Lets be honest if there was ever a time when I should have been blogging regularly, it was probably the last few months. So much has been going on! A book, filming stuff, writing… There is a backlog. BUT you’ve all been asking for Cyprus recommendations and I’m aware the summer season is very much upon us so I’m going to start with that. I’ll bombard you with the videos and Taverna chat later. I have to say though, when we go, we’re very much local – eating at our aunts and uncles houses. Staying at my grandparents apartment. I stayed at a hotel there for the first time this year, but hopefully there is some useable stuff in here for you!
TIPS
- My biggest tip is to hire a car. It’s a small island, and unless you are hell bent on staying by the pool all day the best thing really is to hire a car and explore. All the good, less touristy stuff is inland.
- If you are there on a weekend ask a local if there is a paniyiri nearby. These are religious festivals, which can take over an entire village. Stalls, food, music – lots of fun and worth seeking.
- Try the local wine. Cypriot white and rose is GOOD.
- Drink like a local: frappe! All Cypriots love an ice coffee in the heat. When they ask how you like it, start with half and half (half water/ half milk) and one sugar and go from there.
- Try the local bakeries. If you are a fan of tahini get a ‘tahinopita’ – a tahini, honey and cinnamon swirl. My achilles heel.
LIMASSOL
Until I grew up and began to drive, Limassol was where I spent most of my time and I have a real soft spot for it. The city isn’t picture postcard like other parts of Cyprus but there has been some real investment going on and it’s really transformed. Also it has a lot of history and I would say is the quirkiest/ least touristy place (which I love). The sea front has an urban promenade, play parks, eateries along the beach and a sparkly new marina which is the current hot area. The old carob mill is just brilliant, the shopping and university areas are very hip – lots of cool coffee shops and graffiti (my favourite part). This is all to the west of the city. The east of the city is all large hotels and can feel a bit unloved. The west of the city definitely has a more vibrant scene.
