Paphos today officially became European City of Culture 2017

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Tonight there was a grand opening ceremony marking the European Capital of Culture – Pafos2017 in the Town Hall square in centre of Paphos.

The opening ceremony showcased the history, the multiculturalism and the modern culture of Pafos as an integral part of wider European culture. The ceremony was designed and produced by a Creative Team of Cypriot artists and intellectuals, working with Walk the Plank.

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Photo courtesy of http://www.pafospress.com

Inspired by the myth of Pafos, it has at its heart the founding myth of Pygmalion, the Artist and his creation, Galatea.

The celebratory performance attempted to portray the core concepts of the Open Air Factory, such as creativity, originality, artistic excellence, and also multiculturalism, diversity, as well as the hope for a unified country in the future.

Young people, children and volunteers from all over Cyprus joined professional performers from all over the island. Both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot musicians and singers sang in unison with a Danish choir and a Jazz Orchestra from Aarhus, the partner Capital of Culture. As Pygmalion invoked the spirit of Aphrodite to breathe life into the statue he had carved, light and fire illuminated the sky above Paphos’s newly restored city centre.

Original compositions, as well as adaptations of music, choreographies and projections were brought to life by actors, dancers and hundreds of children who illuminated the moment of Pafos’ birth and marked the opening of the European Capital of Culture – Pafos2017.

For more information on events planned for the rest of 2017 see pafos2017.eu

 

Visit the Sea Caves for Stunning Views

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For amazing panoramic sea views of course you can sit on the balcony of Bella Vista but if you fancy feeling the spray of the waves on your face then head for the sea caves just beyond Coral Bay.

A ten minute drive in the opposite direction from Paphos along the main coast road Tomb of the Kings will take you to Coral Bay.  Drive passed the Coral Bay beach and beyond the main hotels this road then opens out to show farmland and fields of crops this leads to the sea caves area.

The sea caves are located on the edge of the Akamas peninsula an area of outstanding natural beauty and protected by UNESCO as a heritage site.

Sea caves

There’s a lovely cafe called the Sea Caves Lounge Bar that has amazing views and provides good value for money too.  These photos were all taken from there.

Sea caves lounge bar

Rent the house at Bella Vista from just £300 per week

Stunning harbour area Paphos

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One of my favourite places to visit when staying at Bella Vista is the harbour area in Paphos which is a 10 minute drive away.

There are lovely bars and restaurants with stunning views in this area such as my favourite Ta Mpania here’s a photo from the decked seating area

View from Ta Mpania

There’s a coastal path you can wander along that goes all the way from the harbour area in both directions.  One way takes you along the beach front passed all the main hotels you can walk for miles and the other direction leads to the harbour fort area with this gorgeous castle.

Paphos castle

Beyond the castle watch all the little fishing boats going out and the beautiful yachts too.

Fishing boats Paphos

You can visit by renting this house http://www.bellavistacyprus.com from £300 per week and sleeps 5

Daytime temperatures are still in the twenties in Paphos!

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Who fancies some winter sunshine for the New Year?

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There are lots of great flight deals on at the moment!

Check out the following websites –
http://www.easyjet.com
http://www.monarch.co.uk/flights
http://www.jet2.com
http://www.skyscanner.net
http://www.ryanair.co.uk
http://book.flythomascook.com

These are just a few!

Nearest airport to Bella Vista is Paphos airport and we can arrange airport collection for you plus a hire car too if you need one!

Want to be sat outside in warm weather even late in evening?

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It’s still gloriously warm in Cyprus and hot enough to sit out still in the evening to enjoy a drink on the terrace or balcony.

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Stunningly located on the top of a hill just off Tomb of the Kings road Bella Vista offers amazing views and ensures you still get a gentle sea breeze to ensure a good nights sleep so no need for air conditioning (unless you prefer then it’s modern & super efficient!).

Solar panels on the roof enable the water for your shower to be heated in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way.

Recently installed internet access allows you to connect wirelessly to access social media and UK television via your laptop, tablet or phone during your holiday or if you’d prefer to stay incognito then access can be switched off too!

There’s still availability for October so if you want a last minute short break please drop me a line!

House available to rent again

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After a long term tenant moved out I’m pleased to say Bella Vista is once again available for short and medium term holiday rental.

Gorgeous sunset views from balcony off main bedroom at Bella Vista

Gorgeous sunset views from balcony off main bedroom at Bella Vista

2 bedroom 2 bathrooms with stunning sea views & beautiful brand new pool

Swimming pool at Bella Vista with stunning sea views

Swimming pool at Bella Vista with stunning sea views

One double bedroom & second bedroom with two singles

Stunning panoramic sea views from balcony off double bedroom & downstairs terrace
Rear garden & front terrace
Air-conditioning throughout
Allocated parking space

Internet access now available

Located in Chloraka, Paphos
Quiet residential area -restaurant, kiosk, beach & bars within walking distance
Equidistant between historic Paphos harbour and the stunning beach at Coral Bay

2 championship golf courses Minthis Hills Golf Club and The Secret Valley Golf Club a short drive away

A week rental from £250 per week and longer term lets from £450 per month during winter season when there’s an average daytime winter temperature of 20-26 degrees.

 

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Did you enjoy the warm UK weather? It’s still 30 degrees in Paphos Cyprus

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Do you wish the summer would go on and on?…

It can for another few months at least if you visit Paphos, Cyprus.  It’s still 30 degrees.

The hibiscus, jasmine and other scented flowers are in bloom again.  Everything is green and lush at this time of the year.

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The temperature is perfect for those that enjoy early morning and late evening hiking or mountain biking.  There are lots of trails around Troodos mountains and also in the Akamas peninsula.

In the daytime the sea is still the perfect temperature for water sports, scuba diving and sailing.  Why not try parascending or hang gliding as the winds are perfect in October?

Wildlife at this time of year is brilliant with dolphins, turtles and birds all ripe for spotting.

Or why not indulge yourself with wine tasting in the vineyards in the hills of Paphos as this is grape season?

This is my favourite time for visiting Cyprus as the temperature is perfect not too hot and not too cold to suit everyone whatever your passion.

To enquire about renting Bella Vista email bellavista2010@hotmail.co.uk

Where has the UK summer gone?

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Don’t worry there’s still Cyprus.  This is one of my favourite times of the year for holidaying in Paphos.

All the flowers are in bloom, the sea is blue and with only the odd wispy cloud in the sky – a sun lover’s paradise.

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The sun does get very hot in the middle of the day in July and August so make like the locals and take an afternoon siesta.  Maybe have lunch on the terrace or eat inside in brand new air conditioning still with stunning views through the window.  Finally cool off with a power shower before heading off to the beach.

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Visiting the award winning beaches and taking a dip in the sea is the perfect way to cool off during the day but there’s more to do than just swimming.  The West Coast of Cyprus has one of the largest selections of water sports and activity centres.  There’s snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, jet skiing, wind surfing, wake boarding, banana boats and even pedalos to hire at Coral Bay.

For those who prefer sporting activities on dry ground there are championship golf courses, holistic spa treatment centres, hiking, mountain biking, sky diving, quad biking, 4×4 off roading in the Akamas peninsula or up in the Troodos mountains.  There are also local rugby and football clubs with frequent international games.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite then what better place for a Cypriot style BBQ than in a flower filled patio with stunning sea views.  If you want someone else to do the cooking then there are lots of delicious restaurants, cafes, take aways and bars in Paphos, Coral Bay and the nearby village of Chlorakas.  Some bars and restaurants have amazing sea views and others are in the hustle bustle of the town centre – there’s something for everyone.

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Late night bars, live music venues and nightclubs are located in both Paphos and Coral Bay equidistance from Bella Vista.  Nightclubs in Paphos tend to open until 5am so often the sun rises before you do.

If you do make it home before the dawn chorus then after a night out dancing what better way to relax than to sit on the edge of the moonlit pool and dangle weary feet into the cool water.

 

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