Dora Christofi

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About Dora Christofi

I’m Cypriot, with a London touch, experimenting with photography, working in marketing, love cooking, reading books, and wishing to travel the world. I currently live in Limassol, Cyprus, and try to travel as much as I can. Visit the About section for more.

Cyprus Carnival Events 2023

Cyprus Carnival is one of the most popular and vibrant cultural events on the island. During the Carnival period, the island comes alive with a colorful parade in all the cities, with people wearing costumes, and dancing to traditional music. Limassol is the main city that hosts most carnival events all over the island and hosts the biggest parade in Europe. This year, the carnival will take place between February 16 – 26, 2023 and it promises to be bigger and better than ever before. If you're looking for a unique and exciting way to experience the culture and traditions of Cyprus, then the Limassol Carnival is the perfect event for you. In this post, we'll take a closer look at what you can expect from the carnival period, and provide you with a list of Cyprus Carnival Events. Limassol Carnival Events Grigoris Afxentiou Square (District Administration Office) comes alive at 18:00, once again, for this year’s Carnival festivities. We are joined by the Castiglion Fiorentino Historical Group in a spectacular flag-waving show with impressive flags and costumes. Live music by the Batukinio Percussion Band and the Brazilian Band consisting of 8 musicians and 12 percussionists. Snacking, appetizers, wild partying, and lots of drinking await you to start of this year's carnival at Diamante Blu at the Old Port. Make your reservations in advance at 25377378 The Tsiknopempti Parade and the King’s arrival in the city will be led by the Limassol Carnival’s Flame King. The parade will commence at Grigoris Auxentiou Square (located in front of the Governor’s Office), travel through the streets of the old town and conclude back at Grigoris Auxentiou Square. A celebration of song and dance will commence afterwards. An event that will bring together the music of all our beloved decades in a unique carnival night! Friday, February 17 at 7 Seas in Limassol. Information and reservations at 25 321 777. This is ideal for our little friends. Join with your kids (0-5 years) and have fun while getting messy! The Messy Play [...]

2023-02-19T08:04:21+03:00February 1st, 2023|

Top 10 Cyprus Winter Cozy Places to Stay

This winter, relax at a hotel or Agrotourism getaway in a village in Cyprus. When it’s snowing outside or it's very cold, the warmth of fireplaces and staying inside whilst in the mountains, provides an enjoyable experience. From Lofou, Vouni, Arsos, Kalopanayiotis to Lefkara, KAlavasos to Vavla, there is a number nice and cozy places to stay and enjoy with your partner, family or friends. Find out the Top 10 Cyprus Winter Cozy Places to stay this winter, based on Booking.com ratings above 9/10. Stay at the best hotels, enjoy the village traditional cypriot style, and enjoy the Cypriot hospitality. Casale Panayiotis - Kalopanayiotis Nestled in the Marathasa Valley, on the slopes of Troodos Mountains, Casale Panayiotis is a complex of traditional houses that combine modern luxuries with traditional style. It features a spa center and elegant rooms overlooking the courtyard or the mountains. You can read my full review based on my stay at Casale Panayiotis: A luxury resort located in the mountains and I totally guarantee you that this is the top from Cyprus Winter Cozy Places recommendations. SHOW PRICES Oinou Strata - Vouni [Adults Only] Located in Vouni, 8.1 miles from Platres, Oinou Strata - Adults Only provides a bar and free WiFi. Each unit comes with a sofa, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchenette with a dining area, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. A fridge and stovetop are also featured, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine. Guests at the bed and breakfast can enjoy a continental breakfast. SHOW PRICES Oinoessa Traditional Boutique Guest Houses - Lofou Located in the centre of Lofou Village, Oinoessa Traditional Boutique Guest Houses offers stone-built studios and apartments with wooden furnishing and classical decoration. It features a garden and sun terrace, and free Wi-Fi in all areas. Opening to a balcony or patio, all rooms at Oinoessa come with beamed ceilings and wrought-iron beds. They have a flat-screen TV and air-conditioning. They also include a kitchen with a stove [...]

2023-03-03T12:38:28+03:00January 25th, 2023|

Cyprus Winter Activities

Do you know that Cyprus is a great destination for winter? There are a number of Cyprus Winter Activities locals and tourists can do, from skiing on the Troodos Mountains to hiking on scenic trails, to tasting wine at a winery, Cyprus offers a wide range of experiences that are perfect for the cold season. Not only will you get to enjoy the mild weather and breathtaking views, but you'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the island's rich history and culture. In this post, we'll take a closer look at some of the best winter activities in Cyprus and give you some tips on how to make the most of your winter getaway. 1. Skiing and Snowboarding Skiing in Cyprus may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about winter Cyprus activities, but Cyprus has a few ski resorts in the Troodos Mountains that offer ski and snowboarding opportunities during winter months. Troodos Mountains is the island's highest range, which has several ski resorts with slopes for both beginners and advanced skiers. The most popular ski resort in Cyprus is the Troodos Ski Resort, which is located in the central part of the island. It offers a range of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, with the longest run being around 1.5 km. The resort also offers ski and snowboard rental, ski school, and other facilities such as a ski lodge and a restaurant. The other ski resorts in Cyprus, such as the Olympus Ski Center and the Karvounas Ski Center, are smaller and offer fewer slopes, but they still provide an opportunity for skiing and snowboarding. The ski season in Cyprus typically runs from December to April, depending on the snowfall. The Troodos Mountains receive an average of about 2 meters of snowfall per season, which allows for a good ski experience. It's important to keep in mind that the ski resorts in Cyprus are relatively small compared to those in more well-known skiing destinations, and the snow conditions may not always be [...]

2023-03-03T12:39:31+03:00January 14th, 2023|

Golden Donkeys Farm, Skarinou

If you are looking for something different to do with your family, Golden Donkeys Farm is an ideal option for a day out.  This is the biggest donkey farm in Cyprus. There are around 170 donkeys at the Farm, and each of them has its own name and character.  The majority of the donkeys are females, in order to produce milk. Our day started early in the morning. We left Limassol and it took us around 20 minutes to reach the farm. We bought our tickets, including lunch, and went to walk around the farm. Adorable Donkeys The main part of the farm is where all the donkeys are. You can see the donkeys, feed them with carobs (you can buy them at the entrance), and even enjoy a donkey ride. To be honest, I would recommend donkey riding only for kids. We got 1 ticket for both kids at 8 EUR. The donkey ride lasted 15 minutes and both kids loved it. There's more to see and do Apart from donkeys, you will find some goats, rabbits, hens, and ducks so if you have children they will love it. There's an area for baby Donkeys but there were no baby donkeys when we visited. Moreover, at the Golden Donkeys Farm, you will find a lot of other interesting things such as museums, where you get to learn about the history of Cyprus, an ancient 1500 years old olive tree, a small botanical garden, an amphitheater (where events are hosted), the small church of Virgin Mary of Memila, a cozy restaurant, and a souvenir shop. 2 hours are ideal to spend at the farm when you have kids. They will need their time to explore around, see the animals, feed the donkeys, take a donkey ride and play at the playground area. PS: Donkey milk seems to be very healthy and you can buy a bottle on your way out. Read more about Donkey Milk on the Golden Donkeys Farm website.  [...]

2023-03-03T12:42:27+03:00January 8th, 2023|

Cyprus Animal Farm Parks

1. Paphos Zoo Paphos Zoo has become a popular place to visit throughout the year, for both locals and tourists. Visitors will get to discover an exciting wildlife reserve and tropical paradise of animals, learn about their species, and connect with nature. Visiting the Paphos Zoo is on of the ideal family things to do in Cyprus with your family, especially if you have smaller kids who love discovering new things. Check out my post about 8 Reasons to visit Paphos Zoo Tickets: Adults: 18.50 - Child: 8.50 EUR Opening Hours: Daily  9am–5pm  (Nov - Mar) - Daily  9am–6pm  (Apr - July) Phone: +357 26722777 Google Maps: Xylomantrou Street, Agiou Georgiou, Peyia Paphos CY, 8650 Website: Paphos Zoo 2. Mazotos Camel Park I won't go into many details here since you can find all the details in my dedicated post, Camel Park Mazotos, after visiting the camel park. You will find a lot of information and photos. Tickets: Entrance Fee for Adults: 6.00 Euros. Entrance Fee for Children: 4.00 Euros. Opening Hours: ( April – October): 9:00am – 7:00pm / (November- March): 9:00am – 5:00pm Phone: +357 24991243 Google Maps: Kiti to Mazotos, Mazotos Website: Camel Park 3. Golden Donkeys Farm Another nice place for a family to visit. It's a small farm with donkeys and a few other animals e.g. goats, chickens, and rabbits. Kids will love it. You can buy carobs and feed the donkeys and also take a ride on donkeys in the surrounding area. The farm has a wax museum, a traditional Cyprus house, an ancient olive press, a small botanical garden, an amphitheater, one of the oldest olive trees in Cyprus (1500 years old), and the small church of Virgin Mary of Memila. For more information and photos check my dedicated post on the farm at Golden Donkeys Farm, Skarinou Tickets: Adults 5 EUR - Kids 3 EUR Opening Hours: Daily  9:30AM–5PM Phone: +357 99620736 Google Maps: Skarinou 7731, Cyprus Website: Golden [...]

2023-03-03T12:42:43+03:00January 7th, 2023|

Cyprus wineries worth visiting

Cyprus is famous for its wine production and over 100 wineries, some small and some bigger, whilst you can visit all of them. Below I'm listing the biggest Cyprus wineries to visit and enjoy a great tasting experience. 1. Tsangarides Winery Tsangkarides winery, located in Lemona Village, is one of the biggest wineries in Cyprus with the next generation of Cypriot wines. Their philosophy is to blend old school traditions with new school style. Their aim is to produce wines of great character, and distinction. Opening Hours: Daily  9am–5pm  / Sunday: Closed Phone: +357 26722777 Google Maps: Lemona, Paphos 8545, Cyprus Website: Trangarides Winery 2. Zambartas Winery Zambartas Winery is Located in Agios Ambrosios Village in Limassol. The winery welcomes you to visit the winery and experience a real taste of Cyprus. They offer different tour options, depending on your time, group size and budget. All experiences are available daily, by prior appointment. Same-day reservations and walk-ins are welcome, but cannot be guaranteed availability of a tour & tasting. Zambartas Wineries own 7 hectares of vineyards and rent another 6 hectares, which are cultivated organically. The vineyards are of different ages and are concentrated mostly in the areas of Mandria Village and Agios Nikoloas. They also have some vineyards at lower altitudes, 550-700meters, in Agios Amvrosios and Pachna. BOOK TOUR Opening Hours: Daily  10am–5pm Phone: +357 25 94 24 24 Google Maps: Grigores Afxentiou 39, Agios Amvrosios 4710 Website: Zambartas Winery 3. Vouni Panayia Winery Vouni Panayia winery has been renovated and is equipped with the latest technology, to ensure high-quality standards. Apart from producing wine, the winery offers to visitors the opportunity to discover the world of Cyprus' wine and viticulture. During your visit you will have the opportunity to watch an educational short film showing the entire process from planting the vines to bottling. You can visit the traditional museum and the lovely tasting room to expand your knowledge and senses. And if you are hungry, make sure to [...]

2023-03-03T12:43:00+03:00December 25th, 2022|

Cyprus Christmas Events 2022

The most wonderful and magical time of the year is here and there are a lot of Christmas events happening all over Cyprus. I've been looking online to find out what's happening in Cyprus this year so I've gathered most of the Cyprus Christmas events and I'm sharing them with you here.  I will be attending with my family - kids just love this time of the year! Before moving on to the list, I'm sharing with you a video prepared by Visit Cyprus which is dedicated to the Christmas Villages. This post is being updated on a regular basis by removing events that are over. Last Update: 26/12/2022 1. Nicosia Christmas Fairyland Get in the Christmas Holiday Spirit by visiting the Nicosia Christmas Fairyland in Cyprus from the 18th of November 2022 - 8th of January 2023. You shouldn’t miss it, especially if you have kids, they will love it. There are a lot of attractions and games to keep the kids busy and excited.  There are a lot of stalls selling souvenirs and Christmas gifts, food, sweets, and drinks. This year the event will be hosted at D'Avilla Bastion.  2. Larnaca Christmas Land Larnaca will be hosting the Larnaca Christmas Land at the Europe Square which will be transformed into a beautiful amusement park, with fancy decorations and fun activities for all ages. Starting on the 25th of November until the 8th of January. 3. Fikardou Christmas Village For the first time ever, Fikardou puts on its Christmas decorations and becomes a beautiful medieval village. The Medieval Christmas Village will open on the 26th of November. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in various activities, such as treasure hunting, archery, pottery, and ceramic decoration workshops while enjoying the unique nature and local delicacies. VIEW PROGRAM 4. Kalopanayiotis Christmas Village Kalopanagiotis Village brings us another beautiful “Christmas Village” in the village from 26 November 2022 to 15 January 2023. Everyone attending will [...]

2023-03-03T12:43:23+03:00November 24th, 2022|

Armou Village, the place where you can enjoy spectacular views of Paphos Town

It would be unfair not to write something about Armou Village, the village I grew up and lived there for many years. Armou is a village in Paphos located a few minutes away from Paphos City Centre. You can enjoy the spectacular Paphos town view and horizon sea views from almost every point in the village both day and night. When googling Armou you cannot find enough information apart from properties that are advertised to be sold or to be rented. Apparently is a village which has been modernized over the past few years and a lot of new properties have been built almost everywhere. I was told by my grandparents that the name of the village came from the fact that Aphrordite’s chariot passed from the village (chariot in greek is Αrma – Άρμα). The village is accessible from the Paphos-Limassol highway either by taking the Geroskipou-Konia exit or by reaching the Paphos roundabout and taking the exit to Konia. It’s about 5km away and you can reach the village in 10 minutes. There’s also a bus you can take from Paphos Town. Armou used to have around 460 residents back in 1946 however today there are around 670. Most of the people have left the village and moved to a different town. A large number of the current residents are English people staying there permanently. There’s a primary school that used to work years ago but since there are not enough children it’s not operating for teaching, instead, the children go to Konia primary school or primary schools located in the City Centre. However, the school is used for Theater lessons and also for selling used books now and then. Agia Varvara church is the only church in the Village. The Church gets quite busy during Christmas and Easter when all village emigrants come back for a short break. I would say that the busiest period of the year is Easter. During the Easter period, an air of festivity envelops the village. On Easter Monday, after lunchtime, the village square hosts an Easter celebration by organizing traditional Easter games, theatre, [...]

2023-03-02T16:54:57+03:00November 19th, 2022|

Camel Park, Mazotos

An adventurous family day out    If you are looking for something different to do with your family, Camel Park in Mazotos is an ideal option for a day out. Mazotos Camel Park was founded back in 1998 as a camel farm but the love and care of the owners for animals made the place a home for more than 100 animals, including ostriches, goats, deers, ponies, wallabies, lamas, alpacas, lemurs, turtles, fish, a lot of birds and our 60 camels, that each of them has its own name and character. It is the only camel park in Cyprus and the biggest camel park in Europe, achieving the ‘Trip Advisor’ Certificate of Excellence for the past 10 years. Our day started early in the morning. We left Limassol and it took us around 30 minutes to reach the park. We paid and went straight to the Camels area before the place got crowded. My kids were not very keen to ride the Camels so we took a ride with a train and they enjoyed feeding the camels with carobs. We could have walked since the distance to move around the Camels area is small, however, we got the train for the kids who loved it. Both train and camel rides last about 10 minutes and are something that should not be missed! Camels at the Mazotos Camel Park Playground Area But it's not only about the Camels. There's a lot more to do when you finish feeding the Camels and taking the rides! There's a huge kids' area with a lot of activities for children to enjoy including a bouncy castle, swingles, sliders, bumper car, and a mirror room. Adults can sit back whilst kids play around. There's also an indoor gaming area with operating rides (the ones that you have to use coins.) Swimming Pool If you're going there during Summer, make sure to take your swimming suit with you since there's a swimming pool. The pool is included in your entrance ticket. Cafe & [...]

2023-03-03T12:43:43+03:00October 28th, 2022|

The Best Nicosia Playgrounds

Nicosia has a lot of places with playgrounds for kids to play and have fun, both outdoors and indoors whilst parents enjoy their coffee or a meal. Below you will find a list of the most popular Nicosia playground places where parents can leave their kids to have fun whilst they have a drink or a meal. Nicosia has bigger playgrounds compared to other cities with a variety of activities. If you are reading this and you have more playgrounds to recommend please feel free to leave a comment. 1. Play4kidz Play4kidz is located in Strovolos, Nicosia, near the big shopping centers IKEA, Mall of Nicosia and Leroy Merlin. It's not just a simple playground. There are a lot of amazing activities that children can enjoy, starting from bowling, twister, bungee trampoline, digi wall, net world, trampoline, and soft play for the little ones.  The is the ideal place for a family outting. Parents can relax at the cafeteria whilst kids play at the playground. The vision of the creators of play4kidz, is to build a site that offers every child from the ages of two to eleven, all the tools necessary, to create an amazing party or an elaborate event, according to the preferences and needs of each individual. Entrance Fee: Starting from 9 EUR for 1 Day-Pass. Please check their website to see all the types of tickets Location: Lemesou, Strovolos, Cyprus 2. Extreme Park Nicosia’s leading Theme Park! Suitable for children aged 1-13. Parents can sit and enjoy a drink or meal, while their kids play under supervision on the Park’s premises.  The Park is divided into 3 sections - 'Outdoor Fun Factory' covering all age groups from 1-13 (operating during summer months), and 2 levels Indoors;  'Underwater Adventure' where play areas cover ages 1-8 &  ‘Plus 2’  more suitable for ages 5-13. Extreme Games include Aeroball, Climbing Wall, Jumpshot Basketball, Kiddie Slide, Toddler Zone, and many more. For more information and details please visit the Extreme Park website.  [...]

2023-03-03T12:45:49+03:00October 17th, 2022|
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