Rave at the weekend, chill during the week
Guaba, Limassol
You wouldn’t have to have been in Cyprus for too long to be well-acquainted with this bar – perhaps the most popular of its kind on the island. We’re talking a real ‘beach’ venue here, without the fluffs and frills of all the other posh establishments along the seafront. Guaba is where you don’t really care what clothes you wear (because it’s all about what bikini you have on) or who you might bump into (because you know you will probably bump into everyone you know there). A truly bohemian bar, Guaba is indeed a unique place of entertainment.
Located on the eastern beaches of Limassol, away from the noise and lights of the town, its main attraction lies in the fact that not only is it open air but it is literally on the beach. Practically not much more than a shack (which houses a tiny bar and toilets) surrounded by wooden beams and raffia marquees, the place is cleverly adorned with a medley of lounging furniture, most of which is placed right on the sand. Nearby, as if shipwrecked off the coast, sits a wooden boat which has been fitted with a beer tap, and makes a wonderful pedestal for some serious dance moves. There are neat little touches that add character, such as the standing torches, interesting coloured sofas, and a surfboard propped onto a door frame at the side entrance – all of which show that it doesn’t have to cost a lot to create atmosphere.
During the day, especially on weekends, crowds of youngsters dressed in swimwear cover every inch of sand and seating space, raving to the music, drinking booze, playing racquet sports and swimming. Some even dance in the sea or on the floating platform opposite the bar, while others hang out eyeing up the talent, or tanning on the sand. The scenery leaves little to the imagination: a massive tangle of half-naked bodies letting their hair loose, happy and carefree as they enjoy the true essence of summer to the deep bass of hard-core tunes.
There have been numerous events that have taken place at this popular venue, especially when it comes to DJing, with professional artists visiting from abroad, and DJ competitions making headlines. You see, at Guaba, it’s all about the music… which is refreshing. Neighbouring residents tried hard to shut this spot down last year due to noise pollution – the typical summer weekend techno marathons blasting away did nothing to help matters – but a long petition signed by Guaba regulars in protest helped revive it, albeit with a more respectful approach to noise levels after hours. Nevertheless, whether the type of music they play there is your kind of thing or not, the whole vibe is sure to catch you unawares, and the youthful energy in the air (if not the sight of hot, young bodies) will keep you there for hours on end.
In comparison with the mad frenzy of the weekends, on week nights one would hardly recognise the place, which becomes a mellow bar. As the dark night sky looms above you, and the crowds disperse, candles are placed on the benches and tables, sofas and large bean bags are transformed from places to dance on to welcoming places of rest, and the low traditional wooden chairs bring you and that drink of yours much closer to the sandy floor than you would have thought possible. Guaba turns into a chillaxing spot where you can put your feet up and gaze at the stars or be dazzled by the glittering lights of the Limassol coastline in the distance. It is a casual place to hang out with a bunch of mates, and a relaxing setting where you can cuddle up to a date.
If you can actually find your way there – turn off at the solo, gritty un-illuminated sign on the side of the main road, into the even darker dirt track which leads down to the beach (I told you it was bohemian) – then you will be rewarded with the chance to party the real summery way. As Guaba is only open during these hot and sunny months, don’t waste any time in dropping by one afternoon for a spot of dancing and swimming, or in the evening for some of the delicious chicken roasting on the barbeque at the back, or later at night for a Guaba Special Cocktail. Either way, it will be an authentic beach bar experience you won’t forget. And if you get lost along the way, just look out for the unusually insane amount of cars parked in every available spot in the dusty field – you’ll know you’re in the right place.
