'Methy' Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine

'Methy' Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine

Ok, so you have arrived in Cyprus, perhaps for the first time and you go shopping. You are faced with a myriad of wine options in most shops.

Which are good, not so good?

Cyprus is generally a good wine producer especially if from the hillside/mountain areas due to the warm but moist climate there. It's the ideal growing conditions for grape vines and the earth is relatively unspoilt.

You can buy cartons of wine for 1 euro or less and with the local food (and chilled) it is actually 'ok' but be careful of the hangover. Generally you will spend 5-7 euros for a reasonable bottle and anything from Vassilkon or Vlasides Winery is a safe bet but of course, everyone's tastes are different.

In this article we want to focus on a particularly nice red for the more discerning wine drinker.

Perhaps you are having a bbq rich meats or have got a takeaway kleftico from one of the many sellers around Paphos who have their weekly offerings on different days. Best of all you have bought some simple fresh ingredients and made a lovely beef stifado. Which wine will really make the meal a treat?

May I introduce Methy Cabernet Sauvignon produced in Kathikas (just above Peyia) by Vassilikon Winery. It's their top end wine at the moment (their others are very palatable if you have a lower budget).

The CS grape is traditionally one the Cypriots do best and goes with many of their local dishes. The bottle is very classy (particularly the melted wax over the cork) as is the silky smooth taste. You can chill it for summer if you are afraid of a 'big red' in the heat and generally one bottle savoured with food will do 2 people such is the rich quality. Its a real flagship for Cyprus wine in our opinion and well worth trying.

Where do I get it?

Most of the larger supermarkets will have it as well as 'Cava' wine stores but prices can vary. Expect to pay between 13 and 17 euros (not much more over £10 which is the price of a mass produced inferior red in the UK). If in a restaurant, you will pay 25 euros or more but I have found this is something that can be negotiated on and reduced if you order enough food (again what do you get for £18 in a UK restaurant).

Please contact us for places that stock it and we will be happy to advise and of course we have restaurant discounts for our customers.

We recommend a visit to the winery anyway. You can have lunch there and taste all the wines. You can also get the wine at wholesale rates and combine with others for better value overall.

We also have a very nice villa with private pool in Kathikas which is walking distance to the winery. See Villa Constanteras

Happy drinking and please give us your feedback. :-)

Paintball in Paphos

Looking for something exciting to do with your teenagers whilst renting a villa in Paphos? Then maybe Paphos paintball is for you. With a choice of activites and a great deal including all equipment, paintballs, snack and drink then its well worth a try. From time to time you can pick up the deal for 10 euros. See: http://www.dailydealscy.com/Paphos/?id=491 Even at the full rate its worth a visit. Let us know how you get on.

Cyprus

Cyprus is a delightful island, and at just a relatively short flight from the UK it’s also a great sunshine destination for families. Sadly, negative news regarding the current financial crisis has dominated the press recently; that’s why I think it’s a great time to look at and celebrate the beauty and hospitality that this fabulous island offers.

Don’t be put off by stories of doom: the blue skies topping the turquoise sea, and the amazing food and wine are all still awaiting you. As is the unique and friendly ambiance, which is as warm and inviting as the Cypriot people themselves. With many beautiful villas in a variety of locations, whether you’re looking for a quiet rural setting or something with more of a buzz, Cyprus will not disappoint.

Paphos is situated on the Southwest coast of the island, with its cosmopolitan town and surrounding mountains, where you can choose either a relaxing and secluded break or something slightly more exuberant: whatever you desire from that break away, you can tailor your Cyprus holiday to exactly what suits your family.

Paphos boasts many blue flag beaches with soft and silky stretches of sand and warm Mediterranean waters: Alykes beach, located in Kato Paphos, is one such shore. Calm waters provide great swimming conditions, so this is ideal for families with younger children, and from April the 15th to October the 31st there are life guards on patrol. The beach also offers a variety of water sports in high season, so if looking for something more energetic you won’t have to go far. And the best bit? The beach is easy to access with a bus stop close by: flip flops at the ready people!

If something more adventurous takes your fancy, why not hire a four-wheel drive car? Head to Lara Beach, home to nesting Loggerhead and Green turtles, and if you’re lucky you may be treated to a glimpse of the monk seals too: they use the sea caves around the Peninsula as their home! Admire the majesty of this unspoilt coastline giving glimpses of times gone by, and enjoy the summertime colour of the abundant Mediterranean flora. Exploring the spectacular coastline on foot affords you the best experience; the network of walks can provide fantastic views of the glorious, coastal landscapes.

Enjoy a local festival

Throughout the year, Cyprus enjoys many different types of festivals from religious celebrations to events dedicated to music, theatre, food and wine.

Mid to late May sees the Anthestiria Flower festival, an event where you can enjoy browsing the flower markets and shows basked in sunshine, or admire the vibrant flower floats and glorious parade. You can choose Paphos, Larnaka or Lemesos as your flower festival destination.

Arkadia festival, meanwhile, is enjoyed each year in August. A fun and frivolous celebration, it sees both the local people of Kallepeia and visitors alike enjoying traditional Cypriot celebrations, including dancing, music, food and wine.

Moving into the end of August and the beginning of September, the Paphos Aphrodite festival sees three days of opera staged open-air in the castle square. With the medieval castle providing a breath-taking backdrop to this moving and acclaimed Operatic experience, it’s sure to be an event to remember.

Historical Attractions

A visit to Agios Neophytos Monastery is a fascinating experience. A site said to have been founded in 1159 by writer and recluse Neophytus, the monastery is a hand-carved home which the writer made for himself in the mountain rock. The monastery is located in a dramatic and scenic setting, 1,694 feet up the hillside. Needless to say this affords the most stunning, panoramic views of Paphos. While there, make sure to admire the frescoes which date back to the 12th century and visit the small museum with its interesting artefacts. A few monks are still resident at the monastery which is located below the grottoes, making for an historical and interesting day for adults and children alike.

Another must-see site is the Panagia Chrysopolitissa, a 13th century church standing upon the ruins of the largest, early Byzantine basilica on Cyprus. Visit the pillar, the story of which tells how Saint Paul was flogged before converting the Roman Governor to Christianity. The church is still in use today, and the whole site is interesting and bursting with history. The city grounds and ancient chapel take you back in time, and the mosaics can be admired from viewing paths and bridges.

Paphos town

Paphos is a deeply historical town surrounded by archaeological sites, yet it holds a distinctly cosmopolitan feel. Experience and enjoy the harbour with its medieval castle, visit the many restaurants and taverns to enjoy the gastro Mediterranean delights, or simply make the most of the sunshine and pristine beaches. With so much to explore, see and do, a week or two in Paphos town will almost pass too quickly!

I’ve just touched on what one area in Cyprus can offer; there’s so much to this beautiful part of the world. Why not take a closer look at this fantastic island, and discover the variety of accommodation options open to you? With something to suit all budgets, needs and desires, a dream holiday in Cyprus is not too far away.

New Website

We are delighted to announce or completely new website design which can now be seen live at www.rent-villas-paphos.co.uk

We really wanted something that would compliment our stunning villa photography and give a flavour of Cyprus at the same time. The website is done with the colours of Cyprus skies in mind, by day, at dusk and early evening when the colours have to be seen to be appreciated.

The website investment underpins our confidence in the Cyprus holiday let market which continues to thrive admist global uncertaintly and local economic issues. Our carefully selected villas are priving a winner with our customers due to their localtion, presentation and good management.

The website re-design goes to show we never rest on our laurels as no-one can and this is the ethos of our business.

We hope you like it and welcome feedback at any time

Enjoy!

Oniro by the Sea

Oniro by the Sea. At the site of the latest shipwreck in Paphos (Hondorun flagged cargo ship - Edro III – which was marrooned in stormy weather in December 2011) lies a modern cafe/bar which provides something a little different to what we are all used to in the Sea Caves/Coral Bay locality.

With a real Sea theme, done in a subtle way there is just something 'right' about what they do. Whether you wish to sip a mojito cocktail as you watch the sunset or have a sandiwch and fresh juice on a hot summers day as you feel the mild sea breeze, Oniro by the Sea has definite appeals for visits by day or by night.

The food menu is small but easy to choose from with salads, sandwiches, antipasti platter or meat platter for sharing available. They serve the best of local wines and have a good selection of beers also to go with their reasonably extensive cocktail list.

The staff are attentive but not overpowering or nosey (which can be a rarity these days). The ambience at sunset is apparent and once it's dark, the mood lighting and candles provide a good atmosphere as the floodlights on the lower pathway light up the rocks and  Sea Caves below.

Some say it is expensive but we don't agree. For 2 cocktails, a glass of wine and a corona beer as well as a large platter for two that more than filled us (we also got extra pitta with garlic butter to help wipe up the lovely tomato sauce on our meatballs) we paid 33 euros (£26.50). For that setting, service and quality we feel we have had value.

Oniro by the Sea is well worth a visit. Just follow the bottom coast road out of Coral Bay towards Sea Caves and it is signposted (just past Yialos and Spillies).

Oniro by the Sea
Bar ‘n’ Bites café Glykou Nerou Street (Sea Caves) Paphos
Tel: 99 372255

Lysos Shooting Club

Lysos Shooting Club and Range is situated just outside the centre of Lysos village and a stones throw from our villas to rent in Lysos. Open from every day from 7am until dusk throughout the year, Lysos Shooting range can be a great half a day for all the family, shooting enthusiasts and complete beginners alike.

With amazing views across the valley to Simou, Filousa, Skarfos and Lasa, you will be taken aback by the natural beauty that surrounds you.

It isn't too expensive either. Bulletts are 10 euros for 25 and it is 5 euros for 30 discs. Depending on how you play it, this could take around 30 minutes. Most people get 50 bulletts and 60 discs spending a total of 30 euros. The range is fully licenced and licence and insurance is included in the fees.

Equally good is the adjoining taverna of Lysos Shooting Club ran by the friendly face of George. He knows how to make the best pork kebab on the island (that we have tasted anyway). For just 5 euros you will be full for the rest of the day. You can also sit and enjoy the warm air or even the sunset with a cold drink.

To book your time at Lysos Shooting Range, call John on 00357 99482799. It's well worth a try.

For more information on the shooting range click here

*Prices and opening times correct at time of publishing.

Cyprus Night in Pissourri

It's Wednesday night (June-Sept) and locals, tourists and residents make their way to Pissourri Village Square for Cyprus night. A night of food, drink, fun, dancing and entertainment. The atmosphere is good in the warm temperatures of a Cyprus evening and everyone is having a good time. The Greek Dancers show good spirit and involve the audience well as does 'Sexy Maria' who woos the males with her long wings, seductive moves and raunchy duos with selected male and female spectators.  Its fun for all the family but beware, being too close to the action means the noise will be ringing in your ears for a long time after as the music is very loud. I would also carefully select the restaurant as a few particpate together and quality varies although the buffet offering is basically the same. At 'Platea' restaurant it was 20 euros per head for basic salad, average meat and some grapes and melon which we thought it was steep but you can eat as much as you want and the service is pretty good considering how busy they are! Drinks prices are reasonable with 2euros for a bottle of beer and 12-15 euros for some of the better bottled local wines. You can get a carafe of 'village wine' for 8 euros but combined with the loud music you would be sure of a sore head later or in the morning. Other restaurants particpating are O'Vrakas and The Pissourri Village Square Taverna. We have tried O'Vrakas before for a meal and it was great so if we go again that's where we'll go. There are bars and cafes in adjoining streets so if you still want the atmosphere without quite such loud music then perhaps they are a good answer. All in all it's a good night out, especially with a group but it really is for everyone. Have fun if you try it and let us know how you get on and which restaurant really is the best one to go. Do they all serve the same food at the same price?

Pissourri is located about 25 minutes from the roundabout at the end of the Paphos/Limassol Highway and easily reachable from our villas with private pool at Secret Valley Resort and all our golf properties in paphos.