Polis on the West Coast of Cyprus

In ancienct times Polis was know as Marion, one of the ten ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus.  Polis (Greek for town or city),  is a lovely town on the west-coast of Cyprus boasting the picturesque harbor of Latchi (Latsi).

The town is 37 km north of Paphos which is about a 40min drive away. The area is truly breath-taking with an excellent year-round Cyprus climate and some of the most beautiful scenery and unspoilt isolated sandy beaches in Cyprus.

This beautiful area of the island was discovered in the early 1980s and became a popular destination for Cyprus holidays.

Hiking Trails & Baths of Aphrodite …

Discover the traditional Cypriot lifestyle in an area full of natural beauty with forests overflowing with flowers and fauna.  The hiking trails are associated with Aphrodite Greek Goddess of love and beauty who is also  patron of Cyprus.

As well as sampling the delicious local cuisine and wine, you can go hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and also enjoy a variety of water sports.

The nearby Baths of Aphrodite are a popular tourist attraction and  the most popular trails to take are the Aphrodite Trail and the trail of her lover Adonis.

Both start at the Baths of Aphrodite and take approximately 3 hours.

Other trails to take are Smigies Trail which starts at Smigies Picnic Site, Pissouromouttis Trail also from the picnic site and Kathikas Trail from Kathika onto Pegeia.

On your way to the legendary  Baths of Aphrodite you can also enjoy a 4WD Jeep Safari.

Akamas Peninsula

The town has a stunning backdrop of the lovely Akamas Peninsula and the sparkling turquoise-blue sea of Chrysochou Bay.  You can take a local boat trip along the Akamas coastline and enjoy spectacular views of the area.

If you travel from Paphos you will pass the lovely village of Peyia (pronounced Pegia) with it’s famous fountains and some of the best restaurants  on the island.

Getting Here

During the summer months buses run regularly between here and Paphos and you can also catch a bus from Larnaca via Lefkosia (Nicosia).

If you intend to explore the mountain villages and remote hiking trails then it’s best to rent a car which you can collect at the airport or rent locally.

Where To Stay in Polis:

The Anassa Hotel is situated on a secluded hillside with amazing views of the Mediterranean sea. Features include the Thalassotherapy program,  2 pools, 4 restaurants, golf course and tennis courts.

All rooms have balconies and complimentary WiFi access and some suites have private plunge pools and whirlpools on sea-facing terraces.

More Hotels and Apartments in Polis   >>

Villas in Polis Chrysochous

Latchi Villas
Latchi Hotels

Cyprus Books ~ For Your Trip to Cyprus

There are many Cyprus books on the history and culture of this magical island in the sun and Journey Into Cyprus by Colin Thubron is a classic.

The book gives a vivid account of what life was like in Cyprus just before the invasion of 1974.

There are so many books which will help you get to know the island before you arrive and you can buy most of them online.

Cyprus Books

Bitter Lemons by Lawrence Durrell

Bitter Lemons is one of the most famous books written about Cyprus.  Lawrence Durrell tells of his experiences between 1953 and 1956 coping with armed rebellion and the political tragedy which finally engulfed the island.

He writes  as a visitor to Cyprus, then as a householder and teacher living in Cyprus. Then as a Press Advisor to a government.

Greek and Cyprus Books on Cooking

The following books will introduce you to the traditions and wonders of Cypriot and Greek cooking with recipes that are easy to follow.

So when you return from your trip to Cyprus you can practice making these amazing dishes and entertain your friends with some delicious Mediterranean dishes.

A COOK’S TOUR OF CYPRUS

Flowers in Cyprus Books and the Myths of Aphrodite

The mythical island of Aphrodite is overflowing with flowers during the spring and summer months and the following books will help you discover the flowers and myths of Aphrodite.

Politics & History of Cyprus

Cyprus Culture
Attractions in Cyprus
Map of Cyprus

 Stuffed Vegetables

Yemista is a variety of vegetables such as courgettes, aubergines, tomatoes, potatoes, onions and peppers which are stuffed with rice and herbs and then roasted in the oven.

This dish is great for vegetarians but can also be made using meat so is perfect for all.

In this recipe we are using courgettes, tomatoes and peppers and the traditional minced meat. Vegetarians just omit the meat and use a few more peppers.

More Traditional Greek and Cypriot Dishes

Fassoulia Yiahni – Beans in Tomatoe Sauce

Keftedes – Meatballs

Afelia

Moussaka

Flaounes – Cypriot Easter Bread

Tsoureki – Greek Easter Bread

Do you have a favorite recipe?

Or leave a reply below 🙂

Kali Orexi!
(καλή όρεξη)

 Best Paphos Restaurants …

There are many excellent Paphos restaurants to suit all budgets with some of the most traditional in the old town.

The most popular area for tourists is around the picturesque harbor which is surrounded by restaurants and bars.  If you travel further inland, you’ll disover many excellent restaurants.

The lovely village of Kouklia and Pegeia are famous for their restaurants.  Also the fishing towns and villages of Pissouri, Polis and nearby fishing harbor of Latchi.

These are all located in what is known as Aphrodite territory, close to the stunning area of the Akamas Peninsula.

St Georges Fish Restaurant

The popular St Georges fish restaurant in Ayios Georgios gets packed on Sundays.

We visited this popular restaurants with friends and the majority of people were locals and tourists.

The food is delicious with dishes such as fresh barbouni (red mullet), calamari and various other fish and meat dishes. The chips are amazing and they have the freshest of salads.

Ano Kato Restaurant

6 Klious Street, Kato Paphos
Authentic dishes with a fun filled atmosphere of Greek music inside and out on the terrace.

Pithari Tavern

3 Aphrodite Avenue, Kouklia
(Open from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm. Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Pithari Tavern is located on the ground level of the Village Square with a stoned paved terrace overlooking the Mediterranean and the 9th hole of the Aphrodite Hills Golf Course.

Pithari Tavern offers excellent outdoor views of the Amphitheatre and the sea and serves authentic Cypriot food for meze or à la carte with a variety of traditional meat and fish dishes.

Blue Coral Fish

Coral Bay Avenue, Georgia Center 19 – 22, Paphos
Fresh fish restaurant.

Seagull Restaurant

7 Posidonos Avenue, Kato Paphos
Website

The restaurant has a friendly atmosphere and you can wine and dine next to the sea.

Scorpios Tavern

3 Petraki Miltiadous Street, Paphos
(Closed on Sunday Night)
Amazing and affordable food plus you have one of the best views in Paphos.
LIVE MUSIC
Every Monday & Thursday evening.

Kings Aphrodite’s

Tombs of the Kings Rd (400 meters from the traffic lights)
Cyprus Taverna with traditional Cypriot foods such as souvla, kleftiko, suckling pig and mezes.

LIVE MUSIC & FOLK DANCING
Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.

Reviews of Paphos Restaurants …

Melania Restaurant

Rendezvous Restaurant
by Joel
(Chicago, IL, USA)

Great food. Great atmosphere. The host, Christina, was very welcoming and extremely helpful. The food came on time, and it was absolutely delicious. Would definitely recommend this place.

Update…  Read what others have to say at TripAdvisor

Scorpios Tavern

by Gudrun
(Germany)

Address
3 Petraki Miltiadous Street
Paphos Old Town

Scorpios Tavern, near the market, gives you an impression of the real cyprus hospitality. Delicious food, specially the village dishes, warm and friendly welcome, beautiful view to the sea, traditional interior.

It’s always a pleasure to spend some time at this place.

* If you know of a good restaurant in this area  contact us and we will add it to this page *

More Cyprus Restaurants >>

Melania Restaurant Pafos

Review of Melania Restaurant

by Gino Georgiou (London, UK)

Melania Restaurant – 63 Tafon Ton Vasileon, 8046
When we went to the restaurant we noticed a sign which said “Melania Restaurant Decalogue”
and everything they say about the Decalogue is true.

I copied there Decalogue from the restaurant face-book.

MELANIA RESTAURANT DECALOGUE

1. All meals cooked by Elli Matthew, owners of the restaurants since 1988.
2. Chips are from organically homegrown potatoes.
3. Vegetables are also homegrown around the restaurant garden.
4. Mousaka is said to be the best (according to online reviews).
5. Meze (local specialities)  eat only if you are very hungry.
6. Meat is always fresh and supplied from local meat market.
7. Vineyards (920 quare metres) extends all over the restaurant garden. When grapes are ready you are allowed to eat them.
8. Red and white village wine in carafes (1liter) from homegrown grapes.
9. Spoon sweets (fruit preserves) are homemade: bitter orange and walnut.
10.Village yogurt with honey and original filter coffee are ideal for dessert.

I very highly recommended it!

When you pass the restaurant you may miss noticing the garden and the unique inner side of the restaurant.

Anyway if you don’t like junk food this is the best place to eat every day. Prices are cheaper than famous fast food restaurants.

Quality and quantity are of the maximum!

Oct 02, 2010
Thanks to all, you can find us at the www.melaniarestaurant.com all welcome to try our specialities.
Mousaka, Meze, Stifato , Fish and many more.
Thanks Kannavias Georgios.
From the Melania Family.

Melania food is really fresh and cheap
by: Yoga diet man

Melania restaurant in Paphos is ideal for very cheap food – Euro 6.50 for grilled meats. Mousaka is cooked traditionally in a firewood oven.

All they serve are fresh. Vegetables and potatoes are organically home grow. They manage to minimise cost because they grow everything and family members run the business.

Try them before they give up work !!!!!!!

Melania restaurant owner

Join in and write your own page! It’s easy to do. How? Simply click here

Cyprus Walking Tours in Cities & Towns

Get to know the cities and towns of this lovely island with Cyprus walking tours which are FREE!

We have listed all the cities and towns where walking tours are held together and the days and times.

Cyprus walking tours last from between 2 and 2½ hours and this includes a half an hour break for refreshments.

Do not forget to wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothes and come prepared with a hat for protection against the sun.  It’s also a good idea to bring a small bottle of water to drink during the walk.

Free Cyprus Walking Tours

Cyprus Walking Tours Kato Paphos

Start Point: CTO Tourist Information Office in Kato Pafos (check for days and times)
End Point: Theoskepasti Church

Your walk will take you past the following:

St Paul’s Pillar
Agia Solomoni Catacomb Church
Tombs of the Kings

On the way back you can enjoy a relaxing visit to the aquarium.

Cyprus Walking Tours Larnaca

Cyprus Tourist Organization
Plateia Vasileos Pavlou
Tel: 2465 4322

• WEDNESDAY: Larnaka – It’s Past and Present – Every Wednesday from 10.00am
• FRIDAY: Skala – It’s Craftmen at 10am
  Leaves from Larnaka Fort, Leoforos Athinon
  Tel: 2463 0576

Cyprus Walking Tours Nicosia  (Lefkosia)

Cyprus Tourist Organization
Aristokyprou 11
Laiki Gitonia – Tel: 22 67 42 64

• Free guided walks are held on Monday, Thursday and Friday…
• ALL start at 10am from the CTO office in the Old City.
• MONDAY: Chrysaliniotiss & Kaimakli: The Past Restored – (bus and walking tour)
• THURSDAY: A Walk A Through Old Lefkosia
• FRIDAY: Nicosia Outside the Walls – bus and guided walking tour.
• Walks last 2hrs 45mins and there’s a 30 minute break in the middle.

Cyprus Walking Tours Limassol (Lemesos)

Cyprus Tourist Organization
Spyrou Araozou 115A Tel: 25362756

In the high season these walks are very much in demand so book early!

• Monday: A Stroll in Neapolis, Nemesos, Limassol at 10am

Cyprus Walking Tours GERMASOGEIA  (Near Limassol)

(In English – November – April)

• Starting Point – CTO Information Office
• 22 Georgiou A Germasogeia
• Tel: 25323211

• Alternate Wednesdays: Germasogeia (Yermasoyia)
  “A Village Blessed By Water”, Discover the Natural Environment of Fermasoeia (in Finnish – November – April)
• ALTERNATE FRIDAYS: Same walk as above

Cyprus Walking Tours Ayia Napa

(In English and German, November – March)

Starting Point:
CTO Information Office
12 Leof. Kryou Nerou
at 10.00hrs
Tel: 23721796

• MONDAYS: Ayia Napa and the Sea – A different dimension (In English & Swedish)
• FRIDAYS: Same walk as above

You can also experience Cyprus Mountain Walking Tours next to the beautiful warm blue Mediterranean Sea in the Akamas on the west coast of Cyprus.

Cyprus Walking Holidays
Cyprus Attractions
Accommodation in Cyprus

Map of Cyprus

~ Getting Around In Cyprus ~

A map of Cyprus is essential for you to find your way around this lovely island especially if you intend to hire a car.

Map of Cyprus

Cyprus Street-Map …

If you haven’t been to Cyprus before you’ll need a street map of the area you are staying in and also a map of the surrounding areas.

Even if you’re not hiring a car it’s a very good idea to invest in a map.  You can plan your holiday in advance and get to know where the top attractions and beaches in Cyprus are located.

Cyprus maps are also available free of charge from the local Cyprus Tourist Office.  They are very easy to use and well worth getting as soon as you arrive.

Before you book your tickets, a map of Cyprus will help you decide which airport is closer to the resort, city or town or village you need to get to.

Where To Stay?

There are many lovely Cyprus resorts with a wide variety  of hotels to suit all budgets and tastes.

If you hire a car you can stay at one of the  traditional Cyprus Villages which offer all the comforts of modern day living.

They are an ideal base to explore the rest of the island and when you feel like having some fun the popular resorts are not far away.

Read More >>

There are also lots of romantic and  luxury hotels, apartments,  spa resorts and holiday villas.

Driving in Cyprus
Cheap Car Hire
Travel Tips
Cyprus Holidays

Telephones& Mobiles in Cyprus

TOP Attractions in Nicosia…

There are many attractions in Nicosia such as the medieval buildings, churches and museums which illustrate and explain the history and struggles of this lovely little island.

Although the capital doesn’t have a beach you won’t miss it as the city has so much to offer.

There are trendy boutiques, excellent restaurants and nightlife and an Old Town full of the most fascinating and interesting places to visit. You can easily explore the walled city on foot.

Attractions in Nicosia

Cyprus Museum

• The museum has a top archaeological collection with every era from the Stone Age to Byzantine represented.

Admission: €3.40
Address: 1 Mouseiou Street
Tel: 2286 5854 (ticket sales) and 2230 3112 (information)
Opening times: Tuesday to  Friday  8am-4pm and Wednesday 8am-5pm
Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 10am-1pm. Closed Monday

Agios Ioannis Cathedral (St John’s Cathedral)

• The Cathedral was built in 1662 by Archbishop Nikiforos on the site of an earlier building. Since the 18th century the Cathedral has been the place where all Archbishops of Cyprus are consecrated.

Archbishop Kyprianou Square (Archbishopric), Old Town
Monday-Friday 9am-12noon & 2pm-4pm/Saturday 9am-12noon
Admission Free

Attractions in Nicosia ~ Archbishop’s Palace

• The palace is one of the most popular attractions in Nicosia. It was built by Archbishop Makarios 111 during the struggle for independence and completed in 1961, a year after Cyprus independence in 1960.
• Outside the palace is a bronze statue of Makarios 111 which was erected in 1987 by Archbishop Chrysostomos.

Archbishop Kyprianou Square, Old Town

Attractions in Nicosia ~ Liberty Monument

• This monument, which is close to the Archbishopric, commemorates the Cyprus struggle for independence from 1955 – 1959.

Pancyprian Gymnasium

• Another of the popular attractions in Nicosia is opposite the Archbishop’s Palace.
• It’s the oldest grammar school in Cyprus and Lawrence Durrell (author of Bitter Lemons ) taught here.
• One of his students was Michalis Mouskos, soon to be Archbishop Makarios 111 of Cyprus.

Attractions in Nicosia ~ State Gallery of Contemporary Art

• Collection of paintings and sculpture by 20th century Cypriot artists.

Gonia Leoforou Stasinou & Kritis
Tel: 357 22 45 82 28
Monday-Friday: 10:00-16:45
Saturday: 10:00-12:45
Entrance FREE

Pyli Ammochostou (Famagusta Gate) Lefkosia Municipal Cultural Centre

• The Famagusta Gate is one of the most interesting attractions. The Venetian walls which completely encircle the old city have eleven heart-shaped bastions (which gives them the shape of a hand grenade).
• There were only three gates to the city in the north, south and east and one of these gates, the Porta Giuliana called Famagusta Gate, has been restored and is now the Lefkosia Municipal Cultural Centre.
• The vaulted passage and two side rooms are used for exhibitions, conferences, lectures and various performances, with the passage leading to the moat. One of the most typical quarters of the town close to Famagusta gate is also being rehabilitated.

Leoforos Athinon
Tel: 357 22 43 08 77, 22 43 07 03
Monday- Friday: 10:00 -13:00 & 16:00-19:00
(May-September: 17:00-20:00 )

Entrance FREE

Attractions in Nicosia ~ Visitor Centre of the Athalassa National Forest Park

• The general objective is to present the environmental features of the Athalassa Park and to provide information about the Park´s values and recreational opportunities offered.
• It also provides information on selected aspects of the general environment of the broader area of Mesaoria Plain, Larnaka Salt Lake and Kavo Gkreko National Forest Park.

Keryneia avenue 1
2116, Aglantzia
Tel. 00357 22 46 29 43
email: athalassacentre@fd.moa.gov.cy
Working Hours: Monday-Friday:08:00 – 14:30
Thursday:08:00-18:00(Closed on Public Holidays)
Entrance fee for all visitors over 6 years old

Attractions in Nicosia ~ Chrysaliniotissa Crafts Centre

• Another of the interesting attractions in Nicosia is this complex of eight workshops around a central courtyard which are designed on the basis of a traditional inn and architectural concept.

2 Dimonaktos Street (Corner Ipponaktos & Dimonaktos – within the walls)
Tel: 357 22 34 80 50, 99 62 96 11
Monday-Friday: 09:00-13:00,15:00-18:00 (16:00-1900 May-September)Saturday:10:00-13:00

Attractions in Nicosia ~ The Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre

(Associated with the Pierides Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens)

The centre is housed in the building of the old power station which is one of the finest examples of industrial architecture in Cyprus. Its aim is to promote contemporary creativity at its highest level by organizing important and prestigious exhibitions.

19 Apostolou Varnava Street, Lefkosia
Tel: 357 22 79 74 00
Fax:357 22 43 25 31
Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00-15:00 & 17:00-23:00
Sunday: 10:00-16:00
Entrance FREE

Nicosia Hotels  / Guide to Nicosia

Cyprus Attractions
Accommodation in Cyprus

Get to know this lovely island with

Cyprus Tours …

Cyprus Tours introduce you to the history and magic of Cyprus.

24-Hour Paphos Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Paphos Sightseeing Tour

On an open top double decker red bus you can see attractions like the ancient mosaic floors,  beautiful old harbor, and all the modern hotels and restaurants along the seaside promenade.

What’s Included:  24-hour bus ticket
• English recorded commentary
• Headphones

Read More >>

Cyprus Tours

Kalavasos Full-Day Cyprus Mountain & Road Bike Rental

While vacationing in Kalavasos, why not rent a bike to see more of the area? You can choose from mountain bikes or road bikes, and your rental is for a full day.

Your trek will have a guide leading the way, so you can focus on enjoying your ride and not trying to figure out where you are.

From £27.11 per person

Read More >>

Cyprus Half-Day Mountain and Road Bike Tours
Duration 4 hours

Explore the mountains and villages surrounding Kalavasos on a 4-hour mountain bike tour tailored to your experience and fitness level. Choose from an easy bike ride of the farms and fields of the low country, or a high-speed tour of steep mountain trails.

From £13.56 per person

Read More >>

Cyprus Tours

Troodos Mountains Tour from Larnaca :   Duration 11 hours

Admire Kykkos Monastery, its brightly colored mosaics, gold icons and well-preserved frescoes. Enjoy a traditional lunch of pita bread with souvlaki or haloumi in the village of Kalopanayiotis.

Cyprus Culture & Traditions

In Cyprus culture it is the tradition to offer visitors a glyka (conserved fruit) with Greek coffee and a glass of water.

The game used to be the preserve of only men who could always be seen playing the game and sipping coffee in their local Kafenion.

Times have changed and many women enjoy playing tavli with friends in local cafes. This is especially true in the cities and towns  but not so much if you travel inland to remote villages.

The Kafenion (Local Coffee Shop)

In remote villages a kafenion is still looked upon as the gathering place for men. This is where they play card games and enjoy a meal and drink with friends.  Fortunately this is not the case in the towns and tourist areas.

There are many places to eat and play tavli such as Fanos Taverna in the old town of Limassol . The food is delicious and not too expensive. Tourists are always made to feel welcome.

In most tavernas, ouzo, brandy and beer are often accompanied by the traditional meze and nuts and crisps.   Greek coffee is always available.

Kombolói (Worry Beads)

Kombolói, otherwise know as worry beads, are a part of everyday Cyprus culture.

This is a very popular tradition which Cypriots love. These pretty little beads are used to help relax and meditate on life whilst having a drink or just sitting enjoying the view.

Try it, it really does work!  ~  Read More  >>

Aphrodite Myths & Legends

The culture of Cyprus is rich in history and the myths and legends of Aphrodite.

The entire town of Kato Paphos is listed in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage site which also lists nine Byzantine churches in the Troodos area of the island.

Read More >>

Cyprus Festivals

Festivals are an important part of every day life and deeply associated to religion and every day food.

There are many local festivals and towns such as Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Nicosia are renowned for their exciting festivals and well worth a visiting.

Traditional festivals such as Carnival, Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood), ‘Anthestiria’ (the Spring Flower festival) and the ‘Panigiri’ (saint’s name day) are celebrated all over Cyprus.

Greek Orthodox Easter and Christmas are important religious festivals celebrated by in all towns.

The major festival at Christmas is held in Nicosia in Eleftheria (Freedom) Square.

Cyprus Food

As well as being very delicious, Cyprus food is very traditional and most meals have a religious significance.

Many dishes are part of religious festivals and the church plays an important role in every day life.

Read More >>

Cyprus Drinks

As in many other Mediterranean countries Cyprus has a huge cafe culture with open-air cafes and bars.

It’s traditional to sit for many hours and enjoy a coffee, ouzo, a glass of Keo beer or whatever you like and enjoy a game of tavli with friends.

Traditional drinks include the famous Greek coffee which is always served with a glass of ice cold water.

Another popular drink is the frappe which has been drunk for thousands of years, long before the frappe culture hit London and other major cities. Cyprus also has it’s very own cocktail using the delicious local brandy called ‘Brandy Sour’.

Read More >>

Cyprus Culture ~ Music & Rembetika

Cyprus music includes rembetika and popular music which is the same as the music in mainland Greece and the Greek islands.

The bazooki is one of the most popular instruments and integral to Greek and Cyprus culture.

There are many Bazooki Clubs which stay open all night and if you haven’t visited one it really is a great experience especially if a popular singer is performing.

Cyprus Attractions / Cyprus Holidays / Cyprus Tours