Pissouri Travel Guide

The beach was deserted when I was there in mid-March. I had it to myself for the short stay that I had there. It is pebbly so a sunbed would be required for serious sunbathers. It was lovely just to wander along and enjoy the stunning scenery.

ZIVANIA is distilled from carefully selected grape varieties. Characteristically clear and strong in taste. A unique and traditional aperitif, served ice-cold with the local meze or dried fruit and nuts. Often drunk when its been in the freezer for a while.

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Favorite thing: Pissouri is very much two different, very distinctive places separated by a long and winding road approximately two miles long. Pissouri Bay with its collection of restaurants, tavernas, supermarket, grocery store, bank, huge luxurious Columbia Hotel Resort and of course its wonderful blue flag beach. Then on the other hand you have Old Pissouri Village perched on top of the hillside 300 metres above sea level and situated in the principal vine growing area with its sultana grapes adorning the surrounding countryside. It still caters for the tourist industry to some extent yet perfectly balanced with a more traditional style of living. It has a church, a few tavernas, gift shops and some amazing restaurants which seem to have more character than the ones in the bay. Each one has its own identity, its own selling point and really the only reason you would visit Old Pissouri Village in the first place is to dine out in style (and have a few drinks of course!). I must confess I only dined out at the Bunch of Grapes as you need to hire a taxi to get back to your hotel. I wouldn’t attempt a two mile walk down a hill at night with no street lighting! The taxi was 10 Euros (about £8) each way so unless you were sharing with a couple of friends it’s not a very economical way of dining out. I’ve already mentioned the Bunch of Grapes which is regarded by many as the best court yard restaurant in Cyprus. It is owned by Stavros and his wife with assistance from Antonious. The food is simply impeccable and the service is second to none. Anyone visiting Pissouri must surely visit this restaurant at least once. In fact it is so popular that booking a table is necessary for Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes. The Moonlight Tavern was recommended to me by a friend of the owner as I was studying the menu outside. It is certainly not called the Moonlight Tavern for nothing. At certain times of the month a superb view of the moon can be seen when it is rising. It is run by a goat farmer and two cake shop owners! It is reported that their pork chops are the best in Pissouri. When it’s cool diners eat inside but in the Summer it is recommended that you sit outside and watch the moon and count the stars - very romantic indeed! The Hideaway, really is hidden away, just off the main square. Both the food and the service are very good and is known for its steaks, grilled meat and impressive dessert menu. Other eateries in the village include the Pissouri Tavern and Vraka Tavern in the square both of which are very popular especially when there is a Greek night on, usually Wednesdays. Other restaurants include The Two Friends, Hill View, Olympus Palace and Pissouriana which is a swimming pool restaurant popular with British tourists. Old Pissouri Village also has a handful of bars, the most popular being Sparti Pub, just off the main square. The views from the edge of the village are quite spectacular. You can see approximately twenty miles of Mediterranean coastline and panoramic views of the coast across vineyards, carob and olive trees. Views of the Troodos mountains can also be seen to the North.