Paphos Waterfont, let the frappes begin - Cyprus

Your first reaction when arriving into Paphos is "tourist trap".  The beachfront is lined with hotels as it snakes it way around to the Marina which ends at the Paphos Archaeological Park.

So what do they say when in Paphos do as the tourists do! so we stopped on the waterfront and enjoyed the first of many frappes that would be ordered throughout this trip.

Petra Tou Romiou - Cyprus

Over the week that we were in Cyprus we spent most of time visiting the places of interest as suggest by our Loney Planet Guide. Cyprus is not super large island and you can get from one side to the other in a matter of hours.  Rather than a day by day blog, I am going for a place by place entry.

Petra Tou Romiou, but is also more recognisable by it's anglo name, Aphrodite's Rock.  It is said that as the waves break over the rock a pillar of foam is formed with an almost human shape.

 On arrival we parked at the Visitors Pavilion.  From there you walk through a tunnel that runs under the road to the beach.  With good intentions to swim, the water was a little cool for us, but it didn't seem to worry the others happily frolicking around in the clear water.  Apparently this is also a fabulous spot to watch the Sunset.

Grocery Shopping - Cyriot Style!

This was so unique it had to have it's own blog entry.  We decided to a grocery shop of the essentials and not too far from our apartment we found the supermarket.
Just like all supermarkets outside of Australia, everything is sold under one roof.  So what happens if you have you spread your goods over 2 floors, you install shopping trolley escalators of course...  Never seen them before probably wont again...

Staying awake at the Old Port Limassol

Cyprus has had a fascinating past, many invaders, settlers and immigrants have come over the centuries and the island has seen Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Lusignans, Genoeses, Venetians, Ottomans, British and Turks all seeking to take a part of Cyprus for themselves.

 One of its most famous conquerors was Richard the Lionheart, who decided he had too much on his plate trying to get a strong hold in the Holy Land, he sold it to the Templars, who realise this is harder than it looks... begged Richard to take it back who in turn resold it to a Frenchman.
Although Cyprus is still split in two, it has grown into a beautiful and thriving country. I am a bit bias as the majority of my roots sprouted from this country.
Once we had settled ourselves into our apartment we decided we needed to stay awake, so we ventured back out along the waterfront.
It seems on most Mediterranean Islands, there is an old town bordering an old port, with cobbled streets lined  with tourist shops. Add to that the Cafe's and restaurants, then throw in a castle and you will that Cyprus is not exception to the norm.

As if morphing from old to new, the Limassol Marina pulls you into modern Cyprus.  Next to the old port you will find yachts, luxury apartments and trendy restaurants lining the waterfront.  But if you are on a tight budget don't depair, you can also find KFC and Pizza Hut.