It’s November
It’s one of my favourite months, finally, the long hot summer is over, or is it? coz it looks like our prediction that ‘we’re gonna have another Indian Summer this year’, is happening with temperatures expected to hit 25°C this month it looks like the fishermen were right again! Following that windy week at the end of October, the air is clearer, so the sun will be stronger, be warned! So, you’ll still be able to wear shorts and a tee-shirt by day, chill out around the pool or pop down to the beach to Top up the Tan for Christmas, did I just say Christmas? omg! …
Chillier Nights
Much as it’s still lovely by day, once the sun sets, almost with a click of your fingers, you’ll probably have to put a long sleeve top on, and as the clocks went back on Saturday 26th October, that’s going to be around 4.30 pm by mid-November … I’ve had to put a blanket on the bed last week. Do you think it’s time to take the quilt out for an airing? ha! I’m getting mine out!
Late Breaks
It’s nice to still see an element of life about, Fig Tree Bay was packed the other day. As always on Halloween weekend in Napa, it was busy on the ‘T’ at the end of Bar Street. Castle Club, as usual, doubled up their Halloween Night as their end-of-season party. I’m hearing there’s still loads of people in the UK and various other EU countries that just want or need to get away to catch a bit of sun. So, as Cyprus has Europe’s best climate I’m expecting to see the coastal resorts busier than normal for November with several bars and restaurants staying open for the winter this year … who said it’s dead???
Events
As we come to the end of our long, hot, summer season, the season for exhibitions, tours, and festivals is well and truly underway. As usual, we’ll also see lots of end-of-summer closing parties, it’s any excuse to clear all the stock. Naturally, that will bring lots of winter opening parties, and maybe some really cool Christmas markets too! … did I say Christmas again??
Winter Destination
I’ve been living in Cyprus for over 30 years now and Cyprus has changed loads, and I’m absolutely certain we’re looking at ways to enhance our winter season, not just because we have the best weather in Europe and btw, by Christmas, Cyprus is one of the few places in the world where we can ski in the Troodos Mountains in the morning and swim in the Med in the afternoon … oh, I know I said Christmas again,
Up High
Troodos is wonderful in the autumn, some call it ‘Heaven’, ha! well, it’s almost high enough! … so, why not take a drive, or better still give one of our Safari Companies a call, and you’ll see the real Cyprus, but with an experienced guide to narrate your adventure!
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new fresh wine arrives in Cyprus on Thursday 21st November, I wonder which eatery will be first to pour it into their glasses … My money is on Savino Rock Bar or ‘Chez Fāina Fayrous’, Mediterranean Brasserie, Larnaca. The Queen Vic or The Old Village Tavern, in Napa, O’Niell’s Irish Bar & Grill or Bacchus Restaurant and Cafe, in Paphos, Hmm or Dionysus Mansion Fun & Gourmet, in Limassol … and probably Just Italian, or Karas Fish Taverna in Kapparis.
Wine Tasting
It’s touring season, and one really nice idea is to go Beer or Wine Tasting and of course, it’ll give you an excuse to say “It’s not too early” for your first glass and just in case you’re not in the know, Cyprus boasts some of the world’s finest wines, so you’ll be in for a treat … oh and, you can now enjoy several Wine Tasting Routes all signposted for you to follow and we’ve got one really good one called ‘Driving you to Drink’ written for What’s On by my very good friend Stanna many years ago and we’ve received loads of compliments over the years. Is it time to stock up for Christmas? … Nooo, I said it again !!!
Nothing to Do?
Oh, and you all know I have a huge passion for this amazing rock and I’m trying to keep you in the know about what’s on, and I’m lovin’ sharing it with you! So, with lots of events and Things to Do everywhere, you just have to follow What’s On Cyprus on our social media like Facebook or Instagram, daily, or check out our website. Just choose a city, one of 16 Major categories, and then one of 60 subcategories, or just try a one-word search, there’s over 1,800 pages and 30,000 photos, videos and numerous links to discover! And, if I hear you say ‘there’s nothing to do’, I’ll put you on the next flight outta here!
Quite Bazaar
I suppose it’s the start of winter, so many of our bars will swing towards the Cypriot market, as the more commercial places are on a 4-month holiday and the eating out scene will go right through to Christmas. Many of the local pubs, bars and community centres all over Cyprus put on Bingo Nights, Quiz Nights, Horse Racing Nights, and an amazing variety of events. You’ll also find the occasional Car Boot Sales, Christmas Markets, Christmas Bazaar, and well you name it! Remember, this rock isn’t very big so you can jump in the car and easily get Out and About.
Live Music
Many bars and restaurants have live music in the winter months, something to warm your cockles … Leading the way; Savino Live in Larnaca as always with an awesome lineup for the winter, so too O’Neills Irish Bar & Grill in Paphos, Blue Spice Restaurant and Koursaros Bar in Pernera, and Asylum in Napa … and I have to give Karen of the fabulous Kendall Events, a huge shout out for bringing us fabulous Tours of Cyprus by world-leading tribute artists … And if you missed Cyprus Rocks Festival last month you’ll find loads of Videos on my YouTube channel
Versatility
I’ve always said Cyprus is; ‘Versatility to The Extreme’, so if you fancy a little bird spotting get in touch with Birdlife Cyprus as it’s migrating season and they usually have a Family Birdwatching Day at Athalassa Park in Nicosia. Oh and, the Flamingos have already started landing at The Saltlakes in Larnaca … And I’m looking forward to getting up to the mountains this winter, might even try out a bit of Husky Sledding over Christmas … Not again??? … OMG, it is nearly Christmas!!!
Cultural Cyprus
A few years back Paphos hosted the European Capital of Culture and it’s really nice to see aftershocks from it, all over Cyprus, so keep your eyes peeled or check in Here … It’s Guy Fawkes night on 5th so if you’re looking for a professional firework display check out Pyrgos Fireworks website. I’ll imagine there will be a few restaurants and bars that’ll have fireworks on the weekend leading up to and including Tuesday the 5th … for a look at more Cultural Events go to the Cyprus Tourist Organisation’s Website … I’ve just discovered Atria Music in Nicosia and The Rialto Theatre in Limassol have a busy November with several different music and theatrical performances arranged!
Catch Up
For us Cypriots, November normally offers us a chance to strike up a few BBQ’s with good friends we haven’t seen for the past 8 months, the aromas are delightful. Hunting seasons started, so expect to see a little game on the BBQ and on the stoves, with authentic restaurants adding seasonal favourites like; Woodpigeon, Grouse, Pheasant, and Hare to their menu.
Paradise
It’s been a crazy season for me, to say the least, as many repeat visitors, made it over for the first time in 4 years, evidently missing their second home, aka Paradise, and remember, November is normally the start of stormy season, and as we only get about 40 days of rain between now and May, I can handle that! … Don’t panic, in Cyprus it rains one day, gone the next, so you’ll still get a Fab Tan or if not, you’ll have to go get one sprayed on at many of our Hair & Beauty Salons and Spas
Shopping
I’ve tried not to mention it but I can’t help thinking it’s only 8 weeks ’til Christmas … so I imagine you’ll all be starting to do your Christmas shopping soon … It’s easy as 123 … Just choose a city, go shopping and choose one of 16 subcategories … oh and if your Greek is a bit rusty, check out our The Lingo … Shopping Lesson …
You tell us …
We love to receive your comments, ideas, events, and stories, so please keep them coming … and if you get anything from this guide of places I’ve tried and tested and can confidently highly recommend, please say hi to the boss from me and if you think your business has something to shout about, if you tell us, we’ll tell them!
One Word
It’s so easy to check who’s open, what to do, where to go, and What’s On … all you have to do is choose a city, choose one of the 16 main categories, then one of the 60 subcategories, or just try a one-word search … and you’re three clicks away from a phone number and a map.
Finally
I’d just like to give a big shout-out to all our members who help make this Network Guide possible, and over 20,000 of you who follow us! Thanks especially to those of you who came up to say hi to me this year, your compliments are priceless and it makes it all worthwhile.
And really finally,
If I can give you just one tip for November … Make sure you do at least one thing you’ve never done before!!! … and next month, I might even mean to mention Christmas 😉
Na dah bou’men
Tony Dynamou
