Luxury Hotels (Summer 2018) #9 Luxury Hotels (Summer 2018) | Page 45

/ place of interest / CAPE GREKO: fun born from nature With one of the most breathtaking viewpoints, you’ll ever have the pleasure of looking out from, Cape Greko is the premier national park in Cyprus. T aken from the Italian name for ‘Greek’, Cape Greko is a national park under the protection and control of the Ministry of Interior and is a non-stop verdant haven with jaw-dropping scenery, incredible trails, mind blowing clear turquoise waters that go as far as Famagusta Bay, and a larger than life broadcasting station, among other wonderful attractions. Stretching out from the south side of Famagusta into the municipality of Ayia Napa, the park rests in between the resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras, and is surrounded by an abundance of verdant and splendid natural features such as sea caves, a beach, and other spectacular sites. There are seven key landmarks in the park that steal your awe from the beautiful verdant nature; CYCLOPS CAVE; the closest point of the park to the district of Famagusta, the cave is 1.5km from Konnos beach, and is said to be the cave in which Od- ysseus and his men were trapped in, and had to face the gigantic cyclops. A smooth enjoyable walk from Konnos beach to the cave will be worth it. KONNOS BEACH; this secluded beach is not only quiet and romantic, it has the picturesque view, with its beautiful golden sand, and clear waters. For a quiet time with a loved ones or family, this is the spot. AGIOI ANARGRYOI CHAPEL; Built upon a cliff overseeing the serene clear waters, this chapel dedicated to the brothers Cosmas and Damianos who are said to have miraculously healed people who came to them, without pay. The chapel stands on a hermit cave, the subject of a few amazing myths. The steps of the chapel lead down to a part of the sea were it is believed Holy Water runs. KAMAKA TOU KORAKA; one of the manifesta- tions of nature’s masterstroke, this humoungous rock • 2018 EDITION arch, carved by time and nature, stands at the mouth of the cape, and stands at atleast 50ft tall, a true beauty of nature. CAPE GREKO VIEWPOINT; reaching out into the sea, this impressive large rock mass offers one of the most breathtaking views in all of Cyprus. SEA CAVES; These caves are sure afoot and can be explored at low tide, or for those who don’t mind a swim. Going as for as 240ft. some of the caves are passages into cliffs, and can only be accessed from the sea. It is also the spot for adrenaline junkies who go on cliff jumping and diving sprees. Right next to the caves, on land, is the Cape Greko environmental centre, which houses aquariums and showrooms that highlight and exhibit the beautiful marine life of the cape. Award-winning architecture and all the splendor of marine life in one place is bound to blow your mind (in the most pleasurable sense, of course) MONACHUS MONACHUS ARCH; this is the side of the park closest to Ayia Napa, and is also known as the “love bridge”. Another stroke of nature gone beautiful, the natural arch stretches into the clear turquoise waters around the cape, and is believed that kissing in the middle of the arch while making a wish, will make it come true. THOUGHT THE FUN WAS DONE? NOOO… The Cape Greko National Park boasts nine amaz- ing and scenic trails that will definitely bring out the outdoor love in you and everyone. Explore trails that are part of enchanting myth, such as the Aphrodite trail which leads to the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, or walk along a part of the European Long Distance E4 trail that spans from Cyprus to Gibraltar. Visit Cape Greko, and let nature entertain you. 45