Things to do in Cyprus
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Melanda Beach
This small, narrow sand and pebble beach is close to Avdimou, but accessible only by turning inland and looking for the signposted turn-off. Due to its exposed position, there is often a fair amount of seaweed. There are windsurfers, banana rides and even jet skis here. Like Avdimou Beach, it is favoured by RAF personnel.
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Varoshiotis Seafood Restaurant
Presentation and taste go hand in hand in this chic place on Larnaka's waterfront. Prince's prawns are laid out like orange slices on a bed of wild and white rice, a swirl of soy sauce surrounds a radish and, with a glass of chilled white wine, your palate is headed for a great night out. And that's just the starter.
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Bailey
An Irish pub seems inevitable nowadays, wherever you go. And the Bailey's inevitability is increased by its size and popularity. It's decorated so well (or so Irish) that you may forget what country you're in after a few bevvies. There's plenty to wet your whiskers: draught beer, ale, Guinness, booze and more booze.
reviewed
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Club S-cape
Two enormous bars (less queuing) and a seated chill-out area mean that once you're danced out, there's plenty of space to rest. Be present for the weekly carwash disco parties (prepare to be sudsed and rinsed!) and enjoy classic tracks from the '70s and '80s, and house music and R & B on the new sound system.
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Scuba Base
The waters around Agia Napa and Cape Greco up to Famagusta are perfect for diving. The sea is calm, warm and clear, and a few operators are set up to cater for divers. The Scuba Base is a reputable local company that organises programmes ranging from an introduction to snorkelling to advanced open-water courses.
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Agios Lambrianos Rock-Cut Tomb
On the side of Fabrica Hill, are a couple of enormous underground caverns most likely dating from the early Hellenistic period. These are also burial chambers associated with the saints Lambrianos and Misitikos. The interiors of the tombs bear frescoes that indicate they were used as a Christian place of worship.
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Stretto Café
Part of the Old Carob Mill complex, cafés in Lemesos don't come any more fashionable than Stretto. Tall ceilings and comfy sofas, beautiful people in real life and on TV. Sounds intimidating? Fear not, the atmosphere is good and relaxed, and its icy frappé on a hot day will make you come back for more.
reviewed
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Pissouri Bay Resort
As you leave the peaceful and deserted beaches of the Akrotiri Peninsula, you enter the package-tourist area, where the Pissouri Bay Resort, 10km west of Avdimou, has jet skis, surfing, banana rides and other entertaining sea activities. At the western end of the bay, you can rest under the shade of olive trees.
reviewed
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Panagia tou Araka (Lagoudera) to Stavros tou Agiasmati Trail
The longest hike, it links two of the most important Troödos Byzantine churches via a forest, vineyards and stone terraces. The CTO pamphlet Cyprus: Nature Trails describes this hike in some detail and provides basic maps, but hikers would be advised to take along a more detailed map of the region.
reviewed
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Teisia tis Madaris Trail
A continuation of the above trail, it involves a circular cliff-top hike around Mt Madari (Adelfi; 1613m) with excellent views. The CTO pamphlet Cyprus: Nature Trails describes this hike in some detail and provides basic maps, but hikers would be advised to take along a more detailed map of the region.
reviewed
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Agia Irini to Spilies tou Digeni Trail
An easy out-and-back hike to the secret caves of Digenis, where EOKA resistance fighters hid during the insurgency of 1955-59. The CTO pamphlet Cyprus: Nature Trails describes this hike in some detail and provides basic maps, but hikers would be advised to take along a more detailed map of the region.
reviewed
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Plaka Tavern
If you have plenty of time in the city and fancy a change, head west of the centre and dine at this superb little taverna. It's best visited during the summer months when dinner is served on the square. The mezedes are best here but be warned: there are many of them and you'll need a big appetite.
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Nissi Beach
Nissi Beach is the most popular of Agia Napa's beaches. It's long, beautiful and sandy, but incredibly crowded. The sea is shallow and calm, and there is a small island about 75m away. Nissi is around 2km from Agia Napa's centre, so a scooter or a bicycle is a great way to get here, or simply grab a taxi.
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Zoo
Great for romantic dining, the restaurant overlooks the Old City from the 4th floor, and serves a modernistic, Mediterranean menu. Laid out in chrome and steel, it has a reputation for being one of Lefkosia's better places to eat. After dinner, for a bit of indigestion, go dancing in the club downstairs.
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Cydive
The waters off Pafos are ideal for diving, and with around 30 sites to explore, some with evocative names such as 'Bubbles', the 'Wreck of the Achilleas', 'Stan's Dilemma' or the 'Valley of Caves', there are enough dives to fill a month or more. Cydive can help you take full advantage of the opportunity.
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Panagia Chrysaliniotissa
The church of Panagia Chrysaliniotissa is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and its name means 'Our Lady of the Golden Flax' in Greek. It is considered to be the oldest Byzantine church in Lefkosia and was built in 1450 by Queen Helena Paleologos. It is renowned for its rich collection of old and rare icons.
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Kafkalia Sausage Factory
At the Kafkalia Sausage Factory all products, including lountza, hiromeri (traditional smoked ham), loukanika (village sausages), pastourmas (spicy smoked beef) and bacon, are made on the premises. Ask to see the dark and hot smoke room next to the busy little shop.
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Lapidary Museum
A visit to the Lapidary Museum is usually included in a visit to the Library of Sultan Mahmut II. This is a 15th-century building containing a varied collection of sarcophagi, shields, steles, columns, and a Gothic window rescued from a Lusignan palace that once stood near Atatürk Meydanı.
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Arheon Gefsis
'The root of all pleasures is the satisfaction of the stomach' said Epicurus (341-270 BC). The owners of this place have taken this to heart and offer up foods that the ancient Greek philosopher himself may have feasted upon. Dine on dishes featuring figs, nuts, honey, beets, chickpeas and olives.
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Konak
This traditional restaurant sits next to Sabor and is decorated in the Ottoman style. It has a large garden, full of plants and flowers, and upstairs there is a wooden veranda and small coves for romantic dining. The food is eclectic: there is pasta, pizza, salads and kebabs, just take your pick.
reviewed
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To Frourio
Priding itself on its setting in an 18th-century historically listed building opposite the castle, To Frourio is popular and a little on the touristy side, but decent. There are meat and vegetarian dishes (such as tasty, aubergine-laden vegetarian lasagne), as well as both variations of meze.
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China Spice
Chinese cuisine like they eat it in the posh parts of Shanghai or Hong Kong perhaps. The décor is minimalist, with black wood, white walls, and beige cushions, and a plant adorns the centre of each table. The delicious, elegantly presented dishes are prepared by nine Chinese chefs.
reviewed
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Lagoudera to Agros Trail
A longish hike through vineyards and orchards, with spectacular views from the Madari-Papoutsas ridge. The CTO pamphlet Cyprus: Nature Trails describes this hike in some detail and provides basic maps, but hikers would be advised to take along a more detailed map of the region.
reviewed
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Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum
Although this place attracts kids of all ages, it's a great stop to make with young ones, obsessed as they probably are with vehicles of all kinds. This is a private museum whose owner is more than happy to chat extensively about his collection. It may just keep the parents happy too.
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Castle Club
Housed in a hideous mock castle, this place can take up to 2000 people. And there are still queues outside during the summer. There are three separate areas - two dance and one chill-out space - and the music mix is the ever-popular formula of house, R & B, old school and garage.
reviewed