Travel - Mediterranean Life - A Month in Cyprus

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Mediterranean Life

The beautiful Island of Cyprus. It was my home for 17 years and I am so fond of this island and its people. I am lucky to still have good friends here, so I can visit regularly and continue enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle. 

It is true, the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle is one of the healthiest in the world. The food is noticeably fresh and delicious here and the air seems a lot cleaner. I feel so much healthier myself switching from processed foods to clean eating and the fact that the sun shines each day leads to more active, outdoor activities.
 
I have stayed mostly with my good friend of over 20 years. We eat out regularly at a Mediterranean style restaurant located close to the sea. There is something to be said about eating freshly cooked healthy food, alongside the ocean, in a sociable atmosphere with great company. There is no rush here either. Nobody is trying to clear the tables quickly or rushing orders. Everywhere has a relaxing ambience and mood. 



The Mediterranean diet is full of fresh fruit and vegetables, delicious salads, unsaturated fats like cold pressed extra virgin olive oils and oily fish such as salmon with plenty of nuts and seeds, all promoting a healthy heart and lowering cholesterol. Proximity to the ocean adds to these health benefits with the sound of the waves and the gentle sea breeze, creating the sense of relaxation and the release of stress and tension.

Where I stay in Cyprus

My friend's house is located in the small village of Kissonerga. It is elevated approximately 112m above sea level, so the views are phenomenal from most areas of the village. To wake up every morning to these views gives a sense of calm and tranquillity before the day even starts. It made me realise how important this is to me. I live close to the sea in the UK and I love beach life, eating or drinking coffee in Beach cafes or just walking along the coast. Although close to the sea I do not have the view. Gazing out at the ocean develops a sense of calm, even induces a meditative state of mind, connecting you to nature. 

Kissonerga village itself is located between Paphos and Coral Bay, so close enough to the main tourist areas but far enough away to be a quiet and peaceful retreat surrounded by lush greenery and banana plantations. There are some beautiful old Cypriot stone houses and apartments, narrow and windy roads, giving it that real village feel. There are some small village shops, pubs and tavernas which are used mainly by the local village people. In fact you could spend your whole holiday here if you wish. There are enough amenities locally to keep you occupied. 

You can also visit neighbouring villages that are equally as traditional as Kissonerga. Most of them are within walking distance with stunning sea views along the way. 

The things I enjoyed during my stay in Cyprus

This year I arrived a month earlier than I would normally. I find the heat in Cyprus a little too much for me now and I like to walk as much as I can. The coastline along Paphos is stunning and there is now a coastal path that connects Paphos to Coral Bay albeit a bit rocky in some areas. The pathway is not yet complete, so you do have to return to the pavement along the main road for some parts of the walk. I spent a great deal of time walking in the pleasant temperatures of around 30 degrees. It felt cooler due to the gentle sea breeze and a few ice creams along the way. The walk from Kissonerga to Paphos is almost complete and approximately a 7km walk.

Paphos Fortress

It really is a beautiful walk around some gorgeous bays, passing pretty flora and tall palm trees making it look almost tropical at times. Once you walk past the Paphos mosaics the iconic Paphos Castle comes into view. The Castle is located at the west end of the city, originally a Byzantine Fortress built to protect the port. After crossing the small moat surrounding the fortress the path leads you to Paphos harbour. Here you will find many tavernas serving fresh fish and Mediterranean food coupled with local wines and beers. The harbour is a focal point and tourist attraction with gorgeous views of the harbour and many leisure boats offering trips around the bay.

Potima Bay

Walking towards Coral Bay the path becomes a more 'natural' walkway so best to wear trainers rather than flip flops. The bay can be quite stunning with the vibrant blues and turquoise colours of the sea. The current is pretty strong here so the beach is very quiet making it perfect for a long peaceful walk. The waves can be quite high in Potima Bay making it ideal for surfers, kite surfing and wind surfers. The best time to take a stroll along here is during the sunsets. The sky illuminates with vibrant hues of orange and reds ...... simply splended.

Edro III Shipwreck

A little further west of Coral Bay you will find the Sea Caves and the shipwreck. This is located approximately a 2 mile walk from Coral Bay along a natural path. A Sierra Leone flagged ship carrying cargo hit rough seas during a storm in 2011 and ran aground on the rocks of the Sea Caves, very close to the shore. The ships crew were rescued safely and the ship is now abandoned. 

As the ship comes into view from the coastal path the scene that surfaces before you is of an eerie and almost ghost-like appearance. 

                                                   
                      

Axl and Hamish

Finally I have to mention my day-time buddies that kept me company Axl and Hamish. I believe when my days of working and travelling are over I will definitely become a cat owner. I love watching their manoeuvres, yoga-like stretches and often loud conversations. After a long walk I would often find these two having a nap somewhere in the house, at times in some very bendy, almost uncomfortable looking poses. 

I truly love the island of Cyprus. Its stunning scenery, diverse landscape of sandy beaches, beautiful sea views, tropical flora and even mountain ranges. The climate is perfect in the months of April and May or October and November. The sunrise and sunsets on the west coast are simply breath-taking and the Mediterranean sea with its vibrant colours and calming effects have a big place in my heart.


Dedicated to my friend Julie who always makes 
me feel so welcome in her home

©HealthyForeverFitnessMotivation

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