Paphos Cyprus local area

Paphos
This south-west corner of Cyprus has an ambience all of its own. This is the kingdom of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and her presence seems to linger. Paphos itself is really two towns; Ktima on the cliff and Kato Paphos by the sea. The one is unchanged over centuries and thoroughly Cypriot while the other has expanded over the last decade from a sleepy fishing village and harbour into a bustling, busy, sprawling cosmopolitan resort which is still growing. Roman Paphos was the island's capital and the 3rd century mosaics here are the finest in the Mediterranean. The atmosphere is fun loving and friendly, with plenty of bars, pubs, discos, a few nightclubs and innumerable eating places providing a choice of Italian cuisine to sizzling souvlaki off the spit. The coastline to the north is peppered with small sandy coves. The area's best beach is a 15 minute drive away at Coral Bay. Paphos is an ideal centre from which to explore this region of wild coastline, unspoilt hillside villages and natural beauty. Paphos combines both culture and entertainment in a conveniently sized package. In Paphos you will find some of Cyprus' most stunning archaeological gems such as its Roman mosaics and Tomb of the Kings. Cultivated bananas grow in profusion along the south-western coast, which narrows to the Akamas Peninsula - one of the island's last unspoilt wildernesses and home to flora and fauna species found only on Cyprus. While Limassol is brash and Larnaca is demure, Paphos is quite friendly and is one of Cyprus' most desirable cities. Kato Paphos (Lower Paphos) is home to the greatest number of archaeological sites on the island.

Coral Bay
11 kilometres to the north of Paphos and 3 kilometres below the friendly hillside village of Peyia is Coral Bay - the best natural Blue Flag beach in the area. This is an established resort with many villas set apart from one another above a wide curve of dark golden sand. The summer heat is often tempered by a gentle breeze. The sea is shallow and children can play safely. During the busier months, water sports for hire include pedalos, water skiing, banana boats, jet skis and windsurfing.

Peyia
A very large friendly village - now designated a town with its own municipality. Peyia is tucked away in the hills about 3.5kms from Coral Bay and 15kms from Paphos. There are several coffee shops and welcoming taverna's which provide simple but excellent food. A picturesque drive north along winding roads through the Peyia forest and pretty villages brings you to the Akamas peninsula and the beaches of Latchi.

Polis and Latchi
Polis is on the wide Chrysohou Bay that runs along the north-west sweep of Cyprus, ideal for walks and offering stunning views to both sides of the island. Its attraction lies in it being quieter and a less developed region.
Polis is much smaller and far more intimate than Paphos - the razzmatazz of mass tourism has not quite reached here yet. The northwest also gives easy access to the Paphos Mountains and has some interesting villages such as Droushia, Neo Chorio, Pomos and Pyrgos. Latchi with its coastal paved walk is the picturesque harbour of Polis - known for its fresh fish. In the past it served as a small port for shipping carobs. The old stone carob warehouses have been converted into restaurants, fish taverns and places of recreation. From Latchi, travellers to Polis can go on short sea cruises to the Akamas.

Pissouri
Pissouri is an attractive and friendly village to the East of Paphos. It is situated in the principal vine growing area with sultana grapes covering the surrounding countryside. This south-facing village set high up on the hillside about 1,000ft above the sea and commands the most magnificent view of some 20 miles of Mediterranean coastline. To the south and east there are panoramic views of the coast, across vineyards, olive and carob trees. To the north one can see the majestic Troodos Mountains. Pissouri is situated just off the main Paphos to Limassol road. Pissouri Village has a lovely flower-filled central square for pedestrians only. There is a Greek Orthodox Church, a bakery, postal agency, banks and small supermarkets. Several family-run taverna's and restaurants serve excellent fresh food at competitive prices. In the summer months the village holds a Cyprus Night in the square every Wednesday evening. There's food and traditional Cypriot dancing; everyone is welcome!

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• for rent in Peyia
• Coral Bay
• Paphos

[sfalway]

I have only been to paphos, but I love cyprus!

[Masaii1982]

This is Pissouri Area, Central Square, Limassol district

[stevedon1617]

chill maan