Expedition at Xyliatos-Kapoura route, Pitsilia area, Nicosia Part 4

Expedition at Xyliatos-Kapoura route, Part 4 

As we continued our expedition inside the Kapoura route we came across another view point. This time though we had in front of us the beautiful Morfou bay! We parked our cars and admired the view for a few moments and a little later we continued our journey which was at its final stage. 

Little did we know that a few minutes later the fog would cover the whole scenery! As we were approaching the village of Saint Irene towards Kannavia the fog surrounded us and we had to drive carefully. Fortunately our Seat Ibiza was properly equipped for the occasion!  

We drove through Saint Irene to Kannavia village and then to Kyperounta near the crossroad leading to Troodos mountains. It was an unforgettable expedition indeed which we highly recommend!  

Expedition at Xyliatos-Kapoura route, Pitsilia area, Nicosia Part 3

Expedition at Xyliatos-Kapoura route Part 3

As we went deepest and deepest into the forest following the Kapoura route we thought it was time to rest for a while. As we walked around the area we heard the sound of water and immediately we started searching for a river. 

A few moments later we found a small river running on the side of the road that we could barely see. So we had to climb carefully down the small cliff to get a better view.

Once we got there we took our time to admire the beautiful scenery with bizarre rocks, high trees, and the river in the middle, all very colorful and calming!

As we noticed the river runs through the forest  along the way but we are not sure where it ends. If you follow our route make sure to look for the river as it is a very beautiful one!

Expedition at Xyliatos-Kapoura route, Pitsilia area, Nicosia Part 2

Expedition at Xyliatos-Kapoura route

As we entered the country road of Kapoura, located on the right side of the road as you are heading towards Saranti, we did not know what to expect. 

The road was not bad but often we had to step down and remove big rocks which blocked our way since one of the cars we had was not a SUV. 

Soon after we found the first couple of locations were someone can see the town of Nicosia very clearly and take nice photos. 

We parked our cars for a while to admire the view of Nicosia but see some beautiful flowers too as were about to enter deeper into the forest! 

Expedition at Xyliatos-Kapoura route, Pitsilia area, Nicosia Part 1

Expedition at Xyliatos-Kapoura route

It was a beautiful Sunday morning and we decided with some friends to travel the route from Xyliatos dam towards Kapoura. 

The Kapoura route is well known as it usually used for the Cyprus rally but there are many different points to go in and out. 

Our first stop was the Xyliatos dam which we have visited many times in the past. We were more than happy to see that the winter and spring rains filled the dam to its maximum level! It was a beautiful scenery marking the course of the day! 

Our next stop was the medieval bridge just before the "Vrysi tis Shyftis", a very old water source on the way to Saranti village.  The bridge is hidden under a newer one which leads to the Church of "Stavros Agiasmati" on the other side of the mountain. 

Beautiful flowers covered the area around and we wondered for a while in admiring the scenery. 

A little later we even spotted a very old building, probably a safe house or barn, which was destroyed and covered with plantation, a sign of another era were locals used to visit the area to hunt or feed their animals. 

Now it was time for us to move as a few minutes away we would enter the Kapoura route for the very firs time!

Sunset at Peyia, Pafos

Sunset at Peyia

It was an amazing day for us touring around Pafos and Peyia area. With lots of places visited it was time to return back to our basis. Our last stop on the way back to Pafos was to see the beautiful sunset! 

Peyia does have amazing sunsets and we could't miss it since we were there. We parked our car and watched the sun setting with an orange and red background while disappearing in the sea.  

The Catacombs of Saint Solomoni, Kato Pafos, Pafos

The Catacombs of Saint Solomoni

Although we have passed many times from the location of the Catacombs of Saint Solomoni in Pafos, it was the first time we decided to visit the place. 

On the outside all you can see is a sign and a big tree with many handkerchiefs hanging. That is a custom for many believers who pray to the Saint to cure a disease they have. 

We followed the stairs leading us to the catacombs were some icons are located on the walls around mainly pictures of Saint Solomoni. 

Unfortunately for us it was almost dark and we could see much so we recommend a visit while there is still light. The area is not big and all around you can see small caves were the Saint used to spend her time. 

One of the caves is locked with a metal door which indicates the place were the Saint spend most of her time. Visitors hang their handkerchiefs there as well. 

The Asprokremmos Dam, Pafos

The Asprokremmos Dam

After a short visit at Salamiou village it was time to return to the city of Pafos. Thus we took the main road passing by Kelokedara, Stavrokonnou and Holetria village. 

At Holetria one can see from the main road the dam of Asprokremmos on the right side. It is the second largest dam in Cyprus but you will rarely see it overflow. Its main supply is from the Xeros river. 

We stopped for a while to see the dam from distance and take some pictures. The location of the dam, near the sea and inside a valley, makes the scenery very beautiful especially during spring time! 

Rainbow at Archimandrita village, Pafos

Rainbow at Archimandrita

It was a beautiful afternoon and we were returning from Pafos to the village of Archimandrita. Just as we passed Kouklia village we saw a rainbow behind the windmills at the top of the mountain. 

The early afternoon rains a while ago gave us a magnificent spectacle for the first time after many years of visiting Archimandrita. A few moments later the rainbow was gone as we were trying to catch it up at the top of the mountain. 

The disappointment though did not last long. The rainbow appeared again as we were getting closer to Archimandrita on the other side of the mountain. Now the scenery was completely different with the green valley ahead of us and the warm colors of the sunset approaching! 

Oroklini Lake, Larnaca

The Oroklini Lake, Larnaca 

The Oroklini Lake is very near the main city of Larnaca with easy access. We decided to visit this very important place of the natural environment of our island a Sunday afternoon and learn more about it. 

Oroklini Lake is a salt marsh and is one of the few natural wetlands in Cyprus! What we see today is just a small part of a much bigger lake that was spread across the area. Despite being the smallest NATURA 2000 protected area in Cyprus more than 190 birds have been recorded at the Lake!  

It is also very important for migratory birds like Flamingos that come here to breed. 

The LIFE Oroklini Project 2012-2014 has contributed significantly in enhancing the wetland's biodiversity as well as raising awareness among the public for conservation issues.

Our short trip at the Oroklini Lake was very educational and we recommend it for all nature lovers.

Flamingos at Salt Lake, Larnaca

Flamingos at Larnaca Salt Lake 

Cyprus is lucky enough to host the beautiful Flamingo birds for several months while they migrate to warmer climates around the year. 

The Salt Lakes of Larnaca city are the perfect environment for the beautiful pink colored birds. In a very rare occasion we had the opportunity this year to see a black Flaming as well, which attracted many nature lovers and photographers in the city of Larnaca. 

The biggest Salt Lake is near the airport of Larnaca but a couple of others are found very near. All of them host Flamingos and you can visit them very easily every day. 

Sunset at Alambra village, Nicosia, Cyprus

Sunset at Alambra village

On our way back to Nicosia after our trip at Saint George Alamanos we decided to pay a visit to a friend who lives at the village of Alambra. 

Alambra is not a small village and it is found very easily if you take the Nicosia-Limassol highway. We arrived near sunset and it seems we were very lucky that day. 

The colors in the sky were a mixture of purple, orange, red, blue and yellow and the sun was hidden behind the clouds. Our position at the time was opposite the main Church of Alambra just before the entrance of the village. 

The scenery was simply magic and all we could do is stop and admire this unique event! 

Seaside at Saint George Alamanos, Pentakomo village, Limassol

Seaside at Saint George Alamanos

After visiting the Monastery of Saint George Alamanos we decided to go to the seaside which was only a few minutes away.

The seaside there is a very popular destination to visit but does not offer much opportunity for bathing. The place is very calm and quiet and if you walk down the small cliff with the characteristic white stone you will be rewarded.

The sound of waves hitting the rocks breaks the silence and lets you relax completely. Just near by you can also see some caves which cannot be reached though on foot.

Visiting the place to watch the sun setting is an excellent choice!