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Cyprus is blessed with an average of 340 days of sun per year! There are numerous activities and attractions available within the vicinity of Paphos and Villa Panorama

Panayia Katholiki,12th century church in Kouklia

Kouklia

Boasting glorious sea views, Kouklia village is located on a coastal hill, about a ten minute drive south of Paphos town. While best described as a sleepy little community, it has nevertheless continued to hold a special appeal for a small number of British expatriates who came to Aphrodite’s Isle not only seeking the real Cyprus, but who also have a taste for the island’s history and the occasional game of golf.

This is the nearest village to Villa Panorama (just 4km) and it is built in the area where "Palaipafos" (Old Pafos) -the seat of the kingdom of Pafos -stood, which was one of the most important ancient kingdoms of Cyprus. The entire area, including the place where -today -the houses of the village are built, is an important archaeological region. Excavations have been conducted uncovering, the famous temple of "Aphrodite of Pafos" (Pafia Aphrodite), the remains of the fortification of Palaipafos, and various other artifacts can be found in the archaeological museum which is housed in the medieval villa south of the village.

Indeed, visitors to Kouklia will notice little in the way of holiday villas or large-scale apartment complexes. Nor will they find any tourist-orientated souvenir shops selling cheap Chinese-made ornaments to the many tourists visiting Aphrodite’s Sanctuary each year. Instead they are confronted by a small maze of narrow, well kept streets lined by charming stone-built houses, after they’ve taken the drive up the palm tree lined main road into the village centre and to the archaeological monuments.

Where amenities are concerned, Kouklia features a few small stores and kiosks, as well as a handful of coffee shops and village-style tavernas offering traditional Cypriot meals and snacks.

The village is surrounded by fertile lands abounding with grapevines (wine-making and table grape varieties), all manner of citrus fruits, kiwis, avocados, bananas, apricots, olives, locust beans, legumes, peanuts, and a very large variety of assorted vegetables. There are also a large number of cattle farms to be found between Kouklia and the Asprokremnos dam to the North West.

Paphos

Paphos is located on the west coat of the Island and is a popular all year round holiday resort, famous for its fishing harbour with many open-air café's, restaurants and shops. Wherever you look in Paphos you will not be able to escape its past, whether it is historical or mythological, there will always be something to capture your imagination. Some sites of cultural and historical interest to explore in and around Paphos include:

Medieval Fort (Paphos Castle)
Situated at the end of Paphos harbour, this is a Byzantine Fort built to protect the harbour. Over its history it has been constructed and reconstructed several times and was rebuilt by the Lusignans, dismantled by the Venetians in 1750 and rebuilt by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 07.30 - 17.00.

The Mosaics Of Paphos
Situated near the harbour, the mosaic floors are considered to be amongst the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mainly depict scenes from Greek mythology.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 07.30 - 17.00

Paphos quayside and restaurants

Petra Tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock) - just 10 minutes drive

This strikingly beautiful spot is 25kms east of Paphos. Legend dictates that Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves on this breathtaking coastline. (A tip: If you drive past the tourist café up the hill and on the bend to the right, there is usually a ice cream van. Park there to enjoy freshly squeezed orange juice and the best toasted sandwiches ever! And while you are enjoying your refreshments just take in the breath taking view of Aphrodite's Rock.).

Pissouri

Pissouri Village is one of the most attractive, friendly villages in south-west Cyprus. It is situated in the principal vine growing area with sultana grape vines covering the surrounding countryside. This south-facing village, set high up on the hillside about 305 metres above sea level, commands a magnificent view of 32kms 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.

It has a unique and attractive character loved by all visitors. The Cypriot character has been retained and it is still very much a working village. Visitors can find almost anything they need in the village.

Coral Bay

Coral Bay is a delightful resort situated about 12kms from Paphos. The main road is lined with a fine selection of shops, restaurants banks and bars, allowing you to relax in idyllic surroundings whilst having easy access to all its facilities. The sandy beach with bars, café's, and its shallow waters, make it ideal for children and adults alike due to the wide range of water sports on offer, making it a perfect location to holiday for all the family.

The Troodos Mountains

Troodos is the biggest mountain range of Cyprus, located in the center of the island. Troodos' highest peak is Mount Olympus at 1,952 meters.

Troodos mountain range stretches across most of the western side of Cyprus. There are many famous mountain resorts, Byzantine monasteries and churches on mountain peaks, and nestling in its valleys and picturesque mountain villages clinging to terraced hill slopes.

There are nine churches and one monastery in Troodos that are counted among UNESCO's World Heritage Sites and several other monasteries, of which the Kykkos monastery is the richest and most famous.

An afternoon spent drawing in the Troodos mountains

Other local attractions

Aquarium
Wineries
Monasteries
Greek temples
Byzantine churches
Archaeological museums
Art Galleries
Waterpark – www.aphroditewaterpark.com
Excursions to Egypt/Israel/Syria/Lebanon
Diving Centre - www.cydive.com

Water sports
Snake Park – www.snakegeorge.com
Bird Park – www.pafosbirdpark.com
Donkey Sanctuary – www.donkeycyprus.com
Horse riding
Lace village
Potteries
Mini golf
Paintballing – www.dna-paintball.com
Safari trips

Ten Pin Bowling
Go Karting
Fishing
Tennis
Cycling
Hiking/Nature trails
Birdwatching
Fitness Centres
Shooting
Skiing

Dining Out

'Kopiaste' sit down with us, eat and drink with us, be welcome! The hospitality and gusto of the Cypriots is overwhelming. Even in the tiniest mountain villages you will discover tavernas serving delicious island specialities.

The traditional meze meal makes sampling very simple: it consists of hot and cold fare providing a tasty sample of Cypriot cuisine. Small portions of up to 30 different dishes are served, accompanied by delicious sauces.

Fish and meat dishes, even vegetables, are frequently roasted on the charcoal grill or in large dome-shaped clay ovens.

Typical regional treats are Halloumi (a firm white sheep's milk cheese, grilled or raw); dolmades (stuffed vine leaves); and Hummus (sauce of chickpeas, sesame, olive oil and lemon juice). A special delicacy is the root plant, Kolokasi (Colocasia esculanto).

Meals are accompanied by local beer or one of the excellent wines of the island, produced either in one of the big wineries or in the small wineries of the hinterland. Even Mark Antony acclaimed their quality: With the words 'Your love, my beauty, is sweeter than the wine of Cyprus', he presented the island to Cleopatra as a wedding gift. Also popular are the local sherries and brandies, as well as the desert wine Commandaria, one of the world's oldest vintages.

Driving in Cyprus

In Cyprus, you drive on the left as in the UK

Border Crossing between North and South Cyprus - please ensure you take your passport

In recent years the unification of the island or at least the idea of it has come much closer to being realty. As of 2003 the borders were opened and there has been a free flow of citizens and foreign nationals from both parts of the island. People from both sides cross the border on a daily basis for shopping, tourism, business, etc.

This process has also allowed tourists to cross the border and explore the whole island. In doing so, the people of the world also get a closer look at the two sides and they themselves can compare what they heard to what they see to be true. As a result of this they too can be taken out of the game of “they did this”. At the border tourists will get a form stamped and with that they will be allowed to cross to the south. Please note that the form will be stamped and not your passport. Also while nationals of most countries including E.U. countries and the U.S. may enter the South, countries that would otherwise be required to have a visa in order to enter by other ports may not cross the border. Restrictions for E.U. countries, the US, and others where lifted once the crossing was opened and Cyprus joined the E.U. Although some of the laws have not changed they are disregarded and for the most part there is free crossing. Restrictions are mostly held to 50 Cypriot Pounds worth of goods crossing to either side.

Crossing the border with a car

You may rent a car in the South and cross over to the North. On the other hand, when you rent a car in the North, you are not allowed to cross over the south. Only personally owned cars can cross over to the South (basically a car that is not a rental car or displaying the rental license plates which are red). For your connivance there are also rental agencies near the crossing points so you may rent a car once you cross over. However, please note that insurance purchased from one side is not applicable to the other. So when you cross you will need to purchase insurance if you plan to drive on the other side.

For more details, go to www.cyprusholidayadvisor.com/border-crossings.htm

Ayia Tria

The hidden Venetian bridges in Paphos Forest are testimony to the Venetians rule from 1489-1571