Festive Cheer
It’s December, that went quick, and as many of you know it’s my favourite month, mainly because it’s the festive season, everyone’s gearing up for Christmas and New Year and that means lots of parties, live music, festivals, markets and as usual Father Christmas will bring me loads of prezzies. Much as it’s been a weird year, more what’s off than what’s on, I think, in the main Cyprus has handled this sci-fi film we were all thrown in twenty months ago quite well and as the eternal optimist I’m expecting next year to be loads better.
Original
Who’d have imagined last Christmas that we’d still be in this predicament, when back in March 2020 they said we need three weeks to flatten the curve, ha!, and here we are increasing restrictions, that, tbh have already made life difficult for much of the hospitality industry, and that includes us at What’s On … However, we’re the original guide to Cyprus, and our live Facebook Videos have kept many of our followers in touch with Cyprus, happy to see parts of the Island they know so well, to many it’s their second home, and for all the lovely comments, I take this opportunity to thank you!
Naturally
I also love December coz we get all those lovely sunsets, without heat haze, just stunning to say the least and on some days those invigorating walks along costal paths on stormy days, and the spray from the white horses, refreshing your smile. Meanwhile the aura of the Mediterranean is a natural source of Iodine, really good for the immune system btw 😉 oh and, by the middle to the end of December, we can go Husky Sledding or skiing in the Troodos mountains in the morning and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea in the afternoon and that’s why this place is paradise!
Still get a tan
We predicted we’d have an Indian Summer and we were right, apart from a few rainy days, which, let’s face it we can cope with and of course we need and as we only get 35 days rain a year, let it rain … But as those 35 days are split between November and March that means most days its going to be sunny and in December that means around 25°C in direct sun, so you still top up the tan. Oh and don’t forget, when that sunsets, which is around 4.30 pm in December it gets a bit cold … Do you think its time to get the quilt out?
Party Time
So, the build up to Christmas expect lots of warm up for Christmas parties with live music, bingo, karaoke and the restaurants, bars and clubs that have stayed open deserve every gratitude they can get, and we really should give our local businesses our full support. Naturally we’ll all be getting together with family and friends, to eat too much and probably, drink too much, Mmm I love December!
Kendall Events
Just a week before Christmas Karen Kendall of Kendall Events presents ‘Bring Life and Soul to the Party this Christmas!’ with The Soul of Motown by Martin Costa, on Thursday 16th at Ampelones Hall in Pegia and at The Vineleaf Tavern in Pissouri Bay, on Saturday 18th December.
Fresh Fish
Harbours of course stay open all year, so maybe grab a Fishing Trip and when you get back one of the harbour side restaurants, that stay open too, will cook your catch for you. Or just pop in and savour a fresh fish meze or a delightful seafood dish with the Mediterranean sea as a backdrop. Many of them have lovely open fires to keep you warm and remember Cypriots live for the table, so be warned, in the festive season you’ll probably put on a few kilos
Out of Season
As more and more people finally discover that Cyprus has the best climate in the world, we’ll inevitably see an increase in visitors arriving for the winter months, including an ever-increasing number of sports teams, making the most of their ‘out of season’ retreat from the winter snow and that naturally makes sense!
Into Hashing?
It’s a great time to see Cyprus on foot, so if you are into walking, check out Cyprus Walks etc., or one of our many Hash House Harriers or at www.cypruswalksetc.com
East Side
Ayia Napa still has a little life and of course the beaches, with the sea rarely dropping lower than 15°C and several bars and restaurants staying open for the winter, even Castle Club on weekends only, with some top Cypriot DJ’s pleasing all the locals and anyone else over for the weekend. Along Nissi Avenue several restaurants and some cool clothes shopping with Y2K Fashion and London Clothing Company leading the way.
Around the Cape
Protaras and Pernera manage to keep a few bars and restaurants open, mostly for the expats and anyone who’d like to join them … Tipsy Turtle and Blue Spice great for dinning and entertainment and Koursaros Music Bar the place to Rock with occasional live bands.
In-Land
Paralimni is the main village on the south east coast, so its the place to go shopping where you’ll find everything from Super Action Sports & Toy shops to diamond rings and fine timepieces. The traditional taverns offering the locals an excuse to get out for lunch or dinner and lots of takeaway and delivery restaurants. Kapparis is having major roadworks but there’s still a few bars and restaurants staying open.
Larnaca
The city comes into its element in the winter months, we’ve always called it the hub of Cyprus, perfectly nestled in between Ayia Napa, Nicosia and Limassol, only 30 – 40 minutes away. There’s a delectable promenade, lined with tall palm trees and there’s lots to do for kids and grownups, starting with the excellent Quad Bike Safari … or excellent shopping in Ermou Street, where all the ladies probably end up at Brouska. Why not check out one of the delightful cafes in old market, Stories and Coffee Shop 29 two of my favs or the awesome Savino Rock Bar with their lovely rear beer garden or maybe catch a rock band at Savino Live, or a little bit of Jazz at Hugga by The Sea, or maybe pop down to get a selfie with the Flamingos nestled in the Salt Lake for the winter and The Camel Park is a cool day out too …
Limassol
Our Capital on the coast, a little more cosmopolitan, boasting a beautiful new marina and lots of old renovated buildings that have become cosy stylish bars, eateries and a cultural shopper’s paradise. In the heart of the city, in the Carob Mills and Castle area of old town, it’s a delight by day or night …
The Capital
Nicosia, also comes into its element in the winter as over 250,000 population stay near home … a massive selection bars, pubs, nightclubs, style cafes and eateries of every cuisine imaginable, many doing takeaway and delivery and of course the best Christmas shopping in Cyprus!
Paphos
Up on the West coast, Paphos as always maintains a year-round lifestyle, coz there’s almost 100,000 residents a few holiday makers and normally, many long stay winter visitors. I hope the wonderful Pafos Zoo will stay open and there’s live music in several bars including The Sixties Bar, O’Neills Irish Bar & Grill and The Railway Inn providing good food and entertainment … if you fancy 4 Wheel Drive adventures check out Jimmy’s Jeep Adventures, loads of fun. There’s plenty of Christmas shopping up Old Town down to the new Mall.
Time to Dive
Why not learn to Scuba Dive, as Cyprus has one of the longest Diving seasons in the world with the water temperature rarely drops below 15°C and the dive schools can spend a little more time with you individually, it’s a great opportunity to get your Open Water Course qualification … we have top diving schools and safaris in our Adventure Sports section
Passionate
Following my passion for Cyprus, photography and creative writing, I came to Cyprus to provide an original guide to Cyprus … Once a published magazine ‘What’s On Cyprus’, our web site follows the same structure and now has a selection of 76 Categories, with over 1,700 pages of information, over 25,000 photos and videos, all one word searchable … I love my job; and I’m still doing exactly what I came here to do in 1993. These days of course, it’s all on-line, on 7 major social media apps, so we can help you find out what’s on, where it’s on, when it’s on, what to do with the kids and where to go shopping and of course what to buy me for Christmas 😉
Facebook
With more engagement than any other guide we’re Cyprus’ No:1 network for News & Entertainment on Facebook. You can also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest … btw we love to receive your comments, ideas, events and stories, so please keep them coming … for more cultural and seasonal events go to www.visitcyprus.com … And please don’t forget to tell them you saw it on What’s On!
Finally
I’d just like to give a big seasons greetings to all our friends, family, but of course our members who help make this Network possible … Oh, If you’re in business and you think you’ve got something to shout about, why not call Tony for an info pack, Tel: 0035799627791 or e-mail us on tony@whatsoncyprus.cy
And really finally
If I can give you one tip for December … Make sure you do at least one thing you’ve never done before! … and Merry Christmas!
Na da boumen !
Tony Dynamou
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