PLACES TO VISIT


In Paphos itself there are a number of archaeological sites, go to the harbour and find the World Heritage site, mosaics and fort. Visit the Tombs of the Kings just down the road. Takes about 20 minutes to walk there. Tourist information is in Paphos Town near the market (see map for further detail), and local hotels have an extensive selection of things to do. You can buy temporary membership for the gym in the complex next door to Eden.

Coral Bay has sandy beaches with water sports facilities. Most hotels on the coast will let you use their sunbeds and pool facilities for free if you buy a drink.

Polis and Latchi in the north has a quiet coastline with beaches and watersports, lots of fish restaurants. The road to the north-east is lined with small bays and takes you to the border with the Turkish north. To the west of Polis are some beautiful walks and stunning scenery. The Aphrodite Trail is just amazing.

The Akamas peninsular is a wilderness area – definitely need a 4 x 4 here. At Lara beach there is a café and protected areas where the turtles lay their eggs. You can drive through the Akamas to the north – take plenty of water as a precaution.

Boat trips from Paphos and Latchi run daily. Try the traditional wooden sailing boat that does a half-day trip around the coast with lunch included.

Beautiful peaceful villages off the beaten track show you the real Cyprus. Omodos is a craft village with narrow alleys; Kathikas near Peyia is interesting, especially the tavernas; Droushia is a traditional Cypriot village where you can sit in a kafenion (traditional coffee shop) and watch the local world go by. Pano Archimandrita north east of Kouklia (east of Paphos) has a kafenion with an original gas-fired Electrolux fridge and a proprietor who may jump into the road to encourage you to have a drink.

To the east there is a motorway to Limassol and Larnaca.

Spend a night in the Troodos mountains – again a 4 x 4 is useful as sometimes the good roads run out! The Minerva in Platres is where we have stayed, the owner is an expert on Cyprus orchids and his book is available in the studio if you see anything interesting. There are great walking and cycling routes in this area (see Cyprus guide books in the studio for further information). It's great for bird-watching too.

Monasteries are scattered around – both small and large, always worth a visit to restore spiritual health. Aghios Neophytos near Tala has a lovely peaceful air, and a pretty inner courtyard.