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Cyprus: It is more than a clubbers paradise

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:08:37 CDT

It’s likely that you’ve heard of Ayia Napa before; it’s a clubbing mecca based in Cyprus. You might think that this is the only draw of the island, but it brings in a varied crowd as there is something for everyone to appreciate. In fact, Cyprus is renowned for its beautiful historic sites, and many visitors return year upon year just to get a feel of this rich heritage and its current cultural offerings. So before you disregard Cyprus as being “too young” for you and your next holiday, it’s time that you found out more about what Cyprus can offer you.

History in Larnaca:

Larnaca is a modern city but has a brilliant historical twist. Its beach stretches for over 25 kilometres (it is a combination of soft sands) and you’ll find plenty to do on the coast including the usual water sports and beach bars. What makes Larnaca truly amazing though is the cluster of ruins which demonstrate the remnants of past civilisations. Going on holiday can be both educational and relaxing, and Larnaca is sure to provide an extra element of interest to your vacation snaps.

Golf in Kouklia:

If you are a lover of golf, Kouklia in Cyprus may well be the destination for you. This town is supposed to be the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the Ancient Greek goddess of beauty, and there are sure to be many beautiful locations dotted around the area for you to make the most of. The beauty of the area is indeed one of the main draws here, with fresh fruit and vivid greens making up the landscape. You’ll be able to take advantage of these sights as you make your way to the tee to take your golf swing; it’s hard to picture a better way to play golf.

Diving in Scala:

If golf is a little bit tame for your liking and you want to try something more adventurous, visit Scala to try scuba diving. Cyprus holidays can surprise you in many ways, and Scala is close to a few great dive sites which you might not have been aware of. Once you make it back to dry land after viewing all sorts of awesome underwater creatures, Scala will serve you up a tasty array of meals to boost your energy levels once again. If you want to sample the nightlife away from booming Ayia Napa, Scala also has some more upmarket cocktail bars which feature local DJs - go on let your hair down, you are on holiday after all.

What else?

Cyprus is great whether you are looking for a laid back escape to the sun, or an action packed week away. There are two airports serving the island - Larnaca and Paphos - so make sure you identify your final destination before you book a flight.

If you are bringing your family, look out for resorts that cater for them with kids clubs to keep them amused during the day. You also might like to hire a car to travel around the island to find quiet coves away from the crowds in the larger resorts.

Whatever you choose to do in Cyprus, there is a very good chance that you will fall in love with the island, so don’t be surprised if you end up heading there next year (and the year after) too.

About the author: Justine Norman is a British expat living in Cyprus. She was such a fan of Cyprus holidays that she ended up moving to the island in 2002.

The Best Beaches to Visit in California

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:12 CDT

California offers some of the finest stretches of beach in the world. For a weeklong adventure, the following beaches offer the best California has to offer. They are ideal for family, couples, and friends alike.

PISMO BEACH

PISMO BEACH, CALIFORNIA

Located half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco in southern San Luis Obispo County is the famous central coast beach city of Pismo Beach. Pismo Beach boasts stunning stretches of white beaches, sand dunes, and groves of eucalyptus trees, which attract migrating monarch butterflies every season. The Monarch Butterfly Grove alone is a captive sight to behold. The beach city holds a clam festival every October with clam chowder competitions ideal for families. Visitors may enjoy fishing at the Pismo pier, riding the sand dunes, surfing the waves, or golfing at some of the finest golf courses in the world. Go horseback riding or simply walk down this gorgeous stretch of sand for a relaxing, invigorating, and inspiring experience. Eateries include a casual, budget, family style seafood dinner at the Cracked Crab. Perched on the bluffs is the Ventana Grill where coastal fusion cuisine meets with an extensive selection of tequila flights surrounded by crashing waves. In the morning, enjoy gooey Old West Cinnamon Rolls to start another sweet day at the beach.

RINCON BEACH

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

photo by flickr user wanderingnome

Rincon Beach, located just south of Santa Barbara with its curve of shoreline is an epic surf location. The beach is known for its wild breaks and near perfect rides. The narrow stretch of sand is at times covered in driftwood or sprinkled with rocks and seaweed. Located next to the historic highway 101, Rincon boasts the finest waves anywhere and attracts surfers from all over the globe. Surfing or simply watching surfers is an ideal way to spend the day at Rincon. Travel just ten minutes north into town for casual seafood and a lively, relaxed atmosphere at Brophy Bro’s Restaurant and Clam Bar or enjoy a cold tap beer specials and baby back ribs at Killer B’s BBQ & Bar.

VENICE BEACH

VENICE, LOS ANGELES

photo by flickr user Storm Crypt

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, and Mar Vista is the world famous Venice Beach. Canals were originally built to drain the marshlands to create this special stretch of sand that now boasts a world famous beach boardwalk. One and half miles of sand and surf encapsulate some of the most festive, bohemian, and carnival-like experiences in the world. Travel to the west side to find street vendors and performers entertain by juggling, miming, and break dancing all with circus-like enthusiasm then head towards the east side which boasts store fronts equip with tattoo and piercing shops. Whatever direction taken, Venice is a Mecca for poets, artists, entertainers and true originators to express themselves. Venice offers terrific eateries such as sushi at Chaya Venice, a gathering spot for musicians and movie stars or for an organic, fresh experience head to Figtree’s Café. For a drink to remember head over to Hal’s Bar and Grill for some fantastic specials, some of the friendliest bartenders and some live jazz.

LA JOLLA BEACHES

LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA

From the charming stretch of sand at Windnsea Beach to the famous La Jolla Cove, the beaches in La Jolla are stunning and world renowned. La Jolla Shores boasts crystal blue waters with a fine sand bar break that lends itself to pleasurable swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing on the beach with the kids. La Jolla Cove offers a covey of wildlife along a wild coastline. Not far from the cove are fine restaurants and bars. After a swim in the cove travel up to Jose’s for some fine Mexican food including carne asada and enchiladas along with happy hour special margaritas or have a drink in the famous La Valencia Hotel for an authentic La Jolla experience.

CORONADO BEACH

CORONADO, CALIFORNIA

Coronado Beach is a magnificent stretch of coastline set along Ocean Boulevard across from streets lined with mansions and gorgeous homes similar to the elegance and grace of Hamptons beach houses. Coronado has an island feel set apart from the city of San Diego. The wide stretches of sand are clean and family friendly. Open fires, family picnics, runs on the beach and couples enjoying vivid sunsets are just a few activities enjoyed on the beaches of Coronado. Travel down Orange Avenue to find a variety of eateries. Burger Lounge serves a simple budget menu of burgers, salads, and beers in a relaxed environment. For a family style approach there is Clayton’s coffee shop for local cuisine. For those willing to spend more, an evening at the Crown Room at the world famous Hotel Del Coronado cannot be matched.

Alexandra is a travel enthusiast who loves to write about tourism, beaches, food, and the wonderful things in the world. She provides her own insights on vacationing to the blogosphere. If you would like to learn more about her, follow her @alexsjourneys or visit her blog alexsjourneys.wordpress.com.

A Few Words About Board Shorts

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:04:49 CDT

I don't like knee length board shorts for a variety of reasons (1) I'm old school, I like shorts that ride about half way down the thigh. (2) Not being a teenager or into rapp I feel silly in this younger person's style. (3) I find long board shorts uncomfortable when sitting on my board. (4) I don't want a tan-line that leaves a third of my body lily white.

I've noticed that like most men's fashion, board short style hasn't changed for a very long-time. If you think about it, for more years than 'board shorts' have been around, men used to wear much shorter swimwear than is available today. At some point in time as basket ball shorts began to lengthen and rapp music gained in popularity, swimming shorts also gradually lengthened to the knee. There is no good reason for this length in the water, but that's what it has become. The days of mid-thigh length swimwear are totally forgotten. Most young people will have never even seen a pair of swimming shorts... emphasis on 'short'. Board shorts are not short, in fact if they were slightly longer they might be called calypso pants. What's happened to common sense?

For many of us who prefer shorter swimwear (not budgie smuggler/ Speedo short) there are almost no nice looking options available in any of the surf shops or other retailers that sell swimwear. There is a place for longer shorts off the beach. Board shorts are more appropriate than swimming trunks if you are shopping, visiting friends or going for a casual meal.

A couple years ago Speedo had a line of attractive loose fitting 'swimming trucks' that were 11" in length. They came in a variety of tropical designs and were very cool. I bought several pairs on-line and I still wear them. I often get asked where I got them. So this message is not about me trying to get what I want. This is an open suggestion to the trendy surf wear manufactures to consider. Why doesn't Billabong, Quicksilver et al also have a line of shorter board shorts?

Surfers are lead by fashion and the latest trends. I believe there would be many who would happily gravitate toward a whole new style, by this I mean shortening the length of board shorts to above the knee, and they would lap it up as long as it was launched through Billabong, Quicksilver, BadBoy etc. Men always want to see the girls on the beach wearing less yet they have become almost prudish about showing their thighs. I believe that girls/women think similarly and would be happy seeing the young dudes showing more of their bodies on the beach.