What's On Cyprus

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.

This place is a little warehouse of goodies, wines, spirits, beers, ciders, soft drinks, energy drinks, and party nibbles all at crazy discounted prices boasting the best offers you'll find anywhere.  There's also a selection of alternative souvenirs like speciality spirits and after dinner accompaniments .. plus you can pay in your currency with a no commission money exchange service ...

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!

George showed me around the grounds explaining; "You can learn so much about marine life here, and rivers and swamps and the Penguins, the first ever in the Mediterranean region, naturally kept comfortable in the appropriate climate controlled environment".  Just watching one of their videos I amazingly learned that all Gold Fish don't have stomachs, so they have to keep eating, which means you should feed them small amounts 5 times a day, probably why I was never successful keeping one, but now I know!

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 ...

Boasting a full stage, so everyone can see ... with an awesome light n sound system !

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.

This is where they excel, specialising in over 20 different choices of kebabs.  Gyros here is a choice of 4 meats, pork, chicken from Greece, beef and lamb from the UK, each cut into thin slices, layered and seasoned, and set onto big skewers ready to be imported.  Vangelis said, "I spend a little extra, but I get the very best" ... I asked "do you then add a little more seasoning" and he said "there's really no need", tbh, the beef Gyro was probably the best I've ever tasted ...

Over a gorgeous cappuccino I asked Vaida, why she created 'The Loop'? … She explained; "I'm originally from Lithuania, but lived in Holland for many many years and fell in love and married Nicos a Cypriot and finally moved to Cyprus just 8 years ago" … Vaida continued, "I noticed there was a distinct lack of places to get good fresh food, not just vegetarian and vegan but specialising in healthy eats and healthy diets".

I asked Solomos for the reason behind their success, and he said "for us everything we do is unique, we give our best to assure each guest leaves here happy", even if all you want is a coffee, afternoon drink, share an exotic flavour, or a little snack, while you watch the match on one of 7 big TV screens.