We went to see Nissi Beach after recommendations on this board - only draw back was we couldn't find it for the rows and rows of sunbeds, this was in August. We much prefer the quieter beaches at teh Paphos end. Latchi and Polis are both nice.

Nissi does get choco block in peak season but macronissos beach was lovely this summer we didn't find it packed to capacity at all except on sundays when the locals frequent - golden bay is also pretty quiet maybe you just tried the wrong beach

In response to the post by Jimbox...

70% of all the new builds in the Pernera/Protaras/Perelimni area are being purchased by Brits, in fact the East is fast overtaking the West for destination for Brits to look to purchase homes.

Having been all over the island over the last few years we have to say that Pafos is more inclined towards the retirement set, many younger Brits are choosing the East side of the island to house hunt now.

Not all Brits who seek a decent nightlife are lager louts.

is lara beach near laura hotel?

No Lara beach is on the Akamas peninsular west of Agios Gerogeos, (St Gerorges) you can get there in a car but it is a rough road, you are not allowed to park on or near this beach as Turtles do breed there, and their nest are clearly marked, also Rangers are constantly on the patrol..great beach most tourist have never heard of...and my guess is many here will not like it known that such a beach is even there! no bars, tavernas, or paragliders or water sports of any kind, a real beach that we have long forgotten about on Cyprus.

regards..

Londonexiles

I am truly pleased about your comments as the Pafos area has seen enough of expansion, but to be honest I do not see any evidence of this, Pafos is fast expanding unfortunately and just like the eastern end is being mostly being developed for the ex-pats, or it was, just as in other area's they have overdone the developing, many new properties have now been built without that sale, this was not the case five years ago when the Cypriots would only build if the properties were sold before the build, now greed has long took over I am afraid, as in the UK house market is in decline so is it in Cyprus, no disguising this I see just as many properties unsold in the east as in the west.

Of course this will turn around eventually but many developers will be in serious trouble soon if not now, most borrow from the banks to build properties they will not beable to sell on for some time, and unfortunately banks are no different here to the UK they will want that money back, with awful connotations.(my Cypriot son-in-law is a builder here in Pafos).

As for the younger set moving here, this is true here as it is for all of Cyprus, problem being they come looking for work that is just not here, and even if they are lucky and find something they will be shocked at the wage rates they are very low with no guarantee of longevity of work, it is not an Island to come and get rich quick, most of the business's run by the Cypriots have them well covered, breaking into this is very difficult and even if you are successful the locals will open the same business next door, they are famous for this trick,.

As you rightly say Cyprus is a great retirement Island, lovely people and a great all year (mostly) climate, I do not think it is an Island to come and work, the population is 880.000 that's the size of a large British City! you will be competing with this, and to be very honest and open I would not recommend it! the young couple who bought our old house have luckily sold on again through an advert on one of my web sites and gone back home...maybe work related or just missing family and friends, Cyprus is not for everyone East or West!!

Regards from a warm and clear Cyprus morning 28c, no work retired at 53, this is what Cyprus is about.

Jim wrote:

...no bars, tavernas...

...about Lara Beach.
Well, what about Lara Restaurant run by Kyriakos and family, and at a push, the Viklari?
Or should I be keeping them a secret?

Mark

Mark morning!

No the Viklari or ''last castle'' is the start of the Lara beach area, the beach I am referring to is at least two miles further on into the Akamas wild life area, and a tricky ride (there is a taverna there but it has never been open when I drove by not surprised...no punters), a four wheel drive is the only way I would do this..this beach goes to the end of this dirt track another six or seven miles of sandy beaches, but you should stay away really as Turtles do breed there, that's why no sun beds or water sports are there, it is protected, the area you are referring to is ok you can park on that beach with no problems at al, but again no facilities of any kind unless you regard those two tavernas as facilities.

The ''last Castle'' is easy to get to, only a few minutes out of St Georges this can be accessed by a normal hire car, but I would not take mine up there...great meze BBQ on Sunday lunch..when open.!

regards.

Surely Jim, your Cyprus Retirement Vehicle can cope with the 'coast road'.

The Lara Restaurant is (on your map above) on the promontory with the word Lara on it.
I know you won't think so Jim, but in my opinion, worth the trip for Leon on draught.
It is signposted.

Mark

Mark yes of course it can, but I was being general and just warning others who may try in a normal low slung motor...mine goes all over the Akamas and beyond...and some places I would not dare go back to, but thats another story. off for a swim..
p.s I would not go over the road for a draught Leon cant stand the stuff...yuk! prefer a bottle of ''5'' myself.

Jim, re "5"

Not yet seen it offered in any bars or restaurants, only supermarkets.
I know you prefer it to the other 3 offerings.
I prefer Leon to Keo as it seems smoother with less aftertaste.
Real ale rules, though!!!
The sooner someone starts to import it and widely distribute it the better!
(And sell it cheap!)

Mark

Coral Bay area sell Speckeled Hen on draught...it taste like dishwater to me, I guess I have been here to long, BUT I can put up without real ale even if I do miss it! Carlsberg if nothing else, although ''5'' is available in some bars..G&T if all elses failes..warm here still..

warm here still..

Yeah, go on, rub it in why don't you!
Bl**dy raining here mate!

Mark

Myralock

Keep searching you will eventually find the perfect location

If you choose Cyprus you won't be disappointed

Hi
Many, many thanks for all the info on Cyprus and reading them on a cold November evening in the UK makes me want to be there but unfortunately can't be done at present. MyraLock

Would like to make our first visit to cyprus in june next year so we are looking for advice on acommadation.
2 adults and one 13 year old girl so ideally one or 2 bedroom appartment.
Needs to be family oriented ,have entertaiment on site or within easy walking distance.
Also would appreciate a guide as to what prices we should expect to pay for drinks and food during our staywould

Cheers in advance

Jim

hi there
We stayed at the Anastacia hotel in Pernera near Protarus in August 2005, myself, husband and 12 year old daughter, and had a marvellous time. It was all inclusive, the first time we had done this, so no worries of having money to hand and our daughter could just go and help herself without finding us or pestering usThe rooms were just about right for 3 of us. We asked for a quiet room before arriving and they were very accommodating. There are 2 pools and right next to a sandy cove.
We thought the Entertainment was great... a bit Butlins but very professional in the evening and activities to join in, if you wanted to, round the pool during the day. You could walk to Protarus for the evening if you wanted(or take a taxi). And if brave Ayia Napa was a short taxi ride away too. We went to the themed Water Park where I'm sure you'd have a great time.
Our daughter made friends with someone, on this site, before going, and we met them there!Thoroughly recommend it.

caz14,
Why do you have to be brave to visit Ayia Napa?????????

You dont have to be brave to visit Napa its a fantastic place with something for everybody and amazing hotels and nightlife