Guest Hook Travel Guides Cyprus Insider Guide | Page 5

5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS... 1 Konnos Bay... 2 The Black Pearl Pirate Ship... 3 Red Bus Trip... 4 A Night in Romeos ... 5 A Coastal Path Stroll... The shallow, marbled waters and striking geologic features of Konnos Bay draw snorkelers, photographers, and sunbathers who use yellow inflatables to drift on the sea's glassy surface. Virtually no wind hits this sheltered spot, nor do throngs of tourists—Konnos Bay is one of the east coast’s quietest beaches. While there, perch above the dappled coastline for dinner-with-a-view at Konnos Bay Hotel. Families—and Pirates of the Caribbean fans—love this adventure cruise on the Black Pearl Pirate Ship, captained by the infamous Jack Sparrow. Day trips feature an on-deck meal, live entertainment, and stops for swimming and exploring the sea caves. This really is terrific fun for all age groups! If you decide to try out the Black Pearl, please let Kirsty know and she’ll advise where to buy your tickets. The Red Bus Cyprus is a street tour with a top deck for elevated views of either the walled city of Famagusta or the agricultural villages along the Dividing Line. Both tours pass by the frozen-in-time “ghost resort” of Varosha, abandoned since the 1974 Turkish invasion. The Famagusta tour lasts all day and includes a swimming stop; the Dividing Line tour lasts 3 hours and provides samples from the region’s bountiful fruit trees. Please let Kirsty know if you'd like to buy tickets. Be sure to reserve an evening of your holiday for Greek Nights at Romeo Garden Taverna. Come for the knock-your-socks off meze or kleftiko (slow-roasted lamb), stay for the spirited introduction to Cypriot culture. When the sun goes down, plates are (purposefully) shattered, tabletops become dance floors, and belly dancers and folk dancers show off their moves to live bouzouki music. Take a family walk or a romantic stroll along the coastal paths that rim the Mediterranean’s brilliant, peacock-colored waters. Along the way, stop at Zafiros Café for a refreshing drink or a plate of the island’s best waffles (enough to share—they’re huge!) enjoyed while overlooking the sea. If you time your meal just right, you’ll be treated to a once-in-alifetime sunset view.