Cyprus is always a good idea. It's a great off-season destination as well. I've been there in January and still been able to swim in the sea and get some tan on. This time we went in the last week of April and it was definitely summer already!
First up, Larnaca, as it was easiest to fly there. Due to the situation in the Middle East flight options were much more limited than usual.
We all had been to Larnaca before, so just focused on food and enjoying the warm weather this time.
Good old Alexander's restaurant!
And a lovely Lebanese restaurant - Maqam Al-Sultan
If you walk to the end of beach promenade in Larnaca, to Mackenzie beach, you're right next to where the airport runways start, so planes land straight over you. Offers some cool views. Also, there's a bunch of cafeterias, restaurants and nice beach bars.
After a lovely weekend in Larnaca we were headed to Paphos to work. It's Cyprus's Presidency and our EJN meeting was held in beautiful Paphos. I do not mind to work, if I get to live in a beautiful place like that for half a week!
Paphos is less than 2 hours by car from Larnaca. Direct bus options were almost non existent and via Limassol it would have taken a lot longer. There were supposed to be transfers, just finding when and where was a bit trickier than it should've been. As we didn't get exact confirmation, we went to the airport and hoped to catch one right there, just, the presidency booth was inside the security zone, and we obviously were already out. Thankfully, the personnel was very kind and helpful and we got our information and caught a mini-bus quite soon.
Hi, Coral Bay!
She moved right in.
Sea temp was around 20 degrees, perfect for (most) Estonians at least.
Found a great restaurant a 500 m walk away from the resort - Porto Antico - good wine from local wineries, amazing seafood. The head chef came to greet us himself and introduced daily specials. We tried some appertizers that were also all delicious.
Family photo after the meetings.
As is typical for the Presidency meetings, there is a reception or some cultural programme as well. Cyprus went all out! On both meeting days, we had a wonderful evening programme. First night, headed to Paphos marina area for a dinner and to enjoy local folk dance and music. The catchy songs and cheeky performers got us all dancing.
After second day, headed first to Archeological Site of Nea Paphos to see some impressive mosaics.
Then, to the Archeological Site of the Tombs of the Kings. We had a short walk there, but I've been there previously and it is definitely worth to explore for longer. Some of the tombs are quite impressive. Also you can climb down to some of them, offering a unique look inside.
Finally, we were headed to the mountains, for a winery visit and tasting and dinner in a local village.
Tucked away in the hills of Kathikas, overlooking the beautiful Akamas region, Vasilikon Winery is one of Cyprus’s oldest family-run wineries, founded in 1993 by three brothers Heracles, Georgios and Giannis Kyriakides. The vineyards sit around 650–700 metres above sea level, where limestone soils, Mediterranean sunshine and cool sea air create great conditions for growing grapes. The winery combines local tradition with a modern approach, producing wines from local Cypriot varieties like Xynisteri, Maratheftiko and Lefkada, alongside international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Back in Paphos.
Dinner at restaurant - Τα Μπάνια - love the place. My only recommendation is to have a bit wider tables on the terrace outside. Almost ruined my white dress there.
For our last days there, tried to find a boat tour. With it being still off-season and especially due to less tourists because of the close proximity to the Middle East, there were also less availabilities. Thanks to a local recommendation, went with 'Navigate with Nicky' and 'Blue Dream Cruises'. Very decent prices, nice boat, some snacks and a welcome drink included. We were headed to Blue Lagoon. A minibus picked us up from Paphos and we drove to Latchi. From the marina boarded the boat towards Blue Lagoon. Cruising along the Akamas coastline, passing dramatic cliffs and hidden little bays was very relaxing. Stopped in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon for a refreshing swim and the most entertaining part - the slide from the boat to the sea. It was higher than expected, lots of fun!
Our home for these last days: Basilica Holiday Resort and apartments. Simple, very comfy and well located.
Hondros Taverna - widely recognized as the oldest traditional restaurant in Paphos, established in 1953. Delicious home-cooked homemade stifados (beef stew), kleftiko (slow-baked lamb), souvlaki and sheftalia.
Managed to even find a direct bus back to Larnaca (the one and only per day) to catch my flight home from there. Until next time, Cyprus!
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