Useful information about the wedding & Cyprus
Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and it's divided in a Turkish part (the Northern part of Cyprus) and a Greek part (the Southern part of Cyprus). Our wedding will be held on the 18th of October 2024 in Coral Bay, which is in the South Western part and in the Paphos / Peyja region.
Cyprus was formerly annexed by the UK, and the influences of it is still present nowadays. Here is some useful information about Cyprus and the wedding itself, from your arrival to your departure:
- Weather: The average weather in October is 24-30 degrees of a daytime, but may get chilly over night. We don't expect anyone to wear suits and ties, comfy shorts and flip flops are more suitable for the wedding. Don't forget a jumper for the evening, but no need for winter jackets or snow boots 🌞
- Dress code: Bright, cheerful, happy, comfy clothing and if you know Lee: stupid shirts. The more stupid, the better. Overall theme will be Lemon and Lime, so enough to choose from if it comes to shorts, skirts, shirts, sandals etcetera. Of course it is a personal choice, if you don't feel comfortable in bright colours then please pick something you feel comfy in (in 24-30 degrees, please keep that in mind).
- Wedding reception: Stiff and uncomfy is something nobody wants, we want everybody to feel welcome and just have fun. There is no dedicated table setting, and no seated dinner planned. There will be a buffet and a drinks package arranged, and the location doesn't have a closing time so we won't be chasing you out of the door.
- Wedding list / wedding presents: although you might have one washing machine / American fridge-freezer combo / electric bike to bring with you, we have to bring presents back from all our guests and we're limited in suitcase space - Lufthansa will only grant us 23 kg of luggage weight per person. So we would be grateful if, when you want to bring us something, you bring an envelope with something in it.
- Driving: typical British, so on the left side of the road.
- Rental cars: highly recommended, since Public Transport is as good as non-existent. No trains at all on the entire island, buses very limited in service, stops and destinations. Rental cars are not expensive at all, and especially for those flying into Larnaca a must to get to Paphos / Peyja. Have a look on Carjet for the best prices, keep in mind that the bigger companies such as Avis, Sixt, Herz and Europcar (not recommended) have a desk at the airport, the smaller companies have pick-up at the airport and will take you to their premises (normally a couple of minutes from the airport).
- In case of an accident: if you are involved in an accident, it is illegal to move your vehicle so it's very important that you do not move your car, even if you're blocking the entire road, until the police arrives and give you permission to move your car.
- Number plates: all Rental cars have red number plates, all Cyp cars have white number plates. Because of the color difference, the Cyps know that you're a tourist and some will treat you so 😒 But overall the Cyps are very warm, friendly and laid back people.
- Cats: There are thousands of stray cats on Cyprus, and all of them are covered in fleas. Our advice: to not pet stray cats, unless you want to be covered in flea bites...
- Supermarkets: the biggest and best equipped supermarket in Peyja is Philippos on the Agiou Georgiu 12. When wandering around in the supermarket isles, you will clearly see the British influence (for example PG Tips tea bags, Branston pickles) but also the Greek products (olive oil, halloumi) and don't forget to stop off at the butcher for some beautiful Pork Belly or the well-knowned Pork Chops (ask for skin on!). There is also a beautiful small Farm Shop a little bit down the road from Philippos towards Cap St. Georges.
- Pubs, bars and restaurants: There are plenty of opportunities to quench your thirst or satisfy your hunger in Peyja or in Paphos. The areas rich of pubs, bars and restaurants are "The Strip" in Peyja and Paphos Harbour, but also outside of these areas you'll find some beautiful spots. Our personal favourites:
- Neptune hotel & apartments, this is basically our local bar when we're on Cyprus. A quick frappucino in the morning or with our Tuna melt for lunch, a Harvey Wallbanger in the afternoon or a Keo with lime and a glass of Vasilikon wine in the evening, whatever you fancy. The staff behind the bar is always friendly and willing to help. A large number of cocktails are available for your choice, this is Lee's favourite spot if it comes to cocktails 🍸
- Neo's Sports Bar, from the same owners as Neptune (Stavros and Skevi Pantelides) and some of the staff are working in both establishments. Great food, great atmosphere, in the weekends with live music and on Sunday they're serving the best Sunday Roast from the region (reservations necessary!).
- The Mill Bar, in uptown Peyja just opposite the Municipality. This lovely bar is from the same owners as Neptune and Neo's and run by Skevi Pantelides, well known for it's cocktails. You can also find the Barber Shop from Alex here, for a nice shave or haircut while your family / partner is enjoying a fresh orange juice or cappuccino in The Mill.
- Les Amis, our recently discovered jewel on The Strip next to the bank. Very friendly staff and excellent food.
- The Frog and Toad on Laxion Ave, Coral Bay. If you love Bingo, this is the place to be on Wednesday evening or Friday afternoon. We were introduced to this phenomenon last year and boy, what great fun this is! Wednesday night is numbers bingo and Friday afternoon is music bingo, don't forget to bring your own highlighter pens!
- Breeze bar also on Laxion Ave, if you're passing by please stop off for a nice cocktail or cider and say hello to Chris who owns this beautiful place.
- Nature Cafe, Sentiero by the Sea, Sea Caves Tavern, a triangle of 3 bars/restaurants on Sea Caves Ave. All three a worth a visit, especially around sunset. Imagine yourself drinking a cocktail, watching the sun to set in a beautiful and peaceful location.
Lee & Annelies