Troodos Region

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With pine-scented air that feels more invigorating the higher you climb, the Troodos mountain range is the island’s ‘green heart’, and a refreshing oasis that is immersed in endless vistas of forests, valleys and orchards.

Comprised of many different, traditional villages, every twist and turn of the mountain roads leads to something different. The chain of winemaking communities has practiced viticulture for centuries, whilst others are famous for their intricate handmade folk-art, from lace and silverwork to pottery and basket weaving. Agricultural villages known for their different fruit unfold towards others, where waterfalls and springs offer a cooling drink to both human and wildlife.

At its very peak – 1.952 metres above sea level – sits Mount Olympus – whose snowy mounds welcome skiers in winter. And a myriad of natural wealth awaits exploration by foot or bicycle, along paths, over rocks and into woodland, with the villages all welcoming visitors to observe their unique local customs.

Troodos is also religiously significant for its string of 10 UNESCO World Heritage Site Byzantine Churches and other monasteries and chapels. Priceless ancient frescos, fascinating stories of saints, and unique architecture showcase the island’s deep Christian roots.

Whether you want to escape the hot beaches, discover the island’s flora and fauna, or step back in time, the Troodos mountain range is beautifully ideal for a different Cyprus experience.

The Ammochostos (Famagusta) Region

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Sparkling, crystal waters and powdery, golden sands are one of the defining features of the region of Ammochostos (Famagusta), with its scenic landscape further dotted by quaint windmills, and its mineral-rich earth growing some of the island’s tastiest, fresh produce.

Comprised of the main holiday resorts of Agia Napa and Paralimni-Protaras, the once-tiny villages have seen their popularity and boundaries expand into bustling resorts that continue to attract visitors in their droves.

The stunning coasts of the region are further enhanced by its famous, vibrant nightlife, large variety of tourist accommodation, idyllic fishing harbours, Medieval churches, and picturesque, traditional villages. Together, they offer the perfect recipe for a fantastic holiday.

One of the main attractions of the area is the Natural Forest Park of Cape Gkreko with its cliffs, caves and coves. Aside from its breathtaking views, the park is ideal for swimming, diving, boat trips, walking and cycling, all in beautiful natural surroundings.

And no doubt, you will taste the difference in the fresh produce that the ‘red soil villages’ (Kokkinochoria) of the region grow. Thanks to its unique richly-red earth, the area is famous for juicy watermelons and strawberries, and the delicious and versatile Cyprus potato, all bursting with flavour!

From sun-seeker to party-animal, foodie to explorer, everyone will fall in love with Ammochostos and its charm.

The Pafos (Paphos) Region

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An air of romance and history carries through the naturally abundant and culturally rich region of Pafos (Paphos).

Comprised of its old and new towns, rural villages and picturesque resorts, the region is home to some of the most stunning areas of natural beauty on the island, whilst its many archaeological sites are historically invaluable, with Katos Pafos declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a whole.

Centered around the quaint harbour and impressive Medieval Castle, Pafos’ environs then stretch to incorporate the tourist resort of Polis Chrysochous. The pretty and tranquil area – known simply as ‘Polis’ – has expanded to become a sub-district in its own right, and encompasses the beautiful Akamas National Park, Lara beach – which is a breeding site for turtles, and the traditional fishing shelter of Latchi.

Whilst visiting the area, pass by the Baths of Aphrodite, which is located near Polis. Greek mythology tells that the Goddess of Love and Beauty bathed here, and it is one of the enticing sites in the region that trace her story. Her connection with Cyprus begins at the landmark rock formation of Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock/birthplace), where  she rose from the waves. From there, make a pilgrimage to her sanctuary at Kouklia.

Further out, the monastery of Agios Neofytos is located in a secluded valley, and was founded by the Cypriot ascetic Saint Neofytos around 1200. The monastery of Panagia Chrysorogiatissa, next to Panagia village, is also significant for its well-preserved buildings dating back to 18th century.

Nestled within Pafos Forest is the breathtaking mountain locality of Cedar Valley. The area is crossed by a country road that unfolds into Stavros tis Psokas, an additional mountain locality that is home to the rare and shy Mouflon (Ovis gmelini ophion).

A myriad of outdoor pursuits can also be enjoyed, further enhanced by religious monuments, wineries and museums, making the Pafos region a haven of nature and culture.

The Larnaka (Larnaca) Region

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East meets west in the ancient district of Larnaka (Larnaca), where hundreds of years of contrasting civilizations, architecture and culture have left their mark on an authentic and diverse region.

Both Christianity and Islam have important religious sites in Larnaka. The Church of Agios Lazaros, who lived in Larnaka after his resurrection, and the Mosque of Hala Sultan – built in honour of the Prophet’s Mohammed’s aunt – are two of the main attractions of the city. Other popular sights are the Medieval Castle, the palm tree-lined promenade of ‘Foinikoudes’, and Larnaka Salt Lake, which fills with flocks of vibrant pink flamingos during the winter months.

Further out, the mountainous areas of Larnaka trail up the Troodos range, which is dotted with charming villages of narrow streets, where traditions and skilled handicrafts are still practiced. Of the most famous is the handmade lace embroidery of Lefkara and its delicate filigree silver, whilst villages like Kato Drys, Vavla and Odou are also pretty and tranquil.

The region is also rich in significant archaeological sites, including ‘Choirokoitia’ – one of the best-preserved sites of a prehistoric settlement in the Eastern Mediterranean – and ‘Kalavasos Tenta’, located in the rural areas.

One of the finest examples of Byzantine art of the Justinian period – a rare 6th century mosaic of the Virgin and Child between two archangels – can be found in the region at Angeloktisti Church in Kiti village, whilst the solitary monastery of Stavrovouni, one of the oldest on the island, sits perched on a rocky peak with panoramic hillside views. In Pyrga village, the Royal Chapel – built in 1421 by the Lusignan King Janus – is  decorated with an interesting wall painting of the king and his wife, Charlotte de Bourbon.

Enjoy a melting pot of diversity and history, combined with coast and mountains in the captivating region of Larnaka!

The Lemesos (Limassol) Region

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Legends of kings and kingdoms, and the origins of the island’s wine making industry characterise the Lemesos (Limassol) region, which embodies both the ancient and the modern.

Known as the region of wine, celebrations and ancient realms, Lemesos is comprised of its main city – which sits between two important archaeological sites; the ancient city-kingdom of Amathus to the east, and the ancient city-kingdom of Kourion to the west – along with rural areas and charming mountainous villages, where old traditions and crafts are still practised.

Lemesos is the second largest city of Cyprus, the home of the island’s main port, and a bustling holiday resort. From its jewel of a marina and impressive archaeological monuments, to the vast 15 km coastal strip lined with restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and entertainment establishments, the main city is thriving and colourful.

The region also encompasses two unique wetlands. Germasogeia Dam is a peaceful place to relax, take a stroll, or enjoy a spot of angling, whilst Akrotiri Salt Lake is perfect for observing nature and wildlife (especially birds). The environmental significance of the Salt Lake and its surrounding area are showcased at the new installations of Akrotiri Environmental Centre.

The region then trails up the sun-kissed southern slopes of the Troodos mountains, with vineyards forming a pleasant green backdrop to the city. The hillside villages here are known collectively as the ‘Krassochoria’ (or wine villages), and keep their old traditions of viticulture alive, producing the island’s best wines even today, and especially one of the oldest named wines in the world – the sweet dessert wine of Commandaria. Here, visitors will find a tranquil, rural retreat where hiking and cycling can be enjoyed in the unspoilt countryside.

With its viticultural pedigree and a magical history, the region of Lemesos simply sparkles with opportunity from coast to hillside.

lemesos

The Lefkosia (Nicosia) Region

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With its distinction as the only divided capital in the world, Lefkosia (Nicosia) and its surrounding region combines the heartbeat of the island’s commercial and businesses centre with an interesting past, and rural areas where escape is possible in naturally beautiful, green environs.

The capital itself is steeped in history and culture, with a charming old city surrounded by massive Venetian walls, and the island’s largest concentration of museums, art galleries and religious and historical monuments, that all tell wonderful stories of the island through the ages.

Leaving the busy capital behind, the region then expands to the countryside, where a different side unfolds amidst orchards and olives groves, forests and hillsides.

Visitors will encounter the ruins of two rich city-kingdoms that also form part of the Lefkosia region; those of Tamassos  and Idalion (both south of Lefkosia).

Tamassos was built near an important copper mine and prospered greatly during Roman times – when Cyprus was famous for its copper. At the site of Idalion, there is a museum with chronological exhibits from excavations of the area.

Stretching up into the pine forest of the Machairas mountains, the scenery becomes more and more picturesque, with significant sights, such as the ancient Machairas monastery and Agios Irakleidios Convent, where the relics of the saint are kept inside the church.

There are also an abundance of quaint, mountainous villages that form part of the rural areas of the region, with their cobbled streets and preserved stone and adobe houses, offering a glimpse of village life in Cyprus. Worth visiting is the village of Fikardou, which has been declared a national monument, and was awarded the Europa Nostra award in 1987 for its carefully restored 18th century houses with their remarkable woodwork and folk architecture. Other interesting villages include Alona, Prodromos, Pedoulas, Kakopetria and Palaichori.

Offering the best of two worlds; that of vibrant capital, and also of rural retreat, the two ‘faces’ of the region of Lefkosia are both equally beguiling.

 

Tillyria

Weddings on an Authentic ‘Island of Love’

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There are few moments in life as sacred as the moment the bond of eternal partnership is forged, and the union of love is confirmed. For many, this day is one of dreams coming true, envisaged in a location that embodies romance; where sunshine marries sea and the scenery evokes emotions as powerful as the vows you make. This vision is Cyprus, or ‘the island of love’ as it is so perfectly referred to.

Whether you are escaping for an intimate ceremony, or planning a lavish affair with family and friends, Aphrodite’s island caters for weddings of all styles. After all, it is the birthplace of the Goddess of Love and Beauty, as well as the land of kings and queens, and therefore love has been at its very essence for many centuries.

From nuptials on seaside piers and onboard yachts, to five-star spa resorts and wineries… civil ceremonies or religious blessings… quaint village tavernas or lavish banquet halls… Medieval backdrops or modern settings, Cyprus offers a wealth of venues and options for all tastes, all budgets and all love stories. Guidance and expert advice is also reassuringly on-hand from experienced wedding planners. Specialising in beautiful bespoke weddings, they can ensure that every finishing touch is perfect.

And where better to marry than a destination that takes you from wedding straight to honeymoon? From the Mediterranean sun that basks almost all-year-round, to the mesmerizing night, where alfresco dining and drinking takes place under the gaze of the stars, your wedding experience – and that of your guests – will be a magical moment that is as enduring as your love.

Secret Valley Golf Course

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Nestled in a scenic valley in Pafos (Paphos), by Petra tou Romiou – the place where legend says Aphrodite, the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love was born – Secret Valley Golf Course offers a stunning setting with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and sheer playability.

Hans-Georg Erhardt and Snorri Vilhjalmsson of Golf & Land Design are the course architects, with Tony Jacklin – four times Ryder Cup Captain and Winner of the British Open and US open – providing his signature for the golf course’s new visage.

With the course carefully laid out in the natural landscape, and with mature vegetation in the lower part of the valley, the setting is distinctly a Cyprus one with a unique Mediterranean feel. Utilising the steep hillside terrain, the course offers spectacular tee locations and long views towards valley and ocean.

Recently rebuilt and opened in 2013, the par 71 course of 5.700 metres unfolds through rolling Bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens. It is further supported by an academy that offers tuition from a PGA Professional. The modern practise area boasts 22 covered bays; large putting, chipping, and pitching greens, plus indoor solutions. A floodlight 3-hole loop for evening play is conveniently located at the lowest end of the golf courses, where the beach development links with the golf course.

The elegant clubhouse is decked out in wood and stone with cosy seating areas and fireplace, as well as valley vistas from two balconies and a menu of fine international cuisine at its restaurant. The golf club also boasts a luxury development of villas and apartments – Venus Rock Resort.

Minthis Golf Club

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The Resort Overview

Minthis is about enrichment, wellness and relaxation. The resort is set among 5 million square metres of a beautiful, protected Natura 2000 nature reserve, where we invite guests to get closer to nature, whether that’s hiking through the nature trail past waterfalls, mountain biking through the vineyards and olive groves, enjoying a round of golf on the 18-hole championship golf course or savouring local home-grown produce in one of the resort restaurants. At Minthis, your hours can be as active or relaxed as you choose them to be, but every moment is restorative allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of life.

18-hole Championship Golf Course
Minthis is home to a beautiful and challenging golf course that winds its way past a 12th-century monastery with breath-taking views of the Troodos Mountains and beyond. The 18-hole course boasts outstanding holes that organically follow the natural undulations of the topography, looping past water features and ancient groves, with hundreds of olive trees, fruit orchards and grapevines. As part of Natura 2000 site, nature is an ever-present element at Minthis and the Golf Club has been awarded twice with a GEO Certification, recognising the eco-friendly sustainable approach and commitment to nature, resource conservation and community value.
Designed by legendary golf architect Donald Steel in 1994 and renovated by renowned course designers Mackenzie and Ebert, the course is a flawless example of their philosophy that golf courses should fit into the terrain, be in keeping with their setting and focus on the details.
“Our work at Minthis has focused on making the course even more beautifulby drawing the monastery into the landscape and opening viewstowards the Troodos Mountains”. Tom Mackenzie, Mackenzie and Ebert

The Suites – luxury boutique accommodation
Our Suites are framed with majestic mountains and rolling countryside views on one side and the beautiful golf course surrounding the 12th century Monastery on the other. The comfortable and welcoming 1 and 2-bedroom Suites, and our 2-bedroom Villas with private plunge pool, is not your typical hotel environment, they offer a more meaningful stay that provides you with an authentic, immersive and personalised experience. Each suite is designed with luxurious aesthetics and include all the hotel-style conveniences and services you could wish for, with guaranteed views, outdoor space and access the stunning infinity pool and wellness Spa.

The Plateia and Minthis Spa
Adjacent to the golf course and Clubhouse is the Plateia, our social square. It is a place of community and energy, where you can discover authentic Cypriot hospitality, art and tradition. Evoking traditional Cypriot life, the lively outdoor square is shaded by a tree with seating for those that want to watch the world go by. The new Mediterranean inspired restaurant called Amaracus, serves a section of fresh dishes, homemade bread and pizza from the wood fired oven and Cypriot inspired comfort foods with a modern Minthis twist.

There is also a cocktail bar serving the finest selection of drinks and a light snack menu, wine boutique, an art gallery and home concept store (coming soon) selling a carefully curated, beautiful selection of everything from local handmade crafts and jewelry to artwork.

Our holistic wellness Spa is hidden into the hillside and blends the restorative power of the local herbs and minerals, with ancient healing methods and contemporary science to rejuvenate and restore. Escape and breathe in the fresh mountain air, awaken your senses with invigorating aromas in the sensory courtyard, experience the wet and dry plateaus of the 9 Thermal Suites, indulge in a treatment or simply immerse yourself in nature.

www.minthisresort.com

Eléa Estate Golf Club

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Eléa Estate Golf Club

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region of Gesroskipou – 8 km from Pafos and its airport – the Eléa Golf Club is part of the prestigious, award-winning Eléa Estate, and is a challenging 18-hole golf course, designed by the legendary British golfer Sir Nick Faldo.

Commanding breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, the par 71 course of 6775 yards (from the black tees) incorporates numerous rugged features of the natural landscape, including endless, rolling countryside, mature carob and olive trees and weathered outcrops of limestone that strikingly contrast with the dark green paspalum grass fairways and semi-rough. A number of holes are fringed by Mediterranean grasses and an abundance of wild herbs and native flora that allow local wildlife to thrive.

Open since 2010, Sir Nick carefully designed the course of the Eléa for each hole to pose a ‘strategic riddle’ for ‘thoughtful’ golf. The course is further supported by the Elea Golf Academy and its PGA Professionals, and features a full-length driving range – complete with target greens and bunkers, a short game practice area, and a stunning putting green that boasts an impressive location overlooking the whole course. The course is walkable, with buggies available to hire.

Inspired by the traditional architecture of the island, the stylish clubhouse incorporates bars and restaurants, a library area and cosy fireplaces. Spectacular vistas unfold across the course and out towards the sea from its several terraces and balconies.

The premium estate also features luxurious villas and apartments, a boutique hotel, spa facilities and a variety of high-end dining and leisure options.

www.eleaestate.com