Achilleas Jewellery is a new shop situated in Kouklia, a village in the Paphos district of Cyprus. It is owned by Achilleas Michael. Jewellery and watches to accompany the happiest moments of your life. Unique design made by precious stones!
We specialize in organic food and products. All our products are certified, under the EU regulations.
Certified Naturopathy & Alternative Therapy Consultant Martial Arts
Instructor – Shihan 7 DAN W.I.K.F
The Fastlane produces a smooth, quiet, powerful current that’s perfect for any backyard pool. Set the water speed to the pace YOU want, and swim at home.
Security Absolute Services Limited is a highly accredited and quality assured organisation with over 30 years in the private security industry. The company has a wide range of experience in security management and offers services in the security sector that are of the highest standard.
Website www.cyprus-wines.com is one of the richest sources of information about Cypriot wines and wineries on the web.
An established Padi 5 Star Dive Centre, BSAC, Padi TecRec and TDI Dive Centre with a full range of diving courses, lessons and daily dive trips to the best diving sites in Cyprus.
Thekla Flower Design is perfect for all of your landscaping, maintenance and gardening needs; as well as cut flowers, potted plants, bouquets and wedding arrangements.
Foytina Real Estate Agency is a Cyprus registered & licensed property agency. Having offices in Pissouri, Paralimni and Paphos, it deals with sales, resales, long term rentals, exchanges and land granting of properties allover the island of Cyprus.
Optika Konstantinou offer free Eye testing and a wide range of all types of glasses including sun glasses to meet your needs at reasonable prices including Special Offers.
A.T Auto service offers a friendly high quality service. A family run business and have been established for 5 years with over 30 years of experience in the industry with the team of qualified technicians.
Treat your car to an Esso car wash. We’ll thoroughly clean your car using specially designed soap to help loosen dirt and salt from outer surfaces. A high-powered rinse leaves it sparkling clean.
Its exceptional quality is a result of the organic farming and the qualified processes followed for the extraction of oil from the olives. In order to ensure the excellence of the delivered products, the company holds its own olive groves in the Arka area of Pissouri, hence the name “ARKA Olive Groves”.
The grocery shop in Pissouri Bay started years ago as a mini-market where you could find a lot of products. Now the grocery shop has grown into an even more complete shop with a specialized wine shop – The Wine Barrel – and an art gallery – Julia’s Creations – with creations from the owner Julia Papadopoulou.
TEL +357 99 44 39 88, +357 25 221255 We offer the lowest prices of beverages throughout the region. Also you can have a simple and quick snack and a tasty coffee. Your are most welcome! TEL +357 99 44 39 88, +357 25 221255
In a well-kept, friendly and comfortable atmosphere we will treat our patients with professional competence, and a personal commitment to their recovery. The hard-earned holidays can be continued as soon as possible.
Exceptional quality customer service! At the best rates!
Book your taxi now: +357 25 221227 or mobile +357 99980777 or email: stanico@cytanet.com.cy
18 September 2016 at 17:00 at The Grape and Grain
Singing live for the first time in Pissouri Bay…. Continuing with our FREE Live entertainment…….Michae
26 July 2016 at 20:00 – 23:00
Pissouri Village
Authentic Vietnamese food cooked in a traditional manner under the beautiful vines of the Vine Leaf Tavern. “Dining with a Difference”! With a little custom and costume to add to the evening.
7 August 2016 at 21:00-00:00
O Vrakas Taverna Pissouri
Traditional dancing event in Pissouri Square with 2 bands and 2 folkloric groups performing traditional dances from Greece (Macedonia, Thraki and Greek Islands) and Cypus.
For reservations and more information please contact us at +0035799312443 or haris@ovrakas.com.
Ο Πολιτιτικός Όμιλος ΝΟΣΤΟΣ ΠΙΣΣΟΥΡΙΟΥ σας προσκαλεί στο παραδοσιακό γλέντι που θα γίνει στην Πλατεία Πισσυρίου. Χωροί και ζωντανή μουσική από Κύπρο, Μακεδονία, Θράκη και Ελληνικά νησιά. Για πληροφορίες και κρατήσεις παρακαλώ επικοινονήστε μαζί μας στο 99312443 ‘η haris@ovrakas.com
TEL +357 25221579
PISSOURI SQUARE SNACK BAR is a family friendly pub next door to the Platea Restaurant. Specialising in tasty homemade bar snacks and meals including is Gyros Doner Kebab. It has a great selection of beers available including some locally brewed ales too
Platea Tavern is situated in the heart of Pissouri at the center of Pissouri’s beautiful square half way between Paphos and Limassol. The tavern specialises in traditional Cypriot food and drink and its Kelftico is still to this day cooked in the traditional wood fired oven giving the lamb its unique flavour.
Yialos Tavern is mainly a Fish Tavern (also serves meat dishes) located in Pissouri Bay. Our customers have a dream sea view while enjoying our famous food
15TH JULY 2016
PISSOURI AMPHITHEATRE
KENDALL & MORRELLI SUMMER NIGHTS CONCERTS
DOORS OPEN 6.00PM PICNICS WELCOME!
TICKETS ARE ONLY €15.00 (Equivalent to £9.50 Sterling) OUTSTANDING VALUE! For an International Concert Direct from the UK! BUY NOW ATwww.kendallandmorrelli.com ITS EASY!
”Oh What a Night”
The JERSEY BOYS TRIBUTE IS BACK!
by The New Jerseys Back by Popular Demand!
4 Sexy Guys 4 Sexy Dates!
The amazing quartet have had huge success back in the UK and Europe. Their superb vocal harmonies, slick dance moves and fabulous costumes have left audiences spell bound. Jamie leads the boys with his uncanny resemblance to the falsetto voice of Frankie Valli. Ian Dufferty is a hit with the ladies with his dashing boyish looks and sexy vocal sounds. The remaining two in the quartet, Paul and Daniel add the finishing touches with master class vocal harmonies and synchronised dance routines. The four combine in a unique and colourful vocal, dance experience that you will always remember!
15th of July 2016 at 18:00
Pissouri amphitheatre
27th of August 2016 at 19:00
At the Platea Tavern
Dominic Holmes, back in Pissouri by popular demand. A fanastic one man band singing music from across the generations. From Sinatra to Elvis, Cat Stevens, Barry White, Santana and Dire Straits, Kings of Leon, Bryan Adams, Shaggy, Robbie Williams and many many more.
To reserve a table for this great evening in Pissouri Square please call the Platea Tavern on 25222688
2nd of September 2016 at 21:00
at The Grape and Grain
Join us to help us celebrate our very successful first year of being open, Melissa Williams will be performing live ….:) More details to follow…..
24th July 2016 at 5pm
Singing live for the first time in Pissouri Bay…
17 July at 17:00
First time playing at the Grape and Grain, Glenn will be playing choice covers from across the last five decades on his acoustic guitars and banjo, with backing vocals from my wife Ben. Come along and enjoy the music…
TEL +357 25212412 Welcome to the “Grape and Grain Bar” a family friendly establishment situated within striking distance of the popular Pissouri Bay, we offer a stylish chic environment to enjoy our fine wines, beers and spirits
Kalo Pascha, Καλό Πάσχα or Happy Easter
It is almost Easter here in Cyprus one of the biggest, if not the biggest, religious event in the Orthodox calendar. Here in Pissouri we have a fun array of entertainments and activities going on all of which have been arranged by Pissouri Community Council. Following please find the daily timetables for all of the activities.
Easter Sunday (01/05/2016)
15:30 Music from DJ Harris
16:00 Live bouzouki instrumental
16:30 Traditional games
18:00 Dancing performance by Nostos Dancing Association
19:00 Music group Michalis Tterlikkas
Easter Monday (02/05/2016)
10:00 Horse racing at Profitis Elias area
16:00 Music from DJ Harris
18:00 Dancing performance by Nostos Dancing Association
19:30 Music group from Crete Andreas Lilikakis
Easter Tuesday (03/05/2016)
15:00 Married vs Single football match
Easter festivities will be conducted under the auspices of PISSOURI COMMUNITY COUNCIL
We have a Water Supply Cut in the “Strathmos Area”
We have little details but this is to inform you that the water supply pipeline has been Damaged and is being repaired but unfortunately we don’t have a likely down period for this.
Hani café and restaurant is situated on the old Paphos to Limassol road – the B6. Driving from Paphos, Hani is the first restaurant you come to when entering Pissouri. We are located on the left hand side with a large customer carpark to be found opposite.
Follow the footsteps of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty and patron of Cyprus. The route focuses on the 3 most important Archaeological Sites dedicated to the ancient cult of Aphrodite. There are also links to other sites, museums and nature trails related to the goddess.
Step up for some fun. Enjoy another Saturday night with us and DJ Tracy
Dresscode: optional
Masmega is a Cypriot based company that has been delivering Web Based Environments all around the world at a level of professionalism that is only just starting to show itself within the Cypriot Web based market and is proud to have been not only a part of that change but one of the leading lights
The Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus, housed on the ground floor of the old Archbishopric, consists of a large collection of 19th and early 20th century Cypriot folk art. It includes wood-carved objects, tapestry, embroidery, pottery, Cypriot folk costumes and material hand-woven on the loom.
Kolossi castle is a fine example of military architecture. It was originally built in the 13th century and rebuilt in its present form in the 15th century. After the fall of Acre in 1291 it served as the Grand Commandery of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and in the 14th century came under the domain of the Knights Templar.
The Lemesos (Limassol) District Museum was founded in 1948 and was initially housed in a section of the Lemesos Castle. During the conflicts of 1964 it remained closed as it was handed over to the National Guard. Construction activities for the new modern Museum began in 1972. The new exhibition was organised in March 1975, under extremely difficult circumstances related to the recent Turkish invasion of the island.
The Medieval Castle of Lemesos, situated near the old harbour in the heart of the historical centre of the city of Lemesos, houses the Medieval Collection of the Cyprus Museum. Although there existed earlier architectural phases of an older and larger structure, the present edifice dates to the period of Ottoman rule.
Originally a Byzantine fort built to protect the harbour, the fort was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, but then dismantled by the Venetians. It was rebuilt by the Ottomans in the 16th century when they conquered the island. Daily: 08:30-17:00 (16/9-15/4) Daily : 08:30-19:30 (16/4-15/9) Entrance fees: 2.50
The Pafos District Archaeological Museum houses a collection of finds from the Pafos area dating from the Neolithic Age to 1700 AD. Of special interest are a set of surgical instruments and a rare sculpture of warrior Aphrodite. The museum is a stop on the Aphrodite Cultural Route.
The first archaeological Museum of Lefkosia was housed in a building on Victoria St. in old Lefkosia, in the occupied part of the town. It was founded in 1888 as a privately run institution to protect the finds that started to come to light during the first legal excavations undertaken during the British rule of the island.
The ancient town of Amathous is situated on the south coast of Cyprus, about 7 km east of the town of Lemesos. Traces of the earliest human presence, have been detected during archaeological excavations on the hills neighbouring Amathous. However, the exact moment of the foundation of the town of Amathous is uncertain.
Situated in the Maroni valley, about 6 km from the southern coast of the island, the site of Choirokoitia lies in a hilly landscape in the foothills of the Troodos massif. It constitutes the most impressive example of the initial establishment of sedentary communities on the island and the development of an original civilisation: the Cypriot Aceramic Neolithic.
The archaeological site of Kalavasos lies in a dominant position to the west of the Vasilikos river valley, about 38 km southwest of Larnaka and 45 km south of Lefkosia. It can be seen from the highway. According to local tradition the name goes back to 327 A.D. when St. Helen, the mother of Constantine the Great stayed in a tent (Cyp: tenta) in this location during her visit to the island following the discovery of the Cross of the Crucifixion in Jerusalem.
The archaeological area of Kition consists of two sites: Kathari and Pampoula. It is located within the limits of the modern city of Larnaka. Various finds came to light between the 18th and the 19th century, during excavation work conducted by foreign travelers and tomb looters. One such find is the famous Assyrian stele of king Sargon II, now in Berlin.
The mount of Kourion, on which the ancient city-kingdom developed, occupies a dominant position on the coast 4 km southwest of the village of Episkopi in the Lemesos district. The earliest evidence of settlement in the broader area of Kourion dates to the Neolithic period (4500-3900 B.C.), whilst the most ancient remains in the area of the ancient city itself are connected with settlements and tombs of the Middle and Late Bronze Age.
The archaeological site of Maa-Paliokastro is situated on a small peninsula north of the town of Pafos. A small-scale excavation was conducted in 1952 by Porphyrios Dikaios followed by systematic excavations from 1979 to 1985 under the direction of the then director of the Department of Antiquities, Dr Vassos. Karageorghis.
Nea Pafos is situated on a small promontory on the southwest coast of the island. According to written sources, the town was founded at the end of the 4th century by Nicocles, the last king of Palaipafos. In the beginning of the 3rd century B.C. when Cyprus became part of the Ptolemaic kingdom, which had its capital in Alexandria, Nea Pafos became the center of Ptolemaic administration on the island.
Tamasos is located about 21 km southwest of Lefkosia (Nicosia), on the left bank of the river Pediaios. The larger part of the ancient town lies under the modern villages of Politiko, Pera and Episkopio. We do not know when and by whom the town was established.
The ‘Tombs of the Kings’ is the impressive necropolis that is located just outside the walls, to the north and east of Pafos town. It was built during the Hellenistic period (3rd century B.C.) to satisfy the needs of the newly founded Nea Paphos. Its name is not connected with the burial of kings, as the royal institution was abolished in 312 B.C., but rather with the impressive character of its burial monuments.
The best-known and richest monastery of Cyprus, Kykkos Monastery was founded in 1100 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It possesses one of three surviving icons ascribed to Saint Luke. It is covered in silver gilt, enclosed in a shrine of tortoise shell and mother of-pearl, and stands in front of the iconostasis.
The ancient town of Palaipafos is located within the limits of the modern village of Kouklia, situated close to the mouth of Diarizos river, 16 kilometres east of the modern town of Pafos. The site of Palaipafos and its surrounding area are linked to an ancient cult associated with the “Great Goddess”, the goddess of fertility, who was worshiped in Cyprus since the Neolithic period.
George Elia is a highly qualified Motor Vehicle Engineer who runs a fully equipped, modern, and scrupulously clean workshop with 3 full work bays conveniently located just off the B6 in Pissouri Village. The work spaces and all equipment are continually reviewed to keep up with the complexities of the modern motor vehicle engine.
Tel: +357 99638170 / +357 25221171.
Rent a car +357 25221010
D & N Veterinary Clinic has been serving clients and their pets from Paphos and surrounding areas since 2004. We are a modern, well-established, full-service, small animal veterinary clinic that offers comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care.
Volunteer helpers take turns feeding the cats and cleaning twice daily; since we never have enough feeder/helpers some volunteers feed the cats on two or more days a week. Our cats are always fed dried food twice each day. As an extra treat, visiting tourists are very generous. We ask that our visitors don’t bring chicken with bones, as it is dangerous for the cats.
MANDRY’S FUND is small dedicated group of volunteers, who care passionately about the feral cats of Cyprus. Our aim is simple – to provide a TNR (trap/neuter/release) service in order to prevent more homeless kittens from having to live on the streets.
The stylish, friendly and fun unisex hairdressing experience in Pissouri! Fiona is a fully qualified professional hairdresser, passionate about her job. Her aim is to make you feel and look fantastic.The name “Studio” refers to all services required in the beauty industry as well as hairdressing. Fiona works together with top professionals to offer you a wide range of beauty treatments at the Studio and to make sure you are in good hands!
We are a full-service community pharmacy in a convenient neighbourhood location next to the Police station on the old Limmassol/Paphos Road (B6). We provide a competent, friendly service on all prescription and non-prescription medicines, supplements, and beauty supplies. From colds and flu medicines to general wellness remedies, our friendly staff are always ready to be of assistance.
TEL +357 25222244 (24 hours
DOCTOR AND AMBULANCE – 24h ON CALL 7 DAYS A WEEK
TEL +357 26946461
The organisation was created in 1982 as Cyprus Cat Protection (CCP) and Animal Welfare, to provide shelter for stray cats and dogs. In 1994 it became Paphiakos & CCP Animal Welfare, and today the organisation is running an educational centre for animal welfare, with shelter visits from schools. We also welcome Veterinary College students who come for hands-on experience with the objects of their studies, along with young graduates who come to Paphiakos via the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme. Also, Paphiakos has charity shops, a book exchange shop and a coffee shop, all to raise funds that help with the upkeep of the shelter where 1200+ animals live. We at Paphiakos & CCP Animal Welfare also rely on public donations. The organisation operates two veterinary clinics, one in Paphos and one in Polis, where highly trained and experienced vets of different specialties work with modern medical equipment, such as digital X-ray machine. Routine health checks, micro-chipping, spaying and neutering, vaccinations and blood tests are some of the basic activities of the clinic. Also available are pet travel services, boarding and grooming.
The clinic in Paphos is open between 7am and 7pm Monday to Sunday, while the clinic in Polis is open between 9am and 2pm Monday to Saturday and between 9am and 1pm on Sundays. A 24 hour emergency service is available at 99655581. The Paphos clinic number is 26946461 and the Polis clinic number is 26321546.
Over the winter months we at Masmega Ltd. the parent company that run pissouri.com have been making some background changes to the site to enable us to give a more user friendly experience for both potential visitors to Pissouri but also for the contributors in the site.
To achieve this there we have had to undertake a complete rewrite of our site which should now allow us to take it in the direction that our users have asked. There is still a way to go but we will keep you informed as new areas and new feature are programmed in!
Skeleas Apartments are located on the side of the Melanda escarpment in Pissouri Bay. Perched high on the escarpment it provides magnificent views over the Pissouri Jetty and Bay to the statuesque Cape Aspro to the west. The unique location offers peace and quiet with easy access to the beach and Pissouri Village.
Pissouri Private Luxury Villas Located on a small hilltop in the secluded Pissouri Bay valley, each of the four luxury villas offers both privacy and a fabulous view of both the sea and the surrounding farmlands.
Since 1999 our family run property business, SLV Estates Ltd, has been selling, sourcing and renting properties in Cyprus and has also built several projects throughout the Island. ”We have offices in both the UK and Cyprus. SLV Estates Ltd are fully independent and full members of the AIPP (Association of International property professionals) we go the extra mile in finding our clients the perfect property.”
TEL +357 99996671
Foutas Family Farm provides 100% natural grow with all our love!Only seasonal fruits and vegetables.Situated on the Beach Road to Pissouri Bay
Barefoot Designs is an exciting Art Gallery (owned and operated by myself, Samantha Day) which opened in Pissouri Bay in 2012. Now in its sixth season, the Gallery has gone from strength to strength, offering an increasingly wide variety of artwork, all from local artists using ethically sourced, largely local materials.
Unique little jewellery shop specialising in bespoke silver designs and personalised pieces.
THE BUNCH OF GRAPES INN was originally the village Manor House and is reputed to be more than 200 years old. It was converted to an inn in 1976 and it remains quite unique.
MIDWAY restaurant, best known as ATHOS restaurant by the locals, is a family restaurant that has opened its doors on ‘1989’.
Da Vinci’s Family Restaurant and Bar has been owned by the same family for more than 20 years. We promise you quality local produce cooked to the highest standards. Friendly service and a full drinks menu with cocktails, local and international wines, ice-cold beers and soft drinks. We welcome you to come and relax on the terrace or book for a special occasion in our more formal restaurant.
The village of Anarita is a short drive from the center of Pafos. By the main village church you will find Olivio Mediterranean Restaurant and Wine Bar; top quality Italian food with a subtle Cypriot flavor.
Hideaway Restaurant is tucked away down a flight of stone steps, situated just off the square in Pissouri Village, a peaceful spot at a wonderful location. Hideaway is a lovely Restaurant in a courtyard setting where you can order delicious traditional Cypriot food. Known for their friendly service, great prices and a wine list with the best that Cyprus has to offer, this is a must visit in Pissouri!
COLUMBIA WATER SPORTS is based in Pissouri Bay, on the beach in front of the twin hotels – the Columbia Resort and Beach Hotel – a gem on the south coast of Cyprus miles away from the hustle and bustle of large tourist towns.
Columbia Water Sports is entirely owned and operated by Yiannos and Dia, two of the most experienced water sports operators on the island. Pissouri Bay is safe and enclosed making it ideal for beginners and improvers.
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Pissouri Bay Divers is the longest established Dive Centre in the Pissouri and Pissouri Bay area, situated 100m from the sea and nestled among the kiosks and shops near the sea front, a mere 2 min walk from the newly refurbished Columbia Hotel & Resort.
NISSAN QASHQAI / 2011 / 1.6 manual / 29 K
13.995 euro
Contact David Mitchell’s Motor Store
David Mitchell Tel 99754241
Unique little jewellery shop specialising in bespoke silver designs and personalised pieces.
I am happy to take custom orders for personalised pieces of jewellery based on the photos you see here and on my Facebook page.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday 9.00 – 15.00
Or by appointment call Gemma +357 97745383
PAYMENT ACCEPTED BY PAYPAL AND ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS.
International delivery is no problem at all.
I aim to dispatch within 1 – 3 business days depending on the details of the design.
I have over 15 years of experience in the silver jewellery industry and take great pride in producing high quality, strong pieces for you to keep for years to come.
The story behind the ‘Mussel Shell’ charm.
One hot sunny day over seven years ago I was walking along Lady’s Mile beach in Limassol and I came across a beautiful mussel shell. I used my silversmith skills and crafted it into something even more beautiful!
I made a mould of the actual shell and this was then used to make the casting for the unique charm that I am proud to say is my signature piece today!
Join us on a 3 hour tour of the ancient capital of Paphos.
Palepaphos, now named Kouklia, has much to offer with a pretty village square, tavernas, shops and a church.
We begin your Palepaphos Experience with a coffee or soft drink at Gabriel’s Tavern, a popular venue by day or night. Your fully qualified guide will escort you to the air conditioned coach to make the short journey to the first site.
Driving a short distance out of Kouklia village to the coastal plain you will pass by fields of oranges, olives and lemons (season dependent) to the ruins of an ancient oil press. Your guide will explain the process used in the early 3rd century BC to obtain valuable olive oil.
A short drive inland will bring you to the ruins of a Lusignan sugar refinery which was in operation from the 14th century to the 16th century. Sugar cones were produced here using water power from springs arising in the Orietes forest. This refinery is one of the few in the Mediterranean and Near East which preserves the ruins of workshops and its basic processing elements of milling, boiling and refining, firing and storing.
The tour now heads further inland, taking you to the hills behind Kouklia and the picturesque chapel of St Constantinos and St Helen. The chapel has had a turbulent history, having been damaged both inside and out but is now resting peacefully in the fields. A walk across those fields brings you to the Byzantine cave/hermitage of Palea Egkleistra with its 15th century frescoes.
Once back in the comfort of the bus there is a scenic drive back into Kouklia village and the Palepaphos Museum. The guide will show you the artefacts and history some of which dates as far back as 2,000BC.
A stroll through the village square from the museum brings you back to Gabriel’s Tavern where you will be welcomed and served a traditional Cypriot lunch.
Notes
Please wear sensible walking shoes as some of the ground has loose stones. We also advise that you bring water and wear sunscreen and a hat.
Please advise us of any dietary requirements at time of booking. Soft drinks are served with lunch but alcohol is available for purchase.
As from Monday 25th May the Studio will be changing to our Summer Opening Hours:
Home Visits Available. Please call 99979613 for appointments.
Every Friday Happy Hour from 6pm till 7pm: buy 1 drink and get 1 drink for FREE!
Every Sunday traditional ROAST!
A warm welcome to all, residents and visitors alike. I would like to give a short message to highlight what is happening in Pissouri Village District from the standpoint of the Pissouri Community Council.
The E.U. is going through turbulent times, and this means that hard decisions have to be made, not always to the liking of everyone. Here at the village level we also have decisions that may or may not be popular, for us mostly driven by funding and safety issues. Funding is difficult, as Council revenues are depleted due to reduced applications for construction etc., a backbone funding source for most Councils. These are the times, and we must deal with what is in front of us and assign funds on a priority level.
We are blessed with a beautiful spot here in our wonderful island nation, Nature has provided us with an immeasurable wealth. It is up to us to make the best of that gift.
I believe in four corner-posts:
We are working hard to improve the safety and beauty of the Village district, and to provide amenities in keeping with the vision that we have for a continually improved Village and Bay area, from a hiking trail connecting to Petra tou Romanou, to farm road repair, to parks and structural improvements.
I would like to thank you all for participating, and we wish us all a healthy, prosperous, and healthy future TOGETHER.
Lazaros Lazarou
Pissouri Council Chairman
“Some birds were made for poems. Keats had his nightingale, Poe his raven. The European bee-eater’s life is more like an epic novel, sprawling across continents, teeming with familial intrigue, theft, danger, chicanery, and flamboyant beauty.”
– Bruce Barcott for National Geographic.
BEE-EATERS are a one of the more beautiful migratory birds visiting Cyprus, arriving in large numbers in the spring and autumn as they make the long journey between Central and Eastern Europe and Africa. Along the way they are subject to predation in the Mediterranean region mainly from Eleonora’s falcons, with some 30 % not surviving the round trip. Small numbers sometimes stay for extended periods (up to 3 months) in Cyprus, but this is not the norm.
Apart from their visual beauty, they are very talkative birds, and their beautiful, haunting chatter can be heard echoing in the valleys around Pissouri in the early mornings and evenings as they dart and wheel through the skies in an amazing acrobatic display. Their speed and agility are truly astounding as they feed on the insects stirred up from the farmlands in the Pissouri valley.
The European Bee-eater is a medium sized bird with a large head, long curved pointed beak, and large pointed wings reminiscent of a swallow. They have short legs and weak feet, and on the ground move with a slow, awkward gait. Plumage is quite spectacular, with a blue underbelly, chestnut head leading to a golden-brown back, a yellow and white throat, and with a black “bandit’s mask”. In the bright Cypriot sunshine the colours take on a lustre all of their own, the back looking like a golden cloak fit for the wealthiest of kings.
The gregarious bee-eaters gather in largish flocks, calling and swirling through the air as they feed. They will interestingly only feed on flying insects, and will not eat those prone on plants or on the ground. They will mostly feed where they can perch and then launch themselves after their prey. They snatch the insects out of the air with the tip of their strong beaks, crushing the smaller ones and devouring them on the wing. The larger insects they will hold until they perch again, when they will proceed to beat the insect on the perch to kill it and break it up. The poisonous insects they will also beat and wipe (with eyes closed) in a ritual to extract the poison before devouring it.
Although it is illegal to kill these birds in Cyprus, they are sometimes killed by bee-keepers protecting their hives. Although they do consume bees (hence their name), large insects and those detrimental to bees (such as wasps) also contribute a significant amount to their diet. They are definitely wrongly cast as villains, but are in fact a part of nature’s balance. Without their contribution, predatory insects would have a devastating effect on the hive populations of bees. Interestingly, cases have also been reported of the bodies of bee-eaters shot near hives being attacked by the bees themselves, resulting in the deaths of many bees. Ongoing efforts to educate the population of Cyprus (as in other Mediterranean countries) as to the direct benefits of these birds, and also the financial benefits of bird-watching tourism, will hopefully have a significant impact on ensuring the longevity of this beautiful species.
The bee-eaters are truly a spectacular part of the migratory gift bestowed upon us here in Cyprus.
With many thanks to:
Tassos Shialis of Birdlife Cyprus ( www.birdlifecyprus.org ).
Spyros Skareas – photo
K.D. Panayiotis – photo
Everybody knows Xenios as the Neptunium of Pissouri Beach. The first man with watersports in Pissouri since 1980. Xenios Watersports – a place where you leave all your thoughts behind you. His love for the sea and his many years of experience providing Watersports is the reason you choose Xenios.
Two of the most prolific forms of wildlife in Pissouri are the sparrows and the less- favoured group, snakes.
The SPARROWS are a constant in populated areas in most parts of the world, and Pissouri is no exception. The sometimes much maligned sparrows are everywhere where there are people, and gather in large family groups. When studied closely they have very unique and beautiful colouring patterns. They are very group-orientated, and will care for the very young and infirm within the group. In the spring it is not uncommon to see a single male feeding several youngsters, obviously not all its own offspring.
The SNAKES are numerous, although only one variety can be venomous enough to be considered dangerous to humans, the viper. Most of the others are constrictors, with very mild venom if any at all, however any bite can become infected and should be treated immediately. Fortunately for humans, we are a little large to arouse the hunting interest of the snake population. Most snakes in the world will flee if confronted by a human, and will only show aggression if cornered. Snakes will live and hunt in populated areas, as they afford good hunting grounds for small birds and rodents attracted to the prospect of easy food. Snakes do provide a good population control for small rodents such as mice and sometimes rats. However, they also provide a food source for animals such as hedgehogs, foxes, and birds of prey.
The accompanying photos show a Coin snake taking a sparrow on a rooftop in Pissouri bay. The snake hid beneath a roof tile at a favourite gathering spot for the local sparrow youngsters. Known for its speed and strength, the sparrow had no chance. The Coin snake is a constrictor with no venom. Interestingly, at the time of the strike, the surrounding sparrows made noise, but did not leave the side of their companion until his death, and then continued to harass the snake throughout the drama until it made its escape from the rooftop.
