Discussion
Have been unable to escape this year and partner has forced booking a holiday.
hotel has already been booked. a middling all inclusive in paphos, infact its in chloraka just outside.
Looks for any tips/things to do. She will want to laze around pool and buy fridge magnets and other tat. I prefer to do stuff and explore. Will probably have a hire car for 3 days.
Looking through previous threads from years gone by. On my list so far is a drive upto the top of Troodos Mountain.
Any suggestions. Mainly want to stick to the west(ish) side of the island so 1h/1.30max drive from paphos. I would love to venture into the north and see famagusta but i dont think il be able to convince the mrs into a long drive to view military history.
hotel has already been booked. a middling all inclusive in paphos, infact its in chloraka just outside.
Looks for any tips/things to do. She will want to laze around pool and buy fridge magnets and other tat. I prefer to do stuff and explore. Will probably have a hire car for 3 days.
Looking through previous threads from years gone by. On my list so far is a drive upto the top of Troodos Mountain.
Any suggestions. Mainly want to stick to the west(ish) side of the island so 1h/1.30max drive from paphos. I would love to venture into the north and see famagusta but i dont think il be able to convince the mrs into a long drive to view military history.
I can highly recommend these people for a full day of full related activities:
https://cyprustastetours.com/
We did this one last November:
https://cyprustastetours.com/halloumi-heaven/
They pick you up from your hotel (if you are not in Paphos, you might need to meet them at the Paphos meeting point) and take you round all sorts of places. You certainly get your monies worth, and there's only 6 or 7 in a tour, so much better than a big coach. And no driving, so you can drink without having to worry (see comment about meeting points).
https://cyprustastetours.com/
We did this one last November:
https://cyprustastetours.com/halloumi-heaven/
They pick you up from your hotel (if you are not in Paphos, you might need to meet them at the Paphos meeting point) and take you round all sorts of places. You certainly get your monies worth, and there's only 6 or 7 in a tour, so much better than a big coach. And no driving, so you can drink without having to worry (see comment about meeting points).
The Bird park is good but go in morning as it get very hot in afternoon and it’s on a hill
Coral bay beach is ok , I prefer Geroskipou beach , quieter
Pathos is a huge area ,
Night life and restaurants around Kato which is the harbour area and there is a walk between kato and pathos municipal beach along tomb of kings
Lovely place , my favourite destination
Coral bay beach is ok , I prefer Geroskipou beach , quieter
Pathos is a huge area ,
Night life and restaurants around Kato which is the harbour area and there is a walk between kato and pathos municipal beach along tomb of kings
Lovely place , my favourite destination
Watching this thread with interest as we're off to Paphos in September, and this will be our first trip to that side of the island, after a couple of years running in Protoras/Ayia Napa.
Closest I've been is Aphrodite Hills which is a fairly impressive development just outside Paphos, with a lovely golf course which was my reason for being there. It took me about 1hr 15 to get there from our hotel just outside Ayia Napa as you can make fairly decent progress on Cypriot motorways - they're like the UK's but freer flowing.
We did Famagusta Old Town last time round and it is pretty impressive once you get past the border and all the military history, we didn't manage to make it to the ghost town as the way Google Maps was taking us was straight through a Turkish Military Post, so we turned round and went back to Ayia Napa.
Main thing we're looking forward to in Paphos is Viklari, or The Last Castle. Supposedly a lovely restaurant with a fantastic view:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g7...
Love Cyprus though, great weather and food, and incredibly friendly locals.
Closest I've been is Aphrodite Hills which is a fairly impressive development just outside Paphos, with a lovely golf course which was my reason for being there. It took me about 1hr 15 to get there from our hotel just outside Ayia Napa as you can make fairly decent progress on Cypriot motorways - they're like the UK's but freer flowing.
We did Famagusta Old Town last time round and it is pretty impressive once you get past the border and all the military history, we didn't manage to make it to the ghost town as the way Google Maps was taking us was straight through a Turkish Military Post, so we turned round and went back to Ayia Napa.
Main thing we're looking forward to in Paphos is Viklari, or The Last Castle. Supposedly a lovely restaurant with a fantastic view:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g7...
Love Cyprus though, great weather and food, and incredibly friendly locals.
I was in Paphos for a week earlier this year, my first trip to the Island. We stayed at the Elysium Hotel which turned out to be quite the 'venue' destination for glamorous locals with gold iPhones and expensive watches. The afternoon tea is pretty good though if you fancy a treat.
Car hired for the week and I went all over the place. The mountains were great, still snow in March but really pretty. Well worth traversing the Island, scenery is fantastic and some idyllic villages hidden away. My wife played tennis at the Aphrodite Resort a few times which she liked, it looks a bit like the Truman Show in there but certainly smart. I like to follow my nose a bit and got as far as Ayia Napa to see what all the fuss was about but very pre-season, the nearby marina was a nice stop off if you like boats (I do!). Really liked Limassol, lots going on there.
I'd certainly go again, sure there's loads more to discover.
Car hired for the week and I went all over the place. The mountains were great, still snow in March but really pretty. Well worth traversing the Island, scenery is fantastic and some idyllic villages hidden away. My wife played tennis at the Aphrodite Resort a few times which she liked, it looks a bit like the Truman Show in there but certainly smart. I like to follow my nose a bit and got as far as Ayia Napa to see what all the fuss was about but very pre-season, the nearby marina was a nice stop off if you like boats (I do!). Really liked Limassol, lots going on there.
I'd certainly go again, sure there's loads more to discover.
I do love Ayia Napa and am looking forward to spending a day or two there in July. Lots of places to eat, from a Full English (the Queen Vic) to an authentic Cypriot Tavern to finer dining down by the marina and everything in between.
It's possible to have a crazy night out but that part is quite well hidden away from the main drag so the rest stays fairly family friendly from experience - we normally make it as fast as the bar on the square (called Square Bar, cunningly enough), have a few then stagger down for one of the easily available taxis back to our hotel or villa.
Lots round the town too, Nissi Beach is stunning and the waterpark next to Olympic Lagoon is supposed to be excellent. Protoras is also nice, with Fig Tree Bay a particular highlight.
It's possible to have a crazy night out but that part is quite well hidden away from the main drag so the rest stays fairly family friendly from experience - we normally make it as fast as the bar on the square (called Square Bar, cunningly enough), have a few then stagger down for one of the easily available taxis back to our hotel or villa.
Lots round the town too, Nissi Beach is stunning and the waterpark next to Olympic Lagoon is supposed to be excellent. Protoras is also nice, with Fig Tree Bay a particular highlight.
bodhi said:
Main thing we're looking forward to in Paphos is Viklari, or The Last Castle. Supposedly a lovely restaurant with a fantastic view:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g7...
Viklari is awesome. Be aware that it's a rough road to get there though and steep towards the end!https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g7...
It's permanently busy too, so if you're a big group you'll need to book in advance. We were a couple as a walk-in though and they squeezed us in
As for the rest of Paphos, Tomb of the Kings is good, Troodos as already mentioned. There's some good restaurants and a smashing bakery in Peyia.
We've been to the island a few times now and last time took the car over to Nicosia, which is good for a wander around. It may be a bit far from the OP however.
It's a wonderful island and very tempting to go every year - fabulous climate and food. But, there are other places to explore.
If you hire a car, head North to Laatchi and Polis, grab a boat and head out to the Blue Lagoon and various other coves for a picnic, swim, snorkel etc. Always been a great day on my many trips to Cyprus.
Troodos also worth a run out to escape the heat.
Bit of a trek, but Nicosia is an interesting place, but very hot during the summer.
Limassol Marina is a lively place for a stroll in the evening.
Troodos also worth a run out to escape the heat.
Bit of a trek, but Nicosia is an interesting place, but very hot during the summer.
Limassol Marina is a lively place for a stroll in the evening.
Muzzer79 said:
Viklari is awesome. Be aware that it's a rough road to get there though and steep towards the end!
It's permanently busy too, so if you're a big group you'll need to book in advance. We were a couple as a walk-in though and they squeezed us in
As for the rest of Paphos, Tomb of the Kings is good, Troodos as already mentioned. There's some good restaurants and a smashing bakery in Peyia.
We've been to the island a few times now and last time took the car over to Nicosia, which is good for a wander around. It may be a bit far from the OP however.
It's a wonderful island and very tempting to go every year - fabulous climate and food. But, there are other places to explore.
I've heard about the road to Viklari - is it doable in a normal rental or should we look to get one on stilts? It's permanently busy too, so if you're a big group you'll need to book in advance. We were a couple as a walk-in though and they squeezed us in
As for the rest of Paphos, Tomb of the Kings is good, Troodos as already mentioned. There's some good restaurants and a smashing bakery in Peyia.
We've been to the island a few times now and last time took the car over to Nicosia, which is good for a wander around. It may be a bit far from the OP however.
It's a wonderful island and very tempting to go every year - fabulous climate and food. But, there are other places to explore.
Cheers for the other recommendations as well, shall have a look.
We've been lucky enough to explore a fair bit of the world on holiday - places as far afield as Fiji, Vietnam, Thailand, US, Mexico, lots of Europe - and Cyprus was the first place that convinced us to become regulars, hence the two trips there this year. Also the first place we've been where we've seriously considered buying a place there.
bodhi said:
Muzzer79 said:
Viklari is awesome. Be aware that it's a rough road to get there though and steep towards the end!
It's permanently busy too, so if you're a big group you'll need to book in advance. We were a couple as a walk-in though and they squeezed us in
As for the rest of Paphos, Tomb of the Kings is good, Troodos as already mentioned. There's some good restaurants and a smashing bakery in Peyia.
We've been to the island a few times now and last time took the car over to Nicosia, which is good for a wander around. It may be a bit far from the OP however.
It's a wonderful island and very tempting to go every year - fabulous climate and food. But, there are other places to explore.
I've heard about the road to Viklari - is it doable in a normal rental or should we look to get one on stilts? It's permanently busy too, so if you're a big group you'll need to book in advance. We were a couple as a walk-in though and they squeezed us in
As for the rest of Paphos, Tomb of the Kings is good, Troodos as already mentioned. There's some good restaurants and a smashing bakery in Peyia.
We've been to the island a few times now and last time took the car over to Nicosia, which is good for a wander around. It may be a bit far from the OP however.
It's a wonderful island and very tempting to go every year - fabulous climate and food. But, there are other places to explore.
bodhi said:
Cyprus was the first place that convinced us to become regulars, hence the two trips there this year. Also the first place we've been where we've seriously considered buying a place there.
Likewise.We got married there and it led to several more visits afterwards.
Parts of Limassol are a bit ropey but the rest is great. Even Ayia Napa, which we visited for the first time on a day trip last year, is actually quite nice!
On our honeymoon near Paphos, we met a guy in the hotel bar who'd be going to the island every year since he got married some 20 years before.
We smirked a little at the time - why go to the same place every year when there's a whole planet to explore? But you soon realise why - it's just a really nice place to be and once you've travelled a fair bit, that can be more of a priority than somewhere new all the time.
thanks for all the suggestions so far. viklari is definitely on the list so far.
has anybody got any reccomendations for hire cars? a previous thread from years ago recommended this place:
https://www.cyprus-car.com/
other ones im finding are the usual big companies. or can leave it for hotel to arrange with whatever deal they have with a local agency. ive never done this before and always sorted myself
has anybody got any reccomendations for hire cars? a previous thread from years ago recommended this place:
https://www.cyprus-car.com/
other ones im finding are the usual big companies. or can leave it for hotel to arrange with whatever deal they have with a local agency. ive never done this before and always sorted myself
If you want to get away from the hoards, go to Avdimou beach, (between Pissouri and Happy valley), follow the signs that say "Melanda Beach Taverna".
If you go up to the top of Troodos, stop in Platres, on the way up for something to eat, there's way more choice than there is at the top.
For a bit of an adventure in your car, see if you can find all the Venetian bridges.
The old town in Limassol is worth a visit in the evening, lots of tavernas, restaurants and bars.
If you go up to the top of Troodos, stop in Platres, on the way up for something to eat, there's way more choice than there is at the top.
For a bit of an adventure in your car, see if you can find all the Venetian bridges.
The old town in Limassol is worth a visit in the evening, lots of tavernas, restaurants and bars.
bodhi said:
Watching this thread with interest as we're off to Paphos in September, and this will be our first trip to that side of the island, after a couple of years running in Protoras/Ayia Napa.
Closest I've been is Aphrodite Hills which is a fairly impressive development just outside Paphos, with a lovely golf course which was my reason for being there. It took me about 1hr 15 to get there from our hotel just outside Ayia Napa as you can make fairly decent progress on Cypriot motorways - they're like the UK's but freer flowing.
We did Famagusta Old Town last time round and it is pretty impressive once you get past the border and all the military history, we didn't manage to make it to the ghost town as the way Google Maps was taking us was straight through a Turkish Military Post, so we turned round and went back to Ayia Napa.
Main thing we're looking forward to in Paphos is Viklari, or The Last Castle. Supposedly a lovely restaurant with a fantastic view:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g7...
Love Cyprus though, great weather and food, and incredibly friendly locals.
Visited Viklari today after your recommendation. Closest I've been is Aphrodite Hills which is a fairly impressive development just outside Paphos, with a lovely golf course which was my reason for being there. It took me about 1hr 15 to get there from our hotel just outside Ayia Napa as you can make fairly decent progress on Cypriot motorways - they're like the UK's but freer flowing.
We did Famagusta Old Town last time round and it is pretty impressive once you get past the border and all the military history, we didn't manage to make it to the ghost town as the way Google Maps was taking us was straight through a Turkish Military Post, so we turned round and went back to Ayia Napa.
Main thing we're looking forward to in Paphos is Viklari, or The Last Castle. Supposedly a lovely restaurant with a fantastic view:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g7...
Love Cyprus though, great weather and food, and incredibly friendly locals.
Not sure we needed to book but I think if you do book you're more likely to get one of the tables with the amazing view.
The breeze was blessed too. Big fan of the set menu and no more expensive than a normal restaurant in town.
The hire car Fabia made it up the gravel road no probs too.
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