TV puts Greek islands in the spotlight

The Greek island of Skiathos, known for its stunning landscapes and ‘Mamma Mia’ film locations, has long been a favourite destination for travellers seeking an idyllic Mediterranean getaway.

Now, with the ITV theatre competition, “I Have a Dream” Greek islands including Skiathos are set to become even more of an irresistible paradise for those in search of a unique holiday experience, according to Greek luxury specialist tour operator, Planet Holidays.

Hosted by radio and TV personality Zoe Ball, “I Have a Dream” is a glimpse into the world of musical theatre, celebrating the talent and entertainment of aspiring performers vying for the coveted roles of Sophie and Sky in the iconic musical, Mamma Mia!

Zoe Ball is joined by a panel of judges, including comedian and TV personality Alan Carr, singer-songwriter Jessie Ware, Olivier Award-winner Amber Riley, and Samantha Barks, a star of Frozen in London’s West End, who will provide insight, guidance, and mentorship.

The competition is set against the backdrop of the Greek islands, with the contestants judged and mentored by industry professionals through workshops, masterclasses, and live performances. The stakes are high as the contestants strive to claim the roles made famous by Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper in the feel-good musical.

The grand finale will take place live at a West End theatre in London, where the two talented winners will emerge triumphant, securing the roles of Sophie and Sky in Mamma Mia! and given the chance to perform in the 25^th anniversary production at the Novello Theatre.

For fans of Mamma Mia! looking to immerse themselves in the magic of Skiathos and other Greek Islands, Planet Holidays offers a range of luxury holiday packages that provide the perfect balance of leisure and exploration.

Greek island hoping to all of the Sporades includes Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, Combine all three with prices for 2024 from £3485 per person to included return flights from Gatwick plus inter-island transfers, and accommodation in 5-star luxury properties featured by Planet Holidays.

Alternatively, for just a week in Skiathos, prices from £1299 per person to include return flights from Gatwick (other UK airports also available), transfers and accommodation at the luxurious 5-star Elivi Hotel, Koukounaries, on bed and breakfast.

Travellers can experience locations featured in the Mamma Mia! films, visit quaint villages, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters that inspired the romantic scenes of the movies, indulging in Greek cuisine and hospitality at its best while enjoying the island’s vibrant culture. Plus any couples looking to tie the knot can do so through sister company Planet Weddings, nuptials are offered to Skiathos and Skopelos, as well as many more islands too. 

Planet Holidays specialises in tailor made holidays to suit individual requirements rather than offering standard packages, ideal for the independent traveller who wants to be covered by ABTA and AITO – with ‘accommodation-only’ bookings also protected. Planet Holidays and Planet Weddings, are a member of the Sunvil family.

 For further information contact Planet Holidays on 01438 841 270 or book online at www.planet-holidays.co.uk



Enjoy cultural, sporting and arts events in Larnaka

As temperatures drop in Larnaka comes alive in autumn with a vibrant array of events that celebrate tradition, culture and arts in the region. Here some of the highlights starting this week:

Biennale – October – 24^th November

This is Larnaka’s largest art event that takes place every two years with an eclectic programme of events including exhibitions at museums and galleries; cultural events; cinema screenings; workshops; lectures; installations, and much more. The theme for 2023 asks the question: ‘What is it that constitutes a home, beyond just bricks and mortar?’ Click here for more info. 

Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon – 19^th November 

Larnaka’s official marathon takes place along a pretty coastal route starting at the main promenade (Foinikoudes) and passing through the city’s landmarks, including its famous salt lakes and ancient ruins. This event attracts thousands of runners from nearly 100 countries with races suitable for all levels of runner, and there is still time to register. Click here for more info. 

Lefkara ‘Christmas Village’ – 25^th November – 14^th January 2024  

Visitors to Larnaka over the festive season can head up to Lefkara village to enjoy an array of festive and traditional stalls, entertainment, food and drink, children’s activities and workshops – all set against a mountain backdrop. Lefkaka is one of seven beautiful traditional villages and towns in Cyprus putting on their finest festive attire to spread the Christmas spirit. Find out more here.  

Tasty traditions from the rural women of Larnaka

The ‘Women’s Association of Rural Larnaka’ (WARL) is the heart and soul of gastronomic tradition in the Larnaka region, preserving and promoting the local customs, products and recipes for generations to come. A programme of free workshops runs up until the end of November, which includes traditional workshops by WARL members. For more info and to book, click here. There are also plenty of other WARL events taking place throughout the year, including local producer markets, cookery workshops and festivals. For more info, click here.

Take to the open road with eight ‘Larnaka thematic cycling routes’

Larnaka region is fast becoming the cyclist’s destination thanks to a variety of factors, including its optimum climate, beautiful scenery and varied and challenging terrain.  A key figure in enhancing the cycling experience is Mike Hadjioannou, founder of Activate Cyprus who provides cyclists with a one-stop-shop for cycling tours and participation in many prestigious competitions and events.

Mike says new opportunities are enabling more people to enjoy cycling: “Whilst all the tours we offer – road, mountain and gravel biking – remain popular, the latest increase in requests is for e-bikes because it’s much easier for amateur cyclists of all fitness levels to cover a greater distance on them without tiring, allowing them to experience more attractions and sights on a bike than they would normally do.” Find out about Activate Cyprus bike tours here. 

The Larnaka region also offers cyclists eight ‘Larnaka Thematic Cycling Routes’ that combine cycling with sightseeing, an ideal autumn activity to discover the Larnaka region on two wheels. Find the eight routes with downloadable pdf leaflets here. 

For more information on all these autumn activities and events and more, click here.

For tourist information from the Larnaka Tourism Board, visit www.larnakaregion.com

Introducing the new Vavatsinia Honeybee Trail 

With the holiday season gearing up one of the most popular areas of Cyprus is preparing to show visitors some of the areas hidden treasures.

A new bee-themed nature trail at Vavatsinia has opened which takes walkers on a 2.5km journey through the life of bees and their role in wellbeing.  ‘The Humming of the Bees’ trail combines walking in the picturesque and tranquil surroundings of mountainous Vavatsinia village with an educational and healing experience centred around the therapeutic sound of the humming of bees; something that has been proven to have health and wellness benefits. 

Vavatsinia is one of the nine Rural Larnaka Honey Villages that share a rich history of beekeeping and honey production. The route has bee-friendly plants signposted, decorative beehives and bee ‘hotels’ offering refuge for solitary bees, as well as a pavilion, benches and wooden loungers to enjoy a relaxing break. Walkers can discover interesting information on bees, such as facts about ‘apitherapy’ which uses products made by honeybees for medicinal purposes and the way in which bees communicate with flowers. Click here for more info.

Historic Larnaka Municipal Market is re-born with new indoor market

The new Larnaka Municipal Market has opened on its original site with an indoor market throughout the week and an open-air farmer’s market on Saturdays. With the market’s long history as an integral part of Larnaka city’s fabric, the new design honours its heritage by fusing traditional elements with a contemporary structure and is set to be a landmark in the commercial centre. 

The market first opened in 1928 and operated in its original form until 1963. It remained unused for some 30 years until it was demolished at the end of the 1990s to create municipal parking. Alongside the open-air farmer’s market that operated at the site, a smaller indoor market was opened in a building across the street. 

The new market houses 20 vendors offering a variety of traditional, local produce from across the region, including stalls selling wine, dairy, cured meats, baked goods and sweets, herbal products, souvenirs and fresh fruit and vegetables. The Saturday open-air farmer’s market (from 6am – 1.30pm) offers fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh flowers and other produce. 

The new structure is a reimagined design reminiscent of the circular dwellings of the Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement. In the future the mezzanine level will host restaurants, cafes and a snack bar, as well as cultural spaces, whilst the upper level will feature a terrace with seating area, roof garden and bars.  The market has a Facebook page that will be updated with news and events. 

Kalavasos-Tenta archaeological site ‘virtually’ reconstructed

The Kalavasos-Tenta archaeological site has been ‘virtually’ reconstructed with a historically accurate video that shows how the Neolithic settlement appeared 9500 years ago. The video takes viewers back in time to the site during the Aceramic Neolithic period (7.000-5.200 BC), when the island’s first permanent residents established a village west of the Vasilikos River plain.  

The remains of the settlement in Kalavasos village – alongside those at Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement – are an excellent example of an early permanent settlement. The village was eventually abandoned in 5.600 BC for reasons unknown.  Watch the video here to find out more about this fascinating and sophisticated settlement. Click here for more info.

Two new ‘Talking’ statues bring history alive

Two new Larnaka Storytelling Statues have been unveiled. ‘Man with Wreath of Leaves’ at the Archaeological Museum of the Larnaka District and ‘Medieval Knight of Larnaka Castle’ are the newest members of the Larnaka Storytelling Statues family ready to narrate their unique histories. 

The Larnaka Storytelling Statues are a series of statues, busts and monuments that bear a plaque with a QR code. Once scanned users receive a call-back in English or Greek from the monument and can listen to the insightful story of each in a character narration. 

‘Man with Wreath of Leaves’ paints a vivid picture of Larnaka city during ancient times, and in particular, the areas surrounding the museum and the site of the Ancient Port of Kition. ‘Medieval Knight of Larnaka Castle’ is a noble French knight’s narration conjuring evocative images of the castle during its different eras; Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman and British. Click here for more info.

For tourist information from the Larnaka Tourism Board, visit www.larnakaregion.com