It’s my Fav Month
It’s September, one things for sure, this is absolutely my favourite month, honest ! … well that really, really hot spell in August is over, much as it didn’t really happen this year, hmm, I fear for September, and I’ve got a feeling its gonna be another Indian summer which means its gonna last ’til November mmm !
Tepid Bath
You know, we have one of the finest seas in the world to swim in especially in September, when its a tad quieter over on the east coast, and you can bay hop right up to Blue Lagoon, high up on the west coast in the Akamas, maybe check out the turtles hatching and in August the sea was like a tepid bath with the occasional cold flush as you swim through a fresh water patch from a hidden underwater stream coming through the rocks all the way from the Troodos mountains …
Back to School
I really love September, it’s still hot by day, but cooler at night so we can sleep without air con … the cold water still isn’t cold enough and mainly coz peak season moves into low season, that means the kids are back at school, so the younger and older couples and bigger groups of single friends are on their hols, eating out more, going home early, for one reason or another and so everyone is happy !
Loads of Money
It’s said that more money is spent here in September than any other month, the August sales as usual blend into September, and so the finale to the season is usually a good one … quite a relief to what has so far been a strange season, lots of people here, but they’re spending less … with all inclusive hotel deals spoiling the party for local pubs and restaurants a bit … it’s a funny old world !
Mid Thirties
As I was saying, the temperature by day has dropped to bearable, much as it’s still in the mid thirties, the air is cleaner, so you’ll be guaranteed to get a fab tan and at least we can sleep without the fans on … and don’t be too surprised if we get a shower or two although that probably won’t happen ’til October …
Stunning Sunrises
You can feel and smell the air is cleaner, and now that the heat haze is clearing you can see the Troodos and Northern range of mountains standing out on the horizon, so you can also expect stunning sunrises in Protaras and spectacular sunsets in Paphos …
Parties and Festivals
September also brings us loads of closing parties, some a little premature I feel, but to make up for it there’s a few opening parties, there’s festivals, beer parties, theatre, and dance events scattered all over the island. Make sure you check out the More section of the App, and while you’re at it have a laugh and learn the local lingo …
Touring season
Its a great time to go touring, so check out Stanna’s article called Driving You to Drink, jump in the car and go check out some places of interest with Wineries in shouting distance, get some wine tasting in and top the Cava up for Christmas, did I say Christmas? OMG ! … it’s not that far away … btw the non drinker has to drive ok !
Schools Back
So there’s a distinct lack of 6 to 17 year old’s on the beach … making room for the older crew, the party weathered lot, those who really know how to party! All the mature boobs are out on the beach, and why not ? The restaurants are in their element, as the Island of Love captures all those romantic couples, who’ll eventually get married here, making us the number one place to get Wed in the Med !!!
So much Happening
Starting with the Aphrodite Festival in Paphos on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd .. Paphos is still celebrating being the European Capital for Culture and what an awesome job they are doing … Savino Live in Larnaca are rocking back to their normal winter of live Rock n Reggae every weekend …
Two Capitals
Cafe Mercedes re-opens on Friday 1st in Nicosia … Chesters Bar in Limassol, our capital on the coast, forever one of my faves, in the middle, places like Rock Teepee been there for years, and up the other end the Limassol Marina and its quaint cafes rivaling the spectacularly renovated old town, into a hive of stylish bars and of course Guaba Beach Club still smashing it on the coast while in the hub of Cyprus just half an hour from everywhere Club Deep opens on the 9th in Larnaca, … while in Ayia Napa it’s gone a bit quieter cos schools back … but it’s still Napa and anything goes, every night !!!
Moonwalk
One of my favourite ideas is Moonwalk on full moon on 6th September, it comes out of the sea off the east coast like big red ball, then casts shadows as it rises so bright. Along the walkway between Protaras and Pernera hundreds of paper bags with ornate stenciled cut outs illuminated with tea light candles, guiding you along the pathway along the coast, to about 10 to 15 make shift stages of local and international musicians and bands who play to the crowds, its so ad lib its brilliant !
The Network
Recreating What’s On magazine into a Social Media Network Guide to Cyprus is probably the best thing I’ve ever thought of lol, apart from launching the original mag back in June 1999 … My inspiration to re launch it came whilst in Oz and NZ back in 2012 … and it’s lovely to hear all the positive remarks like; it’s so user friendly, the web sites really cool and our fav, we love the maps. The What’s On Cyprus Network is being updated daily and it automatically refreshes when you open it, btw, Volume III of the App is in it’s final stages and it’s looking f’in awesome !!!
Time to Tan
Much as we might just get a day’s rain in September, remember we only get 30 to 35 days rain a year, so you are pretty much guaranteed to go home with a tan … unless you’re Irish, first Irish bar to install a Solarium will make a mint, ha ha!, oh and don’t let those cool Mediterranean breezes fool you, reduce the factor 30 gradually through your stay and don’t forget to drink plenty of water …
The Best Guide to Cyprus
The web site and Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter are all active daily and the App is the easy to navigate media, that will be with you always, as long you have your phone with you, oh and the new YouTube channel is an eye opener …
You tell us and …
We love to receive comments, ideas, events, and your stories, so please keep them coming … we are very reader friendly and if you are checking out my recommendations please mention What’s On, you’ll often get a nice surprise !
Finally …
If you are in business and you’ve got something to shout about please get in touch and we’ll get you on the network …
And really finally …
If I can give you only one tip, make sure you do something you’ve never done before !
Na da Bou’men
Tony Dynamou
Cover Photo by Tony Dynamou
Water Feature, at Malama Beach Hotel, Kapparis
Model, Alex Blue Dynamou, ages ago !
