Cap St George resort - what's the story?

[Bograt]

I seem to remember reading some time ago that the development known as Cap St George, along Sea Caves way towards St George's harbour, did not have building permission.

A recent post on Facebook from Sunshine Radio showing a picture of this development, prompted a response from a gentleman in which he stated the developer had blocked access to some of the sea caves there. He specifically mentioned something called "Roman Harbour" and did not sound too happy about it.

This has piqued my interest somewhat. I didn't think people could block access to the sea, but of course that is just one person's opinion, so it may not be correct. And what on earth is the "Roman Harbour"?

We drove around that development a few weeks ago, and it seems to be pretty large now, with new roads spreading out towards Sea caves and leading away from the St George bit. There are a lot of new villas there in a row along the coast, and the roadworks that are going in are pretty considerable, so maybe they are planning a lot more.

I've Googled, but can't seem to find anything out. I would be interested to hear if anybody on here knows a bit more about it.

[Steve Matthews]

No access to the sea caves or to the little harbour (Maniki bay), that I think you refer to, has been blocked. In fact, the developer has built wide, smooth, flat, wheel chair friendly, publicly available pathways all along the coast, here and down to Maniki bay. They are encouraging people to use the area and making it much easier to do so.
As far as I can tell, the only thing that has changed with regards access, is that cars can no longer drive down to the bay. This, in my opinion is a good thing and the area has dramatically improved since. I regularly walk along this coast and since the absence of cars, the area has dramatically less rubbish.
Also, the blocking of cars has coincided with a noticeable increase in the amount of wildlife along the sea caves coast, not least of all an increase in sea bird numbers and, very importantly, a small population of seals moving into the sea caves.
I regularly see a kayaking group/club use the sea caves area, horses riding along the coast and have seen fairly large school groups using Maniki bay for all sorts of activities.
The developer, as I said before, seems to be actively encouraging use of the coast/bay.
I have no connection at all to the developer. I simply spend a lot of time enjoying the area.

[Bograt]

That is good to hear regarding the wildlife. Possibly Maniki Bay is also referred to as Roman Harbour, but I don't know. Of course, wildlife does not like too much human activity, so hopefully it does not become over visited and the balance is kept between what the wildlife needs and what we humans want. It is lovely that seals are moving back in, thats for sure.

I'm still interested as to what the future plans are for that area. Maybe it was just a rumour that the resort was built without permission? There are certainly a lot of roads going in. I hope it does not end up joining up with Peyia

[Steve Matthews]

Maniki could quite well be called Roman Harbour. I've never heard it called that before but I do know there is a huge amount of Roman archaeology along that part of the coast. In fact, the area of rough ground at Maniki where cars used to park is littered with fragments of pottery (on it's own, an excellent reason to stop cars using it).
As for future plans, I don't know. The whole development seemed to be completely devoid of any activity for many years. Suddenly, about 18 months, or so, ago, things seemed to burst back into life with lots of building work, the construction of an entire network of public pathways and landscaping.
It might be worth seeing if you can find someone there to ask. I regularly see people being driven around the pathways on golf buggies (possibly prospective buyers) and the staff that accompany them seem friendly enough.

[Bograt]

How interesting re the archaeology. I'm not familiar with that stretch of coast yet, but we are lucky enough to be renting a little villa from September that overlooks Yeronisos island, and we intend to learn as much as we can about our new environment. Thus the interest from me regarding Cap St George you see! I think that is a good idea re asking people that are there when we are next over.

At least nobody can build on Yeronisos because of all the archaeology they have found on it. How interesting Cyprus is, there is always something to learn.

[cyprusmax47]

How interesting re the archaeology. I'm not familiar with that stretch of coast yet, but we are lucky enough to be renting a little villa from September that overlooks Yeronisos island, and we intend to learn as much as we can about our new environment. Thus the interest from me regarding Cap St George you see! I think that is a good idea re asking people that are there when we are next over.

At least nobody can build on Yeronisos because of all the archaeology they have found on it. How interesting Cyprus is, there is always something to learn.

Bograt
I don't know if you have seen my post and video from the area viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1842 where I mentioned the Roman harbour one can see in the video or on google (opposite the existing harbour). There are field reports from 2015 with a photo showing the crew collecting artifacts from the beach there. https://www.archaeological.org/news/aianews/20119 (image 5)
Further a very nice publication from the Island (very large, if you open all the chapters) http://www.nyu.edu/projects/yeronisos/

If you have more questions, just ask me..
Max

[PaphosAL]

For Yeronisis Island off Agios Georgios, you HAVE to view the Youtube video link posted by Max a month or so ago, with HD footage taken by a very clever Cypriot guy using a drone helicopter..

Absolutely stunning and amazing to watch, believe me! I hope someone (Max?) can help me with a PL link here?

Meanwhile, I've attached (I hope) the contentious developer's site plans for Cap St George, as posted a few years ago on CL...

Live well and be happy! AL

[PaphosAL]

ps: look at all those swimming pools, when they have a beach and the Mediterrean within spitting distance...

How daft is that, given the regular water shortages in that area?

[Bograt]

[quoteBograt
I don't know if you have seen my post and video from the area viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1842 where I mentioned the Roman harbour one can see in the video or on google (opposite the existing harbour). There are field reports from 2015 with a photo showing the crew collecting artifacts from the beach there. https://www.archaeological.org/news/aianews/20119 (image 5)
Further a very nice publication from the Island (very large, if you open all the chapters) http://www.nyu.edu/projects/yeronisos/

If you have more questions, just ask me..
Max
[/quote]

Thank you Max, as always you are so helpful. I have saved the publication about Yeronisos to peruse it more thoroughly. I am sure I may well have questions for you again, as you have kindly offered further help. As for the drone footage - beautiful. I did not actually realise that was an old Roman harbour down there.

[Bograt]

For Yeronisis Island off Agios Georgios, you HAVE to view the Youtube video link posted by Max a month or so ago, with HD footage taken by a very clever Cypriot guy using a drone helicopter..

Absolutely stunning and amazing to watch, believe me! I hope someone (Max?) can help me with a PL link here?

Meanwhile, I've attached (I hope) the contentious developer's site plans for Cap St George, as posted a few years ago on CL...

Live well and be happy! AL

Thank you very much for those images Paphos Al, I appreciate your reply at such a sad time for you.

I will have a drive round on my return, and see if they match what is there. From the images, the development looks to be reasonably contained. I believe one can have lunch at the Cap St George, so maybe that would be a plan. It could be really nice and end up as an asset to the area.

[Bograt]

ps: look at all those swimming pools, when they have a beach and the Mediterrean within spitting distance...

How daft is that, given the regular water shortages in that area?

Bloomin' crazy........ I tried to find a villa without a pool, to no avail! I'll see if we ever use it, if not I'll be on here, asking for advice as to the best way to close a pool down without damaging the workings of the thing.

[PaphosAL]

Nice ones Bograt! Are you going to try and join Max for a Fish Meze at Filiatos Timi on a Saturday lunchtime, table 22? That would be splendiforous if you do!

I will be there in spirit, heart and soul with you all... AL

[cyprusmax47]

Bograt, you said:
" From the images, the development looks to be reasonably contained. I believe one can have lunch at the Cap St George, so maybe that would be a plan. It could be really nice and end up as an asset to the area."

If you have that money to spend for a lunch there https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/v ... tion=click , wonder which car you are driving to be welcome there
Max

[Bograt]

Bograt, you said:
" From the images, the development looks to be reasonably contained. I believe one can have lunch at the Cap St George, so maybe that would be a plan. It could be really nice and end up as an asset to the area."

If you have that money to spend for a lunch there https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/v ... tion=click , wonder which car you are driving to be welcome there
Max

Hah, funny! If they don't like my car, they can take a hike! I may have to borrow a clapped out Pajero and rock up there, to see what happens.... pictures to follow of me being chased off with pitchforks. Then me chasing them back with said pitchforks, and winning....

[Bograt]

Nice ones Bograt! Are you going to try and join Max for a Fish Meze at Filiatos Timi on a Saturday lunchtime, table 22? That would be splendiforous if you do!

I will be there in spirit, heart and soul with you all... AL

Poor Max may well be finding out his favourite haunt is soon flooded with people keen to see his...err... hedgehog? Sorry Max mou, hope you know we are just teasing you as you seem to be so lovely . No Al, I won't be stalking Max and his fishes, but if you turn up there with a red carnation, will we be surprised????

[Bograt]

Have to say I LOVE this site, having a laugh with people I have never met. Long may it continue.

[cyprusmax47]

Nice ones Bograt! Are you going to try and join Max for a Fish Meze at Filiatos Timi on a Saturday lunchtime, table 22? That would be splendiforous if you do!

I will be there in spirit, heart and soul with you all... AL

Poor Max may well be finding out his favourite haunt is soon flooded with people keen to see his...err... hedgehog? Sorry Max mou, hope you know we are just teasing you as you seem to be so lovely . No Al, I won't be stalking Max and his fishes, but if you turn up there with a red carnation, will we be surprised????

I am very glad that I cannot recognize any difference in my Fish Tavern on a Saturday. 6-8 cars, some 25 people enjoying their meal at the seaside area and mainly Cypriots (always the same families) Perhaps it is not cheap enough to get congested as one member mentioned already...

Max

[PaphosAL]

Fascinting video, thanks, Max! But I think you'd be disappointed with a Saturday lunch there, especially when you spit your Keo froth out, after receiving the bill...

Cannot wait for yesterday's report from Filiatos from you.. ATB- AL

[Galini]

Hmmm interesting thread. I will confess that I was getting more and more irritated to hear the Cap St George advert on Sunshine going on about the unique unspoiled location because I remember that beautiful area BEFORE they started tearing it up to build this development so was thinking "well yes it was until you built that monstrosity"

HOWEVER, having read Steve Matthews post concerning the benefit to wildlife, increase in sea birds, return of the seals etc I have to say that it has made me take a little bit of a rethink. I will have to take a walk along there again and have a look for myself.

(Of course I still think that the concrete blocks are awful but hey, you can't have everything lol)

[cyprusmax47]

Still better if this project is finished one day (without going bust) than the planned casino on top of the ancient island Yeronisos which was finally cancelled from the Government. (but only after the Americans found proof that it was inhabited 3000 BC)

Max