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| Places to visit in Cyprus. Peyia
A very large, almost overwhelmingly friendly village, now designated a town with its own municipality, and tucked away in the hills about 3.5kms from Coral Bay and 15kms from Paphos. There are several coffee shops, grocers and heartily welcoming tavernas which provide simple but excellent food (if you ask in advance they will prepare special dishes or buy fresh fish for you). A picturesque drive north along winding roads through the Peyia forest and pretty villages brings you to the Akamas peninsula and Latchi's beaches, giving the possibility of countless memorable days out
Polis
There are not too many places left in Cyprus that haven't totally succumbed to the lure of the fast buck and, in some cases, overdevelopment, but Polis is one of those places. Polis is on the wide Hrysohou Bay that runs along the north-west sweep of Cyprus. The small town is ideally situated for holidays that actually leave you time to relax. Polis is ideal base for trekking in the Akamas, swimming at a number of nearby beaches, touring the wine-making villages of the Akamas Heights or exploring the often wild and under-visited north-west of Cyprus. The jewel of the island, the Akamas National Park is in the northwest. Ideal for walks and offering stunning views to both sides of the island it has to be the main magnet for visiting this quieter and less developed region. Development in the northwest is only about 8 years old and the area still retains its agricultural feel. Polis is much smaller and far more intimate than Paphos and the razzamatazz of mass tourism has not quite reached here yet. The northwest also gives easy access to the Paphos mountains and has some very large and interesting villages such as Droushia, Neohorio, Pomos and Pyrgos. It is an area to be explored with a great many beaches, many of them completely empty. If you like English fish and chips check out Tammy's fish and chips, which is along the main road, opposite the marina area.
Latchi
Latchi with its coastal paved walk is the picturesque harbour of Polis, known throughout Cyprus 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, travelers to Polis can go on short cruises to the Akamas, a must for all visitors.
Ayia Marina & Argaka
These two rural villages, mainly agricultural, are approximately 5 minutes drive apart on the way to Pomos Point. Each with a population of 1000 or so, they have coffee shops and a couple of tavernas serving locally grown food. Along the coastal road, a few minutes away, there are more establishments catering for the hungry visitor and local alike.Argaka has two churches, Ayia Varvara being the oldest, whilst Ayia Marina has three including a very old Byzantine church in the forest about 1 mile away. In the area there are several dams where fishing (under licence) may be possible. This part of the island is very fertile and has an abundance of fruit trees including figs, grapes, prickly pears, apples, oranges and lemons.Almost every weekend there is a wedding in the area and visitors are always welcome to join the festivities. Being rural, early morning walks are particularly enjoyable. There are some extensive, good beaches in the area. Both villages have groceries/minimarkets and a small Co-op store.
Pomos
A large, attractive seaside village built on a slope between the sea and the wooded foothills of the Paphos mountains. There is a variety of restaurants in the area, two grocery stores in the village, a few sandy coves for swimming and a small, recently constructed fishing harbour with well known sea food restaurant. This is a beautiful area of deserted beaches and wild coastline with the Paphos forest and foothills as a backdrop.
Pyrgos
Heading east from Polis towards Pyrgos one enters the final frontier. This backwater too promises to remain untouched by the ever-encroaching spectre of high-rise blocks and tourist complexes for some time to come. At the moment it is a long arduous drive to Pyrgos along a road which goes up into the Troodos mountains and meanders for miles through almost deserted woodland, before descending to a coast again. This detour is necessary in order to bypass the Turkish military enclave at Kokkina.Driving through these villages along the coast one can get an inkling of what Cyprus was like before the advent of modern tourism - a country of tiny rural villages and empty beaches. Pyrgos itself, however, is the last stop before the harsh reality of Turkey's military occupation reimposes itself. At the end of the road leading from the village are the tragically familiar barbed wire and fortifications which constitute the artificial 'border' between the free and occupied areas of Cyprus.
Droushia
Droushia is rich in physical and cultural landforms and monuments. Few huge rocks of past geological eras are scattered in its landscape The traditional architecture is very rich with a few old peasants still wearing traditional "vraka" (baggy breeches), while among the village craftsmen is a coppersmith.
Akaourdalia
A very small and attractive village in two parts, ‘Pano' and ‘Kato', on the edge of the spectacular Pitharolakkos gorge and close to the 16th century chapel of Ayia Paraskevi. Each spring the village is submerged in almond blossom. There is a folk museum in Kato Akourdalia. The Laona Project is very active here and a number of stone houses have been carefully restored. There are no shops in the village, but a part-time coffee shop in Kato Akourdalia serves snacks. The village of Miliou is a short drive away, the beaches of Latchi 20 minutes and Paphos 25 minutes.
Kathikas
To the north of the town of Pafos, approximately 22km away, is the historical village of Kathikas with roots dating back to the antiquity, built at the top of a hill. As for its name, rumour has it that the village was a stop-over for merchants and travellers since it is mid-way between Pafos and Polis Chrysochous. Here, they would rest along with their animals at the old inn which existed at the time. Today Kathikas is still one of the most attractive villages of the area, well known for its great many vineyards, grapes being its main product and their cultivation the main occupation of the villagers. Notable is the church of Panayia Evangelistria (AD 1870). The village forms part of the Laona project, whose concern is the general improvement and boosting of the greater area on the basis of its traditional character and nature.
Miliou
Nestling amongst the trees on a Laona plateau north west of Paphos, is the pretty little village of Miliou. It is one of the smallest villages in the area with a population of about 60 and its limestone houses are perfect examples of traditional rural architecture. Like all rural communities in Cyprus the social life in Miliou centers on the little coffee shop where the village men sit in the leafy shade discussing politics and local issues. The relatively unspoiled state of the countryside and the village make it a real delight for the walker and naturalist. In the space of 20 minutes you can find yourself on the beaches of Polis and Latchi or amongst the natural splendor of Akamas.
Kritou Terra
Kritou Terra is one of the largest and most attractive traditional villages of the region, famous for its plentiful water supply and fruit and nut trees. It is an oasis of green even in the hottest summer months. Traditional springs at the village's entrance and the taverna next to them have been skillfully restored. While Kritou Terra today has a population of 150, its population topped 800 in the 1940s. As part of the efforts to revive the village, Kritou Terra now hosts an Environment Studies Centre, has a taverna, several coffee shops, and a grocery store. It is five minute's drive from Droushia, which has numerous small restaurants and a hotel, and is 20 minutes away from the beaches of Latchi and Polis on the North Western coast of the island.
Pissouri
Pissouri is one of the most attractive and friendly villages in south-west Cyprus. 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, 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 and 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 (right) for pedestrians only. There is a Greek Orthodox church (above), a good bakery, postal agency, banks and small supermarkets. Several family-run tavernas 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!In Pissouri village, where almost everyone speaks English, one can enjoy the friendly atmosphere and savour the relaxed and stress-free life of the village. 
Peristerona
Another village with old churches and buildings. One of the churches Ayii Varnavas and Hilarion – stunning five domes and three aisles (only one in Cyprus like it) good woodcarvings can be admired and beautiful relics only two of the original wall paintings have been saved – that of King David and Virgin and Child. Village known for its lush watermelons – Peristerona is Greek for pigeons – inland west of Lefkosia close-ish to the border.
The Mountains
About an hour's scenic drive from Nicosia or Limassol, are Troodos and Prodromos mountains, which peak at 2,000 metres above sea level, two historic hotels nearby are the Jubilee Hotel and the Forest Park Hotel in Platres. You may want to carry a couple of empty bottles with you, because along the way, you can stop and fill them with some of that healthy mountain water. The village of Kakopetria boasts a lovely restaurant and hotel, the Old Mill, where a trout lunch is highly recommended. In Vouni village, the Donkey Santuary is an animal lover's paradise, a place where unwanted and old donkeys can be cared for. There are many painted churches from the Byzantine period.
Limassol
Limassolians have a reputation for being fun loving and always ready to party. The wine festival in September and the Carnival in March are major events on the island. Limassol is a large, cosmopolitan port and resort with some of the best hotels in Cyprus and an enormous selection of restaurants, night clubs, discos and shops. This the gateway to the mountain resorts which can easily be reached via a very good road from Limassol. Pissouri and Governor's beaches are within easy reach as is the enormous beach at Curium. The villages in the mountains around Limassol are set in the midst of vineyards and several are featured in our programme. The crusader castle of Kolossi, the headquarters of the Knights Templar and St John of Jerusalem, is within easy reach as are the ancient kingdoms of Curium to the west and Amathus to the east. It was in Limassol castle that Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre.
Nicosia
The capital and the main commercial centre, Nicosia, the last divided capital in the world, is often ignored when visiting Cyprus because it is not on the beach. A very dynamic mayor has, over the last 10 to 15 years, forced the renovation of the old town which is now quite charming with many cafes, open-air restaurants and shops within the narrow streets and gracious old buildings. Nicosia is only a half hour drive from Larnaca and it is very easy to reach the Troodos mountains from here too. The archaeological museum is world famous and must be visited. The Cyprus tourist office runs free walking tours every Thursday. The restaurants in Nicosia, because they cater for the home market, are the best on the island. The historic, divided inland capital and centre of the island's activities. Not a resort but a place of interest and a useful base for excursions. The old quarters are coming alive with courtyard restaurants, craft shops and houses as traditional buildings are renovated to stand side by side with excellent modern shops. A visit to the Archaeological Museum is a must, the restored 18th century House of Hadjigeorgakis is worth a visit and guided tours within the walls of the old city are run regularly.
Lefkara
One of Cyprus' most famous exports is its exquisite lace and most of it comes from the pretty mountain villages Pano Lfkara and Kato Lefkara. The village is pretty enough even if you are not keen on frilly patterns or intricately designed tablecloths. A wander around its picturesque streets is almost certain to guarantee an invitation to 'see my lace' from the many women who sit at doorways, seemingly whiling away their hours in a relaxing hobby. The lace is undoubtedly of high quality and exquisite, but not necessarily dirt cheap.
Larnaca
Larnaca was once the main port of Cyprus and the wealth still shows in some very beautiful and gracious buildings in the old town. Larnaca has a very interesting salt lake which in spring is pink with flamingos. Like Paphos and Limassol, Larnaca has developed into a busy resort with many hotels and apartments built on the beaches that stretch away from the town. The town is a very central spot on the island and an ideal base from which to visit Nicosia, Limassol, Protaras and Ayia Napa and even Paphos which is a two hour drive away along the excellent new motorway. Larnaca has a very traditional, palm fringed harbour promenade and a very large marina. There is a wealth of historical interest around the town including the church of St Lazarus, the Teke muslim shrine, Kiti church and the monastery of Stavrovouni.
Ayia Napa
From its humble beginning as a small, insignificant fishing village, Agia Nappa now shoulders the mantle of Cyprus' prime sun-and-fun tourist resort. Agia Napa is not everyone's cup of tea and 90% of people visiting here are overseas tourists on packages intent on specific and limited pleasures - drinking, eating and sunning themselves. The beach, while crowded, is good and the nightlife never stops.
Protaras
Ptotaras is a slightly watered-down version of Agia Napa. It is another beach resort area, but is more spread out, has a better range of beaches and tends to give visitors more breathing space.
Paralimni
Paralimni has reluctantly taken over from Famagusta as the capital of the eastern section of Cyprus. Its a pleasant little town seemingly a universe away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist scene only a few kilometres away on the coast. There is a pleasantly paved central square with two versions of the church of Agios Georgios, a sprinkling of restaurants and shops and perhaps a gaggle of curious tourists.
Agios Georgios
No more than a tiny fishing harbour and a bay overlooked by a large, sea-facing taverna and church. A simple and wonderful spot to relax and unwind or watch the night's catch being unloaded in the early mornings. A bird sanctuary is within a short drive. There are several tavernas nearby and Coral Bay is close.About 8 km north-west of Pegia, the traveller will encounter a tiny settlement with cafes, restaurants, a few isolated households, a guest house and a mondern whitewashed church of St George.
Chlorakas
Chlorakas is located just past the outskirts of Ppahos town and before Kissonerga and Coral Bay. the centre of Chlorakas has a supermarket and a traditional Cypriot Coffee shop. On the coast, there are sevral goos hotels and apartments, shops and restaurants.
Tala
Tala is lies south-west of the manastry of Agios Neofytos. Large abandoned areas are bing converted into tourist villas and country houses for locals and foreigners alike. Kamares Village, include about 500 villas, built in traditional architecture, with all services andfacilities including swimming pools, gardens, squares, arches made of hewn limestone blocks, verandahs.
Episkopi
A large village of 4,000 people with a good variety of tavernas, coffee shops and several supermarkets. Episkopi is only a 15 minute drive from Limassol, 40 minutes from Paphos and a short drive from the archaeological site of Curium and the Crusader Colossi castle. Curium beach is a five minute drive away. The village is ideally located for visiting Limassol, without being in the centre of this bustling, large resort and also affords easy access to the Troodos mountains. The Secret Valley and Aphrodite Hills Golf Courses are a 20 minute drive away.
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