Tag: cyprus holidays

Things to do in Paphos

Things to do in Paphos

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Heading to Cyprus on holiday? The city of Paphos has it all – including delicious local cuisine, stunning beaches and fascinating cultural sights. As the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, there’s lots of archaeological sites to discover that date back to ancient times, while foodies will be catered for with the various food and vineyard tours on offer. For kids, there’s a zoo and a water park that’ll keep them entertained for hours on end. Here’s our ultimate guide to the best activities in Paphos.  

Kato Paphos

This lively resort area is situated around Paphos harbour and features plenty of shops, hotels, music venues, bars and restaurants. As the evening draws in, take a wander down Ayiou Antoniou street, which comes to life as its various clubs and bars open up and locals get ready to dance the night away. The area also features Alykes beach, which features sunbeds and plenty of opportunities for water sports. Further inland, put on your walking shoes and hike to Kyriaki church, which is situated among Ottoman Baths dating back to the 1500s, and the Chrysopolitissa Basilica, which dates back to the early-Christian era. If discovering ruins interests you, you should also explore the Kato Paphos Archaeology Park, which features incredible remnants from Roman times. Here you’ll find four Roman villas that were inhabited by well-heeled citizens. Their mosaics date back to the year 100AD, and feature depictions of mythology from the period.

Paphos Archaeological Museum

If you want to dig deep into the history and culture of Cyprus, this museum is one of the best things to do in Paphos. The extensive collection of artefacts from 15 archaeological sites documents human life on the island from the Neolithic age, right up to the 18th century. You’ll find intriguing historical items from ancient Paphos and Kouklia, featuring housewares, furniture and even a large collection of coins that were originally minted in Paphos. Every room in the museum takes visitors through another stage of the island’s history, including Ancient Greek and Roman marble sculptures.

Aphrodite’s Rock Brewing Company

You may not think of beer when you think of Cypriot cuisine, but the island has its own brewery, and has actually been making beer for thousands of years. Located just outside of Paphos, this microbrewery offers an insight into how the golden amber is created, using English brewing traditions and Paphos spring water. On weekdays, you can book a tour of the premises which starts at 2pm, where you can sample the various beverages on offer. Just make sure to book a taxi back to your Villa Pola for an alfresco dinner next to your private pool!

Aphrodite Water Park

This fun-filled water park will keep the entire family entertained and cooled down from the scorching heat. The park is the largest water-slide theme park on the island, with 17 attractions for all ages, including tube rides, a lazy river, four high speed plunges and various waterfalls and fountains.     

Paphos Zoo

The animals in this zoo were once owned by a private collector called Christos Christoforou. He then decided to open his zoo to the public, so that all could enjoy learning about animal conservation. A great day for all the family, wander around the complex and discover ponds and gardens, monkeys, tigers, kangaroos, white lions, meerkats and giraffes. The zoo also boasts a diverse collection of birds, with more than 200 species living on site (including birds of prey), making for an interesting day out and one of the best activities in Paphos.  

Troodos Mountains

If you feel like stretching your legs and getting the whole family on a day out from relaxing in your Villa Haliki, take a drive to the Troodos Mountains – the largest mountain range on the whole island. Expect some breathtaking scenery and wide ranging vistas that you will want to share with your friends and family. Take a break from hiking the foothills and rest awhile in one of the small cafes in the area’s sleepy mountain villages. Also worth exploring are the various churches and Byzantine monasteries you pass on your way. 

Now you’ve read our guide to the best things to do in Paphos, you’ll need to book somewhere to stay while you explore the island. Discover our quality holiday properties in Cyprus

Best Beaches in Cyprus

Best Beaches in Cyprus

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Cyprus is well-known as a beach destination and its white sandy shores that are ideal for sunbathing and lazy days. 57 beaches on this beautiful Eastern Mediterranean island have been awarded Blue Flag status for cleanliness and safe waters for swimming. As Cyprus is the third largest island in the whole of the Mediterranean, you have plenty of beaches to choose from, here are some of our favourites and what makes them so unique.   

Nissi Beach

Located in Ayia Napa, this is one of the most famous beaches in all of Cyprus, and is known for its buzzing atmosphere, youthful vibe and the many locals and visitors that come out of the bars to continue the party on the sand. At night, this is the place to be if you want a lively atmosphere and don’t feel like heading to bed early. Here you’ll find beach parties aplenty and can dance beneath the stars right into the early hours of the morning. During the day, the beach is quieter and ideal for snorkelling, water sports and swimming thanks to its shallow waters.

Aphrodite Beach

Aphrodite beach is one of the best beaches in Limassol and is very popular with visitors for its mythology and history. You can’t swim in the waters on this beach, as the sea is too choppy, but it is worth visiting because this is the location of Aphrodite’s rock, where the goddess of beauty and love supposedly rose from water in around 1200 BC. Take in the unusual rock stacks and formations, which look particularly stunning in the evening as the sun sets. There is also a restaurant and tourist office nearby. 

Fig Tree Bay

Situated in the resort of Protaras, this beach is not only one of the best beaches in Cyprus but also the world. In 2011, it was given the title of the best beach in Europe, and as of 2019 is still the third best beach on the planet. It is lined by fig trees, hence the name, and boasts golden sand shores that are 500 metres long and in pristine condition. The water is shallow, making it ideal for families and small children in particular. Pack your snorkelling gear, as there are plenty of fish to spot beneath the surface. The beach also offers parasailing and windsurfing, as well as a cafe for refreshments and a car park.

Makronissos Beach

When you fancy a beach day after exploring your Villa Poppy private pool and gardens, head to this delightful Blue Flag beach positioned just three miles outside of Ayia Napa city centre. That said, it is a quiet spot that is ideal for couples and those who want a slower pace for relaxing on the beach with a picnic and a book. Banana boating and scuba diving are on offer here, along with other water sports. The main beach has calmer waters and is ideal for families. Heading west, the waters are a little more lively, making ideal conditions for body boarding and surfing. After a day topping up your tan, head to the Makronissos Beach Club for dinner and live music as the sun sets.  

Blue Lagoon Beach

Notably one of the best beaches in Paphos, this beach takes its name from the striking colour of its waters. Warm sea temperatures and a shallow depth also make it ideal for young children and families, as well as snorkelling thanks to its colourful reef. When you’ve spent a few hours unwinding, head up to the cliffs overlooking the beach and hike one of the nearby walking trails for stunning views. This beach is a bit more isolated and there aren’t facilities or places to buy refreshments, so pack plenty of water and prepare food in your Villa Pegasus kitchen ahead of time if you’re thinking of staying for a while. 

Ready to discover some of the best beaches in Cyprus? Explore our range of quality holiday villas on the island and get ready to find your perfect place to soak up the sun. 

Things to do in Cyprus

Things to do in Cyprus

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Cyprus is an island known as the jewel of the Eastern Mediterranean. However you like to spend your time on holiday, you’ll find plenty of attractions on this beautiful isle, which boasts a colourful history, archaeological sites, outdoor activities, water parks, white sand beaches and stunning nature parks. Here’s our ultimate guide on what to do in Cyprus while on your travels.

Kykkos Monastery

As one of the island’s most intriguing buildings, Kykkos Monastery features highly detailed decorations and various antique exhibits made from precious metals that offer an insight into Cypriot history. If you want to reach this fascinating attraction, you’ll need to wear proper walking shoes and make the rewarding hike up the Xystarouda-agiasma-vasili trail once you’ve parked up. There’s also a museum found at the centre of the monastery, featuring pre-Christian manuscripts and documents. On 14th and 15th August, religious festivals are held at this site.

Latchi Beach

One of Cyprus’s main attractions is its beaches. When you feel like venturing a little further than your private pool in your Villa Pegasus, you’ll be spoiled for choice with 57 Blue Flag beaches on offer. We recommend Latchi beach, which boasts gentle waters for young and inexperienced swimmers and a range of cosy beach bats invite you to linger and enjoy.

Fasouri Watermania

If you have children in tow, there’s no better place to take them for plenty of fun activities and cooling down from the heat than Watermania. This is the largest water park on the island that features baby bungee swings, paddle boats, a lazy river and black hole power slides. Kids of all ages will be entertained here – including the adults! There’s also a range of facilities including a restaurant, massage parlour and temporary tattoo shop.

Tombs of the Kings

A must-see during any visit to the island and one of the most interesting things to do in Cyprus, this World Heritage Site is located around 1.25 miles north of Paphos harbour. Dating back to the 4th century BC, step back in time as you enter this underground historical site carved out of rock, which serves as a burial ground for high officials. Marvel at the meticulous attention to detail on the tombs and the ancient stone carvings. 

Kato Paphos Archaeological Park

If you want an insight into ancient Roman and Greek life, pay a visit to this amazing archaeological site, which features an old city that was inhabited right up until the Middle Ages. Wander around four villas dating back to the Roman era, all featuring intact mosaic flooring. The site is still undergoing excavation, and continues to paint a clear picture of what life was like in Cyprus during the period.  

Paphos Castle

This Byzantine fort was originally constructed to protect Paphos harbour, but was destroyed in an earthquake in 1222. It was rebuilt in the 13th century by the Lusignans, and to date is used to host cultural events and festivals – one of which is the September Aphrodite festival. There is a nominal entrance fee to enter, but once inside, a wealth of fascinating history is uncovered that represents Cypriot power at the time.

Larnaca salt lake

Nature lovers will love exploring this collection of four salt lakes, which are home to several migratory birds and flamingos. During the summer months, water in the lakes evaporates, leaving a crusty salt surface. This salt used to be harvested and exported to other countries. Nowadays, the lakes are visited by tourists who enjoy taking in their picturesque beauty. 

Now you have your itinerary planned, it’s time to book the Cyprus villa of your dreams to call your home-from-home. Search our selection of quality Cyprus holiday properties.