Directions to the Villa

You can view the general location on the Local Area Map.

Cyprus Apartments, Pegeia or Peyia, Cyprus

USEFUL INFORMATION

BUSINESS & SHOPPING HOURS
Shopping hours vary according to the time of year. In summer (April - October) shops open from 9.00am-7.00pm but often have a long lunch break and/or close early on wednesday and Saturday. They close earlier the rest of the year.

Banks are open from 8.30 to 13.00.

TELEPHONE, INTERNET & POST
The international dialling code to call into Cyprus is 357. To dial internationally out of Cyprus, dial 0044 for the UK instead of the first 0 of the usual number.

Local payphone:
Public payphones can be found in various locations within the towns and villages of Cyprus. These operate on either a coin system or with Telecards which can be purchased from establishments such as post offices, banks & souvenir shops.

Local mobile phone contract:
Using your UK mobile phone to call the UK can be expensive. You can purchase a local pay as you go mobile phone contract for about £25 which may work out cheaper if you are staying for two weeks or more. There are mobile phone shops located within Ermes Debenhams and the centre of Old Town Paphos area.

Internet access and Internet Cafes:
Internet access is becoming increasingly available in Cyprus, with various internet cafes available in the more touristy areas. The costs can vary, but allow for approximately 2 pounds/hr (lower if you are willing to hunt around).

Postal Services
Stamps for post cards can be purchased from local supermarkets and newsagents or the main post office in the centre of Paphos.

CURRENCY
The Republic of Cyprus uses the euro(€), which is made up of 100 cents.

You can withdraw money using the international Cirrus facility through cash machines points across Cyprus or take British Pounds travellers cheques which can be used in shops or cashed at any bank (don’t forget to take your passport with you to the bank). There are banks in Peyia and the Coral Bay tourist area as well as Paphos.

ELECTRICITY
Cyprus runs off a 250 Volts, 50 Hz system and uses UK style 3 pin plugs.

CYPRUS TIME
Cyprus is GMT/UTC +2 hours time zone.

LANGUAGE
Greek is the official and main language of Cyprus. Greek spoken in Cyprus differs in its pronunciation to that spoken in Greece. English is widely spoken in all major towns and tourist centres, especially by those in the tourist industry. It may be difficult to find English speakers in smaller towns.

CAR HIRE
Most visitors hire a car to get the most out of their holiday in Cyprus. Driving is the same as it is in the UK and there is a huge choice of car rental companies.

BUSES
There is a regular tourist bus service from the tourist area of Coral Bay to the Paphos harbour area which runs from early morning until around Midnight.

GOLF IN THE PAPHOS AREA

There are several first rate golf courses in the Paphos area. Try www.cyprusgolf.com or www.aphroditehills.com.

LOCAL PLACES OF INTEREST

AKAMAS NATIONAL PARK
The Akamas peninsula is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Sandy bays, deep gorges and a varied landscape are just a few of the features to be found there.

The peninsula is home to 530 different plant species. Wildlife is in abundance with 168 types of birds, 12 types of mammals, 20 different species of reptiles and 16 of butterflies. Monk seals may also be occasionally spotted in the sea caves. Lara Bay is an important turtle breeding site and is home to two endangered species, the green turtle and hawks-bill turtle.

The importance of the Akamas Peninsula is recognised outside the shores of Cyprus. The European Council has included the Akamas Peninsula within its Mediterranean protection program. A report, commissioned by the Cyprus Government and financed by the World Bank, recommended that the Akamas Peninsula be treated as a Biosphere Reserve which would include a large National Park area.

APHRODITE'S ROCK
Situated 25km east of Paphos is Petra tou Romaiou, the legendary spot where Aphrodite is said to have emerged from the waves.

The Greek name of the rock "Petra tou Romiou" or "Rock of the Greek" is associated with the legendary Byzantian frontier-guard, Digenis Akritas. It is said he kept Arab pirates at bay by throwing rocks at them from the hillside above.

There are two large rocks in the sea, set against the white cliffs above and the turquoise of the Mediterranean below.

This is a shingle beach but the setting is spectacular. The scene has been a source of inspiration for many poets and painters, the most famous result being Boticelli's Birth of Venus.

LATCHI
Latchi a picturesque fishing village situated on the North West Coast. Before tourism had discovered Latchi its main industry apart from fishing was the exportation of sea sponges. The main focal point of Latchi is the fishing harbour sporting fishing boats bobbing gently on the clear waters weighed down with nets, wicker baskets and the catch of the day. Fresh fish can be sampled in one of the many small stone build tavernas surrounding the harbour; a popular eating place for the locals. Sun worshippers and beach goers will appreciate the sandy/pebbly beaches nestling on the Akamas National Park. Cool waters and gentle summer breezes.

BATHS OF APRODITE
A small semi-cave draped with cool vegetation. Water drips from a spring at the top into a pool of water. It is believed that bathing in the pool would bestow eternal youth, but unfortunately it is not permitted to enter the water

POLIS
This country town derives its name from the Greek word for city, and is the shortened version of Polis Chrysohou, which translated, means “the City of the Golden Land” thus named for the fertile land surrounding the river Chrysochou. There are no large hotels so travellers can step into a world away from the usual tourist attractions and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this small but attractive village. The main feature of Polis has to be the village square boasting cobbled streets, souvenir shops, banks, jewellers, chemists and bars where thirsty travellers can sample locally made wines, including Commandaria - a sweet dessert wine favoured by “Richard the Lion Heart” and used as a holy communion wine. Traditional restaurants surrounding the square offer tantalising home baked cuisine. Ice cream parlours and tiny coffee shops are a few of the delights on offer in Polis. Walking enthusiasts will love the many walks available in the area.

THE ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM in Paphos
Two galleries worth of grave finds from nearby Marion and Arsine

KATO PAPHOS
Located in the lower part of Paphos, this is a charming part of town that has all of the amenities considered essential for a sun and sand holiday plus, as an added bonus, loads of historical sites. It has an atmosphere and life of its own. Kato Paphos is situated by the sea and is home to the lovely picturesque harbour. Here you will find excellent fish tavernas, where you can taste and enjoy the days catch. Several souvenir shops and hotels are also situated here.

THE MOSAICS OF PAPHOS
Located in Kato Paphos near the harbour. The Mosaic’s consist of the House of Dionysos, the House of Theseus and the more recently excavated House of Aion.

They are the most famous historical sights in Paphos. The mosaics were originally laid down in the 3rd century as floors for the houses of the Roman nobles. The mosaics are, considered to be the best in the Eastern Mediterranean and depict scenes from Greek history.

THE TOMBS OF THE KINGS
Although no kings are known to have been buried there these underground chambers were excavated over many years around 2000 years ago. many of the roofs have collapsed and tombs have been excavated so it is possible to enter the chambers and see the different construction styles.

The area is well worth exploring but beware: the low entrance fee does not supply sufficient revenue for things like handrails!

TROODOS MOUNTAINS
An hours drive has you climbing the Troodos mountains for the magnificent scenery, ancient monasteries and cool air (remember to take a jumper).

A Really Great Location for a Really Great Holiday