VALUE FOR MONEY

Value For Money

Few things match the sense of satisfaction enjoyed when you discover a genuine bargain, especially when the effects of the global economic crisis are showing on our sunny little island

By John Leonidou

As the worldwide economic crisis tightens its grip it seems everyone is counting their pennies. There are two simple ways to go deal with money worries; you can stay indoors and watch TV whilst eating only boiled beans or, you can still enjoy a normal life by taking advantage of all the special offers and knowing where to shop.
So where do you start?

Well the best place to start is in your own home, and you will be amazed to discover just how much you can save on electricity bills by simply switching off appliances such as televisions and microwaves from the plug whenever you are not using them (just don’t switch off the fridge).
”My electricity bill went down by about €20 from only switching off my television from the plug”, said university student Demetris Marangos who lives alone in a one-bedroom apartment.

“I discovered this by accident because I noticed that my electricity bill went down after I took my television to be mended and was without TV for about a month. I then began switching off my CD player and computer from the plug and I now pay around €40 less each time.”
A little bit of internet surfing can also lead to fantastic deals when planning a holiday or looking for a flight and is certainly a better first step before opting to stroll into the nearest travel agents.
The simple truth is that even during testing economic times life doesn’t have to become too much of a sacrifice just as long as you keep your eyes peeled for great offers and deals. You can even stay in those luxurious five-star hotels, go on great holidays or eat at some of the finest restaurants that are always featured in the glossy magazines if you know when to go.

Hotels

Cyprus has enjoyed a thriving tourist industry for many years and this has resulted in some of the world’s best hotels being built on the island. Unfortunately for bargain hunters these five-star rated hotels offer five-star prices during the peak season. But during the off-season there are some exceptionally low offers around giving holiday seekers a taste of the high-life that would otherwise be beyond their budget.

Below are some of the best deals we discovered:

Four Seasons
Location: Limassol
Telephone: 25858000
Address: P.O. Box 57222, Ayios Tychonas, 3313
Email: inquiries@fourseasons.com.cy
Website: www.fourseasons.com.cy

Prices per night for two adults
Lowest prices run until February 19 with prices around €120 cheaper compared to the month of July
Bed & Breakfast: Inland view €132, sea view €194
Full Board: Inland view €276, sea view €338

Aphrodite Hills Resort
Location: Paphos
Telephone: 26829000
Address: 1 Aphrodite Avenue, Kouklia, 8500

Email: ic.cyprus@ihg.com
Website: www.intercontinental.com/aphrodite

Prices per night for two adults
Lowest prices run through February with prices around €112 cheaper compared to the month of July
Bed & Breakfast: Inland view €117, sea view €152
Full Board: Inland view €259, sea view €294

Le Méridien Limassol Spa & Resort
Location: Limassol
Telephone: 25862000
Address: Old Limassol - Nicosia Road, PO Box 56560, 3308

Email: enquires.limassol@lemeridien.com
Website: www.cyprus.lemeridien.com

Prices per night for two adults
Lowest prices run through February with prices between €94 and €167 cheaper – depending on which view you choose - compared to the month of July
Bed & Breakfast: Inland view €128, sea view €171
Full Board: Inland view €272, sea view €315

Hilton
Location: Nicosia
Telephone: 22 377777
Address: Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, 1516

Email: hilton.cyprus@hilton.com.cy
Website: www.hilton.com

Prices per night for two adults
Due to the hotel being mostly business class, the rate stays roughly the same but a special discount does pop up now and again especially during Christmas time – around €20 cheaper.
Bed & Breakfast: €282, Fridays and weekends €208
Full Board (With dinner): €312, Fridays and weekends €238

Almyra
Location: Paphos
Telephone: 26888700
Address: Poseidonos Avenue, 8042

Email: almyra@thanoshotels.com
Website: www.almyra.com

Prices per night for two adults
Lowest prices run through February with prices between €110 - €120 cheaper compared to the month of July
Bed & Breakfast: Inland view €90, sea view €140
Full Board: Inland view €194, sea view €244

St Raphael
Location: Limassol
Telephone: 25636100
Address: Amathus Avenue, 3594

Email: reservations@raphael.com.cy
Website: www.raphael.com.cy

Prices per night for two adults
Lowest prices run through February with prices around €75 cheaper compared to the month of July
Bed & Breakfast: Inland view €104, sea view €112
Full Board: Inland view €155, sea view €197

Grecian Bay
Location: Ayia Napa
Telephone: 23842000
Address: 32 Kriou Nerou Street, Ayia Napa

Email: grecian@grecian.com.cy
Website: www.grecian.com.cy

Prices per night for two adults
Lowest prices run through February with prices around €80 cheaper compared to the month of July
Bed & Breakfast: Inland view €130, sea view €158
Full Board: Inland view €226, sea view €254

Amathus Beach
Location: Paphos
Telephone: 26883300
Address: Poseidon Avenue, 8098

Email: pamathus@pamathus.com.cy
Website: www.amathus-hotels.com/paphos

Prices per night for two adults
Lowest prices run through February with prices around €60 cheaper compared to the month of July
Bed & Breakfast: Inland view €110, sea view €132
Full Board: Inland view €202, sea view €224

Annabelle
Location: Paphos
Telephone: 26885000
Address: Poseidon Avenue, 8102

Email: annabelle@thanoshotels.com
Website: www.theannabellehotel.com

Prices per night for two adults
Lowest prices run through February with prices around €150 cheaper compared to the month of July
Bed & Breakfast: Inland view €130, sea view €240
Full Board: Inland view €260, sea view €370

Anassa
Location: Polis
Telephone: 26888000
Address: Bath of Aphrodite Road, 8830

Email: anassa@thanoshotels.com
Website: www.anassa.com.cy

Prices per night for two adults
Lowest prices run through February with prices around €180 cheaper compared to the month of July
Bed & Breakfast: Inland view €190, sea view €260
Full Board: Inland view €350, sea view €420

Airline tickets

If you fancy leaving the island for a break, there are basically two ways to escape – either by air or sea. Boats take too long and in general rarely offer great value.

Most people will tell you that the best way to get cheap air tickets is to either book way in advance or simply look for air tickets online. For those not inclined to surf the net for bargain deals, there are several brilliant websites to visit to check out special offer deals by airlines.

You will be stunned to discover that you can save between €200 and even sometimes €300 by going online to buy tickets as opposed to nipping into your nearest travel agents.

“We were heading to Vienna for a seminar in September but were put off by some of the ticket prices”, said Andreas Cleopas.

“But after looking online and more specifically on the Austrian Airlines website, not only did we find cheaper tickets, but a special buy one, get one free deal”.

Recommended websites for buying cheap airline tickets out of Cyprus:
Austrian Airlines
Website: www.aua.com
Czech Airlines
Website: www.csa.cz
EasyJet
Website: www.easyjet.com
Malev
Website: www.malev.com
Lufthansa
Website: www.lufthansa.com
Thomas Cook

Website: book.flythomascook.com

Sky Europe
Website: www.skyeurope.com

Aegean Airlines

www.aegeanair.com

Places of interest

A wise man once said that the best things in life come free. That is true in most cases, but not even the most careful money saver can expect to enjoy all of Cyprus’ little pleasures without spending a little bit. Here are some great value for money options when out, even the kids!

Larnaca

Camel Park
Although more for kids, the Camel Park in the Mazotos area of Larnaca is definitely value for money where a range of exciting things to do are on offer at very low prices. Fees to enter the park range between €2 and €3 and it only costs between €6 to €9 (depending on children or adults) for a 15 minute ride on the camel. There is also a play area for children, a restaurant and even a swimming pool whilst for just 50cents; you get a bag of carobs to feed the animals.

Website: www.camel-park.com

Hala Sultan Tekke
The Hala Sultan Tekke is a very prominent Muslim Shrine situated opposite Larnaca Airport and is a great way to spend a couple of hours. Hala Sultan was the Islamic prophet Muhammad's 'wet-nurse' and the wife of Ubada bin al-Samid. Most accounts establish a connection between the site and the death of Umm Haram during the first Arab raids on Cyprus under the Caliph Muawiyah between 647 and 649, which were later pursued throughout the Umayyad and the Abbasid periods.

The mosque is situated in picturesque surroundings next to the salt lake. The operating hours usually vary depending on the season but aim between 8am and 5pm just to be sure. Entrance is free.

Ceesac
Good quality fish and chips are hard to come by in Cyprus but with Lambros Fish and Chips in Dhekelia, you can't go wrong. Prices are between €6 and €10 for good old fish and chips or kebabs and you definitely get value for money. Apart from the fantastic food, there is also a supermarket next door where you can purchase all those goodies that you used to get back in the UK. The promenade resembles a seafront area in England and is a great place for a walk. Jumble sales also take place nearby where you can snap up bargains, whilst there is also a play area for the children. Half a day can easily be spent there and it can be great day out for the family.

Nicosia

Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Nicosia, built in 1908, displays exhibits from the Neolithic period, especially stone implements. Situated close to the old town and opposite the Houses of Parliament, the beautifully crafted museum is open from Monday to Saturday between 9am to 5pm and Sundays from 10am to 1pm. Some of the exhibits are as old as 8,500 years. Some of the halls contain pottery and implements from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods whilst the other rooms trace the history of Cyprus through the ages from the Bronze Age, Hellenic Period, Mycenaean times, and Roman Period to the early Byzantine. A unique feature of the museum lies in the basement, where several graves rest in a dark cellar complete with skeletal remains and grave adornments that have been reconstructed. A very interesting visit with the entrance fee set at around €3.

Heraclis Ice Cream Parlour
Heraclis Ice Cream Parlour has maintained its popularity very well over the years and it is hardly surprising to see why. Very reasonable prices in the heart of Ledra Street and with a great reputation for its ice creams. A play area for kids is situated in the back garden of the parlour-come-café. Heraclis also has a reputation for making quick and good quality meals. After a walk down Ledra, Heraclis is a great place to sit down for a beer, coffee, ice cream or a even a snack. And the kids will love it too!

Athalassa Park
The Athalassa Park area in Nicosia, situated on the outskirts of the capital, can be a wonderful day out that is perfect for couples or large families. Apart from the beautiful nature path and cycling paths, the area is also equipped with a basketball court, volleyball court and play area for children. A kiosk is also available for cold drinks and coffees. Whilst there you can also check out the visitors centre which has a reception area with a small shop, an exhibition gallery and a film theatre. A garden has been grown just outside the centre, where many plants, mostly indigenous of the area, can be seen together with geological samples. The visitor centre is open every day with and charges a small entrance fee of about €3.

Limassol

Tepee Strictly Rock Bar and Grill
For those who still have the soul of rock-and-roll inside us, Tepee Strictly Rock Bar and Grill is definitely a place for a visit. Great value for money for what you get – food, drink and a live band. But be warned, don’t expect to turn up and see a Buddy Holly cover band. According to the owners, Teepees is a beautiful and spacious rock bar restaurant like no other situated in Limassol in the heart of Yermasoyia tourist area! Enjoy the music with a pint of your favourite brand of beer or try the excellent cocktails and some of the most original Mexican recipes.

Website: www.tepeerock.com

Limassol Castle
Due to its great location – everything is basically within walking distance – Limassol castle is situated near the old harbour and it is a typical 12th century structure. At a later date it was restored by the Venetians. It hosts an interesting medieval museum inside, which is worth a visit. Opening hours are between Monday and Friday 7.30am till 5pm, Saturdays from 9am till 5pm and the entrance is free. At the castle’s medieval museum, there are exhibits which reflect the historical evolution of modern Cyprus, its economic, social and cultural development, the customs and traditions of the island from the 3rd to the 18th century AD. This lapse of time may be split into four main periods - the early Christian Era, the Middle Byzantine Era, the Middle Age and the Ottoman Period. Well worth a visit!

Silks Gallery
For all those culture vultures, Silks Gallery is an international art gallery based in Limassol. Established in 2007, the gallery is a fashionable boutique gallery situated in the new alley complex by the sea at the heart of the city's tourist centre with good proximity to the trendy areas of Limassol. According to a gallery official: “We are proud to be one of the most stylish galleries in town, with the highest standard of art promotion in Cyprus. We specialize in showcasing works of most popular and renowned international artists as well as promoting up and coming talents from around the world.” Admission is free and a must for art enthusiasts!

Website: www.silksgallery.com

Famagusta

Cape Greco
Cape Greco, also known as Cavo Greco, is a headland in the southeastern part of the island and just below the southern end of Famagusta Bay. You can travel to the top of the cape on a newly-paved road. The peak affords spectacular views of the coast and the Mediterranean Sea. It is also possible to swim among the picturesque caves at the bottom of the cape. The spot is very popular with deep-sea fishermen, scuba divers and snorklers. According to local legend, it is also the home of the ‘Ayia Napa sea monster’. Cape Greco is also a wildlife preserved area and is an important site for migrants (particularly passerines, but also raptors), providing the first arrival point for northbound birds in spring. You will not find shops and restaurants around but it is still an ideal place for a picnic and a swim!

Yellow boat trip
Take a half day trip on the Yellow Boat leaving Pernera Harbour at 10am. This family run excursion seats approximately 38 people and is a lot of fun. It is best to book as this is possibly one of the most popular boat trips running from May to the end of October. The boat leaves Pernera Harbour in Protaras and travels up the coast to view Famagusta whilst offering great views of Cape Greco. But the real value for money kicks in when you are given the option to swim, use canoes or have a go on floatable sea scooters. According to one visitor “It was a great day and a real bargain!”

Snorkel equipment provided and motorised water sports are included in price, whilst there is a special discount from the normal price of €20 per person depending on whether you want food or not during the trip. On board, drinks, at a very reasonable price, can also be purchased.
Famagusta Gulf Viewpoint
In the village of Deryneia, around three kilometres north of Agia Napa centre, you can look across the “Green Line” and into the ghost town of Famagusta, left mostly unchanged since the Turkish occupation of 1974. The viewpoint also operates as a petting zoo and stable for various animals ranging from donkeys to rabbits to even a reptile house. The viewpoint also has a seating area where documentaries are aired revealing the rich history of Famagusta. The cafeteria makes this a great place for a drink and a coffee. Getting there can be a little tricky, so the best way is to head to the centre of Dherynia, turn right at the traffic lights in the centre of the town (sign-posted Famagusta). Follow the road until there is the road block ahead. It costs around €1.50 to enter but the prices do fluctuate.

Paphos

Akamas Peninsula
The nature trail in the Akamas peninsula is one of the most beautiful attractions in Cyprus.

It is an area of outstanding natural beauty - deep gorges, a wild landscape, wide sandy bays. It is also an area of great biodiversity and ecological significance. Home to 530 plant species, a third of the total for Cyprus, 126 of which are endemic to the island. It has remained unspoilt thanks mostly to its inaccessibility. The variety of fauna is equally impressive - 168 birds, 12 mammals, 20 reptiles and 16 butterfly species.

Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving is becoming very popular in Cyprus and CyDive in Paphos offers great deals this year for diving enthusiasts, or for those who would like to start up. You can book a course and get free use of a DPV, Camera, or Computer for a day.
Also, CyDive offers you the chance to book another course and get 15% off whilst five other great offers include:
- Book any five specialties and get a free Nitrox Specialty course
- Book a Nitrox Specialty course and get free nitrox fills for all your dives
- Book a Rebreather Specialty course and get a Free Nitrox specialty course
- Book a five dive package and get free use of a DPV or U/W Camera for one day.
- Book a ten dive package and get free use of a DPV or U/WCamera for two days

Website: www.cydive.com

Tombs of the Kings and Romain Mosaics Heritage Sites
Already established as world heritage sites, the two sites are a great way to spend a day and are of even greater interest for archaeological enthusiasts who would probably need more than a day to fully explore the areas. The Romain Mosaics sites are situated on the edge of Paphos with the entry near the Harbour in Kato Paphos and are a perfect example of preserved mosaics. The Tombs of the Kings site are a vast Necropolis with rock cut tombs in a variety of styles and the area has been reconstructed to resemble houses so the whole place has the feel of a city carved into a rock. Both sites are definitely worth the visit and are not too expensive.