Polis Chrysochous, Cyprus

This small town is close to the stunning peninsula of Akamas, where you can go swimming, hiking and cycling. The Akamas area is perfect for walking tours which aim at nature observation such as the Adonis Path, Ayiasma Path, Aphrodite Path, Pissouromoutti Path, Smiyies Path and the known Avakas Gorge.

You should definitely visit Latchi area where you can enjoy fresh fish at one of the numerous fish taverns and restaurants, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the area and even go fishing in the picturesque port of Latchi.

Baths of Aphrodite is one of the most known places of interest in the whole island. After Latchi, towards the end of Akamas, one can find the covered in green cave at the end of a short trail. The mythology reports that goddess Aphrodite took her bath there where she also met her lover, the charming Adonis.

The water is believed to have relaxing and refreshing capabilities. The area is very famous and thousands of tourists, local and foreigners, visit it throughout the year.

Avakas Gorge was created thousands of years ago by a river in the area. This 3 km gorge is considered as one of nature’s masterpieces, offering amazing views and experiences as the trails go through sheer rocks on both sides of about 260 feet in height. In this area hikers have the chance to view the in-danger-of-extinction plant, the centauria akamantis, whose flowers blossom in the spring. Also, the area is rich in wild life as one can find foxes, rabbits, owls, hawks, butterflies and many reptiles.

Visitors must have the appropriate equipment as the hiking takes place on uneven ground and some minor climbing may be required. The gorge is highly recommended to walk by either late afternoon or early morning when the light piercing through the gorge is just magical.

The path is one of the most beautiful routes one can visit in the area of Paphos. It is circular and the starting point is at Baths of Aphrodite. The length of the path is 7.5 km with an estimated duration of 3-4 hours.

This path has a high degree of difficulty (level of difficulty is 3). The route has difficult terrain with sudden changes in gradient (uphill and/or downhill), course along particularly rough and/or slippery, and/or narrow, and/or steep terrain. It is suitable for adults in generally good to very good state of fitness.

Ancient ruins which are believed to have belonged to a medieval monastery. It is worth mentioning the huge centuries-old oak tree which can be seen at the picnic site, where drinking water is also available.

The trail follows a rising path to the hill known as Moutti tis Sotiras (370m) and offers breathtaking views along the way.

A wonderful picnic site, with an altitude of 200 meters and a capacity of 500 persons. The Nature Trail and Picnic area Smiyies has an altitude of 200 meters and a maximum capacity of 500 persons. It is situated in Polis Chrysochous – Neo Chorio – Akamas road, 7 km from Polis and 2 km from Neo Chorio next to the dirt road leading to Akamas forest.

Have a look at the treasures of the museum and follow the historical development of the area from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods to the Medieval period.

If you are interested in the Byzantine history of Cyprus you can drop by the Church of Ayios Andronikos, near the traditional square of Polis. The church has unique wall-paintings which date from the 16th Century. When the island was under Ottoman occupation the Church served as a Mosque.