It’s Still Summer
Many of you probably know, September really is my favourite month! … The long boiling hot, sometimes balmy days and those horrible sticky nights, turn into not-quite-so-hot days, with cool Mediterranean breezes, and much cooler evenings. The temperatures will stay up in the 30°C’s, in the shade, that’s well over 90°F in English, so don’t worry you’ll still get a tan. Much as a cold water shower, still won’t be cold enough, but at least we can start sleeping without the aircon on!
Back to School
As I was saying; September is also special coz there’s a distinct lack of school kids on the beach, making 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 the occasional boobs out, and why not?
Stunning Sunrises
You can sense the air is cleaner, you can feel it’s cooler, and even the smell is a little different, whereas in August aroma is like everything is burning lol … tbh, it’s quite unique, and now that the heat haze is diminishing, you can see the Troodos Mountains and Northern Range of mountains standing out on the horizon. In addition, you can also expect stunning sunrises in Protaras, and just as spectacular sunsets in Paphos, and on that note, you really must check out Moonrise, on full moon on the 18th … aka the BlueMoon, on the East Coast in September, it’s really cool!
Spectacular Sunsets
We often watch the last sunset of August on one of our recommended Boat Trips, sailing out of Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Paphos harbours, and what lovely trips they are, to say the least, check out our Live Videos … but for sunsets into the sea you really must be up on the West Coast, in Paphos or Polis area, a one of my favourites the majestic Wavedancer, sailing out of Paphos Harbour, or go see the guys at Paphos Watersports down to the left of the harbour promenade.
Indian Summer
I always say; “If you really want to know what’s happening with the weather just ask one of the fishermen’, who btw, 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 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, and you’re desperate to have a break, Cyprus should be your number one choice!
The Older Crew
Another reason I love September is from about the 2nd, we apparently move into low season, and as all the kids are back at school this month, it’s time for the younger and older couples and groups of single friends and work 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, coz everyone looks so 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!
In the Med
I think we have one of the finest and in fact, safest, seas in the world to swim in, especially in September, when it’s a tad quieter. Moreso, 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 us 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.
Eating Out
Our restaurants will be 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!
Parties and Festivals
It’s also the season for festivals and events and 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 on Facebook and we’ll keep you up to date.
Kendall Events
I’m really looking forward to Kendall Events ’ Mini Tour with a world-renowned Tribute to
the Electric Light Orchestra from the 5th to the 10th followed by the No;1 Tribute to Bon Jovi from Friday 20th of September … it’ll be busy so Book Now to avoid disappointment!
Cultural
It’s nice to see Paphos is still influenced by hosting the European Capital for Culture back in 2016 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
Hub of Cyprus
Savino Rock Bar in Larnaca is lavishing in its gorgeous expanded back garden to make more room outside and Larnacas’ leading Live Music venue Savino Live is 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 Friday 30th August Follow our Facebook Page for regular updates …
Old Town
While you’re in Larnaca, just off the promenade and down the alleyways, The Rise Street Art Hotel’s awesome Rooftop Bar ‘Memories’ has something to shout about and
Harry’s Inn is a gorgeous traditional British-style pub with an Asian twist … Stories Wine Bar is a complement to the old market, where at the entrance, is the wonderful Coffee Shop 29 … and btw Mekenzie Beach has been smashing it all summer.
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 does 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 cool 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 and Pubs are open til 3.30 am on the weekends.
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, While up at Corel Bay it has to be Blazing Saddles for good food, sports and entertainment.
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 from 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 … Warning they’re freezing winter or summer!
The End of Cyprus
Why not take a day trip to the Karpas. I wanted to take a photo looking down the panhandle of Cyprus with the sea on either side for years and I finally made it last year … and btw, our cool Video had over 30,000 hits to date …
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 20,000 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 30,000 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 something that 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!
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.
MoonWalk
One of my favourite annual events of the year normally happens on a full moon, which falls on Wednesday the 18th of September, however this year Moonwalk is on Thursday 31st Friday 20th of September … Basically; it’s 6km of music, along the coastal pathway from Pernera to Protaras, or visa versa … and it’s free and getting bigger every year … I hope Trio Frisson will be here again …
30 Stages
Stretching all the way from Pola Costa and Blue Spice all the way to Fig Tree Bay … Along the way over 30 Stages are set up for over 130 excellent musicians to entertain the crowds who stroll along to the full moon, glistening on calm seas, listening to just about every genre of music from Greek Folk and Soft Rock to Reggae and lots of Jazz, naturally!
Finally
If you are in business and you’ve got something to shout about please get in touch and we’ll pop in for a coffee and get you on the network
And Really Finally
If I can give you only one tip this month, it’s ‘make sure you do something you’ve never done before’!
Na da Bou’men
Tony Dynamou
More …
Cover Photo Tisharna Antoinette, aka Tiny, Sunrise in Kapparis, by Tony Dynamou
