By: Patricia Winter -
Which one of the following would you prefer 1) a “grab and go” high fat/high sugar meal from one of the many fast food places around or 2) a delicious, healthy and freshly prepared meal?
I believe that I can guess which one most of us would choose – the second.
A few weeks ago we discovered Dori’s, a Lebanese takeaway that had recently opened in Paphos and provides just such an option.
Tender, marinated, spiced chicken *** souvlaki (kebab) served in large Lebanese pitta bread, filled to bursting with mushrooms, tomatoes, lettuce and pickled cucumbers. This can be ordered hot or mildly spiced, with or without garlic. If you’re not fond of chicken, there’s the tender, marinated beef kebab with garlic and spices.
Vegetarian? Try the fried eggplant and cauliflower with hummus, tomatoes, lettuce and pickled cucumbers, or the mix of vegetable and mushroom souvlaki marinated in a special sauce. Falafel (chickpeas blended into a puree and combined with various spices, rolled into balls then fried in oil, is also available as is labneh (strained yogurt with tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, mint leaves, olives and olive oil).
Dori’s has a large variety of choices available including grilled, marinated chicken ***, baby fish and freshly prepared French fries.
We have ordered from here several times – it is always sparklingly clean, the service friendly and helpful and the portions are large. It did, however, take time to prepare our orders, so it’s probably a good idea, if you don’t have much time on your hands, to drop in and pick up a menu beforehand, then phone in your order 30 – 45 minutes before you need to collect it. Or, you could simply sit and relax with a soft drink or a cold beer and wait while it’s being prepared. Either way we think it’s worth it.
Dori’s, 13 Tepeleniou St. (that’s the one-way street where the electricity office is located, and Dori’s is on the right-hand side, a few metres before the electricity office), Paphos. Tel: 26 22 25 80.
Over-Looking Coral Bay
• 3 bedroom, 2 bath Bungalow - €399,000 EUR - Full Title Deeds & Huge Plot
Coral Bay, Paphos - This charming bungalow is located in a private and peaceful setting on a cul-de-sac in Coralo Hills overlooking Coral Bay. You will enter your home through a private, electric gate and a long finished drive that can accommodate up to 5 cars plus a 2 car attached garage that leads directly to the kitchen. The large plot has a well landscaped garden, automatic irrigation system, 11 x 5 square meter pool, pergola with a BBQ table and a large rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of Coral Bay, Paphos coast and the Mediterranean Sea.
This 3 bedroom bungalow is perfect for a family, holiday home or as a an investment. You need to see this property in order to really appreciate its' fine qualities from the open and airy living room, the elegant dining room with the open kitchen to the large master with en-suite. This home has it all!
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Carnival time in Cyprus is nearly here! From the 1st until the 4th of February the Town Crier will be announcing the Carnival’s arrival all around Limassol. Carnival was celebrated in ancient Greece and organized in honor of the God Dionysos. Ancient Greeks got dressed in various costumes, wore masks, played games and had feasts that lasted for days. The custom and tradition is still going strong today. Carnival in Cyprus is a two-week period of celebrations with a focus on food, festivites and games before the 50 days of fasting before Easter.
The first week of the Carnival is called Meat Week or "Kreatini" since it is the last week for eating meat before Easter. The second week is known as Cheese week or "Tyrini." The last Sunday of Cheese Week is the highlight of the Carnival and this year falls on Valentines Day - February 14th. This is when the Grand Carnival Parade takes place in Limassol. Green Monday or Clean Monday always follows the 2 week Carnival festivites which is also the first day of Lent and a National holiday in Cyprus and Greece.
During Cheese week, you will find many seasonal and fresh specialties such as the Greek pastry "bourekia" which is filled with mint flavor cheese or other delicious sweets such as "daktyla" and "kandaifi." Cheese ravioli is popular at this time and also a pumpkin filled pastry that is not quite as sweet as the others mentioned above. Many Cypriots will pack a picnic on Green Monday and head for the countryside where their picnic feast will include vegetables, olives, bread and salad and local wines. You will see the skys filled with kites which is a site to see and island-wide tradition.
Carnival festivities begin on the Thursday of Meat Week. Highlights of the festival include the entrance of King Carnival, the Children's Carnival Parade, the Serenaders' Parade and the Grand
Carnival Parade of chariots and groups. Festivities take place in towns all over the island, Limassol hosts the most famous celebration and has the most festivities. Larnaca and Paphos also offer impressive parades, fancy dress parties and town decor.
In Paphos, Winters Home Plaza has already started getting in their Carnival Costumes. Their shop is great and located on the Mesogi Road on the way to Polis. Get ready now to have some fun, stay safe and enjoy it!
Some important dates for the upcoming holidays: Sunday 14th February - 1.30p.m. Grand Carnival Parade in Limassol / Monday 15th February - Green Monday / Friday 2nd April - Good Friday / Sunday 4th April - Easter
Panoramic Sea Views
• 260 sq. m., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - €795,000 EUR - Title Deeds
Tala, Paphos - This 4 bedroom villa is located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Tala village. The traditional village square with its many quaint tavernas and restaurants is minutes’ away and there are many local amenities such as shops, small supermarket, delicatessen, pharmacy, bakery, dvd shop and beauty salon.
The property sits on a hillside on an impressive corner plot with spectacular views of the countryside and coastline.
The ground floor comprises a large entrance hallway which leads through to a spacious open plan lounge and formal dining area with brick surround open fireplace. With full size windows, and two set of patio doors leading to the terrace and swimming pool outside, this room is full of light, and enjoys the wonderful views.
The kitchen is separate and has a good size dining area. It is well equipped with breakfast bar, quality appliances, stainless steel cooker hood and granite worktops. Patio doors lead to a large covered veranda, ideal for outdoor dining, and a built-in barbecue.
The hallway off the kitchen leads to a utility room with washing machine, dryer and fridge/freezer, a bedroom which is currently being used as a study, and a large bathroom with double shower.
A sweeping staircase from the large entrance hallway leads up to the first floor hallway. There are three double bedrooms all of which have plenty of fitted wardrobes with built-in dressing table, satellite TV access and their own private balcony with spectacular sea views. The master bedroom is particularly spacious and has en-suite shower with vanity unit and bedroom two and three share a large separate bathroom with vanity unit and tiled bath.
There is a large balcony with pool table accessed directly from the hallway and this area could be closed in to make an extra room should additional space be required.
The impressive 16 meter pool with Roman steps is a great place for relaxing and enjoying the wonderful views of the Mediteranean and Cyprus coastline.
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Full Title Deeds - Total Privacy
• 250 sq. m., 3 bath, 5 bdrm bungalow - €495,000 EUR - Price Reduced 100,000!!
Armou, Paphos - This unique bungalow is situated in near the centre of Armou village yet has total privacy as it is completely fenced and surrounded by mature gardens.
Upon entering the home the foyer has spectacularly high ceilings with stylish light fixtures. The home is spacious and well laid out with an eat-in breakfast bar and a separate dining room. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and a separate laundry room/pantry off of the kitchen. Built-in wine storage, double sink and plenty of cabinet space also make this kitchen functional and attractive.
The living room and dining room feature hardwood floors, the ceiling is also wooden beams, there is a fireplace, air conditioning and fantastic views. Shutters on the windows help keep the home cool. The five bedrooms all have fitted wardrobes and lead out to the large veranda with great views of Paphos town and the Mediterranean Sea.
Outside the home there is plenty of parking along with a garage, large swimming pool and pergola that share the same views of the area.
This is a perfect home for a large or a growing family that want room for entertaining or having guests stay.
Call to schedule a time to view this great bungalow!
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The Most Luxurious Villa in Paphos!
• 545 sq. m., 7 bath, 6 bdrm 2 story "Stunning Design" - €1,995,000 EUR - Price Reduced!
Akoursos , Paphos - This home is truly amazing in every way possible. You can live like royalty in this dream villa. The panoramic unobstructed views across Paphos, Coral Bay, the Akoursos Dam and the Cyprus mountains make this spectacular villa even more special. It is situated just 10 mins from Coral Bay, but remains private and exclusive.
The villa features very high ceilings throughout offering light and cool living, top of line appliances and fixtures, great layout and design, awesome location and modern technology.
The lounge is spectacular with 3 bays of windows including double French Doors to the pool terrace. The kitchen is unique and custom designed in solid, imported Maple with centre island. There is a seprate utility/laundry room, a pantry, granite counter tops, and maple cabinetry. The home features 3 separate indoor seating areas to enjoy.
The villa has 6 bedrooms and 3 feature modern ensuite bathrooms. All rooms have LG Air Conditioning, fitted wardrobes, wall lights or dimmer switches and bat, thermostatically controlled showers, stainless steel towel warmers and much more. One bedroom has double french doors leading to the lower courtyard. Another two bedrooms each have French doors leading to private terraces. The master suite has a huge walk-in, fully fitted dressing room. A private evening lounge is attached to the master suite and each room has large double doors leading to a huge private terrace. The master bathroom has a huge thermostatically controlled walk-in shower, large bath with thermostatic tap ware and double vanity unit.
There is a separate office/study with fittted bookcase, display cabinets, desk units and windows to 2 aspects.
Outside is fabulous for entertaining with a 1800 sq. feet sunken courtyard that could even hold a wedding party and a lawn area that would be ideal for tennis courts. There is a 12x6 Spanish Ceramic tile vanishing edge pool, a waterfall, an outdoor bar, 8 person jacuzzi, bbq area and much, much more!
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With Completion Certificate
• 68 sq. m., 2 bath, 2 bdrm apartment "Pool" - €88,500 EUR - Further Reduced!
Yeroskipou, Paphos - The apartment building is super convenient located close to all amenties, shops, schools and the Paphos harbour with wonderful seaviews, elevator, pool, private parking and more. The contemporary building is located is in a quite neighborhood in Paphos Yeroskipou.
The apartment is spacious with 2 bedrooms, balcony and 2 AC units. .
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Peyia, Paphos - Announcing a price reduction on Peyia, a 150 sq. m., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story. Now €239,000 EUR - HUGE PRICE DROP!!.
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High Quality Finishings
• 300 sq. m., 5 bath, 6 bdrm 2 story "Character Home" - €799,000 EUR - Title Deeds
Tala, Paphos - This fantastic villa with sea views is situated in the sought after area of Lofos, Tala. It is a superb villa with many features not usually seen in Cyprus homes. The setting is very private, set back from the road, yet in an established residential area close to all amenities.
A covered entrance porch leads to the downstairs accommodation which comprises a well equipped kitchen, spacious lounge, separate dining room, large master bedroom with dressing area, mahogany wardrobes and ensuite shower room, modern family bathroom with jacuzzi, a second bedroom which is being used as an office, and a sewing room.
The farmhouse style kitchen has a wooden beam ceiling, part brick effect walls. The five ring gas hob is inset with a solid oak beam above, specially imported from the UK. There is plenty of cupboard and worktop space with a second sink close to the dishwasher.
Many rooms in this character home have Georgian sash windows, cornice ceilings, ornate coving, wooden skirting boards and door frames with decorative wooden architrave.
The lounge with period fireplace is full of light with a wall of windows and patio doors leading onto an impressive veranda with archways and stone balustrade. The terrace spans the width of the house and has steps leading down from the centre to the wonderful swimming pool with roman steps, built-in barbecue and attractive stone wall garden.
Upstairs there are three double bedrooms, one with modern en-suite, and a separate bathroom. All have fitted wardrobes and wooden beam ceilings. One bedroom has a substantial sitting room area, and two have patio doors leading on to an enormous balcony with stone balustrade from where you can see the beautiful sea views and sunsets.
There is a further separate bedroom and large shower room, ideal as guest accommodation or maid’s quarters. This accommodation, together with the pool area can be accessed via a specially built pathway suitable for wheelchair access.
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Villa w/ Extra Rental Income Possible
• 3 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "Unique Layout" - €298,000 EUR - Great Sea Views
Chloraka Village, Paphos - This immaculately presented property is located in a quiet residential area, easy walking distance from the popular village of Chloraka. With it’s unique design, this property can be used as one large two storey house, or separated into two individual properties, one top floor and one ground floor.
The upstairs accommodation features a spacious well equipped kitchen with integrated appliances and adjoining dining area with superb, panoramic coastal views. An archway nicely separates this from the pleasant lounge with gas flame fire and built-in cloaks cupboard. Patio doors lead on to a large balcony with built-in barbecue, storage cupboards and sun awnings to provide shade.
Off the lounge is also a bedroom which is currently being used as a study room, and an arch frames the marble staircase leading up to a shower room, and down to the ground floor accommodation. Downstairs is a spacious master bedroom, with a wall of fitted wardrobes on one side, and patio doors leading onto to a private balcony on the other. There is a nicely finished separate bathroom which has double vanity unit with granite tops and two sinks. A passageway leads from here through to the third double bedroom with fitted wardrobes. It is this passageway which can be closed off and locked to make this accommodation completely self contained if required.
The remaining ground floor comprises a separate shower room and a cosy open plan lounge/dining room and kitchen. Again there is a good sized balcony with nice sea views. If a second lounge is not required, then this area can easily be converted into a fourth bedroom.
A lounge and kitchen on the ground floor makes this ideal for families with grandparents or older children wanting to have their own space. The current owners use the top floor and rent out the downstairs accommodation to fund their expenseexpenses. There is tremendous flexibility in the use of this property.
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“Concrete Jungle” is a description of Peyia that I have heard on a number of occasions from many expats. I do not agree with them at all. As a matter a fact, I think the need for growth is tremendous. At first I thought the reference was funny and it brought back memories from 1985 when I worked in the “Cabrini Greens” housing projects in the near North Side of Chicago, only 100 meters from downtown. It was one mile from the Magnificent Mile, two miles to Greek town and four miles to China town with much more in between - that was a concrete jungle. Peyia is not.
It is true that Peyia has grown a lot in the past decade and has many more expats than other more remote villages but it is still a nice, small village with many private properties with great views. Peyia is nestled in the hills overlooking all of Coral Bay. It has a nice village square with amenities such as a bank, shops, pubs and restaurants. There are all the basic amenities however, to go to a form of a department store you will have to drive at least 25 minutes into town to Debenhams. In my opnion there is a need for theatre, shops and other services in that area which could be enjoyed and profitable. There are many areas where it could be done and not spoil the area if done right. As for the expat community in Peyia they seem to have a strong voice in the village and most contribute positively to it and are proud of the place they found in the sun.
I have had at least two clients who wanted to sell their homes in Peyia because from the time they purchased the property to be built until they moved in they saw a lot of building nearby turning the place into a "Concrete Jungle." To each his own I say and it all depends on the lifestyle or expectations you have of living in Cyprus. Some buyers have heard the bad press and don’t want to even look at Peyia but if I have a property in Peyia that I think is perfect I have shown it to clients most are pleasantly surprised – someone even purchased one there after having reservations based on what he heard!!
This area of Paphos is home to some of the best properties with the most breathtaking views of the Cyprus coastline. Resale properties are now being sold at great prices in Peyia as everywhere else. With a resale you can see exactly what you are getting. I just want to say don’t judge Peyia without seeing it as you may also be pleased with what you see like I am! Tell us your thoughts and views on Peyia - I know it can get heated with all the varying opinions - interesting reading though so please share!
As Christmas approaches the mad rush to buy presents, prepare food, send cards and be jolly can make anyone exhausted even in the slower paced life of Cyprus. In Cyprus, Christmas has become more commercialized with shops well decorated, stocked and extending their shopping hours. The towns are also well decorated with Father Christmas statues, snowmen, angels and lights in town and throughout the villages. And, even though Easter is the bigger of the two events Christmas and New Years is not to be downplayed with many unique customs, foods and traditions.
For many Cypriots, Christmas is preceded by fasting. The season begins on December 6th, the Feast of St. Nicholas and ends on January 6th, the Feast of the Epihany. Christmas is celebrated as a religious holiday and on Christmas Eve people go to church and many children go from house to house singing carols or "kalanda" which have been passed down from Byzantine times.
Goblin-like and mischievious little sprites known as "kalikantzari" are said to prey upon people causing mischief during the 12 days of Xmas. Although not done as much as in the past, some people "protect themselves" by wrapping a sprig of basil around a cross and then sprinkling it with holy water. The water is then sprinkled in each room throughout the 12 days of Christmas.
In the past, children used to get their gifts on New Years Day since Father Christmas is "Agios Vasilis" or St. Basil whom was celebrated on New Years Day with the special cake "Vasilopita." Mothers would leave the cake with a candle on it and a goblet of wine for him - he would drink the wine, bless the cake then leave the gifts. Most people now exchange and receive presents on Christmas Day. The New Year's cake is still widely sold in bakeries or made in homes to be cut on New Years Day or Eve. The cake is not very sweet but has one gold coin in it - whomever gets the piece of cake with the coin in it is said to have good luck all year.
Some other popular foods at Christmas in Cyprus are Stuffed turkey which has become more popular in recent years or the tradional souvla made with lamb or pork cooked on the traditional Cypriot BBQ over charcoals. For sweets there are the delicious Kourabiedes - small almond cakes coated in icing sugar, melomakarona - honey cakes and Finikia - walnut cakes.
Whatever you choose to do in Cyprus over your Christmas holidays, stay safe, enjoy and have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous, healthy and Happy New Year 2010!!
Detached Villa on Corner Plot
• 130 sq. m., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - €270,000 EUR - Title Deeds
Paphos, Cyprus - This detached Tremithousa villa features 3 bedrooms and sits on a corner plot in a lovely traditional Cypriot village. The quaint village center is easy walking distance from the villa and Paphos is a 5 minute drive away.
The downstairs features a spacious open plan lounge/dining area and kitchen with breakfast bar and plenty of worktop/cupboard space. Off the lounge is a separate utility/storage room and guest toilet/shower room. Patio doors lead from the lounge to a covered veranda ideal for outdoor dining.
Upstairs there are three double size bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, and a spacious family bathroom with built-in vanity unit. The master bedroom has fitted chest of drawers with mirror, en-suite shower room, and patio doors leading on to a balcony with sea views. The second bedroom also has it's own balcony accessed via patio doors.
Stone walls and fencing border the mature gardens and swimming pool area. Attractive crazy paving surrounds the pool and there is plenty of space for relaxing and enjoying the sun .
This property is ideal for residential use, or as a holiday home/rental investment. Title deeds are available.
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Quiet cul-de-sac - GREAT PRICE!!
• 90 sq. m., 1 bath, 2 bdrm townhouse - €150,000 EUR - Title Deeds - REDUCED!
Tala, Paphos - This home is located in a residential area in a quiet cul-de-sac. This well maintained two bedroom townhouse is near to the sought after Cypriot village of Tala, within walking distance to the popular village square with its friendly tavernas and coffee shops.
Downstairs, there is a good size living/dining room with a freestanding wood burner, guest toilet, and a large well equipped kitchen with room also for informal dining. The kitchen leads to a fenced veranda at the rear of the property and to the communal swimming pool area which is very well maintained with shower and toilet. There is also a balcony off the living room at the front of the property, which overlooks the neatly tended front garden.
The top floor has two double sized bedrooms with a large stylish separate bathroom and plenty of storage space. Both bedrooms have large balconies, the rear bedroom overlooks an attractive communal garden, and the front bedroom has wonderful sea views.
This property is in excellent condition and has good quality finishes. The white goods are included in the price, together with curtains and light fittings. Title deeds are available.
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If you are planning a move to Cyprus and hope to find a job for your income then things don't look so promising. The most recent Cyprus statistics published by the government shows a dramatic increase in the unemployment numbers in the Cyprus market. Compared with last year when there were only 12,073 registered unemployed workers, this year the figure reached 20,892 and the yearly average of 17,139. Obviously this does not affect the many expats that are not looking to work in Cyprus but there are many younger families that move here with intentions to continue working.
The segments that are hardest hit are the construction and real estate segments which are obviously caused by the housing market followed by the retail, wholesale and service sector.
Although the news seems depressing, the reality on the ground is that these are registered documented numbers and there are many people employed that are not registered or are registered as unemployed and yet are earning some sort of income. I also think that in a market like this it is the best time for entreprenurial minded individuals to start projects and be able to find good people to help them get things started. The possibility of finding great locations for business and property are tremendous. When an economy is thriving it is almost impossible to find a great location for a business which is not the case now, you can find available retail space in many great locations around all the towns.
Find a business suitable to start in a down economy and it can still work despite the high unemployment rates.