Secret Cyprus
Secret Cyprus
When most people think of Cyprus, they think of sand, sea, boat trips, cocktail bars and a disorienting blend of restaurants. This is not a sorry thing and s definitely what a lot of people are appearing for or they would not be felicitous to return year after year. But, there is more and I have happened it. It entails enticing you away from the coastwise resorts to observe the ‘Secret Cyprus’
After having travelled to Cyprus many times I decided I was bewitched by the people and the Mediterranean way of life. Having seriously made up one’s mind that I would like to make Cyprus my home, I settled to observe what this aesthetic ‘Island of Love’ was all about on my next Paphos holiday.
The warmth of the Island in mid-March was a shock after arriving from the freezing climes of England and the colours in the fields and the full banana plantations were a respite from the bustle of city life.
I decided to check out a holiday in the villages and short-listed my choice toKathikas, Anarita, Tsada and Episkopi. I selected these because they all have a conventional village square and I was anxious to experience the tangible Cypriot way of life
The contrast between spending my Paphos holidays in a village rather than close to the coast could not be more acute. I was away from the all-night karaoke bars and the tourist shops trading a disorienting blend of Cyprus lace, cloying delicacies and t-shirts for grandma to purchase for the kids back home
The villages of Episkopi and Kathikas are a reminder of what Cyprus living is really all about and the locals still go about their daily business, quite oblivious to what is happening on the coast 15-20 minutes drive away. Having stated this though, they are more than felicitous to see any day trippers and will make every effort to supplement their income by trading localised bring forth much as fruit, vegetables, lace, and of course their home made Commandaria (cloying Cyprus wine)
I made my accommodation selection from a variety of villas to rent Paphos and opted eventually to stay in Kathikas Village, which is approximately 15 minutes drive from Coral Bay and 20 minutes drive from the pretty fishing portof Latchi in the other direction. I engaged a car though and made bound I visitedall these villages during my stay. They all have attractions of their personal andcharms that tug more at the senses than the purse strings. For a get down, the climate is cooler in summer, they all have an amidship village square and churcharound which life revolves. I even faltered across the out of the blue family run Sterna winery and was made very welcome to seek a tasting and sit down a while to get word the interesting story of the cellar history.
Episkopi village entrance is dominated by a steep rock face displaying the full bodied colours of Cyprus soil. The conventional structure of the village remains largely dateless and the roads are bare and often bluff. I was enamoured to see working donkeys transporting crops of oranges from the fields. The landscape in this area reveals a disorienting display of oranges, limes, lemons, grapes and almonds
Anarita and Tsada are not so far inland, in fact only a 5 to 10 minutes drive from a beach or golf club if you feel you still need to feel sand between yourtoes or take the challenge of an unfamiliar course, but all still have the allure of village life and the locals will extend their welcome in the villagetavernas if you wish to try a Cyprus Meze or any local speciality.
All these villages exhibit a community spirit and it is fascinating to watch the older gentlemen of the village gather at the local coffee shop to play cards, backgammon or set the world to rights. I have yet to go through through any Cyprus village without seeing the old locals partaking a tale or having a laugh
A failure of imagination or knowledge means that we often park ourselves whereit feels familiar and amongst others from our own Country which often leaves us wondering why we traveled abroad, apart from the sun, obviously. Take the challenge, observe ‘Secret Cyprus’ and experience some tangible Cyprus dwelling in the villages.
