Posts tagged paphos

Paphos, a small charming harbor town, on the west of the island, which has been, during certain times in antiquity, the capital of Cyprus, has a history which goes back literally thousands of years, and has always attracted visitors from the rest of the island and abroad. Paphos consists of two areas: the coastal resort area (Kato Paphos) and the town itself (Pano Paphos) which is slightly inland.

Paphos is very popular with tourists, and especially with English, German and Scandinavian tourists. Among its attractions are its ancient mosaic floors, its beautiful old harbour, its modern hotels and restaurants, situated along the seaside promenade.

Other sights include an archaeological museum, the Byzantine castle of Paphos, the Tombs of the Kings, St. Paul’s Pillar and the Temple of Aphrodite (the goddess of love and beauty). The climate of Cyprus makes the summer months a popular time for tourism in Paphos, when temperatures reach easily into the mid 30 degrees Celsius every day. However the cooler winter months make walking and cycling ideal activities, especially further away in the mountains. The main shopping lane, which runs parallel to the beach promenade, is the ideal tourists’ marketplace.

Paphos is one of the main tourist spots in Cyprus. The sun shines all day long in the radiant town. There are many hotels both big and small for tourists to stay in, with kindly staff who will be happy to help you with your every need.

Paphos is believed to be the birth place of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and is a popular resort destination ideal for families Located in Paphos is the gorgeous Coral Bay, a beauteous beach with soft sand and deep blue water, a perfect place for water sports. Paphos is situated on the southwest of the island. Paphos offers a variety of holiday accommodation ranging from modern luxurious hotels to hotel apartments, tourist villages and many holiday villas.

There are a number of municipal beaches along the Paphos shoreline, but Coral Bay Beach, 7 miles north, is considered the most attractive, being sandy and having shallow waters. Sun-beds and umbrellas are available for rent at the Coral Bay beach. Coral Bay area has many tavernas and restaurants; Apart from the local tavernas serving traditional dishes and meze, international restaurants offer plenty of choices from Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai and other ethnic cuisine. There is a frequent bus service along the coast road to Coral Bay, operating from early morning till early evening during main season and taxis are also available.

Coral Bay itself is a 600m crescent of soft white sand, book-ended by a pair of headlands. It is home to a handful of top-notch hotels and the neighbouring marina looks set for completion in the near future. However, it’s the glassy waters offshore that everyone comes for. Coral Bay beach is perfect for swimming and water sports where you’ll find every conceivable activity from banana boat rides to jet skis for hire. Cultural types may find themselves twiddling their thumbs as there is little of historic interest in the resort. However, ‘foodies’ will find an excellent selection of bars, restaurants and tavernas and the popular village of

Peyia is just 5 minutes drive away where you will find excellent local tavernas. Coral Bay is a very family-friendly place and anyone wanting a big night out would do better to head for nearby Paphos and get a return taxi in the small hours. Coral Bay is also a great base for exploring the pristine coastline to the north, where a jigsaw of coves and inlets hide some of the best (and most isolated) beaches on the island. Don’t expect to find much in the way of refreshments and pack a well-stocked picnic hamper and plenty of sun cream. Peyia.

This charming village clings to the rugged hills that act a backdrop to Cyprus ’ most photogenic stretch of coastline. Below glitter the crystal waters of the Mediterranean, while to the north the silhouetted peak of Ayios Yeoyios marks the beginning of the untouched Akamas Peninsula. However, it’s the village’s proximity to the resort of Coral Bay (just five km south west) that first put Peyia on the developer’s map. Walking along the pine-scented streets it’s easy to come to the conclusion that Peyia is still sleeping off all the hard work of the recent construction boom. While locals like to claim that ‘in Peyia nothing happens in a hurry’, the truth is that nothing much happens at all. However, it’s this soporific quality that imbues Peyia with most of its charm.

Peyia proves a welcome antidote to the bustle of nearby Paphos and is a great place to while away a relaxing lunchtime with a plateful of meze and a cold bottle of Keo beer. If you prefer your afternoons to be a little more active you’ll find a number of local companies offering every white-knuckled pursuit from go-karting to paragliding, otherwise it’s a short hop to the beach. Cultural cravings should be satisfied by the two ruined Christian basilicas found on the outskirts of the village (watch where you put your feet as the ‘best bit’ is the mosaic covering the floor), while Further evidence of Peyia’s historic importance comes in the shape of Roman tombs carved into the cliffs above the sea. Having slumbered through the day Peyia wakes up at night. Taverna tables groaning under the weight of fresh fish fill the central square, the evening air cools and the village comes alive with the sounds of animated conversation. Then, all of a sudden, it’s very easy to see why Peyia has become one of the most coveted places on the island to own a holiday home.

Situated on the rugged Akamas peninsula, the sleepy town of Polis is perfect for those looking for a little rest and relaxation. Legend has it that the goddess Aphrodite emerged from the sea, just as Cyprus did itself. Don’t miss Aphrodite’s Bath, a picturesque rock pool and waterfall where the goddess is believed to have bathed, which oozes with magic and mystery. Polis was founded in the 7th century BC and means (Polis Chrysochhou) city of the golden land. The surrounding land is fertile and is a largely untouched by tourist development which adds to its charm, and it still retains its own distinctive character. The town is cradled by rugged mountains and surrounded by a patchwork of citrus groves and vineyards. The town’s whitewashed sugar cube houses, plump Orthodox Church domes and shady courtyards are a reminder of a Cyprus that’s fast disappearing and much of Polis’ charm lies in watching local life tick slowly by.

Polis first made it into the guidebooks in the 1980s as a backpacker haunt and today it’s one of the few places that still cater for independent travellers. The town huddles round a central pedestrianised plaza that hosts a colourful daily market showcasing the best local produce.

At sunset the market stalls are replaced with restaurant tables piled high with platefuls of meze and fresh local fish. Once you’ve visited the archaeological museum and had a look at the medieval frescoes daubed on the walls of St Andronikos Church then it’s time to explore some of Cyprus ’ least spoiled countryside.

The nearby Akamas Peninsular is an untouched wilderness laced with hiking trails and secluded coves bitten from the pink rock. Offshore, the waters are a glassy mosaic of greens and blues that promise some of the best snorkeling and diving on the island.

Fans of fresh seafood should make for the picturesque fishing village of Latchi, which has some of the best fish restaurants situated along the pretty harbour. Latchi has plenty to appeal to the tourist. Water sports such as parasailing are available here. The beaches on the north are closest but they are largely shingle but are immaculately clean and have been awarded the EU blue flag for cleanliness. If it’s larger sandy beaches and sunsets that you are after, it’s not much further to the west coast. Boats can be hired from Latchi harbour from where you can take your boat to the Blue Lagoon and swim in the emerald green sea.