Globerovers Magazine, July 2019

The East
The Republic’s east coast is home to the
most beautiful turquoise sea waters!
The road from Nicosia to the far
south-eastern tip, Cape Greco,
is a pleasant drive along wellmaintained
highways.
About 35 kilometres (22 mi) before
reaching the Cape Greco National Forest
Park, the road passes through the British
controlled area of Dhekelia, a United Kingdom
Overseas Territory, though you may
not even notice it. The Sovereign Base Areas
of Dhekelia and Akrotiri (near Limassol),
have British military bases and eavesdropping
installations on lands that were retained
under the 1960 treaty of independence.
Once you pass Dhekelia, the coastline
is idyllic, especially as you get closer to the
Capo Greco headland at the southern end
of Famagusta Bay. The water here is a brilliant
turquoise colour.
As you swim in these waters of paradise,
keep an eye out for the legendary Ayia
Napa cryptids sea monster known by the
local fishermen as “the friendly monster”.
While not regarded as dangerous, from
time to time the monster is reported to
drag away fishing nets.
Head back east to the pleasant city of
Larnaca with its popular beaches, historic
churches and museums, as well as a fortress
and the 18th century Kamares aqueduct.
A short drive south of the city on the
airport road is Larnaca’s own salt lake,
complete with pink flamingos from November
to January.
About 40 kilometres (25 mi) south
of Larnaca on highway A5, the Nicosia
highway A1 turns north. A 20 kilometres
(12 mi) drive gets you to the Stavrovouni
Monastery in Pyrga, founded in AD 327
and sitting in splendid isolation commanding
superb panoramic views across the sur-
rounding countryside. Note that only men
are allowed inside the monastery buildings.
From the monastery it is about 75
kilometres (48 mi) to the Limassol Salt
Lake, also known as Akrotiri Lake, lying at
2.7 metres (8.9 ft) below sea level. The lake
is worth a visit, especially in winter when
thousands of flamingos hang around while
gobbling up brine shrimp, crustaceans, and
blue-green algae.
Akrotiri Lake is the largest inland body
of water on the island and lies inside the
United Kingdom Overseas Territory of
Akrotiri.
No passports or roadblocks in Akrotiri
Territory—only large roadside signs forbidding
passing travellers to take photos of the
massive radar installations.
My accommodation in Larnaca was
sponsored by the Livadhiotis City Hotel,
which I can highly recommend. The hotel
is centrally located and a short walk from
the beach. Great rooms, great service, great
food!
Cape Greco.
Salt Lake of Larnaca.
Fig Tree Bay, Protaras.
Beaches of Larnaca.
Article • Cyprus | 59