A visit to Athens

On a beautiful Spring morning, we boarded a Ryanair flight from Paphos to Greece's capital city of Athens.

We were joined by our friends, Steve and Mary for our visit and the flight from Cyprus took just over one and a half  hours.

We were picked up by our driver and whisked to the outskirts of Athens were were met by the City's famous chaotic traffic.

We finally made to our hotel in just over the hour mark.

Our base for our visit to Athens was the Plaka Arch suites hotel, this was a real find, a beautiful small hotel right in the heart of the city and a very short walk from the famous Acropolis and the local Metro station.

After check in we went in search of some lunch and had a lovely meal at Ionis taverna in the heart of Plaka, they even provided complementary wine and shots of the local ouzo. 

After lunch we decided to head over to Lycabettus Hill, the steps up to this are quite steep and we were glad to arrive at the funicular station. A short, but very steep ride brings you out into the viewing area, where the 360 degree views m the  City are nothing short of stunning.

In the distance you can make out the cranes from the port of Piraeus, the Acropolis and numerous landmarks of the city, we also visited the small church at the top (St Georges.)

After taking some dramatic photos of the views we headed back down the hill and made our way over to monument of the unknown soldier.

The guards at the monument were dressed in their traditional uniforms and marched in slow motion in front of the monument.

 

In the evening we strolled through the narrow streets of the Plaka district and had dinner at the Estia restaurant,  the food and the service was good.

Green Monday

There’s something special about springtime in Cyprus. The air is warm but fresh, the hills are alive with wildflowers, and the sky stretches wide and blue above the Mediterranean. This year, we celebrated Green Monday in true Cypriot style, heading up to Panorama in Pissouri for a day filled with food, tradition, and the simple joys of the season.

Green Monday, also known as Clean Monday, marks the beginning of Lent in the Greek Orthodox calendar. But beyond its religious significance, it’s a day rooted in community and culture, where families and friends gather outdoors for picnics, games, and kite-flying.

The Panorama area of Pissouri, true to its name, offers stunning views over the village and coastline, making it the perfect spot for a Green Monday celebration. As we arrived, the buzz of laughter and music filled the air. The local children started off the afternoon's entertainment with a display of Cypriot dancing.

We found ourselves welcomed by locals, who, in true Cypriot hospitality, insisted we try everything. A sip of local wine (Lenten fasting doesn’t prohibit that, thankfully!) and we were well and truly in the festive spirit.

Another Birthday and near freezing weather

This week, Rob celebrated yet another birthday with a Chinese lunch with friends at the Klimitarea restaurant in Mandria. 

The food was delicious and the company entertaining. We were also lucky with the weather, after this week's heavy downpours, the sun came out and made a lovely day.

On a bitterly cold night in Cyprus, Rob and Pete drove over to the Alphamega football stadium to watch the local derby game between  Aris v AEL.

After a cagey first half, Aris ran out winners by 4-0. As we left the stadium we noticed that the temperature was close to freezing.

Huge downpour in Pissouri

One moment, the sky over Pissouri was a hazy grey, the air thick with the weight of an impending storm. The next, the heavens opened, unleashing a torrential downpour unlike anything we'd seen in months. Within minutes, the dry, sunbaked streets of the village were transformed into fast-flowing streams, as the overwhelmed drains failed to cope with the sheer volume of water.

Rain hammered down in sheets, bouncing off rooftops and cascading from gutters like miniature waterfalls. The narrow lanes of the village, usually so still and quiet, became gushing channels of muddy water, rushing downhill towards the bay. Cars crawled cautiously through the flood, their tyres sending up waves that splashed against shopfronts and doorsteps. A few villagers, caught unprepared, dashed for cover beneath awnings, their clothes drenched within seconds.

Out on the motorway, the scene was even more dramatic. Visibility dropped to near zero as windscreen wipers struggled hopelessly against the deluge. The pounding rain blurred the road ahead, and drivers were left with no choice but to pull onto the hard shoulder, hazard lights flashing, waiting for the storm to ease. The sound of raindrops on metal roofs and asphalt was deafening, a relentless drumming that drowned out even the roar of passing traffic.

Then, as suddenly as it arrived, the storm began to retreat. The rain softened, the sky lightened, and the village started to breathe again. Water swirled down into the drains, leaving behind glistening pavements and the fresh, earthy scent of a well-drenched landscape. The storm had passed, but its force was unforgettable—a stark reminder that even in the warm embrace of the Mediterranean, nature can still take us by surprise.

A village award and Greek singer Demos Beke

The village of Pissouri was ranked in a poll by UN tourism in the top  50 villages for visitors in the World. A celebration to commemorate this occasion was held in the village square. 

Dignitaries from the Cypriot government attended the event including the minister of tourism.

 There were a few stalls selling local handcrafts and food. The village council laid on complementary food and drink for the villagers. After speeches by various dignitaries, traditional music and dancing entertained the guests.

In the evening we joined a few friends at the Symposium restaurant in Pissouri square, after a delicious Cypriot meze the diners were treated to the high energy show of Greek singer, Demos Beke .

Lunch at Timi Beach bar

On a crisp afternoon, Steve and Mary picked us up and drove us to Timi Beach Bar, a hidden gem nestled in a peaceful bay near Paphos Airport. The moment we stepped inside, we were welcomed by the comforting glow of a crackling log burner, filling the space with warmth and charm.

   

We started our afternoon with pre-dinner drinks, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere before our meal arrived. The feast began with a fresh salad, accompanied by assorted dips, warm bread, and beetroot. Next, we savored minced meat wrapped in cabbage leaves, paired with couscous and mushrooms.

 The main course featured succulent pork and lamb souvlaki, served with flavorful Cypriot potatoes—each bite a taste of authentic local cuisine. To complement our meal, we shared a chilled bottle of Tsiakkas wine, adding the perfect touch to the evening.

The setting was truly special—just yards from the calm, glassy waters of the Mediterranean. As we finished our meal, we were treated to refreshing bowls of fresh fruit cocktail. The evening ended on a delightful note when the owner personally checked in on us, ensuring we had enjoyed our experience and surprising us with a complimentary bottle of wine.

As we stepped outside, the sky had darkened, and a storm was rolling in over Pissouri, adding a dramatic close to our unforgettable afternoon at Timi Beach Bar.

Tangerine Festival in Arkapas

On a beautiful February morning we set off from Pissouri with our friends Steve and Mary.

Our destination was the village of Arkapas which was just over a hour's drive away .  Arkapas was holding the second annual Tangerine festival. First stop was the local coffee shop to get the morning rolling.

There were numerous stalls set up along the main street in the shadow of the church of Panagia lamatika. There were plenty of food stalls as well as a number selling local handcrafts.

A couple of musicians strolled through the crowd playing their national tunes and there were baskets of free tangerines placed along the streets.

We left just as the festival started to get really busy and decided to headed somewhere for lunch. We eneded up in the small village of Gourri and made our way to the St George's restaurant where we enjoyed a meal of salad, pork & chicken souvla served with traditional roast potatoes.  

After lunch we strolled around the village where we came upon a bicycle museum that had bikes going back well into the last century as well as a display of art made out of engineering parts.

We continued onto St George's church, a classic Greek orthodox church. This is a stone-built church, which was constructed in the place of an older one which is dated around 1500A.D

THE PODCAST AT 

Football Shirt party and a New Weather camera

We were kindly invited to a birthday party that was held for three local guys at Adam and Heidi's house in Pissouri.

          

 

The theme of the Party was to wear a football shirt, the tops of most of the major teams were on show and even one from Ghost busters FC.
There was even a lady  referee (Tania) and two linesmen who handed out disciplinary yellow and red cards for various offenses and the forfeit was to drink a alcoholic shot.

Various table games were played including blow football and a version of "Play your cards right"

A New weather camera has been set up at the top of Pissouri Village by By Kitas weather,.It shows the local school and views of Pissouri and the surrounding area . It can be reached by the link below.

Weather camera for Pissouri

A walk along Pissouri Bay

The glorious winter weather in Cyprus continues, so we headed down to Pissouri Bay for a stroll along the shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea. It was good to see a number of people on the beach enjoying the sunshine.

While there, we also explored the trail that winds its way up to Cape Aspro. The trail seems to been improved from our last visit and we will  have to hike this trail on our next visit.

The Mediterranean was incredibly serene, as still as a sheet of glass, and its waters were crystal clear.

pre Birthday Lunch in Mandria

On another glorous Winter's day we drove over to the village Mandria for Mandy's pre birthday lunch at the  Klimatoria restaraunt. We were joined by Pete and Tania, Steve and Mary and Wayne and Toni.

Although the Klimatoria is know  for its traditional Cypriot food they also serve from an Asian menu and that's what we decided to for.

The food was plentiful and delicous and the setting in the outside terrace was comfortable as the dappled sun shone through the grape vines.

We returned to Pissouri and continued the celebrations at the  Pissouriana hotel.