Project Cyprus
I know that I
haven’t posted in a while, but I had a good reason. I was on another trip, a
short and special one: a surprise getaway for my birthday. I turned 30 in
Cyprus, I did it with style, and I still don’t feel a day older than 16 in my
heart. :D
Do you want to know
how it was?
Project Cyprus:
- Day 1:
-
16:05 – 18:30:
flight from Bucharest Otopeni to Larnaca
-
Got our car from
the airport and headed into town. Word of advice! DO NOT BOOK YOUR CAR WITH http://www.cypruscarrental.net/!! It
is a scam /and no longer in business apparently; my note, 01.11.2022/, because they charge you 20% of your booking fee and only act as
intermediaries. At the airport, we were greeted by the representative of
another company, who charged us the full price (EUR 24 for 2 days), plus
the airport tax (EUR 5), which isn’t
specified anywhere on the first website. You should try and book directly with http://en.larnacacarrentals.com/ /no longer operating either; my note, 01.11.2022/!
-
Checked in at
easyHotel Larnaca: EUR 24/room/2 nights;
parked the car in the parking next to the café adjoining the hotel, it was free
of charge.
-
Headed out to eat
and had dinner at Ocean Basket, which was a truly wonderful idea [see here why];
I recommend the dozen prince prawns and the seafood platter for one [for sea
food lovers] and the Greek village salad, the avocado sushi, the kateifi, and
the Snickers cake [for vegetarians]. :-)
- Day 2:
-
As our sea kayaking
got cancelled because of the high winds and waves, we decided to enjoy the
Cypriot sites and attractions as much as we could on this day!
-
Left around 7
o’clock to Larnaca Salt Lake, home to flocks of pink flamingos from November to
March, and were delighted at the sight of these wonderful creatures and their
morning rituals. [I suggest a morning visit, as there are fewer flamingos on
the lake in the evenings.]
-
Started driving to
Paphos, but made stops at:
-
Pano Lefkara,
traditional Cypriot village, famous for its handmade lace and silver items and
for the almond trees found on the hills nearby. [I recommend a stroll up and
down the steep and narrow streets of this beautiful village, in order for you
to take in the energy and peacefulness of this place.]
-
Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement (opening hours (daily, November 1st – March 31st):
8-17): EUR 1.70, free admission for
students; you will be impressed by the 6800 year-old dwellings found
following archaeological diggings.
-
Petra tou Romiou
(the birthplace of Aphrodite), an impressive collection of whitish rocks swept
by the foamy waves. [Be sure to buy an ice cream and savour it while watching
the sea.]
-
Paphos Archaeological Museum, home to some amazing mosaics almost 2000 years old (opening
hours (daily, November 1st – March 31st): 8-17): EUR 3.40, no deductions for students. [Note that taking pictures is not
allowed here.]
-
Had dinner at a traditional
fish tavern, Kingfisher Restaurant, Tombs of the Kings Road, blue sign right
before Lidl.
- Day 3:
-
Arrived at 08:30 at
Viking Divers
for our ‘Discover Scuba Diving’ Session (EUR 48/person), which ended (dive included) a little bit after 13:30. The
entire experience was amazing, an extraordinary gift from Marcel on my birthday [be sure to book ahead]! Minna and Tasos were kind and professional and Minna even sent me the swimming apparel Marcel and I forgot there and did
not ask any money for the postage stamps! All my appreciation goes out to them!
-
Headed out to
lunch, again at Ocean Basket!
-
Ended the day on
Mackenzie Beach and then hurried to return the car. The total amount spent on
gas was EUR 31, which is good value
and enables one to see the island within a short time.
The thing with
‘commercial’ destinations is that it’s better – in my opinion – to try them out
off-season. The weather’s not that hot and humid and you can really enjoy
certain regions (that would normally be swarming with tourists) all by
yourself!
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