Next to the Lake
Paralimni is best described as Ayia Napa and Protaras’ ‘live-in’ village, Para-limni literally means, next to the lake! And in the spring we still have, arguably, our winter fill as evidence, enough to confuse more than a few flamingos on their last inbound hibernation …
Optimistic Passion
It’s probably the fastest-growing town in Cyprus! What used to be the Paralimni bypass has become the banking centre of the Ammohostos area. In the heart of town, the very old, fairly old, and quite new churches sit side by side which signifies the direction things are moving. The locals around here are getting excited with the prospect of Greek Cypriots getting Famagusta back. It’s just 15 minutes down the road, and naturally, many refugees, aka ‘Varashiotis’ now living here, are looking forward to re-building their properties. You can actually feel the passion, desire, and hope, and it could happen before we commemorate 50 years of occupancy in August 2024
Village Tavernas
If you are going to mosey out of town, then a visit to Paralimni makes a change from quaint villages, it will give you more of an idea of real life over here, a blend of the traditional and the not-so-traditional. Tavernas and cafes are a’plenty, but they are often tucked away so do explore the side roads, to find my favourites just search Pubs & Bars or Eating out … then one of 16 cuisines …
Basic Essentials
Being a functional town you’ll find all the services you might need, and generally, they are quite efficient. Five big supermarkets provide all the basic essentials, and a big post office is now found down just down the Sotira Road, finally closing at 3 pm instead of 1.30??? unlike all the major banks, that close at 1.30 although some of them stay open ’til 2.30 pm these days, and on that note, it looks like the Cypriots have made it through another crisis, yet again!
International
You’ll even spot a little Marks & Sparks in the middle of town, near the new fountain and a bigger new shop on the bypass, now known as 1st April Avenue, oh, and there’s a little Luna Park, near the bus terminal, which is a great place to stop and watch the world go by.
Indies
The village has some nice little shops and boutiques with independent designer labels and even top clubwear at shops like London Clothing Company and several designer boutiques. There’s plenty of souvenir shopping with a few places that store nice British-style greetings cards, and a few top jewellers, beauticians, lace shops, computer and visual services, ethnic shops, nail artists, haberdasheries, a very cool ten-pin bowling arena at Play 4 All and everything else you’d expect from a fast-growing town. ohh … It’s always worth grabbing a cab to shop at locals’ prices; it’ll be more than worth the fare!
Kapparis Area
Down on the coast, the Kapparis area is much a little resort on its own. it’s the coastal road, from Ayia Triada, where you’ll find The Bakers Arms, the official Rangers supporters Club, to Kapparis, which sports a few holiday accommodations and several restaurants, one of my favourite fish tavernas and even an Italian and Asian restaurant.
All Year
There’s several British-style pubs, as not that long ago this little area had about 3000 resident ex-pats living here, much as that’s now changed, it still remains open all year, providing live entertainment, events, bingo, and somewhere to watch the match. Whilst down on the coast, several quaint little beaches, increasing by at least two a few years ago provide safe crystal clear swimming and great snorkeling or fishing and of course watersports … and the only doggy beach in the area …
Directions
It’s at the end of the motorway from west to east … turn left at the Ayia Napa roundabout and it’s just a few minute’s drive … To find Kapparis either drop down towards the coast from Paralimni village, or drive along the coast from Protaras and Pernera with the sea to your right and you can’t miss it …
GPS: 35.059744, 34.009249
Paralimni is a great town,
It’s where I live … 😉
By Tony Dynamou
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