A road trip in Kouklia, Pissouri, Prastio, Pano Platres of Apr 28, 2023

There is an underground passageway that connects the parking lot to Aphrodite's Beach, or Petra tou Romiou. This tunnel provides a safe and convenient way for visitors to cross the busy road without having to worry about traffic. The passageway is typically well-lit and maintained, offering a secure path to the beach and the famous rock formation. As always, it's a good idea to exercise general safety precautions when using any public facility.

Regarding safety, it's always a good idea to take standard precautions when leaving your vehicle in any public parking area. This includes locking your doors, rolling up your windows, and not leaving valuables visible inside the car. It's also a good idea to park in well-lit areas when possible.

Remember that this information may be outdated or subject to change, so always verify the latest information before making any plans or decisions.

Aphrodite's Beach, also known as Petra tou Romiou or Aphrodite's Rock, is associated with an ancient Greek myth about the birth of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. According to the legend, Aphrodite emerged from the sea at this location.

The connection between this specific location and the myth of Aphrodite's birth can be traced back to the Hellenistic period, around the 3rd century BC. The geographer and historian Strabo, who lived in the 1st century BC, mentioned the site in his work "Geographica" and connected it with the legend of Aphrodite. The area was considered sacred in antiquity, and the nearby ancient city of Paphos was dedicated to the goddess, housing a famous temple in her honor.

The beauty of the rock formation, along with the mythological significance of the site, makes it a popular destination for tourists visiting Cyprus.

The story goes that the Titan Cronus castrated his father, Uranus, and threw his genitals into the sea. As a result, a white foam formed on the water, from which Aphrodite was born. The sea carried her to the rock formation now known as, where she stepped onto land for the first time.

Petra tou Romiou (Πέτρα του Ρωμιού) is a Greek name that translates to "Rock of the Greek" or "Rock of the Roman." The term "Romios" (Ρωμιός) is derived from the word "Romans," which was used to describe the inhabitants of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. It was later used to refer to the Greeks, as they were the primary inhabitants of the Byzantine Empire.

Petra tou Romiou is associated with another legend, separate from the Aphrodite myth. This legend revolves around the hero Digenis Akritas, a Byzantine warrior who lived around the 12th century AD. Digenis Akritas is a semi-mythical figure celebrated in Byzantine folklore for his great strength and heroic deeds in defending the empire's borders from invaders.

According to the legend, Digenis Akritas once protected the island of Cyprus from invading Saracens (Arabs) by throwing a massive rock at their ships. The rock formation, now known as Petra tou Romiou, is said to be the very rock he threw. The name thus reflects this legend and the hero's Greek, or "Roman," origin.

The exact origin of the name and when it was first used is uncertain, but it likely dates back to the Byzantine period, when the legend of Digenis Akritas was popular.

From Pissouri village, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea, including Cape Aspro. The landscape consists of cliffs, hills, and vineyards, with the blue waters of the sea in the distance.

To get the best views of Cape Aspro from Pissouri, you can head to some of the vantage points around the village or drive down to Pissouri Bay, where you will find a beautiful beach and various restaurants and cafes. From there, you can enjoy a more direct view of Cape Aspro and the surrounding coastline.

Pissouri is a picturesque village located in the Limassol district on the southern coast of Cyprus, approximately halfway between the cities of Paphos and Limassol. The town is on a hillside, offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.

The name "Pissouri" is believed to have originated from the word "pissouri," which means "a place where one can find plenty of water" in the Cypriot dialect. This name likely refers to the abundance of water sources in the area, making it ideal for agriculture, especially the cultivation of vineyards.

The history of Pissouri dates back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence suggesting that the village was inhabited since the Bronze Age. Throughout its long history, Pissouri has been influenced by various civilisations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, and Byzantines. The village's architecture reflects its rich history, with traditional Cypriot stone houses and narrow streets, as well as a few remnants of the past, such as the remains of a Roman villa.

As for famous persons connected to Pissouri, there aren't any widely-known figures that are specifically associated with the village. However, Pissouri is well-regarded for its strong sense of community and the hospitality of its inhabitants, who have preserved the village's unique cultural and historical heritage.

In recent years, Pissouri has become a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic Cypriot experience, with its beautiful landscapes, traditional architecture, and warm atmosphere. The village offers various activities, such as wine tasting, hiking, and exploring the nearby beach at Pissouri Bay.

The Bunch of Grapes Inn With over 200 hundred years old history, The Bunch of Grapes Inn, set amidst lush gardens features a bar and a restaurant surrounded by a furnished sun terrace. Turning back the pages, Bunch of Grapes Inn was originally the village manor house and has been converted into an Inn in 1976 and it remains unique. There is nothing else quite it on the whole island. The conversion of thebuilding from a traditional house to an Inn was carried out with great care Classic features have been preserved, and the atmosphere of the old the home has been entirely retained. The Bunch of Grapes Inn provides its chef with an extensive menu, which features a blend of traditional Cypriot dishes with the best of British and French cuisine.

Pissouri village in Cyprus has a strong winemaking tradition, producing high-quality wines that showcase the local terroir and grape varieties. The wines reflect this rich tradition, with three different types: a white dry wine, a Xynisteri white dry wine, and a rosé dry wine.

Voosoura Aeykoe Ehroe Oinoe (White Dry Wine): This white wine has a light, bright straw-yellow colour and a fruity aroma, featuring notes of citrus fruits such as pomelo, grapefruit, and lemon. The wine also has grassy minerality and herbaceous notes of mint or sage. It is a dry wine with refreshing acidity, a light body, and a pleasant spicy finish. This summer, the wine pairs well with fish dishes, light salads, fruit salads, or rocket salads with pomegranate, walnuts, delicate goat's cheese, and lemon vinaigrette.

Xynisteri Aeykolehproe Oinoe (White Dry Wine): Xynisteri is a native Cypriot grape variety that produces a white wine with a pale straw-yellow colour. The wine has youthful and fruity notes of stone fruit like apricot, yellow apple, and citrus, accompanied by crisp minerality. It is dry with a light body and quite a refreshing palate, with more prominent citrus fruits like lemon and lime zest. This wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif on its own.

Poze Ehproz Oinoe (Rosé Dry Wine): This rosé wine is beautiful onion-skin colour with pale orange notes. It is youthful with a pleasant complexity on the nose, showcasing powerful aromas of red fruits like strawberry and red cherry and hints of pomegranate, as well as beautiful notes of white flowers like a lemon blossom, gardenia, and litchi. The wine is dry and has a well-balanced body on the palate, with notes of red fruits, red currant, strawberry, red cherry, and sour cherry, accompanied by floral aromas and hints of beeswax. This rosé can be enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with light dishes, such as soft pasta with garlic and tomato or a traditional Cypriot meze.

These wines exemplify the winemaking traditions of Pissouri village, with a focus on native grape varieties and the unique characteristics of the local terroir. They offer an authentic taste of Cypriot wine culture and are a testament to the region's rich winemaking heritage.

Nature has created stunning canyons and views in Cyprus over millions of years. What we see now is the result of water erosion on layers of sedimentary marine rocks, but let's try to delve deeper into the stones and their history.

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, the island of Cyprus lay hidden beneath the ancient Tethys Ocean. Millions of years ago, during the late Jurassic to early Cretaceous periods, the ocean floor was home to various volcanic activity. Deep beneath the waves, powerful forces were at work, shaping what would eventually become the Troodos Ophiolite Complex. As the Earth's tectonic plates shifted and collided, the oceanic crust and upper mantle were thrust upwards, gradually revealing a new world above the water's surface.

At the same time, to the west of the emerging Troodos Mountains, a magical process was unfolding in the depths of the Tethys Ocean. Here, the subduction of the oceanic crust beneath the continental margin sparked the formation of the enchanted Mamonia volcanic island arc. The fiery eruptions and lava flows of this volcanic land would define the Mamonia Complex, a testament to the power of the Earth's vibrant heart.

As the aeons passed, the island of Cyprus continued to grow and evolve. In the northern reaches of this ancient land, the non-volcanic Kyrenia Range began to take shape. The gentle whispers of wind and water worked together to lay down layers of sediment, creating magnificent limestones and sandstones. Over countless millennia, these sedimentary rocks would form the backbone of the Kyrenia Range, a testament to the beauty and resilience of life in the face of time's relentless march.

In the shadows of the majestic Troodos Mountains, a fourth wonder of Cyprus was taking shape. The Circum-Troodos Sedimentary Succession, a tapestry of diverse environments, was born from the dance of earth, water, and sky. Deep-sea, shallow marine and terrestrial realms came together to weave a rich mosaic of chalk, marl, sandstone, and conglomerate. This breathtaking landscape encircled the Troodos Ophiolite Complex, cradling it like a precious gem within the island's loving embrace.

And so, the story of Cyprus, an island sculpted by the hands of time and the forces of nature, unfolded. The interplay of volcanic and non-volcanic elements created a magical world of diverse landscapes, where the echoes of the past continue to shape the land and inspire the hearts of those who are fortunate enough to witness its timeless beauty.

Low-growing shrubs can be found on the southern slopes of Cyprus. One of the common shrubs in the region is Phoenician Juniper (Juniperus phoenicea). It's a typical Mediterranean plant and can be found in the coastal areas, hills, and mountains of Cyprus, particularly in the southern parts of the island.

Phoenician Juniper (Juniperus phoenicea) is a shrub native to the Mediterranean region, including Cyprus. The name "Phoenician Juniper" refers to the Phoenicians, an ancient maritime civilisation that originated in the Eastern Mediterranean region, specifically in the area that is now modern-day Lebanon. The Phoenicians were known for their maritime trade and exploration, which may have led to the association of this juniper species with their name, as it can be found throughout the Mediterranean coastal areas where the Phoenicians once sailed.

Juniper has been used in various ways, from medicinal applications to religious rituals. In some cultures, juniper was believed to have protective properties and was used to ward off evil spirits. The ancient Greeks utilised juniper as an ingredient in incense, while the ancient Egyptians used juniper oil in their embalming processes. The berries of some juniper species, including the Phoenician Juniper, have been used as a flavouring for gin and other alcoholic beverages.

While there may not be specific legends or myths directly associated with the Phoenician Juniper, junipers, in general, have been regarded as sacred and powerful plants in many cultures, and their uses in medicine, religion, and daily life have contributed to their enduring significance in human history.

Platres Square is a popular spot in the village of Platres in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus. The town is known for its beautiful surroundings, nature trails, and picturesque views. At Platres Square, you can find a parking area for visitors who wish to explore the village, its attractions, and the nearby nature trails.

The parking area at Platres Square is a convenient starting point for various activities. You can explore the local shops and cafes, stroll around the village, or hike to nearby waterfalls, such as Caledonia Waterfall and Millomeris Waterfall. The square is a pleasant spot to relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and perhaps grab a bite before exploring the beautiful Troodos Mountains.

The parking fee is 1 euro per hour and a flat rate of 20 euros for 24 hours. If you park for less than 20 hours, you will pay 1 euro per hour. If you park for 20 hours or more, it would be more cost-effective to pay the flat rate of 20 euros for the whole 24-hour period.

It's important to note that this information may be subject to change, and it's always a good idea to check with the parking authority or the parking lot attendants to confirm the current payment policy and rates.

The Kallithea Inn is a charming and unique place to stay.

If it's located in an area with access to hiking trails and scenic mountain views, it is an excellent place for hiking enthusiasts.

The hotel, once a large winter home owned by one family, has been converted into a modest hotel, but the lack of comfort and cosiness should be noted. There is no hot water in the sink, and the shower is not hot enough, in my opinion.

The hotel may update and renovate a little bit more to meet modern standards and meet expectations. It's also possible that the hotel is trying to maintain its original charm and atmosphere, which may not align with modern preferences for a more luxurious stay.

Providing a comfortable and cosy stay for guests is crucial for the success of any hotel, and addressing these issues can help to enhance the overall experience for future guests.