September 2009 Newsletter
Off the beaten track in the
Akamas
On
the western end of Cyprus nestled between Pafos and
Polis lies the environmental safe haven of the Akamas
peninsula. Although it offers serenity, wild beauty and
local fauna, it is easily accessible (10 minutes from
Coral bay in Pafos) and can be visited by 4x4 vehicle,
quad bike or on foot, along one of the nature trails
that cross the peninsula, such as those of Aphrodite or
Adonis, affording marvelous views of the bay and the
west coast and an opportunity to admire nature from
close up. European path E4 cuts through the region as it
goes across the island.
Stop off for a rest in the shady Smygies picnic site, a
place associated with love and where Diogenes met
Rigaina. The area is also ideal for cycling due to its
numerous forest roads.
Other great sites that should not be missed is the
turtle beach at Lara bay, which apart from being one of
the most stunning beaches on the island, one can also
view turtle hatchings.
Don’t forget to stop by the blue lagoon and dive into
the island’s bluest water and stop by a pool fed by a
freshwater mountain spring dripping down the sides of a
shady grotto overhung by a leafy fig tree, which has
come to be known as the Baths of Aphrodite (legend has
it that the deity of Love would swim there!).
Lemesos Wine Festival
Cyprus’s wine capital Lemesos lives
up to its reputation as a party town with a wine
festival that it hosts every year. Held at the Municipal
Gardens, just across from the coastal promenade, in late
August, early September, this event has been a regular
fixture since it was first launched in 1961.
The Wine Festival began as a tribute to the island’s
long winemaking tradition, growing in size and variety
over the years. Inspired by the ancient festivals
dedicated to the God of Wine Dionysus and the Goddess of
Beauty and Love Aphrodite, it combines fun and
merrymaking with ample wine and food and a variety of
performances from local and international artistic
groups.
Addressed to permanent residents as well as foreign
guests, the Wine Festival offers an opportunity to
sample different local wines from large and small
wineries, and traditional Cypriot food. Another popular
crowd-puller is a traditional wine press. There is a
small entrance fee, but once inside all the wine is
free. The Festival’s trademark is the huge “Vraka Man”
that towers over the entrance with the welcoming motto
“Drink wine to be healthy”.
UAE
continues to defy the general downturn trend
33.7% increase of visitors from the
United Arab Emirates to Cyprus, compared to 2008
arrivals (January – July 2009 vs. January- July 2008)
Whilst this is one of the worst years with regards to
tourism arrivals for most destinations around the world,
arrivals from the UAE to Cyprus are still showing a
strong increase.
Cyprus being a short-haul destination for UAE residents
is also… recession friendly as hotels and especially
airlines have reduced their rates compared to the
previous years.
Being a short-haul vacation spot, its uniqueness stands
out from the other Middle East destinations, due to the
fact that it is a Mediterranean experience combined with
pristine beaches, traditional villages on scenic cool
mountains, bustling nightlife and a history dating back
to 10,000 years, which all can be visited during a quick
trip of 4 nights!
Connectivity has also been an additional advantage as
Emirates operates daily flights to Cyprus from Dubai and
Etihad Airways flies three times a week from Abu Dhabi.
Cyprus presentation to Etihad
Holidays staff in Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
