CYPRUS PROPERTY WORLD
DECEMBER 2008 NEWSLETTER
Welcome to our final newsletter of 2008. As we reach the end of the year, we hope that 2009 is the year when the two parts of Cyprus are finally reunited, bringing an acceptable solution for everyone to the Cyprus problem.
This newsletter brings you news of what Christmas is like on Aphrodite’s island and what there is to do during the winter in Cyprus.
We’ve included a little information about skiing in Cyprus, what’s on at this festive time of year and we have a very special featured property, which may entice you to spend more time on this beautiful island all year round. It offers amazing value and you can rent for 6 months to try before you buy.
So from all of us at Cyprus Property World, here’s wishing you all Kala Khristougenna kai Eutukhismeno to Neo Etos (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year)!
Included in this December Newsletter:
• Featured December Property
• Skiing in Cyprus
• Christmas in Cyprus
• What’s On at Christmas in Cyprus
Our property choice for December is the best Christmas present ever – and enough to make you want to pack your bags immediately! It is the most amazing value and what’s more, it’s being offered for rental too for 6 months - so you can try before you buy – and we know you’ll fall in love with this house!
The house is a 3-year old Cypriot style semi-detached townhouse, in an idyllic setting with panoramic views of the village of Goudi and valley with citrus groves to the sea. Set in a peaceful and quiet location with a small mature garden at front, back and side of the house, with trellis, arch and pergola and climbing shrubs. There are terraces and balconies at the back and the front and a shared swimming pool. It also has:
• Large airy through kitchen/diner/lounge with patio doors leading onto the terrace.
• Fully fitted kitchen with lots of cupboard space
• Wood burning stove for cooler winter evenings.
• Cloakroom and bathroom with bath and shower downstairs
• 2 good sized double bedrooms upstairs, both with fully fitted wardrobes.
• Price includes gas BBQ, hob, extractor, oven, washing machine and fridge freezer and furniture.
• Complete water filtration and descaling system fitted
• Solar panels for hot water
• A/C in all rooms
• Just 4km from Polis and 32km from Paphos.
Selling Price: €205,000, Rental Price: On request
Many people who know Cyprus have said that one of the best things about winter there is that you can be skiing down the slopes of the Troodos Mountains in the morning and enjoying the sun on the beach in the afternoon. OK, so December may not be bikini weather in Cyprus but it can be pleasantly mild, especially in the sunshine. Average winter temperatures are around 21ºC down on the coast, while at 1,951m up in the mountains - the height of the top of Mount Olympus - it's cold enough for a blanket of beautiful snow.
Snow falls in the Troodos Mountains from mid-December through to the end of March, with the best skiing usually from mid-January to mid-March. Mount Olympus, which has an altitude of 6402ft has snow on it for three or four months of the year, is just 3km from the Troodos Ski Resort, 12km from the Platres hill resort and approximately one hour’s drive from the coastal towns of Limassol and Paphos.
The Troodos resort has four slopes and you can enjoy cross-country and alpine skiing. Skiing there is perfect for families because it caters for all levels of ability. Beginners will feel more comfortable with the Hera Lift on the North Face and the Aphrodite Lift at Sun Valley, while intermediate skiers will love the Hermes slope in Sun Valley, and those of you who are really advanced skiers will just love the excitement of the Zeus run on the North Face of Mount Olympus. The slopes in Cyprus are a great place to introduce your kids to the sport and if you fancy a more energetic alternative to sunbathing down on the coast.
Up to date information on piste and ski conditions and what facilities are open is available from:
Cyprus Federation and Ski Club Phone: +357 25 420105 - http://www.cyprusski.com
We don’t have a featured restaurant this month because we wanted to tell you all about Christmas in Cyprus.
If you’re thinking of spending Christmas in Cyprus, you may be wondering what it’s like and whether it has any special Christmas traditions. A 21st century Cypriot Christmas is full of wonderful things, many of them familiar to non-Cypriots, such as turkey, Santa Claus and special sweet treats and cake, although Cypriots have their own unique take on them. Christmas in Cyprus begins on 6th December, the feast of St. Nicholas, and lasts until Epiphany on 6th January. On Christmas Eve, beautiful old Cypriot carols, called ‘kalanda’ are sung by children and some rather strange Christmas elves, known as the Kalikatzaroi make mischief during the 12 days of Christmas.
This is an old Greek tradition and some Cypriots keep a fire burning day and night to ward off these demons while others sprinkle holy water around their homes.
The main big difference between the Christmas you may be used to and a Cypriot Christmas is that Santa Claus – who is called Ayios Vasilis in Greek – brings his presents on New Year’s Eve rather than Christmas Eve. And for those who love eating, there is Santa Claus cake – called Vasilopitta, which is cut on the first day of the New Year – and Greek and Cypriot cookies, called melomakarona and kourabiedes. If you’re lucky enough to be in Cyprus at Christmas time, make sure you try some!
There are plenty of festive activities going on at this time of year in Cyprus – we have brought you just a selection.
Larnaca
Byzantine Hymns and Christmas Carols, with the Music School of the Holy Bishopric of Lemesos
Date: Wednesday 17th December 2008
At: Larnaca Municipal Theatre, 8.30pm, entrance is free.
Further information: (00357) 24 657 745.
Christmas Carols, with various music ensembles from Larnaca
Date: Every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 20th to Wednesday 24th December
At: Demetriou Square and Pallas Square from 4.00pm to 8.00pm.
Further information: (00357) 24 657 745.
Christmas Celebrations organised by the Larnaca Municipality
Date: Wednesday, 31st December 2008
At: Europe Square at 11:00pm.
Further information: (00357) 24 657 745.
Limassol
Christmas Concert - “Mass for the Children” with the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra.
Date: Wednesday, 17th December 2008
At: Rialto Theatre at 8.30pm - Entrance €10 / €5.
Further information: (00357) 25 343 900 / 7777 7745.
Retro Christmas Disco
Hits from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s – get your glad rags on and come an enjoy a good bop!
Date: Saturday, 20th Decemfber
At: Ocean Bar Restaurant, Limassol, 8.00pm until late.
More information: 99 032 876
Traditional Christmas Carols, with the Byzantine Choir Romanos o Melodos, Choir of the Youth Community and the Musical ensemble of the School of Traditional Music.
At: Rialto Theatre at 8.30pm - Entrance €8 / €6.
Date: Sunday, 21st December
Further information: (00357) 25 343 900 / 7777 7745.
Paphos
Christmas Carols, organised by the Anglican Church of Paphos
Date: Saturday, 13th December at 5.30pm
At: Saint Luke's Anglican Church, Prodromi
Further information: (00357 26 322 628.