Europe Explored » kato https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Top Ecotourism Spots in Larnaca, Cyprus https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/20/top-ecotourism-spots-larnaca-cyprus/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/20/top-ecotourism-spots-larnaca-cyprus/#comments Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:26:09 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=8452 Larnaca is a larger city located at the South Coast of Cyprus. It is blessed with a few beautiful beaches including Mckenzie Beach, Phinikoudes Beach, Vorklini Beach, and Pyla Beach. Although these beaches have black sandy color, the quality of the water has been Blue Flag certified and guaranteed clean by the authorities. These are […]

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Larnaca is a larger city located at the South Coast of Cyprus. It is blessed with a few beautiful beaches including Mckenzie Beach, Phinikoudes Beach, Vorklini Beach, and Pyla Beach. Although these beaches have black sandy color, the quality of the water has been Blue Flag certified and guaranteed clean by the authorities. These are the most sought after tourist destinations of the place, but nature lovers will have a treat during their stay because of the many ecotourism spots available for them.

Larnaca sunset, Cyprus
Larnaca sunset / SBirre

The Wetlands

Larnaca have various wetlands to offer its guests including Voroklini Lake, Larnaca Salt Lake, and Sewage Work Pools.

Larnaca Salt Lake is home to 85 species of water birds with an estimated population ranging from 20,000 to 38,000. Visitors who will choose to include this in their itinerary would be fortunate to enjoy the graceful movements of 2,000 to 12,000 flamingoes categorized as Phoenicopterus ruber. It has been declared as a protected area since the year 1997 and has been a favorite spot of ecotourists all over the world.

The Sewage Pool is also a treat for any bird lover. It allows you to see ducks, gulls, and grebes playing near the water. Other bird species you will meet includes the Whiskered, the Black-Winged Stilts, Spur-Winged Lapwings, Gull-Billed, and White-winged.

The Villages

After enjoying a day watching the birds, you may wish to rest for a while at the comfort of your Larnaca beach hotel. You will need all the energy for the next travel plan we have in mind for you, village eco-tour. There are many villages to choose including Kiti Village, Tochni Village, Kato Drys Village, and Lefkara Village. You will have taste of the true Cypriot lifestyle upon setting food at the premises of their village and appreciate how they value life and nature.

As part of the Cyprus Tourism Campaign, you are given the opportunity to reside at the following villages mentioned above and live with the locales. It is an opportunity worth grabbing because it will allow you to enjoy coffee in the local shop and just enjoy the easy-going Mediterranean lifestyle of the people while appreciating the timeless Cypriot traditions.

Part of the activities you can enjoy includes daily excursion, bike tours, horse back riding, and relaxation at the beach. It would be best if you have more time to spend in Cyprus because only then can you have a full taste of its wonderful culture.

Historical places like the Hala Sultan Mosque and Neolithic settlements are always waiting to be explored by any enthusiastic tourist. You will find variety of things and places to visit in Larnaca during your stay, so it is best to schedule it accordingly. Do not miss the chance to appreciate the beauty of Larnaca. Plan your trip today and have fun in its midst.


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Koufonisia – the most popular islands in the Aegean Sea | Greece https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/18/koufonisia-the-most-popular-islands-in-the-aegean-sea-greece/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/18/koufonisia-the-most-popular-islands-in-the-aegean-sea-greece/#comments Wed, 18 May 2011 14:45:25 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=3934 Koufonisia are three well known islands – Kato (Lower) Koufonisi, Pano (Upper) Koufonisi, and Keros – in the Aegean Sea belonging to Greece. They are an important historic part of the complex of Small East Cyclades and represent the most popular islands in the Aegean Sea. They are separated by 200 meters wide strait. The […]

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Koufonisia are three well known islands – Kato (Lower) Koufonisi, Pano (Upper) Koufonisi, and Keros – in the Aegean Sea belonging to Greece. They are an important historic part of the complex of Small East Cyclades and represent the most popular islands in the Aegean Sea. They are separated by 200 meters wide strait. The islands are fairly considered as “Jamaica of Europe” because they are full of fantastic beaches of fine and bright sand.

Koufonissia form one of the eleven island complexes of Cyclades islands.

The only inhabited island is mountainous Pano (Upper) Koufonisi. According to archaeological findings, the islands were inhabited since prehistoric times. Excavations have revealed significant findings of Cycladic culture. It was a Bronze Age civilization, which developed here in the years around 3000 and 2000 BC.

Later, it was merged with the Minoan civilization. In the historical development Koufonissia followed the way of the whole Cyclades. The islands were first attacked by the Venetians and later by Turks. The residents then joined the pirate rebels and sailors.

Pano (Upper) Koufonisi island covers an area of 5.7 square kilometres. The population of the island did not exceed 400. Their main livelihood is fishing and sheep farming. Buildings on the southwest coast of the island are typical examples of the remarkable architecture of Cyclades.

Kato (Lower) Koufonisi island is smaller one, covering the area of 4.4 square kilometres. There was a village before, but today only a few, especially fishing families stay here. On this island you can find small picturesque Virgin Mary’s church..

Keros island is uninhabited as well and covers an area of 10 square kilometres. The highest point of the island is in 432 metres.

On the islands you can stay in several quality hotels. The most luxurious is the Hotel Koufonissia (just 150 meters from the beach) or Christinas House.


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