The adventure awaits
Cyprus we visited for the second time, after 9 years we came back here. That time we went as traditional tourists to the hotel, lounged more on the beach and went on two excursions. Now we are "vacationing" a little differently, or exactly the opposite. We're on more excursions and sometimes lounge by the sea or pool, and only for part of the day, not all day. Anyway, this trip we got a car for the whole 14 days and saw so much because of it. Among other things, we went to remember two places we had been 9 years ago. And it's changed a lot...
We flew into the second largest city - Larnaca (the largest city is Limassol to the south, the capital is Nicosia to the north.) We had already ordered the car online from home, and picked it up at the airport from Budget. In Cyprus, you drive on the left, so the steering wheel in the car is on the right, so shifting the gearshift with the left hand is quite interesting. Going into a roundabout is also an experience. Otherwise it's totally fine and you have to concentrate, and then you get used to it quickly. Cyprus has great roads, long motorways across the island, so you can easily and quickly get from east to west in about 3 hours. The main roads, even the ones in the towns are well maintained, straight, no bumps or potholes. Even the mountain switchbacks are pleasant. We filled up with petrol around 1,295 Euro/litre.
We did our shopping at Lidl, of which there are many on the island - in the big towns or at the motorway exit for example. Otherwise the shops and tavernas work and have a traditional feel. Sometimes there is a problem with English or maybe there is no card payment (the less touristy the area, the worse).
Our route was from the east to the centre of the island into the mountains, then due west and then north-west. All the areas we visited are highly recommended. And everywhere we would have stretched it out for more days and nights.
The Cyprus Mountains surprised us beyond belief, there are so many trekking opportunities. In the winter, they say there is even skiing.
Another surprise was the cypriot wine, or rather how much of a wine island it is.
Cyprus is dotted with bones, chapels, monasteries. And they are beautiful, magnificent, breathtaking. We love their atmosphere, their smells, their sounds, their decorations in gold, silver, bronze, copper, wood or colour. The broken arches, the columns, the bay windows, the pews, the confessional, the balcony with the organ and of course the altars. We love to visit these places even when we are not praying, but to soak up the quiet, peaceful and grateful moment.
Food, drink, music, nature, the sea, the views - this is Cypriot joy. 😍
Accommodation for families or just quiet places with no kids, or stay privately with locals, everything is possible. Beach one can find a busy beach, but equally quiet and perhaps private.
The island offers variety in everything along its length and width.
There is so much to explore or just stopping and sitting in the harbour is great too. 😍😇
Flight from Katowice to Larnaca took 3hrs. 10min with WizzAir.
We rented a car for a full 14 days. And in Cyprus you drive on the left, the steering wheel in the car is on the right. :-) We were filling up at around 1.295 Euro/litre.
The hotel is ADULTS ONLY. It is beautiful, large, spacious, clean, with wellness and fitness center, large parking lot.
Perfect breakfast, huge choice of everything. Even a chocolate fountain and prosecco. :-)
Biggest selection of all kinds of nuts and dried fruits we've ever seen. Of course hot food, eggs etc, cold bar, fruit, veg and the sweet stuff was over the top - waffles, pancakes, donuts, croissants, buns, cookies. One ate with one's eyes. 🤓😎😋
Expensive but nice Asian restaurant. Exactly 20 Euro for two Thai soups and two beers.
Several kilometres of promenade along the coast, past cliffs, small coves and large beaches.
The port of Ayia Napa, from where excursions depart. 9 years ago we also sailed from here on the Discovery, which is still moored here.
Drinks at the bar, by the pool, delivered to your room.
Busier beach, but it was quieter at the very end by the cliffs. Price for two sunbeds and an umbrella 7,50 Euro.
Rocks, cliffs, caves.
Excellent restaurant with homemade Musaka and excellent Stifado. Price for two meals, beer and bitter lemon = 28,05 Euro.
We are on the east of the island, so sunsets only like this.
Drink in the room on the balcony.
We parked at the Lidl in Protaras. Otherwise, we have shopped at Lídl in Cyprus 3 times and it is the same as ours, in some ways they have even better food and brands that our Lídl don't even sell. And the prices are like ours, but it's just Euro...
Fantastic Asian restaurant. Excellent Udon noodles. Price for a sushi starter, 2x Udon noodles and a liter of water = 29,10 Euro.
9 years ago we were on holiday in the Protaras area, so we went to reminisce.
We went to see the hotel where we stayed 9 years ago. And now it's empty, abandoned.
Where we went to reminisce and see what's new.
In 2012 we took similar photos here 😀 (see Cyprus trip from 2012)
Beautiful view of the pool and garden.
Completely empty and very clean beach.
Beautiful bay and nice beach. The colour of the water needs no comment. 😍
If anyone likes a party beach, definitely this one. Music is playing full blast, people are having fun, dancing, with drinks in hand they are loaded in the water. But the beach and water are very clean, surprisingly, for how busy it is here.
A few metres walk to the opposite beautiful islet.
The beach has a blue flag for its azure clear water.
Music from Nissi beach can be heard here too, but it's a bit quieter with the possibility of a walk on the cliff and views in all directions.
Calm little beach.
Excellent restaurant. Clean, outdoor and indoor seating, wide variety of food and drink. Prices totally fine for such a nice and pleasant restaurant. For 3 drinks and one juice, BBQ ribs with side dish and Moussaka = 42,55 Euro.
Fun of all kinds.
Last breakfast and we move to the middle of the island to the mountains.
Airbnb accommodation. We had the whole apartment to ourselves with a terrace, barbecue and our own parking space.
Also possible for two couples/families as there are 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms.
As we are in the mountains where it is not so much a tourist area and there are not many restaurant options, accommodation with a kitchen is a big advantage. So we did our shopping at Lidl and cooked our dinners "at home".
Excellent traditional restaurant, prices of food good, prices of drinks more expensive (for example the little fruko - see photo - should have been orange juice according to the menu and instead I got fruko, which I haven't had for many years, so it was nice to reminisce about my childhood. And it cost 50,-. 😂) For two meals, beer and fruko = 22 Euro.
A wonderful mountain village situated 1140 m above sea level. Very pleasant to walk through the narrow streets, watch the locals, peek into the gardens and see how beautifully relaxed they live here.
Where we caught the wedding venue. It was an event. We were waiting to see the bride and groom. Nothing happened for a long time. Eventually we discovered them standing by the church wall the whole time with their parents, siblings, witnesses and accepting congratulations from the people who kept coming. They stood there quietly like that all afternoon until the last congratulator arrived.
There would be a game played with such a view of the mountains.
It is the home ground of APEP Pitsilia from the Cypriot third division and the stadium can hold 6,000 spectators.
This church is considered the most majestic and beautiful church in Cyprus.
We were the last guests in the church that day as the master was almost closing. He still let us in and eventually gave us some small snack boxes which included cereal porridge with a few pomegranate seeds. He just gave it to us, just for visiting his church.
There is a 34m high bell tower, 135 steps lead up to the tower where there are 5 bells. The long windows look like battlements, the 124 columns with Corinthian capitals, the arches with relief frames, the ribbed arches evoking a sense of wonder. The church seats 730.
The road to the monastery is through the mountains with beautiful views, the restrooms in the serpentines are by beautiful coniferous trees and the air is so fresh. 😍
The Kykkos Monastery is an enchanting place with an atmosphere of silence, tranquility, rest, peace, love, devotion and harmony. Entrance for both 27 Euro.
The monastery bears the name of the Holy Monastery of Our Lady of Kykkos and was founded by the Byzantine Emperor at the end of the 11th century. It lies at 1318 m above sea level on the northwestern side of the Troödos Mountains. The original monastery was burned many times, so no remains have survived. The first president of Cyprus began his ecclesiastical career here as a monk in 1926 and grew to love the place so much. He was also buried here at his request - his tomb is 3km west of the monastery.
This small, inconspicuous monastery, which looks almost like a dilapidated farmhouse, was built in the 11th century. It is a Byzantine monastery and is the only surviving Middle Byzantine monastic church in Cyprus. The church is one of the ten painted churches of the Troödos region. All of them were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 due to their outstanding frescoes and testimony to the history of Byzantine rule in Cyprus.
Kakopetria lies at the northern foot of the Troodos Mountains at 667 m above sea level, southwest of the capital Nicosia.
A nice restaurant right in the centre of Kakopetria. For a beer, juice and two meals 24,50 Euro.
The circular trail starts in the centre at THE MILL HOTEL and goes through the forest, along the river, you can continue along the river. However, we crossed the bridge after about 1km through the forest and climbed out in the village lanes.
All the churches are so beautiful. 😍
About 10km trail through various types of forests (cypress, pine, deciduous, scrub, ivy, coniferous and even an unusual red tree - the so-called Strawberry tree), past waterfalls, pools, along the river to the rocks and on dirt narrow paths in the cliff. The views are worth it. The smell of the scenery too. It's one of the most beautiful routes in the Trodoos.
This waterfall is a major attraction in the area. It has 13 meters.
Trails can be taken in different ways, there are many ways. We did a loop of about 10km of the Kaledonia Falls Trail via the Pouziaris Trail.
Another waterfall in a mountainous area of Cyprus. It falls from a height of 15 metres and is one of the highest waterfalls on the island.
The highest mountain of Cyprus (1952 m above sea level) can be reached, but on the top there is a fence, guards, stations, transmitters - a military area with radars. So you can't see the views of the whole island from the highest mountain. But there are plenty of opportunities for trails and walking around the mountain. There's a ski area on the slopes with four lifts. There's a huge parking lot as a starting point.
We stopped here completely by accident, driving by. But you can see the Turkish part of Cyprus from here.
Admission to the winery was 7 Euro per person and included a guided tour and tasting of 5 wines. Possibility to buy wine - prices from 7 to 30 Euro. The wines are really excellent and we bought Rodambelo Dry Rose, Playia White Dry, Pente Litharia Dry White.
Free large public parking lot.
The village of Omodos has charmed us. A typical Cypriot village with a peaceful atmosphere.
Lies in the Troodos Mountains, in the district of Limassol and 80km from the capital Nicosia. Wine production is huge here, with a wine festival held every August. Wine can be tasted in many outlets.
Stone monastery from the 17th century.
Excellent traditional food - Halloumi cheese, spreads, olives, vegetables, tzatziki, delicious pastries and a cosy stylish Cypriot restaurant. Prices are fine - for a liter of water and two meals containing a selection of different things, vegetables, pastries - 16,50 Euro.
Last night in the mountains and the next day we head to the west of the island to the Paphos area.
When we left the mountains, we drove past another beautiful church.
As we drove from the mountains past the port city of Limassol, we stopped for a short walk.
We parked for free at this church.
The port of Limassol is beautiful.
It is referred to as the most attractive and distinctive port in Europe. It has 650 berths for luxury yachts from 8 to 115 metres and is the first marina in Cyprus for superyachts.
Excellent coffee in a nice harbour cafe. Seaside comfort as it should be. For two large coffees 16,30 Euro.
Large typical tourist hotel. Full of families with children. Breakfast very austere and monotonous, but on the terrace with a beautiful view. However, the hotel was clean and we had a beautiful room directly overlooking the sea, garden, pool, mountains.
Great restaurant with excellent food in a quieter area and away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. Price for small beer, large beer, Ravioli, traditional meat with chips and vegetables 25,80 Euro.
We went on a trail to the rocks. On the way we passed a picturesque church in the typical colours of white and blue.
The trail passes through a deserted plain, where you can really "bake" in the sun, so you really need to bring water and headgear too!!! Goats graze freely here. The landscape then changes to olive trees, bushes and a bit of greenery starts and a chance to hide in the shade for a bit. Then the first rocks and gorges appear and the shade underneath is cool. Eventually you walk through the canyon to the end of the trail where there are huge rocks and the trail is no longer passable. In the dry season it is possible to walk this way. In times when the canyon is flooded with water it is not possible. It's a piece of beautifully perfect nature.
The beaches lie on the Akamas peninsula. Be careful here - the road to Lara beach is a real adrenaline rush a la Rallye, tankodrom, obstacles and huge holes in the road!!! But we made it even with a "regular" car without 4x4 and still with a woman behind the wheel 😂💪😂 The result is worth it and Lara beach is empty, quiet and what's more, the turtles lay their eggs on it and then the environmentalists cover the nest with a cage against predators, pests and trampling.And since it is a protected beach, there is no mention of typical tourist things like umbrellas or refreshments. So bring everything with you.
Restaurant for maybe a thousand people - really big terrace with many tables. And no one anywhere. The view is perfect. The food was average. We paid 19 Euro for food and drink.
The church that has the most beautiful view, as it is located on Cape Drepano. 😀 Indeed, it stands beautifully overlooking the sea, towering like a landmark.
The story of the shipwreck - The ship set sail from the port of Limassol to take a cargo of plasterboard to the Greek island of Rhodes. On 8 October 2011. There were 9 crew members on board, all of whom were rescued and taken to nearby Paphos. The ship is over 80m long and weighs almost 2500 tonnes. It is at an angle of 11-12 degrees, no one is allowed on the ship and there have been several studies to tow it away, but as it is said to be a difficult project, it never happened. So for the time being, she's lying on the rocks at sea.
Japanese dinner performance. They're smart guys. It was a spectacle and we even got to try a few tricks and moves. Otherwise, a beautiful restaurant. Price for water, sushi appetizer and 2x noodles 36,15 Euro.
We found a great coffee shop, just a small window by the road, but we enjoyed it. 2,50 Euro for an iced latte and 2,50 Euro for an iced chocolate. Yum 😋
It's a big beach, flat at first with lots of umbrellas and then the smaller coves start. So we picked one.
We liked it here, we enjoyed it here, so we started again. Price for two small beers, spaghetti Carbonara and Stifado 27,40 Euro. And we still got dessert. 😋
Last night in the hotel.
Buying in Lidl and again going to Airbnb accommodation with our own kitchen.
Really traditional accommodation - stone, almost cave-like living with traditional furniture and decorations. However, the stonework makes it pleasantly cool, but with less light. Super outdoor seating, pool, views. It had atmosphere. 👌👍
Vesnice in the Paphos district is situated at 497 m above sea level.
We walked from our accommodation to the "center" of the village and found only a church and one closed restaurant, one open but without English menu and card payment. 😁 So we set off by car to a neighbouring village.
And here it was worth it again! Cozy, stylish, beautiful and delicious! Price for water, chicken kebab (skewer) and Kleftico = 21,25 Euro + we got coconut dessert.
Wanted to have dinner here the next day but it was Sunday and they were closed.
We had breakfast like this in the shade overlooking the pool. 👍
According to tradition, the goddess Aphrodite bathed in the baths.
Last trip, a walk of about 5km, overlooking the sea and Cape Arnaouti, Polis Chrysochous and Paphos Forest.
Aphrodite nature trail is a few kilometres of walking. We reached the Blue Lagoon.
It's on a dirt road and since there are cars and ATVs passing through, the dust swirls around a lot. The only downside. 🤔
There is a chance to stop on the cliffs along the way and enjoy the view.
Or go down the cliff straight into the sea and cool off.
And our destination, this azure lagoon. 😍
The beach at Blue Lagoon is the most isolated and one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The lagoon is sandy and not too deep, so it's perfect for peaceful relaxation. Or for snorkeling enthusiasts, it's also the perfect spot.
Last Cypriot dinner. Price for 2x drinks, Moussaka and Afelia with bread and chips = 27,85 Euro + we got traditional dessert - sweet fried honey balls.
And to top it off, there was a large family celebrating the anniversary of my grandfather - a very spry grandfather. They had beautiful relations, they had fun, they rejoiced. 🙌
Last day, last moments by the pool and last Cypriot 🍺
Power for the almost 2 hour journey across the island to the airport.
The restaurant was nice, the gentleman who served us was the owner and very keen to talk about Cyprus, the Czech Republic, him, us. 😂 Price for food and drink 18,70 Euro.
After 14 days we return the car in the same condition as we took it 🙏 only with more mileage and some sand and dust on the seats and floor. 😂
You need to fortify yourself before the trip - price for iced chocolate and iced coffee 8,65 Euro in Costa Cofeee.
It's going to be a long night, or rather no night at all. We fly at night, arrive in the morning, drive our little car home. We'll be home by 6am. Ugh
Wow Cyprus, it was our second time, it was fantastic. Thank you 😍😇😇
Flight from Larnaca to Katowice took 3hrs. 10min with WizzAir.
Cyprus we visited for the second time, after 9 years we came back here. That time we went as traditional tourists to the hotel, lounged more on the beach and went on two excursions. Now we are "vacationing" a little differently, or exactly the opposite. We're on more excursions and sometimes lounge by the sea or pool, and only for part of the day, not all day. Anyway, this trip we got a car for the whole 14 days and saw so much because of it. Among other things, we went to remember two places we had been 9 years ago. And it's changed a lot...
We flew into the second largest city - Larnaca (the largest city is Limassol to the south, the capital is Nicosia to the north.) We had already ordered the car online from home, and picked it up at the airport from Budget. In Cyprus, you drive on the left, so the steering wheel in the car is on the right, so shifting the gearshift with the left hand is quite interesting. Going into a roundabout is also an experience. Otherwise it's totally fine and you have to concentrate, and then you get used to it quickly. Cyprus has great roads, long motorways across the island, so you can easily and quickly get from east to west in about 3 hours. The main roads, even the ones in the towns are well maintained, straight, no bumps or potholes. Even the mountain switchbacks are pleasant. We filled up with petrol around 1,295 Euro/litre.
We did our shopping at Lidl, of which there are many on the island - in the big towns or at the motorway exit for example. Otherwise the shops and tavernas work and have a traditional feel. Sometimes there is a problem with English or maybe there is no card payment (the less touristy the area, the worse).
Our route was from the east to the centre of the island into the mountains, then due west and then north-west. All the areas we visited are highly recommended. And everywhere we would have stretched it out for more days and nights.
The Cyprus Mountains surprised us beyond belief, there are so many trekking opportunities. In the winter, they say there is even skiing.
Another surprise was the cypriot wine, or rather how much of a wine island it is.
Cyprus is dotted with bones, chapels, monasteries. And they are beautiful, magnificent, breathtaking. We love their atmosphere, their smells, their sounds, their decorations in gold, silver, bronze, copper, wood or colour. The broken arches, the columns, the bay windows, the pews, the confessional, the balcony with the organ and of course the altars. We love to visit these places even when we are not praying, but to soak up the quiet, peaceful and grateful moment.
Food, drink, music, nature, the sea, the views - this is Cypriot joy. 😍
Accommodation for families or just quiet places with no kids, or stay privately with locals, everything is possible. Beach one can find a busy beach, but equally quiet and perhaps private.
The island offers variety in everything along its length and width.
There is so much to explore or just stopping and sitting in the harbour is great too. 😍😇
Flight from Katowice to Larnaca took 3hrs. 10min with WizzAir.
We rented a car for a full 14 days. And in Cyprus you drive on the left, the steering wheel in the car is on the right. :-) We were filling up at around 1.295 Euro/litre.
The hotel is ADULTS ONLY. It is beautiful, large, spacious, clean, with wellness and fitness center, large parking lot.
Perfect breakfast, huge choice of everything. Even a chocolate fountain and prosecco. :-)
Biggest selection of all kinds of nuts and dried fruits we've ever seen. Of course hot food, eggs etc, cold bar, fruit, veg and the sweet stuff was over the top - waffles, pancakes, donuts, croissants, buns, cookies. One ate with one's eyes. 🤓😎😋
Expensive but nice Asian restaurant. Exactly 20 Euro for two Thai soups and two beers.
Several kilometres of promenade along the coast, past cliffs, small coves and large beaches.
The port of Ayia Napa, from where excursions depart. 9 years ago we also sailed from here on the Discovery, which is still moored here.
Drinks at the bar, by the pool, delivered to your room.
Busier beach, but it was quieter at the very end by the cliffs. Price for two sunbeds and an umbrella 7,50 Euro.
Rocks, cliffs, caves.
Excellent restaurant with homemade Musaka and excellent Stifado. Price for two meals, beer and bitter lemon = 28,05 Euro.
We are on the east of the island, so sunsets only like this.
Drink in the room on the balcony.
We parked at the Lidl in Protaras. Otherwise, we have shopped at Lídl in Cyprus 3 times and it is the same as ours, in some ways they have even better food and brands that our Lídl don't even sell. And the prices are like ours, but it's just Euro...
Fantastic Asian restaurant. Excellent Udon noodles. Price for a sushi starter, 2x Udon noodles and a liter of water = 29,10 Euro.
9 years ago we were on holiday in the Protaras area, so we went to reminisce.
We went to see the hotel where we stayed 9 years ago. And now it's empty, abandoned.
Where we went to reminisce and see what's new.
In 2012 we took similar photos here 😀 (see Cyprus trip from 2012)
Beautiful view of the pool and garden.
Completely empty and very clean beach.
Beautiful bay and nice beach. The colour of the water needs no comment. 😍
If anyone likes a party beach, definitely this one. Music is playing full blast, people are having fun, dancing, with drinks in hand they are loaded in the water. But the beach and water are very clean, surprisingly, for how busy it is here.
A few metres walk to the opposite beautiful islet.
The beach has a blue flag for its azure clear water.
Music from Nissi beach can be heard here too, but it's a bit quieter with the possibility of a walk on the cliff and views in all directions.
Calm little beach.
Excellent restaurant. Clean, outdoor and indoor seating, wide variety of food and drink. Prices totally fine for such a nice and pleasant restaurant. For 3 drinks and one juice, BBQ ribs with side dish and Moussaka = 42,55 Euro.
Fun of all kinds.
Last breakfast and we move to the middle of the island to the mountains.
Airbnb accommodation. We had the whole apartment to ourselves with a terrace, barbecue and our own parking space.
Also possible for two couples/families as there are 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms.
As we are in the mountains where it is not so much a tourist area and there are not many restaurant options, accommodation with a kitchen is a big advantage. So we did our shopping at Lidl and cooked our dinners "at home".
Excellent traditional restaurant, prices of food good, prices of drinks more expensive (for example the little fruko - see photo - should have been orange juice according to the menu and instead I got fruko, which I haven't had for many years, so it was nice to reminisce about my childhood. And it cost 50,-. 😂) For two meals, beer and fruko = 22 Euro.
A wonderful mountain village situated 1140 m above sea level. Very pleasant to walk through the narrow streets, watch the locals, peek into the gardens and see how beautifully relaxed they live here.
Where we caught the wedding venue. It was an event. We were waiting to see the bride and groom. Nothing happened for a long time. Eventually we discovered them standing by the church wall the whole time with their parents, siblings, witnesses and accepting congratulations from the people who kept coming. They stood there quietly like that all afternoon until the last congratulator arrived.
There would be a game played with such a view of the mountains.
It is the home ground of APEP Pitsilia from the Cypriot third division and the stadium can hold 6,000 spectators.
This church is considered the most majestic and beautiful church in Cyprus.
We were the last guests in the church that day as the master was almost closing. He still let us in and eventually gave us some small snack boxes which included cereal porridge with a few pomegranate seeds. He just gave it to us, just for visiting his church.
There is a 34m high bell tower, 135 steps lead up to the tower where there are 5 bells. The long windows look like battlements, the 124 columns with Corinthian capitals, the arches with relief frames, the ribbed arches evoking a sense of wonder. The church seats 730.
The road to the monastery is through the mountains with beautiful views, the restrooms in the serpentines are by beautiful coniferous trees and the air is so fresh. 😍
The Kykkos Monastery is an enchanting place with an atmosphere of silence, tranquility, rest, peace, love, devotion and harmony. Entrance for both 27 Euro.
The monastery bears the name of the Holy Monastery of Our Lady of Kykkos and was founded by the Byzantine Emperor at the end of the 11th century. It lies at 1318 m above sea level on the northwestern side of the Troödos Mountains. The original monastery was burned many times, so no remains have survived. The first president of Cyprus began his ecclesiastical career here as a monk in 1926 and grew to love the place so much. He was also buried here at his request - his tomb is 3km west of the monastery.
This small, inconspicuous monastery, which looks almost like a dilapidated farmhouse, was built in the 11th century. It is a Byzantine monastery and is the only surviving Middle Byzantine monastic church in Cyprus. The church is one of the ten painted churches of the Troödos region. All of them were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 due to their outstanding frescoes and testimony to the history of Byzantine rule in Cyprus.
Kakopetria lies at the northern foot of the Troodos Mountains at 667 m above sea level, southwest of the capital Nicosia.
A nice restaurant right in the centre of Kakopetria. For a beer, juice and two meals 24,50 Euro.
The circular trail starts in the centre at THE MILL HOTEL and goes through the forest, along the river, you can continue along the river. However, we crossed the bridge after about 1km through the forest and climbed out in the village lanes.
All the churches are so beautiful. 😍
About 10km trail through various types of forests (cypress, pine, deciduous, scrub, ivy, coniferous and even an unusual red tree - the so-called Strawberry tree), past waterfalls, pools, along the river to the rocks and on dirt narrow paths in the cliff. The views are worth it. The smell of the scenery too. It's one of the most beautiful routes in the Trodoos.
This waterfall is a major attraction in the area. It has 13 meters.
Trails can be taken in different ways, there are many ways. We did a loop of about 10km of the Kaledonia Falls Trail via the Pouziaris Trail.
Another waterfall in a mountainous area of Cyprus. It falls from a height of 15 metres and is one of the highest waterfalls on the island.
The highest mountain of Cyprus (1952 m above sea level) can be reached, but on the top there is a fence, guards, stations, transmitters - a military area with radars. So you can't see the views of the whole island from the highest mountain. But there are plenty of opportunities for trails and walking around the mountain. There's a ski area on the slopes with four lifts. There's a huge parking lot as a starting point.
We stopped here completely by accident, driving by. But you can see the Turkish part of Cyprus from here.
Admission to the winery was 7 Euro per person and included a guided tour and tasting of 5 wines. Possibility to buy wine - prices from 7 to 30 Euro. The wines are really excellent and we bought Rodambelo Dry Rose, Playia White Dry, Pente Litharia Dry White.
Free large public parking lot.
The village of Omodos has charmed us. A typical Cypriot village with a peaceful atmosphere.
Lies in the Troodos Mountains, in the district of Limassol and 80km from the capital Nicosia. Wine production is huge here, with a wine festival held every August. Wine can be tasted in many outlets.
Stone monastery from the 17th century.
Excellent traditional food - Halloumi cheese, spreads, olives, vegetables, tzatziki, delicious pastries and a cosy stylish Cypriot restaurant. Prices are fine - for a liter of water and two meals containing a selection of different things, vegetables, pastries - 16,50 Euro.
Last night in the mountains and the next day we head to the west of the island to the Paphos area.
When we left the mountains, we drove past another beautiful church.
As we drove from the mountains past the port city of Limassol, we stopped for a short walk.
We parked for free at this church.
The port of Limassol is beautiful.
It is referred to as the most attractive and distinctive port in Europe. It has 650 berths for luxury yachts from 8 to 115 metres and is the first marina in Cyprus for superyachts.
Excellent coffee in a nice harbour cafe. Seaside comfort as it should be. For two large coffees 16,30 Euro.
Large typical tourist hotel. Full of families with children. Breakfast very austere and monotonous, but on the terrace with a beautiful view. However, the hotel was clean and we had a beautiful room directly overlooking the sea, garden, pool, mountains.
Great restaurant with excellent food in a quieter area and away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. Price for small beer, large beer, Ravioli, traditional meat with chips and vegetables 25,80 Euro.
We went on a trail to the rocks. On the way we passed a picturesque church in the typical colours of white and blue.
The trail passes through a deserted plain, where you can really "bake" in the sun, so you really need to bring water and headgear too!!! Goats graze freely here. The landscape then changes to olive trees, bushes and a bit of greenery starts and a chance to hide in the shade for a bit. Then the first rocks and gorges appear and the shade underneath is cool. Eventually you walk through the canyon to the end of the trail where there are huge rocks and the trail is no longer passable. In the dry season it is possible to walk this way. In times when the canyon is flooded with water it is not possible. It's a piece of beautifully perfect nature.
The beaches lie on the Akamas peninsula. Be careful here - the road to Lara beach is a real adrenaline rush a la Rallye, tankodrom, obstacles and huge holes in the road!!! But we made it even with a "regular" car without 4x4 and still with a woman behind the wheel 😂💪😂 The result is worth it and Lara beach is empty, quiet and what's more, the turtles lay their eggs on it and then the environmentalists cover the nest with a cage against predators, pests and trampling.And since it is a protected beach, there is no mention of typical tourist things like umbrellas or refreshments. So bring everything with you.
Restaurant for maybe a thousand people - really big terrace with many tables. And no one anywhere. The view is perfect. The food was average. We paid 19 Euro for food and drink.
The church that has the most beautiful view, as it is located on Cape Drepano. 😀 Indeed, it stands beautifully overlooking the sea, towering like a landmark.
The story of the shipwreck - The ship set sail from the port of Limassol to take a cargo of plasterboard to the Greek island of Rhodes. On 8 October 2011. There were 9 crew members on board, all of whom were rescued and taken to nearby Paphos. The ship is over 80m long and weighs almost 2500 tonnes. It is at an angle of 11-12 degrees, no one is allowed on the ship and there have been several studies to tow it away, but as it is said to be a difficult project, it never happened. So for the time being, she's lying on the rocks at sea.
Japanese dinner performance. They're smart guys. It was a spectacle and we even got to try a few tricks and moves. Otherwise, a beautiful restaurant. Price for water, sushi appetizer and 2x noodles 36,15 Euro.
We found a great coffee shop, just a small window by the road, but we enjoyed it. 2,50 Euro for an iced latte and 2,50 Euro for an iced chocolate. Yum 😋
It's a big beach, flat at first with lots of umbrellas and then the smaller coves start. So we picked one.
We liked it here, we enjoyed it here, so we started again. Price for two small beers, spaghetti Carbonara and Stifado 27,40 Euro. And we still got dessert. 😋
Last night in the hotel.
Buying in Lidl and again going to Airbnb accommodation with our own kitchen.
Really traditional accommodation - stone, almost cave-like living with traditional furniture and decorations. However, the stonework makes it pleasantly cool, but with less light. Super outdoor seating, pool, views. It had atmosphere. 👌👍
Vesnice in the Paphos district is situated at 497 m above sea level.
We walked from our accommodation to the "center" of the village and found only a church and one closed restaurant, one open but without English menu and card payment. 😁 So we set off by car to a neighbouring village.
And here it was worth it again! Cozy, stylish, beautiful and delicious! Price for water, chicken kebab (skewer) and Kleftico = 21,25 Euro + we got coconut dessert.
Wanted to have dinner here the next day but it was Sunday and they were closed.
We had breakfast like this in the shade overlooking the pool. 👍
According to tradition, the goddess Aphrodite bathed in the baths.
Last trip, a walk of about 5km, overlooking the sea and Cape Arnaouti, Polis Chrysochous and Paphos Forest.
Aphrodite nature trail is a few kilometres of walking. We reached the Blue Lagoon.
It's on a dirt road and since there are cars and ATVs passing through, the dust swirls around a lot. The only downside. 🤔
There is a chance to stop on the cliffs along the way and enjoy the view.
Or go down the cliff straight into the sea and cool off.
And our destination, this azure lagoon. 😍
The beach at Blue Lagoon is the most isolated and one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The lagoon is sandy and not too deep, so it's perfect for peaceful relaxation. Or for snorkeling enthusiasts, it's also the perfect spot.
Last Cypriot dinner. Price for 2x drinks, Moussaka and Afelia with bread and chips = 27,85 Euro + we got traditional dessert - sweet fried honey balls.
And to top it off, there was a large family celebrating the anniversary of my grandfather - a very spry grandfather. They had beautiful relations, they had fun, they rejoiced. 🙌
Last day, last moments by the pool and last Cypriot 🍺
Power for the almost 2 hour journey across the island to the airport.
The restaurant was nice, the gentleman who served us was the owner and very keen to talk about Cyprus, the Czech Republic, him, us. 😂 Price for food and drink 18,70 Euro.
After 14 days we return the car in the same condition as we took it 🙏 only with more mileage and some sand and dust on the seats and floor. 😂
You need to fortify yourself before the trip - price for iced chocolate and iced coffee 8,65 Euro in Costa Cofeee.
It's going to be a long night, or rather no night at all. We fly at night, arrive in the morning, drive our little car home. We'll be home by 6am. Ugh
Wow Cyprus, it was our second time, it was fantastic. Thank you 😍😇😇
Flight from Larnaca to Katowice took 3hrs. 10min with WizzAir.
itinerary by Andilci na cestach
The adventure awaits
Cyprus we visited for the second time, after 9 years we came back here. That time we went as traditional tourists to the hotel, lounged more on the beach and went on two excursions. Now we are "vacationing" a little differently, or exactly the opposite. We're on more excursions and sometimes lounge by the sea or pool, and only for part of the day, not all day. Anyway, this trip we got a car for the whole 14 days and saw so much because of it. Among other things, we went to remember two places we had been 9 years ago. And it's changed a lot...
We flew into the second largest city - Larnaca (the largest city is Limassol to the south, the capital is Nicosia to the north.) We had already ordered the car online from home, and picked it up at the airport from Budget. In Cyprus, you drive on the left, so the steering wheel in the car is on the right, so shifting the gearshift with the left hand is quite interesting. Going into a roundabout is also an experience. Otherwise it's totally fine and you have to concentrate, and then you get used to it quickly. Cyprus has great roads, long motorways across the island, so you can easily and quickly get from east to west in about 3 hours. The main roads, even the ones in the towns are well maintained, straight, no bumps or potholes. Even the mountain switchbacks are pleasant. We filled up with petrol around 1,295 Euro/litre.
We did our shopping at Lidl, of which there are many on the island - in the big towns or at the motorway exit for example. Otherwise the shops and tavernas work and have a traditional feel. Sometimes there is a problem with English or maybe there is no card payment (the less touristy the area, the worse).
Our route was from the east to the centre of the island into the mountains, then due west and then north-west. All the areas we visited are highly recommended. And everywhere we would have stretched it out for more days and nights.
The Cyprus Mountains surprised us beyond belief, there are so many trekking opportunities. In the winter, they say there is even skiing.
Another surprise was the cypriot wine, or rather how much of a wine island it is.
Cyprus is dotted with bones, chapels, monasteries. And they are beautiful, magnificent, breathtaking. We love their atmosphere, their smells, their sounds, their decorations in gold, silver, bronze, copper, wood or colour. The broken arches, the columns, the bay windows, the pews, the confessional, the balcony with the organ and of course the altars. We love to visit these places even when we are not praying, but to soak up the quiet, peaceful and grateful moment.
Food, drink, music, nature, the sea, the views - this is Cypriot joy. 😍
Accommodation for families or just quiet places with no kids, or stay privately with locals, everything is possible. Beach one can find a busy beach, but equally quiet and perhaps private.
The island offers variety in everything along its length and width.
There is so much to explore or just stopping and sitting in the harbour is great too. 😍😇
Flight from Katowice to Larnaca took 3hrs. 10min with WizzAir.
We rented a car for a full 14 days. And in Cyprus you drive on the left, the steering wheel in the car is on the right. :-) We were filling up at around 1.295 Euro/litre.
The hotel is ADULTS ONLY. It is beautiful, large, spacious, clean, with wellness and fitness center, large parking lot.
Perfect breakfast, huge choice of everything. Even a chocolate fountain and prosecco. :-)
Biggest selection of all kinds of nuts and dried fruits we've ever seen. Of course hot food, eggs etc, cold bar, fruit, veg and the sweet stuff was over the top - waffles, pancakes, donuts, croissants, buns, cookies. One ate with one's eyes. 🤓😎😋
Expensive but nice Asian restaurant. Exactly 20 Euro for two Thai soups and two beers.
Several kilometres of promenade along the coast, past cliffs, small coves and large beaches.
The port of Ayia Napa, from where excursions depart. 9 years ago we also sailed from here on the Discovery, which is still moored here.
Drinks at the bar, by the pool, delivered to your room.
Busier beach, but it was quieter at the very end by the cliffs. Price for two sunbeds and an umbrella 7,50 Euro.
Rocks, cliffs, caves.
Excellent restaurant with homemade Musaka and excellent Stifado. Price for two meals, beer and bitter lemon = 28,05 Euro.
We are on the east of the island, so sunsets only like this.
Drink in the room on the balcony.
We parked at the Lidl in Protaras. Otherwise, we have shopped at Lídl in Cyprus 3 times and it is the same as ours, in some ways they have even better food and brands that our Lídl don't even sell. And the prices are like ours, but it's just Euro...
Fantastic Asian restaurant. Excellent Udon noodles. Price for a sushi starter, 2x Udon noodles and a liter of water = 29,10 Euro.
9 years ago we were on holiday in the Protaras area, so we went to reminisce.
We went to see the hotel where we stayed 9 years ago. And now it's empty, abandoned.
Where we went to reminisce and see what's new.
In 2012 we took similar photos here 😀 (see Cyprus trip from 2012)
Beautiful view of the pool and garden.
Completely empty and very clean beach.
Beautiful bay and nice beach. The colour of the water needs no comment. 😍
If anyone likes a party beach, definitely this one. Music is playing full blast, people are having fun, dancing, with drinks in hand they are loaded in the water. But the beach and water are very clean, surprisingly, for how busy it is here.
A few metres walk to the opposite beautiful islet.
The beach has a blue flag for its azure clear water.
Music from Nissi beach can be heard here too, but it's a bit quieter with the possibility of a walk on the cliff and views in all directions.
Calm little beach.
Excellent restaurant. Clean, outdoor and indoor seating, wide variety of food and drink. Prices totally fine for such a nice and pleasant restaurant. For 3 drinks and one juice, BBQ ribs with side dish and Moussaka = 42,55 Euro.
Fun of all kinds.
Last breakfast and we move to the middle of the island to the mountains.
Airbnb accommodation. We had the whole apartment to ourselves with a terrace, barbecue and our own parking space.
Also possible for two couples/families as there are 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms.
As we are in the mountains where it is not so much a tourist area and there are not many restaurant options, accommodation with a kitchen is a big advantage. So we did our shopping at Lidl and cooked our dinners "at home".
Excellent traditional restaurant, prices of food good, prices of drinks more expensive (for example the little fruko - see photo - should have been orange juice according to the menu and instead I got fruko, which I haven't had for many years, so it was nice to reminisce about my childhood. And it cost 50,-. 😂) For two meals, beer and fruko = 22 Euro.
A wonderful mountain village situated 1140 m above sea level. Very pleasant to walk through the narrow streets, watch the locals, peek into the gardens and see how beautifully relaxed they live here.
Where we caught the wedding venue. It was an event. We were waiting to see the bride and groom. Nothing happened for a long time. Eventually we discovered them standing by the church wall the whole time with their parents, siblings, witnesses and accepting congratulations from the people who kept coming. They stood there quietly like that all afternoon until the last congratulator arrived.
There would be a game played with such a view of the mountains.
It is the home ground of APEP Pitsilia from the Cypriot third division and the stadium can hold 6,000 spectators.
This church is considered the most majestic and beautiful church in Cyprus.
We were the last guests in the church that day as the master was almost closing. He still let us in and eventually gave us some small snack boxes which included cereal porridge with a few pomegranate seeds. He just gave it to us, just for visiting his church.
There is a 34m high bell tower, 135 steps lead up to the tower where there are 5 bells. The long windows look like battlements, the 124 columns with Corinthian capitals, the arches with relief frames, the ribbed arches evoking a sense of wonder. The church seats 730.
The road to the monastery is through the mountains with beautiful views, the restrooms in the serpentines are by beautiful coniferous trees and the air is so fresh. 😍
The Kykkos Monastery is an enchanting place with an atmosphere of silence, tranquility, rest, peace, love, devotion and harmony. Entrance for both 27 Euro.
The monastery bears the name of the Holy Monastery of Our Lady of Kykkos and was founded by the Byzantine Emperor at the end of the 11th century. It lies at 1318 m above sea level on the northwestern side of the Troödos Mountains. The original monastery was burned many times, so no remains have survived. The first president of Cyprus began his ecclesiastical career here as a monk in 1926 and grew to love the place so much. He was also buried here at his request - his tomb is 3km west of the monastery.
This small, inconspicuous monastery, which looks almost like a dilapidated farmhouse, was built in the 11th century. It is a Byzantine monastery and is the only surviving Middle Byzantine monastic church in Cyprus. The church is one of the ten painted churches of the Troödos region. All of them were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 due to their outstanding frescoes and testimony to the history of Byzantine rule in Cyprus.
Kakopetria lies at the northern foot of the Troodos Mountains at 667 m above sea level, southwest of the capital Nicosia.
A nice restaurant right in the centre of Kakopetria. For a beer, juice and two meals 24,50 Euro.
The circular trail starts in the centre at THE MILL HOTEL and goes through the forest, along the river, you can continue along the river. However, we crossed the bridge after about 1km through the forest and climbed out in the village lanes.
All the churches are so beautiful. 😍
About 10km trail through various types of forests (cypress, pine, deciduous, scrub, ivy, coniferous and even an unusual red tree - the so-called Strawberry tree), past waterfalls, pools, along the river to the rocks and on dirt narrow paths in the cliff. The views are worth it. The smell of the scenery too. It's one of the most beautiful routes in the Trodoos.
This waterfall is a major attraction in the area. It has 13 meters.
Trails can be taken in different ways, there are many ways. We did a loop of about 10km of the Kaledonia Falls Trail via the Pouziaris Trail.
Another waterfall in a mountainous area of Cyprus. It falls from a height of 15 metres and is one of the highest waterfalls on the island.
The highest mountain of Cyprus (1952 m above sea level) can be reached, but on the top there is a fence, guards, stations, transmitters - a military area with radars. So you can't see the views of the whole island from the highest mountain. But there are plenty of opportunities for trails and walking around the mountain. There's a ski area on the slopes with four lifts. There's a huge parking lot as a starting point.
We stopped here completely by accident, driving by. But you can see the Turkish part of Cyprus from here.
Admission to the winery was 7 Euro per person and included a guided tour and tasting of 5 wines. Possibility to buy wine - prices from 7 to 30 Euro. The wines are really excellent and we bought Rodambelo Dry Rose, Playia White Dry, Pente Litharia Dry White.
Free large public parking lot.
The village of Omodos has charmed us. A typical Cypriot village with a peaceful atmosphere.
Lies in the Troodos Mountains, in the district of Limassol and 80km from the capital Nicosia. Wine production is huge here, with a wine festival held every August. Wine can be tasted in many outlets.
Stone monastery from the 17th century.
Excellent traditional food - Halloumi cheese, spreads, olives, vegetables, tzatziki, delicious pastries and a cosy stylish Cypriot restaurant. Prices are fine - for a liter of water and two meals containing a selection of different things, vegetables, pastries - 16,50 Euro.
Last night in the mountains and the next day we head to the west of the island to the Paphos area.
When we left the mountains, we drove past another beautiful church.
As we drove from the mountains past the port city of Limassol, we stopped for a short walk.
We parked for free at this church.
The port of Limassol is beautiful.
It is referred to as the most attractive and distinctive port in Europe. It has 650 berths for luxury yachts from 8 to 115 metres and is the first marina in Cyprus for superyachts.
Excellent coffee in a nice harbour cafe. Seaside comfort as it should be. For two large coffees 16,30 Euro.
Large typical tourist hotel. Full of families with children. Breakfast very austere and monotonous, but on the terrace with a beautiful view. However, the hotel was clean and we had a beautiful room directly overlooking the sea, garden, pool, mountains.
Great restaurant with excellent food in a quieter area and away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. Price for small beer, large beer, Ravioli, traditional meat with chips and vegetables 25,80 Euro.
We went on a trail to the rocks. On the way we passed a picturesque church in the typical colours of white and blue.
The trail passes through a deserted plain, where you can really "bake" in the sun, so you really need to bring water and headgear too!!! Goats graze freely here. The landscape then changes to olive trees, bushes and a bit of greenery starts and a chance to hide in the shade for a bit. Then the first rocks and gorges appear and the shade underneath is cool. Eventually you walk through the canyon to the end of the trail where there are huge rocks and the trail is no longer passable. In the dry season it is possible to walk this way. In times when the canyon is flooded with water it is not possible. It's a piece of beautifully perfect nature.
The beaches lie on the Akamas peninsula. Be careful here - the road to Lara beach is a real adrenaline rush a la Rallye, tankodrom, obstacles and huge holes in the road!!! But we made it even with a "regular" car without 4x4 and still with a woman behind the wheel 😂💪😂 The result is worth it and Lara beach is empty, quiet and what's more, the turtles lay their eggs on it and then the environmentalists cover the nest with a cage against predators, pests and trampling.And since it is a protected beach, there is no mention of typical tourist things like umbrellas or refreshments. So bring everything with you.
Restaurant for maybe a thousand people - really big terrace with many tables. And no one anywhere. The view is perfect. The food was average. We paid 19 Euro for food and drink.
The church that has the most beautiful view, as it is located on Cape Drepano. 😀 Indeed, it stands beautifully overlooking the sea, towering like a landmark.
The story of the shipwreck - The ship set sail from the port of Limassol to take a cargo of plasterboard to the Greek island of Rhodes. On 8 October 2011. There were 9 crew members on board, all of whom were rescued and taken to nearby Paphos. The ship is over 80m long and weighs almost 2500 tonnes. It is at an angle of 11-12 degrees, no one is allowed on the ship and there have been several studies to tow it away, but as it is said to be a difficult project, it never happened. So for the time being, she's lying on the rocks at sea.
Japanese dinner performance. They're smart guys. It was a spectacle and we even got to try a few tricks and moves. Otherwise, a beautiful restaurant. Price for water, sushi appetizer and 2x noodles 36,15 Euro.
We found a great coffee shop, just a small window by the road, but we enjoyed it. 2,50 Euro for an iced latte and 2,50 Euro for an iced chocolate. Yum 😋
It's a big beach, flat at first with lots of umbrellas and then the smaller coves start. So we picked one.
We liked it here, we enjoyed it here, so we started again. Price for two small beers, spaghetti Carbonara and Stifado 27,40 Euro. And we still got dessert. 😋
Last night in the hotel.
Buying in Lidl and again going to Airbnb accommodation with our own kitchen.
Really traditional accommodation - stone, almost cave-like living with traditional furniture and decorations. However, the stonework makes it pleasantly cool, but with less light. Super outdoor seating, pool, views. It had atmosphere. 👌👍
Vesnice in the Paphos district is situated at 497 m above sea level.
We walked from our accommodation to the "center" of the village and found only a church and one closed restaurant, one open but without English menu and card payment. 😁 So we set off by car to a neighbouring village.
And here it was worth it again! Cozy, stylish, beautiful and delicious! Price for water, chicken kebab (skewer) and Kleftico = 21,25 Euro + we got coconut dessert.
Wanted to have dinner here the next day but it was Sunday and they were closed.
We had breakfast like this in the shade overlooking the pool. 👍
According to tradition, the goddess Aphrodite bathed in the baths.
Last trip, a walk of about 5km, overlooking the sea and Cape Arnaouti, Polis Chrysochous and Paphos Forest.
Aphrodite nature trail is a few kilometres of walking. We reached the Blue Lagoon.
It's on a dirt road and since there are cars and ATVs passing through, the dust swirls around a lot. The only downside. 🤔
There is a chance to stop on the cliffs along the way and enjoy the view.
Or go down the cliff straight into the sea and cool off.
And our destination, this azure lagoon. 😍
The beach at Blue Lagoon is the most isolated and one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The lagoon is sandy and not too deep, so it's perfect for peaceful relaxation. Or for snorkeling enthusiasts, it's also the perfect spot.
Last Cypriot dinner. Price for 2x drinks, Moussaka and Afelia with bread and chips = 27,85 Euro + we got traditional dessert - sweet fried honey balls.
And to top it off, there was a large family celebrating the anniversary of my grandfather - a very spry grandfather. They had beautiful relations, they had fun, they rejoiced. 🙌
Last day, last moments by the pool and last Cypriot 🍺
Power for the almost 2 hour journey across the island to the airport.
The restaurant was nice, the gentleman who served us was the owner and very keen to talk about Cyprus, the Czech Republic, him, us. 😂 Price for food and drink 18,70 Euro.
After 14 days we return the car in the same condition as we took it 🙏 only with more mileage and some sand and dust on the seats and floor. 😂
You need to fortify yourself before the trip - price for iced chocolate and iced coffee 8,65 Euro in Costa Cofeee.
It's going to be a long night, or rather no night at all. We fly at night, arrive in the morning, drive our little car home. We'll be home by 6am. Ugh
Wow Cyprus, it was our second time, it was fantastic. Thank you 😍😇😇
Flight from Larnaca to Katowice took 3hrs. 10min with WizzAir.
Cyprus we visited for the second time, after 9 years we came back here. That time we went as traditional tourists to the hotel, lounged more on the beach and went on two excursions. Now we are "vacationing" a little differently, or exactly the opposite. We're on more excursions and sometimes lounge by the sea or pool, and only for part of the day, not all day. Anyway, this trip we got a car for the whole 14 days and saw so much because of it. Among other things, we went to remember two places we had been 9 years ago. And it's changed a lot...
We flew into the second largest city - Larnaca (the largest city is Limassol to the south, the capital is Nicosia to the north.) We had already ordered the car online from home, and picked it up at the airport from Budget. In Cyprus, you drive on the left, so the steering wheel in the car is on the right, so shifting the gearshift with the left hand is quite interesting. Going into a roundabout is also an experience. Otherwise it's totally fine and you have to concentrate, and then you get used to it quickly. Cyprus has great roads, long motorways across the island, so you can easily and quickly get from east to west in about 3 hours. The main roads, even the ones in the towns are well maintained, straight, no bumps or potholes. Even the mountain switchbacks are pleasant. We filled up with petrol around 1,295 Euro/litre.
We did our shopping at Lidl, of which there are many on the island - in the big towns or at the motorway exit for example. Otherwise the shops and tavernas work and have a traditional feel. Sometimes there is a problem with English or maybe there is no card payment (the less touristy the area, the worse).
Our route was from the east to the centre of the island into the mountains, then due west and then north-west. All the areas we visited are highly recommended. And everywhere we would have stretched it out for more days and nights.
The Cyprus Mountains surprised us beyond belief, there are so many trekking opportunities. In the winter, they say there is even skiing.
Another surprise was the cypriot wine, or rather how much of a wine island it is.
Cyprus is dotted with bones, chapels, monasteries. And they are beautiful, magnificent, breathtaking. We love their atmosphere, their smells, their sounds, their decorations in gold, silver, bronze, copper, wood or colour. The broken arches, the columns, the bay windows, the pews, the confessional, the balcony with the organ and of course the altars. We love to visit these places even when we are not praying, but to soak up the quiet, peaceful and grateful moment.
Food, drink, music, nature, the sea, the views - this is Cypriot joy. 😍
Accommodation for families or just quiet places with no kids, or stay privately with locals, everything is possible. Beach one can find a busy beach, but equally quiet and perhaps private.
The island offers variety in everything along its length and width.
There is so much to explore or just stopping and sitting in the harbour is great too. 😍😇
Flight from Katowice to Larnaca took 3hrs. 10min with WizzAir.
We rented a car for a full 14 days. And in Cyprus you drive on the left, the steering wheel in the car is on the right. :-) We were filling up at around 1.295 Euro/litre.
The hotel is ADULTS ONLY. It is beautiful, large, spacious, clean, with wellness and fitness center, large parking lot.
Perfect breakfast, huge choice of everything. Even a chocolate fountain and prosecco. :-)
Biggest selection of all kinds of nuts and dried fruits we've ever seen. Of course hot food, eggs etc, cold bar, fruit, veg and the sweet stuff was over the top - waffles, pancakes, donuts, croissants, buns, cookies. One ate with one's eyes. 🤓😎😋
Expensive but nice Asian restaurant. Exactly 20 Euro for two Thai soups and two beers.
Several kilometres of promenade along the coast, past cliffs, small coves and large beaches.
The port of Ayia Napa, from where excursions depart. 9 years ago we also sailed from here on the Discovery, which is still moored here.
Drinks at the bar, by the pool, delivered to your room.
Busier beach, but it was quieter at the very end by the cliffs. Price for two sunbeds and an umbrella 7,50 Euro.
Rocks, cliffs, caves.
Excellent restaurant with homemade Musaka and excellent Stifado. Price for two meals, beer and bitter lemon = 28,05 Euro.
We are on the east of the island, so sunsets only like this.
Drink in the room on the balcony.
We parked at the Lidl in Protaras. Otherwise, we have shopped at Lídl in Cyprus 3 times and it is the same as ours, in some ways they have even better food and brands that our Lídl don't even sell. And the prices are like ours, but it's just Euro...
Fantastic Asian restaurant. Excellent Udon noodles. Price for a sushi starter, 2x Udon noodles and a liter of water = 29,10 Euro.
9 years ago we were on holiday in the Protaras area, so we went to reminisce.
We went to see the hotel where we stayed 9 years ago. And now it's empty, abandoned.
Where we went to reminisce and see what's new.
In 2012 we took similar photos here 😀 (see Cyprus trip from 2012)
Beautiful view of the pool and garden.
Completely empty and very clean beach.
Beautiful bay and nice beach. The colour of the water needs no comment. 😍
If anyone likes a party beach, definitely this one. Music is playing full blast, people are having fun, dancing, with drinks in hand they are loaded in the water. But the beach and water are very clean, surprisingly, for how busy it is here.
A few metres walk to the opposite beautiful islet.
The beach has a blue flag for its azure clear water.
Music from Nissi beach can be heard here too, but it's a bit quieter with the possibility of a walk on the cliff and views in all directions.
Calm little beach.
Excellent restaurant. Clean, outdoor and indoor seating, wide variety of food and drink. Prices totally fine for such a nice and pleasant restaurant. For 3 drinks and one juice, BBQ ribs with side dish and Moussaka = 42,55 Euro.
Fun of all kinds.
Last breakfast and we move to the middle of the island to the mountains.
Airbnb accommodation. We had the whole apartment to ourselves with a terrace, barbecue and our own parking space.
Also possible for two couples/families as there are 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms.
As we are in the mountains where it is not so much a tourist area and there are not many restaurant options, accommodation with a kitchen is a big advantage. So we did our shopping at Lidl and cooked our dinners "at home".
Excellent traditional restaurant, prices of food good, prices of drinks more expensive (for example the little fruko - see photo - should have been orange juice according to the menu and instead I got fruko, which I haven't had for many years, so it was nice to reminisce about my childhood. And it cost 50,-. 😂) For two meals, beer and fruko = 22 Euro.
A wonderful mountain village situated 1140 m above sea level. Very pleasant to walk through the narrow streets, watch the locals, peek into the gardens and see how beautifully relaxed they live here.
Where we caught the wedding venue. It was an event. We were waiting to see the bride and groom. Nothing happened for a long time. Eventually we discovered them standing by the church wall the whole time with their parents, siblings, witnesses and accepting congratulations from the people who kept coming. They stood there quietly like that all afternoon until the last congratulator arrived.
There would be a game played with such a view of the mountains.
It is the home ground of APEP Pitsilia from the Cypriot third division and the stadium can hold 6,000 spectators.
This church is considered the most majestic and beautiful church in Cyprus.
We were the last guests in the church that day as the master was almost closing. He still let us in and eventually gave us some small snack boxes which included cereal porridge with a few pomegranate seeds. He just gave it to us, just for visiting his church.
There is a 34m high bell tower, 135 steps lead up to the tower where there are 5 bells. The long windows look like battlements, the 124 columns with Corinthian capitals, the arches with relief frames, the ribbed arches evoking a sense of wonder. The church seats 730.
The road to the monastery is through the mountains with beautiful views, the restrooms in the serpentines are by beautiful coniferous trees and the air is so fresh. 😍
The Kykkos Monastery is an enchanting place with an atmosphere of silence, tranquility, rest, peace, love, devotion and harmony. Entrance for both 27 Euro.
The monastery bears the name of the Holy Monastery of Our Lady of Kykkos and was founded by the Byzantine Emperor at the end of the 11th century. It lies at 1318 m above sea level on the northwestern side of the Troödos Mountains. The original monastery was burned many times, so no remains have survived. The first president of Cyprus began his ecclesiastical career here as a monk in 1926 and grew to love the place so much. He was also buried here at his request - his tomb is 3km west of the monastery.
This small, inconspicuous monastery, which looks almost like a dilapidated farmhouse, was built in the 11th century. It is a Byzantine monastery and is the only surviving Middle Byzantine monastic church in Cyprus. The church is one of the ten painted churches of the Troödos region. All of them were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 due to their outstanding frescoes and testimony to the history of Byzantine rule in Cyprus.
Kakopetria lies at the northern foot of the Troodos Mountains at 667 m above sea level, southwest of the capital Nicosia.
A nice restaurant right in the centre of Kakopetria. For a beer, juice and two meals 24,50 Euro.
The circular trail starts in the centre at THE MILL HOTEL and goes through the forest, along the river, you can continue along the river. However, we crossed the bridge after about 1km through the forest and climbed out in the village lanes.
All the churches are so beautiful. 😍
About 10km trail through various types of forests (cypress, pine, deciduous, scrub, ivy, coniferous and even an unusual red tree - the so-called Strawberry tree), past waterfalls, pools, along the river to the rocks and on dirt narrow paths in the cliff. The views are worth it. The smell of the scenery too. It's one of the most beautiful routes in the Trodoos.
This waterfall is a major attraction in the area. It has 13 meters.
Trails can be taken in different ways, there are many ways. We did a loop of about 10km of the Kaledonia Falls Trail via the Pouziaris Trail.
Another waterfall in a mountainous area of Cyprus. It falls from a height of 15 metres and is one of the highest waterfalls on the island.
The highest mountain of Cyprus (1952 m above sea level) can be reached, but on the top there is a fence, guards, stations, transmitters - a military area with radars. So you can't see the views of the whole island from the highest mountain. But there are plenty of opportunities for trails and walking around the mountain. There's a ski area on the slopes with four lifts. There's a huge parking lot as a starting point.
We stopped here completely by accident, driving by. But you can see the Turkish part of Cyprus from here.
Admission to the winery was 7 Euro per person and included a guided tour and tasting of 5 wines. Possibility to buy wine - prices from 7 to 30 Euro. The wines are really excellent and we bought Rodambelo Dry Rose, Playia White Dry, Pente Litharia Dry White.
Free large public parking lot.
The village of Omodos has charmed us. A typical Cypriot village with a peaceful atmosphere.
Lies in the Troodos Mountains, in the district of Limassol and 80km from the capital Nicosia. Wine production is huge here, with a wine festival held every August. Wine can be tasted in many outlets.
Stone monastery from the 17th century.
Excellent traditional food - Halloumi cheese, spreads, olives, vegetables, tzatziki, delicious pastries and a cosy stylish Cypriot restaurant. Prices are fine - for a liter of water and two meals containing a selection of different things, vegetables, pastries - 16,50 Euro.
Last night in the mountains and the next day we head to the west of the island to the Paphos area.
When we left the mountains, we drove past another beautiful church.
As we drove from the mountains past the port city of Limassol, we stopped for a short walk.
We parked for free at this church.
The port of Limassol is beautiful.
It is referred to as the most attractive and distinctive port in Europe. It has 650 berths for luxury yachts from 8 to 115 metres and is the first marina in Cyprus for superyachts.
Excellent coffee in a nice harbour cafe. Seaside comfort as it should be. For two large coffees 16,30 Euro.
Large typical tourist hotel. Full of families with children. Breakfast very austere and monotonous, but on the terrace with a beautiful view. However, the hotel was clean and we had a beautiful room directly overlooking the sea, garden, pool, mountains.
Great restaurant with excellent food in a quieter area and away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. Price for small beer, large beer, Ravioli, traditional meat with chips and vegetables 25,80 Euro.
We went on a trail to the rocks. On the way we passed a picturesque church in the typical colours of white and blue.
The trail passes through a deserted plain, where you can really "bake" in the sun, so you really need to bring water and headgear too!!! Goats graze freely here. The landscape then changes to olive trees, bushes and a bit of greenery starts and a chance to hide in the shade for a bit. Then the first rocks and gorges appear and the shade underneath is cool. Eventually you walk through the canyon to the end of the trail where there are huge rocks and the trail is no longer passable. In the dry season it is possible to walk this way. In times when the canyon is flooded with water it is not possible. It's a piece of beautifully perfect nature.
The beaches lie on the Akamas peninsula. Be careful here - the road to Lara beach is a real adrenaline rush a la Rallye, tankodrom, obstacles and huge holes in the road!!! But we made it even with a "regular" car without 4x4 and still with a woman behind the wheel 😂💪😂 The result is worth it and Lara beach is empty, quiet and what's more, the turtles lay their eggs on it and then the environmentalists cover the nest with a cage against predators, pests and trampling.And since it is a protected beach, there is no mention of typical tourist things like umbrellas or refreshments. So bring everything with you.
Restaurant for maybe a thousand people - really big terrace with many tables. And no one anywhere. The view is perfect. The food was average. We paid 19 Euro for food and drink.
The church that has the most beautiful view, as it is located on Cape Drepano. 😀 Indeed, it stands beautifully overlooking the sea, towering like a landmark.
The story of the shipwreck - The ship set sail from the port of Limassol to take a cargo of plasterboard to the Greek island of Rhodes. On 8 October 2011. There were 9 crew members on board, all of whom were rescued and taken to nearby Paphos. The ship is over 80m long and weighs almost 2500 tonnes. It is at an angle of 11-12 degrees, no one is allowed on the ship and there have been several studies to tow it away, but as it is said to be a difficult project, it never happened. So for the time being, she's lying on the rocks at sea.
Japanese dinner performance. They're smart guys. It was a spectacle and we even got to try a few tricks and moves. Otherwise, a beautiful restaurant. Price for water, sushi appetizer and 2x noodles 36,15 Euro.
We found a great coffee shop, just a small window by the road, but we enjoyed it. 2,50 Euro for an iced latte and 2,50 Euro for an iced chocolate. Yum 😋
It's a big beach, flat at first with lots of umbrellas and then the smaller coves start. So we picked one.
We liked it here, we enjoyed it here, so we started again. Price for two small beers, spaghetti Carbonara and Stifado 27,40 Euro. And we still got dessert. 😋
Last night in the hotel.
Buying in Lidl and again going to Airbnb accommodation with our own kitchen.
Really traditional accommodation - stone, almost cave-like living with traditional furniture and decorations. However, the stonework makes it pleasantly cool, but with less light. Super outdoor seating, pool, views. It had atmosphere. 👌👍
Vesnice in the Paphos district is situated at 497 m above sea level.
We walked from our accommodation to the "center" of the village and found only a church and one closed restaurant, one open but without English menu and card payment. 😁 So we set off by car to a neighbouring village.
And here it was worth it again! Cozy, stylish, beautiful and delicious! Price for water, chicken kebab (skewer) and Kleftico = 21,25 Euro + we got coconut dessert.
Wanted to have dinner here the next day but it was Sunday and they were closed.
We had breakfast like this in the shade overlooking the pool. 👍
According to tradition, the goddess Aphrodite bathed in the baths.
Last trip, a walk of about 5km, overlooking the sea and Cape Arnaouti, Polis Chrysochous and Paphos Forest.
Aphrodite nature trail is a few kilometres of walking. We reached the Blue Lagoon.
It's on a dirt road and since there are cars and ATVs passing through, the dust swirls around a lot. The only downside. 🤔
There is a chance to stop on the cliffs along the way and enjoy the view.
Or go down the cliff straight into the sea and cool off.
And our destination, this azure lagoon. 😍
The beach at Blue Lagoon is the most isolated and one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The lagoon is sandy and not too deep, so it's perfect for peaceful relaxation. Or for snorkeling enthusiasts, it's also the perfect spot.
Last Cypriot dinner. Price for 2x drinks, Moussaka and Afelia with bread and chips = 27,85 Euro + we got traditional dessert - sweet fried honey balls.
And to top it off, there was a large family celebrating the anniversary of my grandfather - a very spry grandfather. They had beautiful relations, they had fun, they rejoiced. 🙌
Last day, last moments by the pool and last Cypriot 🍺
Power for the almost 2 hour journey across the island to the airport.
The restaurant was nice, the gentleman who served us was the owner and very keen to talk about Cyprus, the Czech Republic, him, us. 😂 Price for food and drink 18,70 Euro.
After 14 days we return the car in the same condition as we took it 🙏 only with more mileage and some sand and dust on the seats and floor. 😂
You need to fortify yourself before the trip - price for iced chocolate and iced coffee 8,65 Euro in Costa Cofeee.
It's going to be a long night, or rather no night at all. We fly at night, arrive in the morning, drive our little car home. We'll be home by 6am. Ugh
Wow Cyprus, it was our second time, it was fantastic. Thank you 😍😇😇
Flight from Larnaca to Katowice took 3hrs. 10min with WizzAir.
