Next to the Lake
Paralimni is best described as Ayia Napa and Protaras’ ‘live in’ village, Para-limni means, next to the lake! And some winters we get enough rainwater to confuse more than a few flamingos on their last inbound hibernation …
Optimistic Passion
It’s probably the fastest growing town in Cyprus! What used to be the Paralimni by-pass has become the banking centre of the Ammohostos area. In the heart of town the very old, fairly old and not so old churches sit side by side which signifies the direction things are moving. The locals around here are getting excited with the prospect of Greek Cypriots getting Famagusta back. It’s just ten minutes down the road, and naturally, many refugees, aka ‘Varashiotis’ now living here, are looking forward to re-building their properties. You can actually feel the passion, desire and hope, and it could happen very soon …
Tavernas
If you are going to mosey out of town, then a visit to Paralimni makes a change from quaint villages, it will give you more of an idea of real life over here, a blend of the traditional and the not so traditional. Tavernas and cafes are a’plenty, but they are often tucked away so explore the side roads. Being a functional town you’ll find all the services you might need, and generally they are quite efficient. Four big supermarkets provide all the basic essentials, a big post office now found down on the Sotira Road, finally closing at 3 pm instead of 1.30 ? and now all the major banks … and on that note it looks like the Cypriots have made it through another crisis, yet again …
Luna Park
You’ll even spot a little Marks & Sparks in the middle of town, near the new fountain and a bigger, newer shop on the bypass. There’s the little Luna Park, which is a great place to stop and watch the world go by …
Indies
The village has some nice little shops and boutiques with independent designer labels and even top club-wear. Souvenir shopping at shops like Tempo line, one of the few places that store nice greetings cards, and plenty of jewellers, beauticians, lace shops, computer and visual services, ethnic shops, nail artists, haberdasheries, ten pin bowling and everything you’d expect from a fast growing town. ohh … It’s always worth grabbing a cab to shop at locals’ prices; it’ll be more then worth the fare !!!
Kapparis
Down on the coast of Paralimni is the Kapparis area, much a little resort on its own … it’s the coastal road, from Ayia Triada, where you’ll find holiday accommodations, and many restaurants, fish tavernas and even Just Italian restaurant, several British style pubs, as not that long ago this little area had about 3000 expat residents, much as that’s now changed, it still remains open all year, providing live entertainment, events, bingo, and somewhere to watch the match … Whilst right on the coast several quaint little beaches, increasing by at least two last year, provide safe crystal clear swimming and great snorkelling or fishing and of course watersports …
Paralimni is a great town, all year round!
By Tony Dynamou
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