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| The mountain backdrop and blue skies of Oroklini, Larnaca |
Situated just 10 minutes drive from the historic city of Larnaca – famed for its palm tree lined promenade - the airport is only a 15 minute ride away, 40 minutes brings you to the capital Nicosia and just 25 minutes delivers you to the world-renown beaches and night life of Agia Napa and Protaras. Oroklini really is a superb base to explore the island at your leisure.
The village itself has expanded in recent years from the original old settlement which still resides at the foot of the beautiful mountain. Here you can lose yourself in the winding narrow streets, stone built traditional white washed houses, a multi-award winning ‘meze’ taverna and trees bearing pomegranates, lemons, prickly pears and the heady scent of jasmine. For those dreaming of the perfect picture book old world style village that hasn’t been ruined by mass modernisation - look no further.
Whilst you can enjoy the historic treasures in the village you can also be assured that all amenities you could ever require are right here on your doorstep. Oroklini is famed for its tavernas and has an excellent reputation throughout the island for serving great food at prices to suit all budgets. 24 hour kiosks, a modern supermarket and bakeries mean you are never caught short on essential supplies and delicious baked goods. Pirilos bakery serves fantastic ice-creams too. Both traditional and modern coffee shops and bars are dotted around the village serving a great selection of food and drink to suit all tastes, from Cypriot cuisine to more international flavours, and if you’re craving a slap up Sunday roast or a full English breakfast you’ll also be catered for readily. George, the local chemist, has a wonderful reputation and his expertise spares trips to the official doctors on many occasions and there’s a selection of banks and ATM’s plus a well stocked DVD store. A little random fact is that the take-out pizzeria is run by a New York trained pizza chef…as you can expect the pizzas speak for themselves, and the local kebab shop – St Elias – is on the speed dial of all locals famed for their wonderfully fresh ingredients and charcoal grilled meats.
Prophiti Elias (The Prophet Elias) church found perched near the edge of the mountain side is soaked in legend and the natural beauty of the mountain begs to be explored – especially in the spring months when the wild flowers are in bloom and the scenery bursts into vibrant colour around you. Walking trails and picnic areas encourage residents and visitors alike to enjoy the breathtaking views of the village, nearby flamingo lake and Larnaca bay stretched out beneath and those taken by the charms of flora and fauna will be in their element.
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| A spring morning near Prophiti Elias church, Oroklini |
Venturing down to the Dhekelia Road and beach front area of Oroklini you’ll find the hub of the tourist area. Luxury hotels line the sandy Blue Flag beaches and a whole host of entertainment to suit all ages and tastes is on offer as you would expect from a popular Mediterranean beach location. The choice of restaurants is really second to none with Greek and Cypriot tavernas, Italian trattorias, Lebanese, Chinese and sea-front fresh fish restaurants and what we can all attest to be the best Indian restaurant we’ve ever eaten at – Masalas (incidentally Peter Andre’s favourite restaurant in his native Cyprus!). There’s KFC, Pizza Hut and your usual suspects for quick fixes on a budget and a huge selection of bars and pubs to quench your thirst, entertain you and dance the night away in.
If hitting the tourist area sounds like too much hard work be assured - simply sitting under the shade of the bougainvillea at sunset with a glass of wine in hand you’ll be content to stay until the crickets chorus in the evening and the stars appear in the clear night skies. Oroklini is a wonderful location whatever your heart desires.
Article by Niki Proctor, initially published by BuyCyprus.net
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