My Favourite
As many of you know September really is my favourite month … Those long hot, balmy, days and sticky nights, turn into not quite so hot days, with breezy cooler evenings, much as the temperatures will remain in the 30°C’s, in the shade, that’s well over 90°F in English. However, the cold water still won’t be cold enough, but at least we can start sleeping without the aircon on!
Indian Summer
They say ‘If you really want to know what’s happening with the weather just ask the fishermen’, who are telling us ‘because of all that rain we had into May we’ll probably have another Indian summer’. So it’ll still be beach weather during the day, but it’ll start getting a bit cooler in the evenings and, if they’re right, summer will probably last ’til the end of November, mmm! So, if for whatever reason you’ve not been away yet this year, maybe 2 years, and you’re desperate to get away from it all, Cyprus should be your number one choice!
Stunning Sunrises
You can feel and even smell the air is cleaner and now that the heat haze is diminishing, you can see the Troodos and Northern range of mountains standing out on the horizon. In addition, you can also expect stunning sunrise’s in Protaras, and on that note; you really must check out moonrise on the East Coast in September, it’s really cool too!
Spectacular Sunsets
We watched the last sunset of August on the Sunset Boat Trip, on the luxurious Ocean Queen sailing out of Ayia Napa harbour, and what a lovely trip it was, unique to say the least, check out our Live Videos … and for sunsets into the sea you really must be up in Paphos and Polis area up on the West Coast, and even better on The majestic Wavedancer sailing out of Paphos Harbour
The Older Crew
Another reason I love September, is we apparently move into low season from about the 5th, and as all the kids are back at school, it’s time for the younger and older couples and groups of single friends and works colleagues to take their summer hols. They’ll be eating out more, drinking just as much and going home early for one reason or another? and so everyone will be walking around with smiles on their faces, which is so infectious, and everyone looks happy! … tbh, it’s said ‘that more money is spent here in September than any other month’ and so the finale to the season is usually a good one!
Back to School
September is special coz the distinct lack of school kids on the beach, makes room for the older crew, the party-weathered lot, who btw, really know how to party! It’s mostly more mature couples on the beach, so you’ll also notice all the mature boobs out, and why not?
Eating Out
The restaurants are in their element, as the ‘Island of Love’ captures all those romantic couples, who’ll eventually end up getting married here, helping to make Cyprus the number one place to get Wed in Europe!
Fab Tan
As I was saying, the sun isn’t quite so dramatic, the temperature by day has dropped to bearable, much as it’s still in the mid-thirties, the air is a bit cleaner, so you’ll be guaranteed to get a fab tan, oh, and don’t be too surprised if we get a shower, coz we haven’t seen rain since May, although tbh, that probably won’t happen ’til October or even November this year.
In the Med
I think we have one of the finest seas in the world to swim in, especially in September, when it’s a tad quieter. On the sheltered east coast, in one of the gorgeous little bays, it’s like swimming in a tepid bath, apart from that occasional cold flush as you swim through a freshwater patch from a hidden underwater stream coming through the rocks, all the way from the Troodos mountains. Oh and, if you want to learn to water ski or wakeboard, September and October bring a sea as flat as a pancake. I’ve seen more ripples on a Mill Pond!
Europe’s Finest
Nissi Beach and Fig Tree Bay were recently voted in the top 10 Beaches in Europe, ha! I’ve been saying that for years!! …. for a quick look at our favourite beaches click here and btw, in September, you can bay-hop all the way up to Blue Lagoon high up on the West coast in the Akamas, to check out the turtles hatching.
Parties and Festivals
It’s also the season for festivals and events including one of my favourites, which we’ve missed for 2 years, Moonwalk on 10th September and much as September normally brings us loads of closing parties, some a little premature I feel, there’s still lots happening and don’t forget to look out for the winter opening parties, theatre, tributes, festivals and dance events scattered all over the island … follow us and we’ll keep you up to date …
Hub of Cyprus
Savino Rock Bar in Larnaca is lavishing in its recently expanded back garden to make more room outside and Larnacas’ leading Live Music venue Savino Live are kicking off their winter season of live Rock ‘n Roll, and even a little Reggae, every weekend. I caught up with Drew and she told me Savino Live will be launching their winter program on Saturday 3rd with the launch of Stonus’ EU Tour followed on Friday 9th with 6th Dimension The Ladderman, not bad for starters … Follow our Facebook Page for regular updates
Old Town
While you’re in Larnaca, just off the promenade and down the alleyways, Stories Wine Bar is a complement to the old market, where on the entrance, is the wonderful Coffee Shop 29 … whilst up on the Dhekelia Road, at Hugga by the Sea have regular live music down in their gardens and btw Mekenzie Beach has been smashing it all summer …
Kendall Events
I’m really looking forward to Kendall Events’ Mini Tour with world-renowned ‘Fairground’ the No;1 Tribute to Simply Red from 1st ‘til 6th September and The Little Eagles Tribute to The Eagles on the 26th and into October … Book Now to avoid disappointment!
Cultural
It’s nice to see Paphos is still influenced by hosting the European Capital for Culture in 2016 and what an awesome job they are doing, and it must be catching as we are seeing an increase in Cultural Events all over Cyprus … For more visit the CTO’s Page
Capital on the Coast
Chester’s Bar in Limassol, forever one of my faves, while up in the tourist area, places like Breeze DownTown, are a local faves. Further West the Limassol Marina and its quaint cafes rivaling the spectacularly renovated old town, now a hive of stylish bars and cafes, and one of my favourite finds must be Dionysus Mansions an eaterie extraordinaire … and of course if you’re party-mad Club Guaba would is the No:1 choice.
Nicosia Nights
Naturally, there’s loads to do in the capital, and as Nicosia starts to get back into a cooler mode, Cafe Mercedes is open for the winter season … one of my favourite Cypriot Rock Bands Minus One normally do about 10 gigs a month, check out our article on them here … One of my fav pubs The Lost + Found Drinkery and Sarah’s Jazz Club if you fancy good a bit of jazz … oh and there’s still a few fashion sales up in the capital, so all you shopaholics! better get up there quick!
Napa Mode
To me Napa will always be Napa … it’s one of the most versatile cities in Cyprus, a tad quieter than normal, cos schools are back, and the Cypriot holiday season is over, but I’m hearing the Brits are coming so expect there to be a bit more nightlife in September, and as usual in Napa, anything goes! And if you don’t wanna go clubbing, in town the best bars are open til 3.30 am on the weekends.
My haunts
My faves Encore, Pirates Bar, Bronx, and Bedrock Inn up on Bar Street … not forgetting at the start of Bar Street the awesome Footloose Karaoke and Sports Bar will answer to your every wish for a good night out and the more relaxed newly renovated Centro Storico or the Square Bar & Cafe next to the Monastery is unique with live music every night …
West Coast
Pafos and Polis, of course, are set up for all year-round tourism and there are plenty of places to eat drink, and be merry … more to do and lots of history to see but the nightlife is awesome too … My good friend Spiros up at Aces Bar at the start of Bar Street setting the way and Notorious Bar in the middle of Bar Street for all your R’n’B and Hip hop sounds … The Railway Inn are well switched on with regular events and awesome munchies and The New Horizon Gastro Bar well into their sports and awesome pub grub Cyprus Style … or good food, sports, and regular live music at O’Neills Irish Bar & Grill.
Getting Around
It’s a great time to go touring, so jump in the car and go check out some places of interest with wonderful Wineries within shouting distance, if you need some ideas? check out Stanna’s article in our old mag called ‘Driving You to Drink’, 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?
Water Falls
A lovely hike is to go and see Caledonia Waterfalls up in the Troodos Mountains. Park by the Trout Farm at Pano Platres and follow the trail across the stream all the way up to the falls …
The End of Cyprus
We recently took a trip to the Karpas. I’ve wanted to take a photo looking down the panhandle of Cyprus with the sea on either side for years and I finally made it, see our cover shot … and btw, our cool Video has had over 6,900 hits to date …
Still Time to Tan
Much as we might just have 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, haha!, oh and don’t let those cool Mediterranean breezes fool you, reduce from factor 30 gradually through your stay and don’t forget you still need to drink plenty of water!
The Original Guide
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 mag back in June 1999, and it’s lovely to read all the positive remarks, like, ‘it’s so user friendly, ‘it’s so easy to find things, ‘love the way you keep us in touch … to over 18,000 followers, thanks guys!
The Site
Is looking really cool now, with over 76 Categories in 8 cities, it’s over 1,800 pages, and more than 25,000 photos and videos, reaching an international crowd, everyone latching on to the ‘one-word’ search facility that makes it really easy to find what you’re looking for. and maybe what you weren’t looking for! The What’s On Cyprus guide is being updated daily.
Facebook
You can save our website and Follow us on our Facebook page, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Google which are all active daily and will be with you always, as long you have your phone with you, oh, and our YouTube channel is diverse, to say the least … I’m loving keeping you in touch with my regular live Facebook videos and I’m glad you’re loving them too.
Who Wants More?
Make sure you check out our Blog and the More section of the Site, and while you’re at it have a laugh and learn how to talk to your dog in Greek with a bit of the Local Lingo.
Nice Surprises
We love to receive comments, ideas, events, and your stories, so please keep them coming … we are very reader-friendly and if you are visiting any of 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
Looking down the Panhandle of Cyprus from the Karpas
