Cyprus Culture – Some Handy Greek Phrases

Cyprus Culture – Some Handy Greek Phrases

Cyprus Culture – Some Handy Greek Phrases

It's All Greek To Me!

It’s always fun to learn some local phrases when you are travelling abroad. While English is widely spoken to a high standard across the island, learning some basic Greek words will come in handy and will be warmly appreciated by your hosts.

Enjoy practicing your Greek…

Alpha-Bet-a:

Greek alphabet

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The information provided by Aphroditerentals.com on this page is correct at the time of publication, and is provided in good faith. Aphroditerentals.com are not liable to any changes to this information and we recommend checking all current operating times and information with each individual facility on the Resort using the contact numbers provided.

Yacht Charter With Latchi Watersports

Yacht Charter With Latchi Watersports

Yacht Charter With Latchi Watersports

Luxury at Sea

Picture this – the sea wind in your hair and the glimmer of the Mediterranean Sea shimmering in the warm Cypriot sunshine whilst you relax in the luxurious comfort of a sailing yacht, surrounded by the clearest, crystal blue seas and one of the most beautiful backdrops you could find – the Akamas Peninsula. More than ever before we are recognising the importance of switching off, getting in touch with nature, and taking care of our mindfulness…well, when it comes to getting away from it all, chartering a yacht is right up there with one of the most magical ways to do so.

The Blue Lagoon in the Akamas Peninsula is simply stunning and our friends and trusted partners at Latchi Watersports offer the best opportunities to enjoy this beautiful area. Boat hire is one of our favourite and most recommended days out for our guests, we ourselves go every summer with family and friends that visit and even after years and years, it never fails to amaze. Yacht chartering, well, it’s the next level of wow-factor!

Latchi Charters have seven luxury vessels available for charter, which we have listed below, and they offer our readers a 15% discount on Yacht Charters (quote 8509):

four images of yachts - top left, couple of yacht deck, top right inside yacht, bottom left looking at yacht deck and steering, bottom right, yacht on the sea.

 

 

Breaking Wind – The Spectacular brand-new Bavaria C42 sailing yacht.
The clever details that BAVARIA YACHTS are known for, both above and below deck, has been further refined in the BAVARIA C42, providing this unusual 42ft long sailing yacht with the best of the newest innovations in yacht building. Enjoy sailing away in complete luxury with large outdoor dining area, sun shade, sunbathing areas and amazing swim platform at the stern. The inside boasts 2 beautiful cabins, bathrooms, and separate shower with a beautifully laid out lounge/kitchen area.

Sail down the coastline in Style. Maximum Capacity = 12pax

Costings: four hours: €995 and a full day (6 hours): €1420

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Blow Me Away – The epitome of class. Sail away aboard this 41ft twin helm Bavaria sailing yacht. The exterior boasts outdoor dining area, large canopy for sun protections and an extendable swim platform to the stern.

With 3 double cabins, two on board bathrooms and spacious modern kitchen area, you can spend the day living the sailor’s life.
Her sleek design means that she is fast on all points of sail and is laid out for easy and efficient sailing. Enjoy the journey. Maximum capacity 10 persons.

Costings: four hours: €850 and a full day (6 hours): €1150

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Escape II – When thinking of motor cruising in style this is the yacht for you. The Rodman 38 is 12 meters long and can accommodate up to 12 guests.
The aft cockpit is deep enough to accommodate a table and some seats for outdoor dining. Allowing you to enjoy dining outdoors. From the left, you can easily reach the bow or the flybridge through a classic staircase. The stern platform is normal-sized and can house all bathing activities in total comfort.
The main deck accommodates the interior helm, galley, a U-shaped sofa, and a linear couch facing each other which can easily sit 6 to 8 guests. The interior is fully air conditioned allow you to escape out of the mid-day sun to relax.

There are 2 cabins, both of which are fully air conditioned and have their own bathrooms, with showers, which allows for comfort inside. The master cabin is at the bow of the yacht and has a queen-sized bed. The second cabin has twin beds and has a spacious central walkway, which offers lots of space which is perfect for guests and children.

Costings: four hours: €1300 and a full day (6 hours): €1680

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Princess Leah – A firm favourite, the Jeanneau NC33 is the perfect option to suit all pockets. With two double cabins, bathroom and small inside saloon area, it has everything you need for a day spent in luxury and comfort.

Extendable sunbathing/seating area on the stern deck and a large sunbathing area to the bow, you will not miss a single ray of sunshine. An extendable shade to the stern means you can be kept cool whilst aboard this gorgeous Jeanneau. Maximum capacity 11 persons.

Costings: four hours: €920.00 and a full day (6 hours): €1200

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Karnic SL800 – These motor cruisers boast an inside seating and dining area with a small sleeping cove and a functional bathroom. The outside has a sunbathing area on the bow with an additional shaded area at the stern. Maximum capacity of 11 persons.

Costings: four hours: €625 and a full day (6 hours): €820

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Internity – This 62ft motor yacht from Sea Ray boasts a majestic external seating/eating area to the stern, with space for the whole group to celebrate, relax or bask in the Cypriot sunshine together. The swim platform that stretches from port to starboard allows everyone on board to enter or exit the crystal-clear water with ease. A large saloon and kitchen area encourage you below deck. Fully equipped with everything you could need including four refrigerated drawers. With two large, air-conditioned cabins, one with en-suite, both with large doubles beds, there is also space to retreat for those quiet moments.

A large sunbathing area with extendable sunbeds invites you to lay back and listen to the serene sounds of the blue lagoon. Maximum capacity 20 persons.

Costings: four hours: €3450.00 and a full day (6 hours): €3900.00. NB: fuel surcharges may apply, depending on cruising area.

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Voyager – Another firm favourite from Sea Ray. From the fly-bridge to the hull, this yacht oozes comfort. With a 360-degree panoramic viewing area, champagne breakfasts and sunset cruises have never looked so good. Upon entering, you will be welcomed into an air-conditioned saloon and dining/kitchen area, the perfect place to dry off after a dip in the fountain of love and the perfect place to serve and enjoy your lunch.

The voyager offers three cabins, with two En-suites and an additional smaller cabin; there is always space for your guests. Sunbathe on the bow or the stern with optimal seating and bathing areas at either end. Maximum capacity 20 persons.

Costings: four hours: €2600.00 and a full day (6 hours): €2990.00. NB: fuel surcharges may apply, depending on cruising area.

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Latchi Charters can also offer you a wide range of water sporting activities, such as Seabob’s, jet skis and banana rides for your own private enjoyment at an additional cost. They also offer catering options for all appetites and dietary needs.

Make your holiday an even more memorable one, get in touch with Latchi Watersports:
Latchi Watersports
Tel: 26 322 095
Website
Googlemap Location

LATCHI WATERSPORTS advert

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An Island of Vineyards

An Island of Vineyards

An Island of Vineyards

Cyprus - a History of Wine

Cyprus – a History of Wine

Cyprus’ love affair with wine is ages old, in fact archaeological excavations indicate that production of wine on the island dates back more than 5500 years, making it one of the very oldest wine industries in the world. This history continues to be written by today’s winemakers who use traditional indigenous grape varieties along with well known grape varieties to produce some wonderful wines which we highly recommend you try for yourself.

Places of interest in the historic story of wine making include the picturesque villages of Omodos and Laneia, where you can view the most ancient of wine presses: Laneia’s dates back to 1844 which is the same year that the first contemporary winery ETKO Ltd opened. Paphos Mosaics also beautifully depict wine making and consumption.

You simply cannot discuss wine making in Cyprus without mentioning Commandaria, an amber coloured desert wine which is the world’s oldest named wine still in production. Produced since around 700BC, it is known as the “wine of the kings and the king of the wines” because it was very famous amongst Royalty in the 12th century and was even heavily exported to many European Royal Courts. Legend has it that Commandaria was served at Richard Coeur de Lion’s wedding to Queen Berengaria in 1911.

We urge you to take a day and experience Cyprus’ wine production for yourself – the history and the beautiful scenery that this journey will take you on will add to the magic of discovering the stunning tastes on offer. Originally pressed by foot before the days of electricity, wine production, although still traditional, is very sophisticated in comparison and wineries are aplenty throughout the island. The Cyprus Tourist Organisation have compiled a wine route programme, made up of 7 routes, which is a great reference and we will give a brief overview of each. Don’t forget to call ahead to arrange your appointment with the wineries though!

We recommend that you ask for wines produced by indigenous varieties by name, which are very rarely used in blends – these include:
WHITE: Xinistry, Spourtiko, Promara, Muscat of Alexandria*.
RED: Mavro, Maratheftiko, Giannoudi, Lefkada.
*Muscat of Alexandria is mainly a dessert wine. Top tip: try Muscat Ayia Mavri Winery in Kilani Village where an old charming couple have won multiple awards.

 

WINE ROUTES IN CYPRUS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wine Route 1: Laona – Akamas

Wine Route 2: Vouni Panagias – Ampelitis

Wine Route 3: Diarizos Valley *this is the route closest to Aphrodite Hills resort, click for details.

Wine Route 4: Krasochoria Lemesou

Wine Route 5: Koumandaria

Wine Route 6: Pitsilia

Wine Route 7: Mountainous Larnaka-Lefkosia

Recommended references:
* Download the full ‘Cyprus Wine Routes’ brochure
* Visit Cyprus Tourist Organisations webpage that details the different wine routes
* Look out for the ‘wine route’ road signs on the roads.

Learn from a local:
Haris at O’Vrakas Taverna in Pissouri Village Square is one of the best known and most knowledgable sommeliers in Cyprus – he is very open to you picking his brain for information or asking for recommendations on Cypriot wines. His enthusiasm for the island’s rich wine making history is hard to beat!

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About – Pissouri Village

About – Pissouri Village

About - Pissouri Village

Pissouri Village - Our Picturesque Neighbour

Googlemap Location: Pissouri Village Square
Googlemap Location: Pissouri Bay

Pissouri is a quiet, traditional and very picturesque village around a 15 minute drive from Aphrodite Hills, towards Limassol.  Pissouri is considered as having two areas; the village (with gorgeous village square) and the bay (with a wonderful beach).

The village itself sits on a hillside, facing the south offering wonderful views of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the Troodos mountains. In the heart of the village you can find the lovely cobble-floored village square which has a beautiful fountain, enclaved by a selection of lovely tavernas and bars. We recommend parking near the village square and taking some time to meander around the village, in and out of its little winding narrow streets, where you can get a real sense of Cypriot life – the village houses with courtyards and abundance of local plants are lovely to see, and the quiet nature of the village is really refreshing, it’s like taking a trip back in time.

Other highlights in the village include:
* Apostle Andrea Gothic-style Church: in the village square
* Pissouri Amphitheatre: near the village square. Entertainment events run throughout the year here and are a wonderful experience if you get the chance to attend; the modern amphitheatre has a gorgeous view of the sunset and sea, made even more magical by live music under the stars.
* Cape Aspro: the stunning Cape that sweeps from Pissouri towards Aphrodite’s Rock (roughly 500 feet high). This area is one of the most stunning in Cyprus, with limestone cliffs dropping into the vast Mediterranean Sea. If you are a walker, then the view of Cape Aspro can be enjoyed on the Genesis Nature Trail, starting up in the village near the residential area known as ‘Pine Bay’.
* Cyprus Nights: normally hosted every Friday in the village square throughout summer season. This is a really entertaining way of enjoying and learning about Cypriot Culture with traditional food, music and dancing.

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Pissouri Bay is home to Pissouri Beach, a beautiful pebble beach enclosed by stunning white limestone cliffs, which we definitely recommend our guests visit during their stay in Cyprus. The beach hosts plenty of sunbeds and parasols, as well as a great choice of watersports – whether you’re into adrenaline rushed jet skiing or a relaxed kayak, this is a beautiful spot from which to enjoy all varieties of fun in the sea. A day at the beach here is a wonderful way to spend time, with lots of little shops and restaurants to get your ice creams and refreshments from, some on the beaches edge, some on the main road running parallel to the beach.

Walkers can also enjoy exploring Cape Aspro from here, on the Cape Aspro Nature Trail starting near the Columbia Beach Hotel at the far end of the bay.

Whether you choose to visit the village or the bay, or both, make sure you read our Eating Out Guide for Pissouri Village and Eating Out Guide for Pissouri Bay for ideas on the best eateries around.

Pissouri Bay residential area, showing white houses sitting on Cypriot countryside with rolling hills in the background.

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The information provided by Aphroditerentals.com on this page is correct at the time of publication, and is provided in good faith. Aphroditerentals.com are not liable to any changes to this information and we recommend checking all current operating times and information with each individual facility on the Resort using the contact numbers provided.

Best Beaches in Paphos

Best Beaches in Paphos

Best Beaches in Paphos

Our Favourite Beaches in Paphos

Cyprus is blessed with extensive beaches with clear blue Mediterranean waters and golden sands. There are beaches to suit every mood and season, from full-on action watersports to quiet, secluded bays. Did you know that Cyprus has the most blue flat beaches per coastline length in the world?

The Paphos region boasts some stunning beaches that are just a short drive from Aphrodite Hills, which we highly recommend that you explore while you’re visiting Cyprus; there’s nothing that says holiday quite like a day in the sunshine by the sea after all! The Paphos coastline is really interesting and varies from pebble beaches, to sandy beaches, to sea caves and then of course there’s the Blue Lagoon, one of our most favourite spots in Cyprus.

Sunshine over waves drawing with text under reading 'Beach Tips'

* Do NOT forget your suncream
* Purchase a bat and ball: play in the water’s edge to keep cooler
* Be careful where you tread in turtle conservation areas
* Take a cool box: keep your drinks and snacks cool in the heat
* Take a basin: makes washing your feet nice & easy at the end of the day

 

Aphrodite’s Rock ★★★★★
Location
A good stop off point for a quick dip and an opportunity to test the fable that says if you swim around the rock anti-clockwise at midnight in your birthday suit, you will achieve eternal youth. By day the sights are less concerning and the waters are beautiful and clear, with a magical sense of history – this is where Aphrodite is supposed to have risen from the waves, naked, of course. Snorkelling here is good. Great for: finding true love!

Geroskipou Beach ★★★★★
Location
New breakwaters have improved this beach’s appeal 10-fold, it’s fantastic for swimming and enjoying a day on a sunbed. The waters are really calm here and the beach is a mixture of pebbles and white sand – perfect for building sandcastles with the little ones! The beach is almost half a kilometre long and there are a good few little snack shacks and restaurants along the strip. Cabana is a very popular beach bar here; it has a loud party vibe at the weekends, but is lovely and chilled during the week, offering comfortable sunbeds and delicious snacks. Great for: calm seas

Coralia Beach ★★★★
Location
Increasingly popular with tourists, but a little quieter than neighbouring Coral Bay Beach (which is also beautiful but does tend to get very busy in peak season). White sands, calm sea and views of the Coral Bay Hotel pier make this the perfect beach to unwind on. Set in a small bay, there are plenty of good snorkelling spots and a couple of nice eateries close by if you fancy a bite to eat. Great for: kids and sand

Akamas Peninsula – Lara Beach ★★★★
Location
The Akamas National park is well worth checking out if you are into discovering secluded beaches and bays. Lara Beach is a turtle sanctuary Lara Beach is a turtle sanctuary (check out the interesting information shack on the beach itself) and the coast is unspoilt and great for picnics, with the Akamas nature reserve as a picturesque backdrop. A natural and undisturbed world that is best accessed with a 4 x 4. You can combine a trip to Lara Beach with a walk up Avakas Gorge and we also highly recommend The Last Castle (found around half way along the dirt track towards the beach) for some good local cuisine at lunch time. Great for: turtle spotting and rugged beauty

Latchi ★★★★
Location
Latchi is a gorgeous little fishing village towards the west coast of Cyprus, a little further out in the Paphos region (around an hour’s drive from Aphrodite Hills – it’s a beautiful drive though!). There are some stunning beaches situated along the coast here and the area boasts the beautiful backdrop of the Akamas Peninsula and the coastal hills towards Pyrgos. Fishing, boat trips and sailing are the best in the area from here. Our top three beaches around here would be the Latsi beach, the Asprokremmos Beach (a little further along) and there’s also a really cool little beach hidden beneath the steps down from the restaurant next to Aphrodite Baths. Great for: snorkelling

Sodap Municiple Beach ★★★★★
Location
Paphos itself has some lovely municiple beaches that are located in front of the main hotel strip in Kato Paphos (lower Paphos). If you walk along the coastal path from the harbour towards the hotels then you will have lots of beaches to choose from, all with white sands and sunbeds. Our favourite along here is the Sodap beach which has municipal toilets and showers and access to the lovely Antasia Beach Club from where you can order drinks and food. Great for: touristy vibes

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The information provided by Aphroditerentals.com on this page is correct at the time of publication, and is provided in good faith. Aphroditerentals.com are not liable to any changes to this information and we recommend checking all current operating times and information with each individual facility on the Resort using the contact numbers provided.