tradition. Make a stop in the church of Agia Marina, a great 19th century building worth seeing, as it is considered to be the pearl of the village. Its construction is made of black stone and the parvis is paved with slabs. Stone was used for the wall surrounding the church. The bell tower, which is quite high, is located on the west side of the church. Agia Marina’s church was built with arches uniting the ceiling and there is only one, spacious chamber (for approximately 250 people). The icon that is dedicated to Agia Marina is time-honoured and is kept in the iconostasis of the church. Alaminos Approximately 28 kilometres west of Larnaca is the village of Alaminos that consists of a magnificent view over the sea. A tour in Alaminos is a journey through the history, tradition and culture. Embraced by lush green hills, narrow streets and many stone-built hous-
es, it generates the sensation that it has come from another epoch. The abundant wild vegetation, olive trees, cypresses and various fruit trees surround the village therefore, creating images of an outstanding natural beauty. The stone-built fountains that you will see on the streets of the village will lead to the olden times, when the women used to fill their jugs with this water for their everyday cooking and housekeeping. Furthermore, the houses are built in folk architecture and provide the village with a unique charm. The wooden doors, large windows, arches, hanging wooden balconies and inner courtyards with potted flowers offer a unique, yet simplistic beauty. What is worth visiting is the Venetian fortress of Alaminos, known as ‘Koula’. It was built in the 15th century and was once the observatory of the southeastern coast of Cyprus. The old church of Agios Mamas, built in the 16th century, contains a courtyard where under the shade of a huge tree is a large stone on which was imprinted the footprint of Saint Mamas. The old school with blue wooden shutters and door was built in the 19th century on a hill overlooking the village. In its tiled courtyard, there is a truly beautiful garden with lemon trees, breathtaking roses and a basketball court. Within the heart of the village, is the new church of Saint Mamas that was built in 1992 to provide the residents and friends of the community with a more spacious church. The new church has a neat enclosure and an imposing bell tower. In continuation, it is worth a walk near the astonishing blue sea that will offer you magnificent views combining both mountain and dense areas. In Alaminos, the visitor will feel at every step the warmth and hospitality of its inhabitants, who strongly retain the traditional way of life. In the two restaurants of the village you could try the scrumptious Cypriot meze and various other traditionally delicious dishes. At the coffee shops of the village centre, you could also enjoy lighter dishes, such as a fresh machalepi, a rice pudding called ‘rizogalo’ and traditional drinks such as a Cypriot coffee, triantafyllo, a squash made from the aroma of roses or soumada, a refreshing drink made from almonds.