EXPERIENCE CYPRUS
Cyprus
offers so many opportunities and activities just waiting to be experienced by
the visitor. Whether you want to
relax in the warmth of the Cyprus climate, perhaps explore a picturesque village, play a round
of golf, or try your hand at windsurfing, the choice is yours. Villa Berengaria, located in Pissouri Bay
on
the south west coast of the island, is ideally placed for you to experience almost everything that
the beautiful island of Cyprus has to offer.
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Beaches and Pool There are several excellent beaches within easy driving range of Villa Berengaria. Even closer however is the Blue Flag beach at Pissouri itself. This is about 10 minutes walk from the villa and is well laid out with separate buoyed zones for swimming and for water sports. There are beach-side restaurants so you can spend the whole day lazing on the beach or enjoying water sports if you wish. Alternatively, and even closer, is the Ampeli pool (for which we provide membership) and restaurant.
Excursions If you rent a car then the opportunities for excursions to explore
Cyprus are almost endless. Many of the
villages with their relationship with farming and wine production retain their
old architecture. Artists and
photographers will appreciate their traditional charm. There are several monasteries to visit including
that at Kykkos which is located in the Troodos mountain range. While driving around the mountain area,
watch out for wineries which are becoming increasingly common and will be happy
to show visitors around their facilities, offer samples to taste, and will be
pleased to sell their produce! In the
village of Lefkara, both locally worked lace and silver handicrafts are
offered. Cyprus is also well known for
the production of a wide variety of pottery.
The bay and harbour at Latchi are within easy reach for any car. For those who’ve rented a 4 wheel drive
vehicle then the turtle beach at Lara, north west of Paphos, is worth a visit.
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Archaeology Almost
everyone enjoys exploring archaeological sites and they are truly abundant in
Cyprus! Picturesque Paphos harbour
offers the chance to view its castle, the mosaics in
the Houses of Dionysos, and to visit The Tombs of the Kings. The latter is a monumental honeycomb
structure carved into sheer rock whose vaults held the tombs of Ptolemaic period
nobles. Nearby is the stone pillar where St. Paul, according to tradition, was
bound and beaten for preaching Christianity.
Between Paphos and Pissouri is the original Paphos, now known as
Kouklia. Here you can visit the ruins
of the Temple of Aphrodite. Just to the
east of Pissouri, and within the British Sovereign Base Area is perhaps the
most famous archaeological site in Cyprus:
Kourion, also referred to as Curium.
Allow at least a half day to stroll amongst the ruins and the
amphitheatre set in breathtaking scenery overlooking the sea. A little closer towards Limassol is Kolossi castle which
was the commanderie of the Knights Hospitallers - the name later given to the
Commanderia dessert wine.
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Water Sports The south west coast of Cyprus is ideally placed to take advantage of the prevailing wind. Typically the wind will be light and from the south in the mornings thus favouring beginners. By afternoon, though, the strength will have risen to between 15 and 25 knots from the south west, offering some spirited conditions. Windsurfing training and facilities are offered in Pissouri Bay by Surf Cyprus. Sailing, water-skiing, and jet-skiing are also available at Pissouri Bay through Columbia Watersports. For scuba diving courses try Pissouri Bay Divers .
Golf There are five courses within easy access. Aphrodite Hills and Secret Valley courses
are between Pissouri and Paphos. The Minthis
Hills Golf Club is in
the Tsada hills just north of Paphos. Also consider the Limassol
Golf Club , or perhaps
the Vikla
Golf & Country Club which is in the hills
25 Km
north of Limassol.
Hiking There are more than 200 kilometers of
well-marked hiking trails on the island, including a number of popular hiking
routes such as those in Troodos area, the Akamas Peninsula, the Aphrodite
Trail, the Adonis Trail branch and the Avakas Gorge. Trails are signposted,
giving hikers information on the local flora, fauna and geology.
Ornithology Cyprus
offers the opportunity to study an impressive range of bird species and is on
the migratory route between Africa and Europe.
Pissouri is especially well placed to enable access to coastal, salt
lake, forest and mountain habitats.
and
lastly….
Nightlife and Dining Pissouri, and the local area, is most definitely not renowned for its nightlife! Indeed visitors should be aware that Ayia Napa (the party capital of Cyprus) is thankfully over 120 km from Pissouri. Instead Pissouri offers the visitor a wide range of tavernas and restaurants. Perhaps the most exuberant local nightlife will include a “Cyprus Night” one of which is provided each week in the Pissouri Bay area. Separately, Cyprus Night in Pissouri village is set amongst the restaurants in the main square. Many favourite tavernas and restaurants are in the local villages and one is even located right on the sand at Avdimou Beach. It is likely then that our guests will be those who prefer watching a good sunset and then retiring to a taverna to sample the local wines and cuisine.
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