About Cyprus
The third largest island in the Mediterranean and having the benefit of a much longer season, blue skies and warm climate, making it an ideal destination both in the winter as well as throughout it's long hot summer. Being an island with such a varied and interesting history, there are many places to explore and a wealth of archeological sites, museums, castles, monasteries and Cypriot churches.
Cyprus is the friendly island, the home of Aphrodite and whose history goes back to the birth of civilisation itself. You will immediately feel at home amongst the smiling faces and they even drive on the left.
We have chosen the Western corner of the island as being the prettiest and offering the quality villas that you have come to expect from Villa Select. So whether it is Paphos, Peyia, Coral Bay, or the pretty fishing village of Latchi, you will find a wide choice of inexpensive restaurants and tavernas to suit all tastes and pockets. There is fabulous shopping in Paphos together with a bustling nightlife to suit every age group.
Our resorts:
Coral Bay
Coral Bay boasts the best beach in the area and is a mini resort in itself. It is just a 15 minute drive from Paphos and close to the Akamas National Park. The resort itself has grown around the Coral Bay Beach, this is one of the longest and finest stretches of golden sand in the area. This is an ideal resort for the young, elderly and families, with something for all. You will find a number of concerts on the beach, both classical and popular music and these are always an attraction. In high season Coral Bay offers watersports, and a variety of beachside tavernas and evening nightlife.
Peyia
The village of Peyia is set 3 miles inland from the coast in the hills, and is a fast expanding village. Although there is much development, Peyia is still full of local atmosphere and retains that "old fashioned feel" and offers several coffee shops, supermarkets and numerous tavernas catering for all tastes at very reasonable prices.
Akamas National Park & St Georges
The Akamas Peninsular National Park is a protected area on the far western tip of Cyprus. The landscape is spectacular and beauty abounds from every corner. It is a place for walking, off road driving and where natural unspoilt beaches are to be found. At the entrance to the park is the quaint unspoilt fishing hamlet of St George. This boasts a rather splendid taverna overlooking the sea and a couple of small hotels. Possibly the most picturesque corner of Cyprus and simply one not to be missed.
Places of Interest
PaphosPaphos 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.
LatchiLatchi 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.
PolisPolis 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.
Helpful Info
Health and Safety abroadTap 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
