What's On Cyprus

It's all sort of lean-to-Tikki-style shack on the beach, all wood and lots of bamboo ... out front the aroma of freshly watered lush green grass lawns, a beach volleyball court, and outdoor seaview massage booths.  A gorgeous spacious veranda, covered with bamboo, creates delightful shaded patterns to enjoy your stay, with stunning sea views over Pernera Bay.  I love stuff like; Speis' handmade crisps shelf and the colourful signage on the wooden rails that run down the side of the cafe ... It's a really cool beachside cafe ...

I've had the pleasure to work closely with this impeccable hotel since 1993.  To be honest if you ever stay here, there's a very good chance you'll go back!  I think its because it's still a family run hotel, with many of their staff staying long enough to be family and its without a doubt regarded as one of Cyprus's finest hotels.  In fact, they were recently awarded a Trip Advisor Travelers' Choice Award for 2021 to add to an ever increasing impressive list of awards over the years.

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.

I was thrilled to finally get a chance to catch up with Zannetos at Fig Tree Bay Zefkas George & Son Restaurant, and I was amazed to learn that the history of Fig Tree Bay actually started here ... This beach, of course, has always been popular with the locals way before tourism really existed. Situated on the far west of Famagusta Bay, where the locals went to get away from it all, in the days when there was absolutely nothing here but sand and a few footprints ... Click here for a reaal cool insight to this landmark on Fig Tree Bay, Protaras ... with a Map & More ...

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

I've been eating at Ropas since my first season here, the year they opened in 1991 … It's one of my favourite places to go if I fancy truly authentic Cypriot Meze.  Costas and his wife Nikki have of course become very good friends and I have to say this guy oozes traditional Cypriot hospitality.  So too, Nikki and son Stelios out front and daughter Flora helping Nikki in the kitchen, tbh this family team is really hard to beat!

Specialising in Pork or Chicken Souvlaki cooked over real charcoal nice and slowly … They’re getting good vibes about their Gyros made with pork, beef, lamb or chicken using the family recipe, marinated for two days before being slow cooked on the Rotisserie … served in Greek or Cypriot Pitta Bread, topped with salad and a selection of sauces … but I must say the Pork Steak in a Bun is delicious! …

... Now, this is where this place excels ... they call them seasonal 'Rain Gifts' because Tony and the family are dedicated to bringing you the freshest and most sought-after wild Cypriot produce, like baby wild Artichokes, Snails, fresh Asparagus, and Tony takes a regular trip to Paphos to find rare wild mushrooms, all part of the norm.  Tony often walks 15km to 25km a day to bring you the best selection that night ... needless to say if you like wild Mushrooms omg, this place is an absolute must!

Nestled on the wonderful Kalamies Beach in Pernera, this spacious family run restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  This truly is a first class eaterie, continuing to provide traditional freshly cooked Cypriot cuisine served with pure Cypriot hospitality for almost forty years ...

They'll turn up, on time, every time, and cook you everything from breakfast or brunch to a three-course a'la carte meal, in your kitchen or the venue of your choice, even if you want it served around your complex pool or on the beach.