Secret Cyprus: Peaceful Pyla - Larnaca's Hidden Gem

Larnaca District provides a relaxing contrast to the more vivacious resorts of Ayia Napa and Paphos and offers fantastic opportunities to experience a different facet of Cyprus. The village of Pyla is the perfect setting for a holiday where you can choose to set your own pace.

Exploring Pyla Village on Foot

A short walk from our apartments at Pyla Village Resort is the village of Pyla itself. Turn left out of the gated entrance to the apartments, up to the crossroads and straight on. At the next junction, turn right where under clear blue skies and sunshine you can gently stroll through the winding main road of this quiet, rural village accompanied by the beautiful sound of birdsong. Planted flowers and hanging baskets adorn the local house fronts, providing a glorious splash of colour against painted walls and intricate ornamental ironwork. You'll soon reach the village square, passing shops along the way.

At the square the atmosphere is tranquil and relaxed, with the birdsong only occasionally punctuated by the chatter and good banter of the patrons of the café bars and the occasional car. Pyla's mixed Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot community exist side by side and the cultural layers of village life and historic background make Pyla a truly interesting location. Why not relax and have a coffee in the sunshine whilst you're there? Or if you're feeling peckish try Pedros on right hand side of Square for some really flavoursome fish and chips, Greek Style! (sit in or take away).

Adjacent to the Village Square is a multi-storied stone built tower, part of an early warning system against naval attacks, inspired and implemented by the Venetians (1489-1571). Cyprus was the Venetians easternmost stronghold in the Ottoman dominated Eastern-Mediterranean of the time. The watchtower’s small guard would look out for enemy naval threats in Larnaca Bay and raise the alarm with fire and smoke signals to warn the army and population of invasion or pirate marauding.

There are four elegant medieval watchtowers in all, covering the whole of Larnaca Bay. Others can be found at the villages of Alaminos, Pervolia & Xylophagou. The example near the delightful pebbly beach of Pervolia and Kiti is well preserved and especially elegant and close to our other apartments at Tersefanou!

Eating Out in Pyla – Walking Distance

AmnesiaThere are some real gems for eating out in Pyla village within walking distance of the apartments. Turn left out of the entrance to the apartments and then turn left at the crossroads. Head down the road and you'll come to a junction, on which you'll find a friendly taverna called Zeki'nin Yeri, loosely translated to Paradise Island Restaurant (you can't miss it – it's purple!). For another unforgetable eating out experience in Pyla, bear right at this junction and follow the road down until you come to the Restaurant Amnesia on the left.

Both venues offer great service with traditional food and music with lively bouzouki playing and singing on Friday and Saturday evenings from around 9pm. The clientelle include friendly locals and it's so easy to feel relaxed and very welcome. Try the traditional Meze – the dish that just keeps coming! For those who remember The Generation Game, think of it as a seemingly endless conveyor belt of delicious morsels. Taramasalata, houmous, tzatziki, tahini dip, pickled olives, pickled beetroot, loukanika, koupepia, halloumi cheese, souvlaki, sheftalia, keftedes, afelia, moussaka, stifado, ofto kleftiko, fresh salad..... the list goes on. The only thing that doesn't appear in the offerings is a cuddly toy. Delicious food and good value - you certainly won't go hungry and you can always work off those excess calories with a spot of dancing with the locals; those with a head for heights may even want to get up on the tables for this!

Whilst the traditional food and entertainment are highly recommended, if you fancy some good old English food you can always head to the Village Tavern – for those who crave a full English breakfast or a Sunday roast. Just turn left out of the apartments, head over the crossroads and you'll find the Tavern located on the right at the next junction.

Eating Out in Pyla – By Car or Taxi

For a wider choice of eateries, a little further afield on the Larnaca-Dhekelia Road are a whole host of restaurants and tavernas to entice your tastebuds. From traditional Cypriot cuisine to Chinese, Italian, French, Tex-Mex and Japanese restaurants, there really is something for every palette. There are also a whole host of bars to choose from if you just want to relax with friends or family over a drink.

Shopping

For a great choice of shops, head into Larnaca itself - whilst there are shops for essentials located in Pyla and on the Dhekelia Road, Larnaca has a great range of shops for the avid shopping fan.

Activities

In Pyla, you can book diving tours, go quad biking, enjoy a pampering session at the spa or go bowling. Sunseekers can saunter down to the award-winning Pyla beach, just 5 minutes away by car. Or you can explore the numerous other beaches available; legend has it there is one for every day of the year! Our favourite is Konnos Beach at Cape Greco. These are all activities you can find on the Larnaca-Dhekelia Road.

Staying in Pyla

Renting one of our apartments at Pyla Village means you can enjoy the restful surroundings of the resort and the placid village with the opportunity to venture further afield to explore local attractions, slope off to the beach or sample fabulous traditional and international cuisine. There are plenty of things to do in Pyla and the surrounding area.

The resort offers an onsite pool to relax by or take a dip. If you're feeling energetic, you can take advantage of the floodlit tennis court that stays open until 10pm. Our apartments each have a balcony, so if you want to relax with friends over a glass of wine and a meal, you can do so at leisure. Please get in touch if you're interested in enquiring about renting one of our competitively priced apartments.



Comments

[eiran]

Many people are now moving away from the traditional package holiday and are booking their own accommodation. The Holiday Villas for Rent in Cyprus do vary in price depending on where you are staying and what type of villa you are looking to stay in.

[My Cyprus Holiday]

Absolutely right, Eiran. Check out our Tariff for some great deals on our apartments :)

[Apartment in Cannes]

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