Itinerary: Two-Day Visit to the South-West Coast

The South-West Coast, namely the towns of Limassol and Paphos, are the ideal combination of leisure and sightseeing, as they include some the most important archaeological attractions in Cyprus, paired with leisurely resorts and some of the best hotels on the island.

You will visit: Limassol, Kolossi Castle, Kourion, Petra Tou Romiou, Kato Paphos, The Baths of Aphrodite, the Akamas Peninsula and Polis.

Limassol

While in Limassol town, we suggest you do the following:

• Walk along the seaside promenade
• Visit the Limassol Castle and Carob Mill area for lunch
• Visit the wineries
• Visit the Cyprus Handicraft Centre where you can buy locally made gifs and souvenirs

Kolossi Castle, a medieval castle located 15 km (9 miles) west of Limassol. The castle was the Commandaria (Headquarters) of the Knights Templar in the 12th century. The wine in this area became famous among the Knights and it became synonymous with the Grand Commanderie region. The wine took on the name Commandaria and, today, it is Cyprus’s traditional wine.

Kourion, located 19 km (12 miles) west of Limassol, is an archaeological site and an ancient city-kingdom with an impressive Greco-Roman Theatre built in the 2nd century AD. The theatre offers a magnificent view of the Mediterranean Sea as well as excellent acoustics for the plays and concerts that take place throughout the summer.

Petra Tou Romiou (Rock of the Greek) is the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, located 25 km (16 miles) east of Pafos. There are three huge limestone rocks known collectively as the Rock of Aphrodite. In Greek mythology it was here that Aphrodite, goddess of love, beauty and fertility, emerged from the sea foam. The name Petra tou Romiou (Rock of Romios) also commemorates the legendary Greek hero Digenis Akritas, also known as Romeos. He lived during the Byzantine era and, during an Arab raid by Saracen corsairs, he threw huge boulders into the sea to destroy the Arab ships. The rocks at this spot are said to be the stones thrown by Romios.

Paphos

Paphos has a large concentration of hotels and a well developed tourist infrastructure. It is made up of Pano Paphos (Upper Paphos) and Kato Paphos (LowerPaphos) which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kato Paphos is an archaeological park with Bronze Age dwellings, royal tombs dating from the Hellenic era, Roman floor mosaics, and Byzantine castles and churches. The ruins were unearthed in 1962, providing new information about Cyprus under the Roman Empire. In ancient times, this area was the capital of Cyprus.

The Baths of Aphrodite are about 8 km (5 miles) west of Polis, towards the Akamas peninsula. The baths consist of a water pool in an open rock cave, with water running down from the rocks above. According to legend Aphrodite met her love Adonis here when he stopped by the spring to quench his thirst. Unfortunately swimming in the baths is not allowed anymore.

The Akamas Peninsula, located on the western tip of the island, is one of Cyprus’ last remaining wilderness regions, undeveloped and visually stunning. The peninsula is known for its abundant flora and fauna, with around 600 plant species found there. Visitors can explore the area on foot, by trail bike, or in a 4-wheel drive, although the paths are rough and not the easiest to navigate. Another option is to hop on a tour boat that sails the Akamas coastline from Latchi, west of Polis.

Polis is a small, charming seaside town about 30 km (18 miles) north of Paphos. It is an ideal base for hiking or mountain biking in the Akamas as well as swimming at any of the local beaches. The centre is a pedestrian zone and restaurants are within easy walking distance.