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Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, Polis Chrysochous (known simply as ‘Polis’) is a thriving sub-district that has expanded to become a popular tourist destination in its own right and ranks amongst the most naturally beautiful areas of the island. Just 35 km northwest of the town of Pafos, it can be reached by following the B07 route, or by taking the E701 coastal route, and then the E709.

The area’s rich history dates back to the time it used to constitute the ancient kingdoms of Marion and Arsinoe. Marion flourished during Classical times, whilst Arsinoe prospered in Roman times. Lengthy and meticulous archaeological excavations spanning over 20 years have brought to light many archaeological treasures that are now exhibited at the local Archaeological Museum.

The interesting sights of the area include the Baths of Aphrodite – a fresh water grotto shaded by a wild fig tree – where legend tells the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty would bathe. There are also a variety of nature trails that take in rare, endemic plants and where nature lovers can spot local fauna and migrating birds.

Also noteworthy is the church of Agios Andronikos with its 16th century frescoes. The church was converted into a mosque from 1571 by the Ottomans, who also covered the frescoes up with plaster additions. After 1974, the Antiquities Department painstakingly uncovered the wall paintings in a delicate and time consuming process, and restored them to their former glory for visitors to admire once more.

With its unrivalled natural beauty, Polis Chrysochous is also a favourite spot for camping, and its campsite is located in a fragrant eucalyptus forest that borders a Blue Flag pebble beach. The campsite and beach also herald the start of a picturesque coastal walkway that leads to Latchi Harbour, which is known locally for its wonderful fresh fish, served at the surrounding restaurants. 

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, some 33 km northeast of Pafos town, the beautiful village of Panagia offers agrotourism in its natural environs, with its largest part located within Pafos Forest, at an altitude of 850 metres above sea level. It can be reached by following the A6 from the town of Pafos, and then the E606.

The village’s name comes from Panagia (the Virgin Mary), to whom the neighbouring monastery of Panagia Chrysorrogiatissa is also dedicated. One theory believes that under Frankish rule, Panagia village was a fief called ‘Casal Nostra Donna’ (of the Virgin Mary). The monastery houses an interesting Icons and Utensil Treasury, whilst a large religious festival is held annually on August 14 in honour of the Virgin Mary.

The village is also famous for being the birthplace of the Republic’s first president – Archbishop Makarios III – with two museums dedicated to the late Archbishop; the family home of the Archbishop, and the Museum of Cultural Foundation Archbishop Makarios III.

Other interesting sights include the various local wineries, the monastery of Agia Moni and the Vouni Panagias Nature Trail, which begins at the town square, and takes three hours to complete. Visitors can also enjoy the festival ‘Ta Rogiatika’, which takes place annually on August 15, and includes a programme of music and dance.

The main crops of the village include grapevines, various fruit trees, pulses, almond and olive trees, amongst others.

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, at an average altitude of 560 metres, the village of Lysos has existed since Medieval times with legends of the Medieval hero Digenis still told in the area. The village is located about 36 km northeast of Pafos, and can be reached by following the B07 route and then the E723.

The name of the village is believed to have its origins in the ancient Greek settlements in Asia Minor that settlers had brought to Cyprus, and an archaeological site in the area has unearthed tombs chiseled out of rock and geometrical vessels that further cement this theory.

The village is the largest in the Pafos region, with its territory extending to the peak of Pafos Forest where the rare bird of prey – Bonelli’s eagle – can be spotted, along with the shy and rare Mouflon – an endemic species of wild sheep found exclusively on the island.

Sights of interest in the village include its series of old churches, including the main church dedicated to Panagia Chryseleousa – constructed around the end of the 15th century or the beginning of the 16th century. The church is believed to have originally been a Latin temple since its two doors are decorated with blazons.

The village is also known locally for its unique, traditional delicacy of ‘Maxilles’ – a type of dry fig that is consumed as a sweetener, or eaten with almonds or walnuts.

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, the village of Kouklia is built at an altitude of 85 metres above sea level. Just 16 km away from the town of Pafos, Kouklia can be reached by turning into the F616 route either from the B06 or from the A06 route; the central highway of Lemesos (Limassol) – Pafos.

The village sits on the site where the ancient kingdom of Palaipafos (old Pafos) once stood. Palaipafos was one of the most celebrated pilgrimage centres of the ancient Greek world; the Sanctuary of Pafia Aphrodite. Excavations at the village have unearthed the famous Sanctuary of Pafia Aphrodite, ruins of the fortifications of Palaipafos, the barrow cemetery, and many tombs. Several ancient findings of the region are kept in the local village museum.

Not far from the village, the imposing rock known as ‘Petra tou Romiou’ or Aphrodite’s Rock juts out from the sea and marks the spot where – according to legend – the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty was born out of the foam.

Kouklia’s importance was also marked during the Middle Ages as the Lusignans founded and operated a sugar production centre in the area. As one of just three Medieval sugar cane mills on the island, the site at Kouklia is of the most important, as it is one of the few in the Mediterranean – and in the Near East – that has retained all its important functional elements, thus allowing researchers and archaeologists to study the surviving structure in depth, and gain an understanding on how Levantine cane sugar refineries worked.

Amongst its churches, the most important are the ones dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) Hodegetria and to the Apostle and Evangelist Luke. The former is a cruciform-type church of the 13th century with wall-paintings dating back to the 15th century. The latter is the main church of the village, and is especially worth visiting on October 17, when a large religious fair is held annually in honour of the saint.

The name of the village is believed to originate from the word ‘kouvouklio’ meaning ‘cubicle’ from the Byzantine officials who guarded the emperor’s chambers, and aside from its ancient monuments, it is picturesque and leafy, growing various fruits and other crops.

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, at an altitude of almost 700 metres, the small and traditional village of Kathikas has been inhabited since ancient times and offers agrotourism in tranquil environs. Just 23 km north of Pafos, the village can be reached by following the B7 route and then the E711, or by taking the coastal route E701, turning into the E727, and then the E709.

Retaining its traditional charm, the village has residences that are over a century old and serve as fine examples of folkloric architecture, whilst it also has many old and interesting churches. The small donkey sanctuary of the village further complements the authentic character of the village

Kathikas is one of the winemaking villages of the Pafos region. Its name is said to either originate from its original owner, or from the verb ‘to sit’ – ‘kathizo’ in Greek – due to the perception that the village sits on a level location when looked at from a distance.

The village is known locally for its grand Easter traditions, which visitors are welcome to watch during the period of Greek Orthodox Easter. On Good Friday, it is customary to reenact ‘Passion of the Christ’, where the President of the Community Council assumes the role of Jesus, and carries the cross from the chapel of Agios Onouphrios up until Panagia Evaggelistria church, with the rest of the villagers following in a procession.

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, the picturesque village of Ineia sits on the mountainous area of Laona and affords stunning views across the Akamas Peninsula. Just 30 km north of Pafos, Ineia can be reached by following either the B7 route and then the E711, or taking the E709 and then the F708.

The village originally takes its name from the word ‘inos’ – which was the word used by the Ancient Greeks for ‘wine’ – whilst its old-fashioned signs introduce it as ‘Oinia’, with the spelling of the village gradually changed to its current form over time.

Nestled among vineyards,Ineia is one of the wine-grape growers of the area, and is included along the Laona-Akamas wine route.

The village is also famous for its traditional handicraft of basket weaving, which is still practised in the original way. The baskets and other woven items are exhibited in a museum, whilst the breathtaking beauty of the area in general makes it popular for walks and photography, and is an inspiration for many artists.

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, the small village of Episkopi is immersed in charming natural surroundings with a unique landscape of rugged rocks dotted with grapevines. Just 11 km northeast of Pafos, Episkopi can be reached by taking the exit of Konia to Episkopi from the main roundabout Pafos-Lemesos (Limassol) (by following the E710 route).

The village’s name originates from the fact that it used to be the seat of the bishop (‘episkopos’). In the Frankish period, the Orthodox bishop of Pafos established himself here, after moving his seat from Polis Chrysochous following the persecutions of the Orthodox by the Latins. Prior to this, the village was known as ‘Komi’.

Saint Hilarion the Great (291 – 371 AD) – who is an important religious figure both for the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches – spent the last years of his hermit life on a hill outside the village, where he also helped many people by curing them or by casting out demons. Visitors can firstly see the saint’s cell, and can also light a candle later on at the church built in his honour.

The area is a nature-lover’s paradise, and perfect for rambling and walking, thanks to its four organised nature trails, and the stunning Rock of Episkopi; an imposing monolith that is home to rare falcons. Tributaries and streams from the Ezousa River also pass through the village. Information on the village’s natural environment can be found at the Episkopi Environmental Centre.

The village is ideal for agrotourism thanks to its peaceful and green environs.

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, at an altitude of 470 metres above sea level, the quaint village of Kritou Terra is one of the wine growing villages of the area, and also grows various other fruits and crops in its picturesque countryside. Just 45 km away from Pafos airport, Kritou Terra can be reached by following the B7 from the town of Pafos, and then the E711.

The village was once known as ‘Kritou’ under Frankish rule. It is marked as ‘Critu’ as well as ‘Terra’ on old maps, reinforcing the view that there were originally two different villages which eventually merged into one.

The main church of the village is dedicated to Panagia Chryseleousa, whilst the significant church of Agia Aikaterini stands approximately 3 km from the village, having been beautifully restored, and operating once a year on the saint’s day of Agia Aikaterini.

Locals of Kritou Terra are also proud of the village’s history as the birthplace of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios – the most prominent Dragoman of Cyprus – as well as its status of having the island’s first ‘casino’ during Ottoman Rule in the 19th century. Within the casino structure are rare wall paintings of folkloric art, depicting themes inspired by popular legends.