Paphos in August. advice please!

laplandmad

Have just returned from Cyprus (based in Protaras but spent a few days in Coral Bay/Paphos). The last few days were unbearably hot and very humid. Have been to Cyprus many time and we got married 5 years ago there but I have never known it so hot.

We took some English cash with us and exchanged it there and got a better rate than back in the UK. Compared to the last few years Cyprus seems in genreal more expensive - supermarket and restaurants. For the first time ever we were charged extra for the air con in the Villa too - we made good use of it!!

Gloomendoom

PompeyPete wrote: »

There aren't many people who live in the UK for most of the year who can acclimatise to the the extreme heat and humidity of July/August on the Cyprus coast.
Travelling around in a tin box without a/c is like being in a furnace whether you are regularly getting out or not.
I'm surprised you camera works properly, must be a good 'un;)

We are off there again in a few weeks. I'll let you know how I get on.

The camera is a veteran of Death Valley (49°C, roof down, no aircon) so it takes Cyprus in it's stride...

C_Mababejive

adrisco wrote: »

Hi. OH and I will be going to Paphos, Cyprus for a fortnight at end of August for two weeks, for DS2's wedding. Will be taking euros but have couple of queries. Are traveller's cheques a good idea or not? Also would you take a credit card or a debit card as back up (scared of running out of euros - hav'nt been to Cyprus before and have no idea of prices of things). Would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

You have my deepest sympathies...

Orville

Ohhh we were there a few years ago now in August. My god nothing prepares you for when you step off the plane literally into an oven. In saying that what a lovely island it is. Temperature wise, 30C at 9am and i think the hottest day was knocking on 45C at midday (according to the cars temperature gauge).

Just an FYI if you are not aware, they do drive on the same side of the road as us. It was one of the reasons we went there, (i had never driven abroad before). Take your driving licence hire a car and explore the island. It is beautiful.

PompeyPete

laplandmad wrote: »

We took some English cash with us and exchanged it there and got a better rate than back in the UK.

In Paphos if you want to change cash then you'll get the best rates in the shops along the front near the harbour.

laplandmad wrote: »

For the first time ever we were charged extra for the air con in the Villa too - we made good use of it!!

Pretty much standard practice these days. Electricity is very expensive in Cyprus. Too many tourists weere taking over their villa/appt on Day 1, putting on the a/c full belt, and leaving it on for the full fortnight even when they when out. And if you put the a/c on then please close all the windows and doors!

PompeyPete

Orville wrote: »

Just an FYI if you are not aware, they do drive on the same side of the road as us. It was one of the reasons we went there, (i had never driven abroad before). Take your driving licence hire a car and explore the island. It is beautiful.

The general standard of driving is poor though. Seat belts are compulsory but often ignored even with a car full of children, use of mobiles is the norm, and drink driving is common. Drive defensively, expect the unexpected, and you'll be alright.

Mands

PompeyPete wrote: »

Spring and Autumn are by far the best times to visit.

May and September are usually gorgeous; warm enough to sunbathe and sightsee but not scorching. But sometimes there's a rouge weather pattern which means that they are unseasonably cold or wet so I can see why people go for July and August to be sure of the sun.

laplandmad wrote: »

Have just returned from Cyprus (based in Protaras but spent a few days in Coral Bay/Paphos). The last few days were unbearably hot and very humid. Have been to Cyprus many time and we got married 5 years ago there but I have never known it so hot.

This year has been one of those unseasonable ones. If you'd been in Protaras in May you might have been wondering why people were still wearing jeans to keep warm. Then the temperatures suddenly flipped from being cooler than usual to much, much warmer than usual. Sounds like you got that unpleasant hot weather. If it makes you feel better it was a bit wet just after that.

adrisco wrote: »

Thanks for all your comments. Must admit, the thing I have been most worried about is the heat. Will take your advice and stay in the shade for the middle of the day! Not a holiday I would have chosen for this time of year, but DS and fiancee want this kind of wedding - so be it. OH and I are staying in a lovely hotel (well it sounds lovely!) so should be able to cope with the heat. Am economising like mad and trying to earn more money to cover the cost though. Kids !!!

It sounds like all the planning is going well. Personally for something like a wedding here I think the key is to get your outfit right. Dresses that might look a little casual at a wedding in England often look right at home against the bright sunshine and the blue of the sky and the sea. Cotton and linen will leave you cooler and more comfortable than something in silk. A long, and light, maxi dress with a pair of pretty sandals would fit well and leave you cool enough to enjoy the day.

What's the hotel?

Mands

Orville

PompeyPete wrote: »

The general standard of driving is poor though. Seat belts are compulsory but often ignored even with a car full of children, use of mobiles is the norm, and drink driving is common. Drive defensively, expect the unexpected, and you'll be alright.

I think you do drive defensively when abroad anyway pete, i know i did. I did feel a bit more at ease because i was on the same side of the road, but the year after i went to Spain and i was sooo on edge you wouldn't believe, it wasn't till a week or so into the holiday that i did start to relax when driving but that was only local roads, the city centres were a nightmare.

adrisco

Mands, our hotel is The Athena Royal.

RHYSDAD

We're off to Paphos this Wednesday for a fortnight, also for a wedding. Do you guy's think that two young boys, 3 and 4 will get on with the heat okay? We have our own villa with a/c and pools!!