However, they have also developed a unique Christmas festival that people from far and wide come to celebrate. To place a sponsored story, banner, or advertise with us via our social media pages, please contact: advertising@actionprgroup.com. Makarios III, the archbishop and the first President of the Republic of Cyprus, was born here. "hotelscombined_marker": null, A great number of rare plants (such as Cypriot cedars, plane trees and different kinds of pine trees), animals and birds can be seen in the Troodos National Park in any season. Say cheers at a bar or pub with a roaring fireplace In Phikardhou village one can see traditional Cypriot buildings, giant wine jars and a church with rare iconographic paintings. Many of the children go from house to house singing seasonal carols (kalanda in Greek). Hotels are heated and provide guests with ski storage and a wide range of additional services: a laundromat, a rental, menu delivery etc. Ta Piatakia, Mediterranean Cuisine in Limassol. There are long and short walking trails (the shortest is 2 kilometers long and is called «A nightingale’s trail», two longest — «Atlanta’s trail» and «Aphrodite’s trail» are 9 and 8 kilometers long) at the park. The festive atmosphere in cities, towns, and villages of Cyprus can be already felt in the middle of November when holiday preparations start to take place in the streets. }, "border_color": "#cccccc", For one thing, the sites are not crowded. Agrotourists can spend a night in a traditional stone house. For example, Vuni village in the part of Cyprus occupied by Turkey is an open-air museum, where visitors can see the ruins of an ancient palace, destroyed by the fire in 380 AD. Sometimes we complain that things just don’t feel Christmassy enough on the island given that the sun is still shinning and the weather is mild, but when we head out of the main towns and cities and drive up towards Troodos, the air becomes crisp and cold and suddenly, it really does feel like winter! Christmas is celebrated as a religious holiday and on Christmas Eve everyone goes to church. Tuck into sweet melomakarona & kourabiedes Christmas in Cyprus has a funny way of sneaking up on us. "search_logo_host": "www.aviasales.ru", 1. Visitors can choose the best of several options, depending on their age and level of riding. Scenic Cypriot villages are worth visiting regardless of the season. On Christmas morning, following an early mass, steaming egg-and-lemon rice soup ‘Afkolemony,’ is served for breakfast and the feasting continues throughout the day, with friends and relatives visiting each other’s homes and … One of my favourites was Myrianthousa Spa at Casale Panayiotis with its magical location in the Troodos Mountains. Have a cosy night in with a bowl of piping hot trahanas or avgolemono When I first came to live in Cyprus, back in 1994, I was surprised at how different celebrations for Christmas in Cyprus were. Besides, lectures, excursions and educational programs dedicated to wild nature are held at the Limassol zoo. Christmas Customs of Cyprus Kourabiedes. 5. The top of Mount Olympus, the highest point on the island, is covered with snow at least three months every year, granting wonderful opportunities for winter sports and entertainment fans. With so many beautiful and unusual museums to visit in Cyprus,  there’s plenty to inspire you in the most unusual places, from the backstreets of Old... window.TP_FORM_SETTINGS["94932d885b8f53d2d8fb94766f6246eb"] = { "check_out_date": null, Christmas villages, ALPHAMEGA Hypermarkets around Cyprus We all know that we often spend the lead up to Christmas making countless visits to the supermarket, often dashing in and out of the shops to stock up on festive treats and all … "border_radius": "5", 3. One minute we’re just wearing a light cardi and it feels as though it’s just the end of summer, and then, the temperature suddenly drops and all of a sudden the Xmas lights go up and we start to realise that there’s hardly any time left until  the big day. Tuck into sweet melomakarona & kourabiedes "iata": "LCA" Cyprus has plenty of spas offering wonderful treatments, and a chance to really switch off and relax. It is quite Christmasy but not warm enough to sunbathe all day and it may rain. And if you’ve never tried them before, suffice to say that melomakarona are absolutely moreish moist syrupy sweet biscuits, while kourabiedes are buttery biscuits typically made with almonds and topped with plenty of icing sugar. Activities 101 things to do Cyprus If you love the great outdoors like us, there are plenty of sporting activities to keep you occupied in Cyprus: 21 Walk on one of the many nature trails - some of our favourites are on the Akamas Peninsula and near Platres in the Troodos mountains. Christmas week officially starts on the 23rd of December, and the Christmas day is on the 25th of December. Aug 19, 2016: Christmas eve shop opening hours in Cyprus by: Helen It depends how late you are arriving really and also where you are staying. Quad safari, yacht cruises (it sounds more like a summer attraction, but it is also possible to rent a boat in winter in most of Cyprus ports) and even donkey safari are other unusual ways to get to know the island better. read more, From ancient Neolithic settlements and early Greek temples, to Crusader castles steeped in medieval intrigue, a plethora of awe-inspiring sites dotted arou... "hotel_alt": "", After 40 days of fasting, Cypriots celebrate Noel in style. Pitzilia village is yet another place in Cyprus where one can pay a visit to the local winery. "button_text_color": "#ffffff", "hotel": "", "responsive": true, Melomakarona: Greek Christmas Honey Cookies stuffed with dates andnuts. Here visitors can try local wine and sweets and learn about daily routines of local farmers in the Museum of Folk Art. Excursions and educational programs are held here. "api_url": "//www.travelpayouts.com/minimal_prices/offers.json", Four main winemaking regions of Cyprus are Akamas Laona (6 villages along the northwest coastline), Vouni Panayias – Ambelitis (6 western villages), Pitsilia (32 mountain villages) and the Wine Villages of Limassol (20 villages in south Troodos). An interesting fact: there was a custom in Greece to honor the memory of Basil of Caesarea, a patron of the lonely and the poor, on the 1st of January (the 14th of January Old Style). "width": null, "depart_date": null, "name": "white_blue", Together with the band Faltsa Oneira, where Greek rock music meets dance rhythms. You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Cyprus" Back to Top. Red, white, rose and strong wines are made on the island, and the most popular type of Cypriot wine is called «Commandaria». "hotels_type": "hotellook_host", If, however, you’re enjoying festive activities in the buzzing Limassol seaside hub, then slurp on your favourite beer at Chesters Bar and Restaurant, with two fireplaces setting just the right atmosphere for that Christmassy night out. And while there are plenty of people that still make these at home, taking a box of these Yuletide delights round to friends and family is bound to put a smile on their face. Most years my children and I get together for Christmas in some part of Europe. Here you can find out where the best parties are for This Weekend. There is also a children’s playground, a cacti garden, a petting zoo with domestic animals and a cafe here. "check_in_date": null, Digging into the island’s past is one of the most interesting things to do in Cyprus.There are plenty of archaeological sites on Cyprus, but the most spectacular one (in my opinion) is the Kourion Archaeological Site.Originally built in the 2nd century B.C., it’s been immaculately preserved. Hiking Trails in Cyprus Motorcycle Trails in Cyprus. A popular Cyprus dessert that’s similar to bread pudding is ekmek kadayifi – rusk-like bread saturated in sweet syrup and topped with kaymak (Turkish clotted cream). Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to life on stage in Paphos. Speaking of all things warm and cosy while you devour your beloved tipple, the Tudor Inn Bar in Larnaca makes for another great choice for intimate winter rendezvous during the holiday season, coming to life with a whole host of live music events as the fireplace works its magic night in and night out. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the waterfall, but hiking up the mountain can be tiresome. 12 things to do with kids in Cyprus Cyprus is a well-established destination for the party generation and new parents. However, this area isn’t only good for drinking and dancing the night away. "routes": [] Andreas crafted the tour around us to include everything from the well known Paphos attractions to stunning natural … A word of warning: both are rather addictive! Here visitors can see an old hootch still, degustate different types of wine from 38 Cypriot wineries, attend a lecture dedicated to the history of wine, degustation tips, and traditions connected with wine, explore the collection of jars and working tools that were used for wine production in the 20th century. Instructors, who are professional sportsmen, are always ready to help visitors with tricks and movements. read more. And once the festive season hits in Cyprus, there are people roasting chestnuts just about everywhere- down busy streets in the city centres, at mountain festivals, and everywhere in between. As the third largest city of Cyprus Larnaca is also in the Christmas spirit. The hike to the Caledonia waterfall starts from the Platres village (the trail begins next to the restaurant by the trout farm). The Akamas Peninsula is a very peaceful area of the island where you can enjoy hiking and walking.. For the energetic there’s cycling or you can just relax on one of the secluded beaches. Winter is a perfect season to visit winemaking villages in Cyprus. If there’s one place that you’ve got to head to for a festive drink, it’s got to be Platos Bar and Restaurant  tucked away in the historic streets of Old Nicosia. One option that will go down well is a horseback ride or pony trek. Visitors can also meet an antelope litchee, a Scottish cow, pheasants, partridges, doves, ducks, skunks, monkeys, raccoons and other animals and birds here. My Cyprus Insider presents you with the ultimate festive bucket list! "hotel_logo_host": null, There are also several private historical museums, gift shops with embroidery and cellars full of local wine in the village. Water Sports in Cyprus Boat Hire in Cyprus Kayaking & Canoeing in Cyprus Parasailing & Paragliding in Cyprus Submarine Tours in Cyprus Fishing Charters & Tours in Cyprus Stand Up Paddleboarding in Cyprus. There are so many more things to do in Ayia Napa that don’t revolve around partying into the early hours. The Golden Donkey Farm in Larnaca is a home to several dozens of donkeys. "name": "Ларнака", There are elevators, 12 skiing and snowboarding pistes for both professionals and beginners, and a skiing school at the resort. Those who are looking for an unforgettable experience can even rent the DIAMOND DA40 plane and navigate it under supervision. There are many Cyprus Walking Holidays in this area which … Kid’s birthday parties, performances with a parrot and an owl are held at the zoo. "icons": "icons_blue", 2. The whole area on the eastern side of Cyprus has stunning beaches, crystal clear water, unique historical sites, and some of the best weather in all of Europe. Other accommodation options for visitors of the resort are mountain villas, apartments and guest houses, some of which are designed and furnished as traditional Cypriot houses. "search_host": "hydra.aviasales.ru", Thank you for taking … You can hike or visit historical sites. Select any of the most popular categories, including: dance & music, family & kids or literary events! "name": "" 5. The country has Easter as its most religious festival. The country is brimming with places to visit, most of them with a history stretching back to the Crusades, the Roman period, or even back into prehistory. ©Action PR & Publications © My Cyprus Insider, Web Design and Development by Action Digital. The Cyprus Wine Museum in Erimi (Limassol district) covers all the 5 thousand years of winemaking on the island. The only indoor ice rink in Cyprus is located at MY MALL shopping mall in Limassol. Most of the grapes used for production come from mountain districts not far from Limassol and Paphos. "powered_by": false, Fancy a lazy night in with your loved ones? "widget_name": "Поисковая форма #1", "form_type": "avia", Re: Cyprus during Christmas! Visit the Akamas Peninsula. Head out on a day trip up to Cyprus’ highest heights for a white Christmas How to spend Christmas and New Year break in Cyprus? Sometimes we … Health Clubs in Cyprus Hammams & Turkish Baths in Cyprus. You will enjoy the heavily decorated lights and trees, and then, can let loose with the wine and parties. The Church of Philip the Apostle built in the 13th century and the Medieval Catholic church are also located within the village. Back then, their main celebration period was New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day. Koilani village with views on evergreen mountain tops is located next to Limassol, on the bank of the Krios River. The Nicosia zoo was the first on the island to become home to such rare animals as a muntjac, a crowned crane, an African adjutant, a pelican and a flamingo. Ice skates and hockey equipment rental is available. Our tour with Andreas was the highlight of the holiday. But on a recent visit we discovered why it’s great with slightly older children, with its outdoor sports, culture that’s not restricted to museums and beautiful, rugged nature. As the sun goes down and the chill factor kicks in, nothing beats a festive night out by a blazing fireplace. "locale": "ru", An instant pick me up on a cold winter evening, just ask for a bag full and prepare for the ultimate nutty indulgence. During a wine tour here one can visit a Sokrates traditional house and try wine from the owner’s collection, have a look at the old winemaking pressing machine and, of course, go to the Timios Stavros Monastery. "show_hotels": false, Each month in Cyprus is marked with exciting activities which will entice you to want to keep rediscovering the island over and over again. In fact, New Year’s Day, not Christmas Day, was when gifts were exchanged and opened. Tel: (+357) 22-818884. 1. 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