[05/12/2009] This is definitely off the beaten track but worth a visit because nestled in a remote spot surrounded by pine trees lies Cyprus's richest and most powerful monastery. The abbey formerly owned two estates as far away as the Black Sea coast and it is still the biggest landowner on Cyprus. When the Turks plundered the monastery in 1821, they are said to have made off with 16 camel loads of gold and silver. More pilgrims visit Kykko that any other monastery on the island. Many of the visitors come to express their thanks for a miracle attributed to Kykko and give presents or declare that the monas [more]

[05/09/2009] We came across this hotel quite by accident. It was while we were heading for the village of Troodos and decided that it was time to stop as the evening was closing in and we hadn't found any suitable accommodation. The road left would have taken us into Troodos but we took the right turning to Kyperounda and followed the hilly road down the mountain. If you take the left turn at the bridge you will enter the village of Kakopetria. This is where the Mill Hotel is situated and what an unusual sight it is. Built into the mountain this building is an awesome sight when looking up to the top fl [more]

[05/05/2009] The choice of food and restaurants in Kyrenia is extraordinary wide, reflecting many different influences such as Greek, Lebanese and Turkish. My friend who lives in Kyrenia is a keen visitor to restaurants so I have tried and tested quite a few. The one I want to review for you today is situated in the old harbour and has a little bit of history to it, which for me, makes the whole experience extra special. The restaurant is called Carob named after the black carob bean that is grown on the island and known to islanders as the black gold of Cyprus. Carob beans were once exported but now t [more]