Here in this
idyllic resort one can find golden sandy beaches
and rugged cliffs complimenting the tiny bays
while overlooking the brilliance of the early
morning sun as it slowly rises above the
horizon, as if emerging from the crystal-clear
waters of the sparkling blue-green
Mediterranean.
It is here within this poetic scene that one can
still choose between lounging at any of the
luxurious hotels with their tempting swimming
pools, or escaping to the quiet solitude of a
lonely stretch of beach for that intimate
picnic.
Explore this enchanting locale for a few miles
inland and you will discover the delightfully
scenic "Valley of the Windmills" where what
seems like hundreds of rotating fan blades help
to pump the water that irrigates the surrounding
fields. Historical tradition continues to bean
important feature of the culture of Paralimni
and its people whose typical Cypriot hospitality
is very much in evidence here. Local residents
still practice many of their age-old customs and
are always eager to demonstrate some of the
traditional farming techniques that have lasted
for generations.
The merry month of May blooms with all the
excitement and pageantry of the much-celebrated
flower festival known as the "Anthestiria", a
gala procession of brilliant, flower-decked
floats climaxing with a spectacular flower show.
The festival of Kataklysmos (Whitsuntide or
flood) marks the end of May with the customary
songs, dances and playful water games on the
beaches of Protaras. For several days in late
June music, dance and theatrical performances
from around the world thrive at the
International Arts Festival as each day offers
an exciting new programme.
