In my diaries I have mentioned the Kokkinoxoria. One of the villages that I would like to mention is the village where I grew up, Derinia. Derinia is a small village with friendly people but with a little history within the village. The whole world knows of…Read More

In my diaries I have mentioned the Kokkinoxoria. One of the villages that I would like to mention is the village where I grew up, Derinia.

Derinia is a small village with friendly people but with a little history within the village. The whole world knows of the fighting between the Greek- Cypriots and Turkish- Cypriots back in the 1996. Since then the village has calmed down and gone back to normal life.

Although it’s a small village, there the modern cons such as a post office (that does run every day), several clothes shops, a small folk museum (price: £ 1.00 per adult, kids go in free depending on their age), a couple of coffeehouses and a small square which was recently built.

Many tourists do visit Derinia to visit the houses that are located very close to the borderline (otherwise known as the green line) to see with binoculars to the Turkish Cyprus. (Prices: they vary from house to house) .One house to mention here is VIEW POINT.But then again there only 2-3 houses which do this.

I think the best part about Derinia is the fact that it is quiet and its only about 10-15 minutes’ drive away from the beach and from the noisy Ayia Napa.

Like the Italians, the Greeks and the French, Cypriots are VERY proud of their food. It sometimes varies from home to home, but that depends on the way you have learned how to cook (i.e., I know how to make pastichio, in other words pasta in…Read More

Like the Italians, the Greeks and the French, Cypriots are VERY proud of their food.

It sometimes varies from home to home, but that depends on the way you have learned how to cook (i.e., I know how to make pastichio, in other words pasta in the oven, one way and my cousin knows it differently).

One of the many well-known foods is kleftiko (lamb cooked for hours in the oven with potatoes, it's fab!). Kleftiko again can vary on how you make it on the basis of what cut of meat you buy or what amount of spices you put in it. Best places to have kleftiko is at the tavernas at the village mountains.

One of the famous dishes that Cyprus and Greece are very, very well known for are mezedes. But I must say that they are very different between the two countries and they may be different from restaurant to restaurant.

These restaurants (a.k.a Tavernes) can be found in the most unbelievable places. The décor (outside and inside)of the taverna may be tacky, but trust me, don’t be put off by it because you are really there for the food.

Mezedes are similar to Spanish tapas, but I think that mezedes are tastier. These dishes can vary from 10 dishes to 20. So,prepare your tummy...

They usually start with dips such as tahini (made from sesame), taramosalata (made from fish roe) and talattouri (made from cucumber and yogurt).They usually bring out some bread to go with it.

Then the famous halloumi (Cypriot goat cheese, NOT Greek) and lountza (smoked pork) and some green olives mixed with spices.

Then all the vegetable dishes come out and then the meat dishes and if you have room they may bring out dessert.

Trust me, guys, the dishes are fantastic, but you have to be VERY VERY VERY (note that I wrote three times the word very) hungry, because you do sit down for hours and eat. But I think the best way to enjoy it as well is once you have found your favourite taverna, do go with friends!

Many people think that Cyprus is hot the whole year, but trust me, it’s NOT! You can’t go to the beach in the middle of December for a swim -- the weather may be sunny, but the sea isn’t! If you are a scuba fan,…Read More

Many people think that Cyprus is hot the whole year, but trust me, it’s NOT! You can’t go to the beach in the middle of December for a swim -- the weather may be sunny, but the sea isn’t! If you are a scuba fan, then a wet suit will be okay, I guess, but normal swimming is a no-no. It’s freezing! I would say that the warm weather starts from mid-April and goes on till early October or November. It does get very cold over there, so please don’t be fooled by the fact that Cyprus is an island and seems like it would be hot all year round! It does get cold like everywhere else, sometimes colder than England.Close

Owned by a local art teacher, this place is very well known for their pottery and the fact that they are handmade and -painted. There you will see many beautiful pottery pieces and at reasonable prices (starting from £ 2.00 Cypriot pounds). Also, the well trained girls…Read More

Owned by a local art teacher, this place is very well known for their pottery and the fact that they are handmade and -painted.

There you will see many beautiful pottery pieces and at reasonable prices (starting from £ 2.00 Cypriot pounds).

Also, the well trained girls on the wheel and hand painting who are working there do shows on the wheel and they hand-paint the pottery right in front of you. You can have a 'go' if you like.

Be aware of the bus tours because sometimes you may go in there to have a look and a whole bus full of tourists will come in and the half of the shop will fill up.