Paralimni

Paralimni was swelled by the many refugees fleeing from the Turkish occupied North. Many of the people who service and work in the tourist industry of Protaras live in Paralimni.

The most interesting church is the oldest. It is open to the public and now serves as a museum. Inside there is a collection of icons, religious robes and a few interesting old photos and portraits. The other two churches are not open to the public.

For the tourist the shops are very good for ceramics. These range from licensed copies of ancient museum pieces to modern original creations. Prices are cheaper than nearby Protaras. In recognition of its newly acquired status Paralimni boasts an M&S - easy to overlook as about the size of an English high street newsagent and offering very poor value for money. The shops are closed Wednesday afternoon for half day closing, also midday for siesta. A number of quiet bars and cafes can be found in and around the square. These make a very pleasant change from the noisy English disco-bars of Protaras and the moronic banter of the English DJs. Several net cafes have recently opened.

Whilst Paralimni may have little of architectural merit, it is renowned for its dancers and folk poets, who are regarded as some of the island's best. A tradition that has passed down through the generations. These dancers and poets are in great demand at every social event, especially at weddings, fairs, religious and other festivals and contests. They are particularly proficient in love songs and tsiattismata. The love songs are rhyming couplets or four-line stanzas on the theme of love, passion, women and the trials and torments of lovers.