City Photos News Cyprus/Protaras

on Cape Greco

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:55:50 +0000

Protaras is a predominantly tourist resort. It comes under the administrative jurisdiction of Paralimni Municipality. In ancient times, where now Protaras seems to be located stood the old city-state of Leukolla. The city possessed a small safe harbour where the Athenian Demetrius Poliorketes in the year 306 B.C. sought refuge, lying in wait for Ptolemeos, one of the successors of Alexander the Great. In the ensuing battle Ptolemeos was defeated and fled to Egypt, leaving Cyprus for a while in the hands of Demetrius. Protaras has lovely, sandy beaches with clear sky-blue waters and the most well known beach in the area is Fig Tree Bay. Protaras is also referred to as "the land of windmills" maintaining the nostalgic quality of the past. On the back of the success of Ayia Napa (which is only a few km away), it has exploded into a resort of considerable size with tens of high capacity hotels, hotel apartments, villas, restaurants, pubs and all sorts of facilities a modern holiday resort ought to have. Being quieter than Ayia Napa and having less of a club scene, it has a reputation of catering more for family and Cypriot tourism. Cape Greco is a 10 minute drive from the centre of Protaras, and is considered one of the most beautiful places on the island. In Cape Greco lives the reputed Ayia Napa Sea Monster which is meant to resemble a cross between a porpoise and dragon. It has only been spotted and photographed a dozen or so times and is thought to be a direct descendent from pre-historic times. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paralimni Cape Greco, also known as Cavo Greco, is a headland in the southeastern part of the island of Cyprus. It is at the southern end of Famagusta Bay. It lies between the towns of Ayia Napa and Protaras, both of which are popular tourist resorts. It is frequently visited by many tourists for its natural beauty. It is a protected nature park. From the high points on the cliff that rests at the cape one can view amazing sights out to sea. According to local legend it is also the home of the 'Ayia Napa Sea Monster'. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Greco The Ayia Napa Sea Monster is a cryptid, claimed to inhabit the coast off of Ayia Napa in Cyprus, a popular tourist resort in the Mediterranean. Most sightings occur around Cape Greko (Cavo Greko). It is known by the local fishermen as "O Filikos Teras", which translates to "the friendly monster". There have been no reports of it causing any harm, although it has been reported at times to rip and drag away fishing nets. There is no evidence that the monster actually exists, except in folklore and through various sightings by tourists and locals alike. There exists little photographic evidence, except unverified short-films and pictures. Many believers of the myth of the Ayia Napa Sea Monster like to link it with the mythical sea monster of Greek mythology called Skylla, which is depicted in the mosaics that remain in the House of Dionysus, a Roman villa from the 3rd century AD in Paphos, Cyprus. Regardless of the fact that its existence has not been scientifically proven, the hope of spotting the Ayia Napa Sea Monster remains a highlight for many tourists on boating day-trips. Many hotels boast to being in close proximity of sightings. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayia_napa_sea_monster .
Protaras, Cyprus, photo by Pavel Viaznikov.

on Cape Greco

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:55:48 +0000

on Cape Greco

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:51:09 +0000

on Cape Greco

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:51:08 +0000

Green land

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:48:21 +0000

Green land.
Protaras, Cyprus, photo by Pavel Viaznikov.

Green land

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:48:19 +0000

Green land.
Protaras, Cyprus, photo by Pavel Viaznikov.

seashore

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:49:28 +0000

In many places, the coast is rocky and the seashore looks like Moon surface wioth water poured on it :) One should not walk barefoot here, as there's risk of cutting feet with sharp rosk, or stepping on a sea urchin but it looks nice IN many places, they cut a kind of an amphiteatre in the rocks, and fill the place with sand to make a more comfortable beach.
Protaras, Cyprus, photo by Pavel Viaznikov.

Kolokassi

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:49:26 +0000

The region is also known for growing kolokassi - taro Pork with Taro (Chirino me Kolokassi) Ingredients 2lb pork cubes 2lb taro (kolokassi) 2-4 sticks of celery, chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp tomato puree salt & pepper oil for frying ----------------------- To prepare the kolokassi, cut the ends and peel the skin. Rinse and towel dry. With a sharp knife, cut across (1,5 cm thick) halfway then break off. Repeat to the end. NB If slices are cut all the way across without breaking off, the vegetable will melt while cooking. Heat the oil in a saucepan and brown the meat. Transfer onto a dish. Saute the onions then add the kolokassi and celery. Fry for 10-15 minutes or until they start to change colour. Dissolve the tomato puree in a cup of hot water and pour into the saucepan. Add the pork cubes and season well. Ensure the food is covered in liquid (if not add some more hot water). Cover and simmer for 1-1,5 hours until the liquid is reduced and the meat and kolokassi is cooked. Serve hot. .
Protaras, Cyprus, photo by Pavel Viaznikov.

A nice beach in Protaras

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:34:09 +0000

cars for rent :)

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:34:07 +0000

on Cape Greco

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:27:59 +0000

Rock bridge on Cape Greco

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:27:57 +0000

Rock "bridge" on Cape Greco

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:00:10 +0000

Konnos Beach

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:00:08 +0000

Church on Cape Greco

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:50:54 +0000