On Sunday 28 January, under blue skies, the Cyprus Strollers met again for the quintessential strolling experience along the coast of Oroklini, east of Larnaca. The sea, sand and sun delivered the Cyprus component, while the flat terrain was practically created for Strollers. The 4km waterfront section offered the group an 8km-long roundtrip opportunity to rest their eyes on the calm sea, and to admire touching expressions of nature from the community of seagulls, to scattered shells and a rare splash of fiery flowers on the beach. The comfortable route lent itself to conversation, as new Strollers were introduced to regulars, and friends chatted and caught up on one another’s news, snapping photos along the way. A fish and seafood meal at a nearby restaurant concluded this sea-focused day. Compliments to Maria for leading this outing, to Dina for composing this summary and to Nana, Ramzi and Nicos for the photos.

With activities like this, the Cyprus Strollers make a clear statement: this is a club for everyone, kids included, as every season’s schedule includes a few easy walks that allow the young or untrained participants to join the group and gradually ‘mature’ into enthusiastic mountain hikers. Join us on 3 Feb. at Palekhori https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/palekhori-appis-trail-3-feb/

Whenever the Cyprus Strollers head to Cape Greco, this seaside trail attracts not only the regular hikers but also a number of new and occasional strollers. And this week’s hike was a case in point. The large group once again brought together different ages, nationalities, and hiking temperaments, which translated into an extended chain of Strollers that snaked its way around the serene, unspoiled and protected cape that defines the southeastern coast of Cyprus.

Our walk started at the Sea Caves, the most popular landmark of the area, and ended at the seafront chapel of Agioi Anargyroi, with steps leading to the legendary hermit’s cave below. Measuring 8km from start to finish and back, this trail is as rugged as it is gentle; part rocky – forcing you to watch every step – and part effortlessly winding its way through the abundant shrubs of the region. En route we passed a natural stone bridge, as well as vertical stone walls that could have been plucked out of a rock climbing textbook. Smaller gems on the ground also caught the eye: the ground-hugging mandrake, fragrant thyme bushes, miniature wild flowers, and fascinating sea sponge fossils. The real magic, however, was the sapphire sea, our constant companion, glittering in the sun under the clearest of blue skies. At times, the sprawling landscape made it difficult to recognize the trail; special compliments to walk leader Patrick for marking the tricky points with his signature rock mounds, and for identifying a small taverna, which enabled us to conclude the outing with a nice meze lunch. Compliments to Dina for this succulent summary and to Nana, Clara and Nicos for the photos. Join us on 28 Jan. at Oroklini https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/oroklini-dhekelia-coastline-walk-28-jan/

A very large group of Strollers, from countries so diverse as India, Japan, Lebanon, Canada, USA, Poland, Romania, Scotland, Ireland, England, Greece and Cyprus, combined hiking with poetry at Lythrodontas on Sunday 14 January, and welcomed the new year and our new season of strolling, in style, with the cutting and sharing of Vasilopitta. Compliments to Clara for her generous offer of Vasilopitta, as well as the gift of a book of poems by Constantine Cavafy, which was won by Stavros. Best wishes to the lucky man and to all for your patience at dinner! Compliments to Maria and Antonia for the photos. Join us on 20 Jan. at Cape Greco https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/cape-greco-sea-caves-trail-20-jan/