Just had two weeks in Belindas villa, which i must say having been in a villa, i do not wish to go in hotels ever again We are great friends with Panikos and Maria and the boys at the fresh house restaurant, have been since 2002. Panikos suggested we go in the villa as it was cheaper than all inclusive and so glad we did.

The area of Pernera has not changed that much, more villas up and it appears more and more hotels are all inclusive. I thought that hotels being AI would kill the family restaurants, but to be honest all restaurants were packed every night, september is a very popular time to go. In the villa we had 3 massive water bottles that come out of a water dispenser, so no water bought at all, just kept filling up our bottles.

Contrary to what people think, Pernera is NOT expensive to eat out. 9 euros for a starter and main meal, thats less than £8 sterling. Bootleggers is the place to go for your drink, either pop or wine, spirits, beer etc and the cigarettes for 20 are 3.60 euro for Pall mall, or 4 euros for 23 cigs. We found Lambert and butler were 4.60 euros. The red packet of pall mall is the strongest, but nearly everyone had the blue pack. Vodka is really cheap as is the Keo. The rate of exchange when we left was 1.19 euros to the £ and no commission - result. This place is always packed. It is situated on the road to Paralinimi virtually next door to the Fresh House Restaurant.

Panikos sells his Keo at 2.00 euros around £1.70 a pint. Be careful in some places as it seems a slightly different colour and no bubbles, appears flat.

The area now is invaded with villas and according to Maria they are altering the roads and paths so easier for us to walk, and the less abled. I love Pernera as it is the cheapest place and Protaras is more expensive, same as Napa.

Having been to Pernera Beach Hotel 3-4 times, we went to have a look as this is an all inclusive now from half board. Still love this hotel, but apart from a few extra bars, and the rooms painted, nothing has changed to warrant the huge price increase. The pool is so small for AI, its a shame.

I did notice though that the beaches in some parts are littered with fag butts and not cleaned like it once was. Even fig tree bay in Protaras wasn't as clean, not sure what is going on?

Protaras........................

Oh my word this place has changed, it has got very dirty, the hotel lawns are virtually bare from lack of water, litter everywhere and the prices are so expensive for food and drink. We went to Rockerfellas to watch the footie and get free wifi, the beer was not nice, cloudy and flat, and my lemonade was in a dirty glass, this was just under 5 euros We didnt go back. We did the board walk most days and seems everyone was having fun, but we prefer Pernera as it is clean ! and the food looks edible.

Unfortunately Russians are running a tight ship in Cyprus, where as i do not have a problem with them, i do think they are rude.

We went on the Red Bus Tour yet again to Famagusta and enjoyed swimming in the sea. Nicosia ihas changed dramatically, all big department stores, all the oldy woldy stores all gone, again very dirty. I always to to Nicosia, but not again for a while, it is like the UK, all costas, debenhams, peacocks etc.

So all in all, loved our holiday and cannot wait to go back in the villa, we had great food with Panikos, and enjoyed the company of lots of people we met, Pernera is the place to go, great for kids, family run, and cheap.

Flew with Monarch, great flight, and cabin crew good.