International

As soon as you see this place, you'll know it oozes quality ... but tbh, it's much, much, more than it first seems ... Effectively, it's a mini resort, with a spacious area boasting a large swimming pool and cafe-style pool bar, surrounded by mature trees, delicious green lawn, palm sun shades, canvas sails and a lovely relaxed ambiance in a truly wonderful setting with free sunbeds and free WIFI ... and they're open all year except maybe January ...

I recently accidentally discovered 'Nai Coffee' on the road from Dherynia to Sotira.  The building is the stunning, old 'Kalograia Taverna', the barn-style staggered apex roof, striking and unusual.  It was the Illy Coffee sign that initially grabbed my attention, and I fancied a coffee, so my curiosity getting the better of me, I just had to pop in ...

Recently, Koulla invited me to try their fish platter on their weekly Cyprus Night with a traditional Cypriot dance group ... I'm so glad I went there hungry because the fish platter was big ... Their Greek dancing just awesome, traditional, right down to the famous glass tower dance, this guy is amazing, and when they get everyone up to join in its totally unique because of this perfect location, outside, with the little church as a backdrop and all of harbour approach is your dance floor with many passer-byes stopping to see what's on ... brilliant! btw it every Wednesday night, regulations permitting

Maria specialises in importing foods and more from all over Europe including; the UK, Romania, Germany, Sweden, Slovakia, and Poland, with more than a little bias towards Bulgaria, and even India, in fact, all over Asia.  So, there are great choices in European and Asian style sauces and ingredients and they even sell Basmati rice by the 20 Kg sack for crazy cheap prices.

It's just a short walk up from Ayia Napa's square and without a doubt, one of the best restaurants in Cyprus!, just ask anyone!  oh, and I should warn you, it’s seriously addictive!!!  Established over 30 years this eatery quickly gained its reputation as one of the finest eateries in Cyprus and every year they seem to get better.  They do absolutely everything with such style and finesse and with an excellent crew, most of them have been there for years, a few since they opened, so a more well-oiled team is hard to find.  Then there's the authentic music and traditional Mexican décor, regular events, oh, and sombreros and cacti everywhere! ... A visit is a must!

With over 40 years experience in catering, it shows through, in the way Spiros has created his menus, he explained; "it’s my hobby to find new authentic recipes on the net, then I cook them, taste them, and I invite my chefs to taste, and if we all agree, the dish becomes a 'Special of the Day', until eventually it gets added to one of our menus!" … brilliant!

... It was built to be a 5-star accommodation, so a tad more spacious, but it's run as a 4-star, a tranquil escape from the excitement of Ayia Napa.  And, it's owned by the hands-on, charismatic, Pantelis of Liquid Café and Sage Fusion Restaurants fame, those in the know will understand it's inevitable this hotel can only be first class.

The place looks traditionally British, well, it's on a corner for starters, but these days it's got a European twist as lots of their repeat clients are from various parts of Europe, particularly Scandinavia.  There's a covered terrace all the way around, the décor; lots of wood, comfy benches, colourful tables, low or high ... a row of tall red stools surrounding the bar, oh and blackboards everywhere and the host oozes hospitality ...

... the kitchen serves a Full English Breakfast or just Scrambled Eggs on Toast, Homemade Burgers, Homemade Pizzas, Pukka Pies, Fluffy Omelettes, Salads, Grills with delicious Chicken breast, Huge Pork Chops and even your favourite Toasties.  There's something for everyone including a separate Children's Menu ... and if you like to share try one of their delicious Meat Platters for two ...

I asked manager George how it all started? ... George said; "In 2018 it was just sand, in 2019 it was a canteen-style Kiosk.  We leveled it to the ground, removing rocks, bamboo bushes, and Acacia trees, and Paragka was rebuilt in 2021"  The whole idea was totally and inspirationally designed by George, now it's a sophisticated Beach Hut with its idyllic location, inviting a relaxed ambiance, accompanied by delectable cuisine, Paragka Beach Restaurant has become a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.