What’s a Christmas in Cyprus like for new property renters?

As we head into the festive season, where tables groan under the weight of steaming dishes and too many bottles of wine, it’s time to start dusting off the recipe books as we cater for family and friends. Settled in your Cyprus property rental, why not try some of these traditional dishes as the Christmas lights go up. Some are made with a modern twist, and others based on recipes passed down over generations. But each and every one is packed with flavour and will have your guests asking for seconds. 














 

A flowery feast 
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As a vegetarian option, used as either a starter or added to a mains dish, you can’t go wrong with stuffed zucchini flowers. The soft yellow flowers of the zucchini (or courgette depending on where you’re from), give a beautiful colour to the plate. Filled with a mix of rice, herbs and spices, nuts and seasoning, the smell of these bite size beauties will have people knocking at your door.  And if you're renting property in Cyprus over the Christmas period, it's only festive to let them in!









 

Straight from fire to fork 
Photo by Furkan Tumer from Pexels

Ask anyone what food they think of when you mention Cyprus food, and chances are they will say “Souvlaki”, gazing off into the distance, licking their lips as their mouth salivates. The recipe for these lamb skewers requires patience and precision, depending on how you like them. Marinated beforehand, the flavour is sublime. Are you renting a property in Cyprus with an outside space? Prepare for some fireside drinks as this traditional dish is best done over a coal fire surrounded by friends. 


 

Not just a pretty fish 

Being an island in the mediterranean, you can’t have a list of Cypriot staples without including some seafood on the table. Finding yourself in Limassol after renting a property in Cyprus, get inspired by some of the best restaurant menus sprawled on the beachfront and try your hand at some Oktapodi Krasato. A rich, reduced wine sauce penetrating through mouthfuls of onion and fresh octopus will give your tastebuds something to write home about for sure! While you're at it, why not compliment it with some freshly steamed mussels, and if you're feeling fancy, lay out some oysters on ice, just don't forget the tabasco!

Satisfy Santa’s sweet tooth 
Photo courtesy of Jamal Yahya from Pexels 

And to top off the Christmas calories, you can’t have a festive feast without a sweet finale. Like most countries that make baklava, Cypriot bakers claim that it originated with them. This Mediterranean sweet probably originated in Assyria. Baklava consists of layered sheets of filo dough and chopped nuts; the pastry is then drenched with syrup or honey. This recipe is not for the faint of heart. You could opt to use this as an excuse to go exploring your local neighbourhood to find the best baklava baker in town if you think you’d rather leave the complex meal making to the pros. 

Make it your own, whilst making at home 

Of course these are just a small taste of the huge menu of Cypriot dishes available for you to try. Throw in some Mousaka, Halloumi and Hummus and you’ll have Yiayia napping on the sofa by the afternoon. 

And this is one of the best things about renting a property in Cyprus. Being able to share your space with others, with Christmas being the perfect opportunity. There's still time to put the tree up, lay out the milk and cookies for Santa, and put up the Christmas stockings after having a look through the hundreds of properties available from the agents at Quicklets Cyprus. So if you fancy a sandy and sun kissed visit from Santa, take a look at our website or perhaps pop into one of our branches. 

Main blog photo courtesy of Nicole Michalou from Pexels