Places of Interest

Paphos
Paphos was originally the capital of Cyprus in Roman times and has become a very popular resort amongst holidaymakers.  Paphos is now a bustling resort on the west coast of the island. The newer part of the town is what is known as "Kato Paphos" which is the tourist area; here you will find a huge array of restaurants, tavernas, bars, nightclubs, shops and high standard hotels.  There is also a lovely harbour with waterfront restaurants and tavernas.
The Old Town of Paphos is set on a hill overlooking the sea and hosts a colourful indoor market and has a maze of winding streets.  Paphos is only a fifteen minute drive from Coral Bay and is well worth a day trip.


Latchi

Latchi is situated 36 kilometres from Paphos and is a very pretty area on the North West corner of Cyprus.  A lovely little fishing village where the best fish tavernas can be found, plus a long, unspoilt beach.  Here, you will also find watersports, diving, motor boat hire, fishing trips and boat excursions to the Akamas peninsular. Nearby, is the market town of Polis, and this area remains remarkably unspoilt.

The famous baths of Apphrodite are close to Latchi and you will also find many lovely walks through the hills and valleys of this unspoilt corner of Cyprus.  Latchi is not for those seeking a bustling nightlife, but a perfect quiet and relaxing holiday.


Polis
Polis is a small town, 37 km from Paphos on the northwest coast.  It is still essentially a village, with a pedestrian only village square.  Here, children can play around the small fountain, while parents relax with a coffee.  There are also numerous tavernas and restaurants in and around the square.  Its full name is Polis tis Chrysochous which means "City of the Golden Land", after the fertile land that surrounded the area.  Polis retains a laid back, calm and relaxed pace and atmosphere and from the centre, it is only a ten minute stroll to the local area.


Troodos Mountains
Troodos Mountains is located toward the western area of Cyprus and is nothing better than to discover Troodos - with its high altitude refreshing with crystal clear air - when Cyprus is reaching its highest temperatures during the hot summer months.  Troodos has picturesque villages, many with local handicraft and even distilled spirit.  There are also many fascinating churches and monasteries with ten Byzantine churches on the UNESCO list of cultural treasures.  

 

Tombs of the Kings
Tombs of the Kings in located in Kato Paphos.  These impressive underground tombs date back to the 4th century B.C.  They are carved out of solid rock, some decorated with Doric pillars, which contributed to the naming of the site. Tombs of the Kings was used as a burial ground from the 3rd century BC up to the 3rd century AD and up until that time, it as used by persecuted Christians, as a place of refuge.  The modern day excavation started in 1977 and has uncovered 3 very large tomb complexes and the investigation of many smaller tombs.

Agia Solomoni Church
Agia Solomoni Church is located in Kato Paphos.  Originally a Christian catacomb retaining 12th century frescoes. A sacred tree is believed to cure the sick.

The Mosaics of Paphos
The Mosaics of Paphos are located in Kato Paphos, near the harbour.  The mosaic floors are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mainly depict scenes from Greek mythology.

Paphos Medieval Fort
Paphos Medieval Fort is located in Kato Paphos Harbour.   A Byzantine fort built to protect the harbour.  Rebuilt by the Lusignans, dismantled by the Venetians in 1570 and rebuilt by the Ottomans in the 16th century.

Petra Tou Romiou - Aphrodite's Rock
25km East of Paphos.   Legend dictates that Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves in this most breathtaking spot.

Baths of Aphrodite
Akamas Peninsula, near Latchi, 48km north of Paphos.   According to legend, the goddess Aphrodite used to take her beauty baths in a pool of a natural grotto, shaded by a fig tree. Nature trails set off from Akamas to lead nature lovers to incomparable views of unspoiled land.

Things To Do

Sailing/Scuba Diving/Watersports With an average sea temperature of between 17 and 27 degrees centigrade, Cyprus is the ideal all year round sailing, scuba diving and watersports destination. We are happy to recommend Coral Bay Divers for all your diving needs. Sailing vessels of all descriptions can be hired in most major resorts, and windsurfing can be undertaken safely due to the fact that most beaches have lifeguards in attendance.


Boat Trips You will find a number of boat trips, organised from all resorts and these tend to run from April through to November. Generally, there is lunch available on the boat and local wine is served. You can sail eastwards along the coast towards the famous Akamas peninsula with its beautiful bays of Coral Bay, Corallia Bay and Lara Bay, the natural nesting area of the green turtle.


Water Parks The four most popular water parks on the island are the Aphrodite Water Park in Paphos, Fasouri Water Mania in Limassol, Water World in Agia Napa and The Fun Park in Protoras. All have special areas and rides for smaller children, such as slides, and fountains. For the elder children and the more adventurous, there are whirlpools, kamikaze slides and wave pools and water chutes.


Reptile And Bird Parks You will find several small reptile and bird parks in and around western Cyprus, including Paphos Bird Park. Children will find this most enjoyable, as they are able to hold snakes and spiders plus look at the variety of birds.


Horse Riding Throughout the island, you will find many horse riding stables. You will find that most of these will offer a range of treks for beginners or advanced riders. Depending upon the resort you are staying, you may take a ride through pine clad forests or a sunset gallop along the seashore.


Hiking The Cyprus Tourist Organisation provide booklets containing full details of many interesting walks in many locations on the island. The two most popular routes are the Akamas peninsular and the Troodos Mountains and the most popular hiking events take place throughout the Spring, when the temperature is cooler and the landscape is still green.

Villa Select Club
A bonus of booking with Villa Select is membership of our in-resort 'Villa Select Club'. We have a range of benefits, which have been sourced by our representative and include savings at local restaurants, shops and supermarkets - all to enhance your holiday experience with Villa Select. 

Helpful Info

Health and Safety abroad
Tap water is generally safe to drink but it is advisable to buy bottled water which is readily available from all supermarkets.

 

Health facilities are generally of a good standard. The emergency departments of most hospitals are manned with English-speaking staff, although it is advisable to seek the assistance of an interpreter for more complex medical matters.

There are no vaccinations required for travel to Cyprus.

Driving
The Cypriots drive on the same side of the road as here in the UK.

Electricity Supply
The electricity supply and plugs are the same as the UK, 13amp square 3 pin plugs are used.

The currency used in Cyprus is Euros €

For more detailed, specific information please contact the tourist board:

Cyprus Tourist Organisation
17 Hanover Street
London
W1S 1YP
Tel: 0207 569 8800
Fax: 0207 499 4935

Passports
A valid 10 year passport is required with at least 6 months validity past your return date of travel.

For anyone who does not hold a British Passport please call the High Commission for information on visa requirements.

High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus
93 Park Street
London
W1K 7ET
Tel:0207 499 8272
Fax:0207 491 0691

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