What to do in Cyprus
A weekend plan in an island where all is good: the history, the scenery, the climate and the food.
day 1
MORNING
relax, rewind, breathe, feel
Grab some tangerines, olives or other fresh fruits and veggies at the local market (there are lots along the beach line near the busy roads) and go straight to the beach. Close your eyes, smell the fruit, the sea and enjoy the sun.
DAY
slowly wonder around the streets of Paphos
Go for a walk in the old town. Do window shopping, buy local crafts at the Paphos Market, get lost in the old narrow streets and sit outside with a cup of coffee.
*make sure to come across the Markideio Municipal Theater by Simpraxis Architects
** if feeling more energised and touristy, visit the Paphos Castle, Tombs of the Kings and the Kato Pafos Archaeological Park
EVENING
gastro experience, views and sunset
Enjoy the panoramic view near the Muse cafe, have a proper meal and do a tasting of the local drinks and deserts. Go to a tavern (we chose Sovos tavern in the old town), sit in the cosiest spot and enjoy Ouzo, Zivania or a glass of local wine.
For desert take all they have on the menu and share it all: sweet sujuk, loukoumi, baklava, shamali, kataifi.
Take a cab back home, driving by the sea to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
day 2
MORNING
authentic road trip, getting lost a bit and the city of Polis
Wake up early and go straight to the central bus station of Paphos. Take a minibus to the city of Polis. Taking the minibus, as unchic as it sounds, ends up being the most authentic way to move around the island. On your way (especially if you are as lucky as us and your diver decides to circle around, calling in all the small villages on the way) you will get a sense of the life as it is around the country.
After finally reaching your destination in 2 hours or so, you will end up in the city of Polis. Not the most glamorous of places, but definitely one of the most charming ones. Sit outside in one of the restaurants on the Griva Digeni street or at the Polis 1907 hotel. After getting some coffee, had to the bus station and catch yet another minibus to the Aphrodite Nature Trails.
DAY
hike , hike and then hike some more
After arriving at the Aphrodite Nature Trails tourist point, choose one of the trails. Download the one you like on your phone and begin your hike. We went for the Aphrodite trail.
It's an easy hike, the scenery changes every 20-30 minutes and you get to see all sorts of natural wonders. Beginning your way up the hill, the second part of your trail will lie along the seaside. You will finish the hike with the sun setting over the baths of Aphrodite.
EVENING
stop for the sunset and enjoy the feast
After enjoying that magnificent sunset, you may choose to have your pre-drinks at the Baths of Aphrodite Restaurant (while waiting for the minibus to take you back to Polis). At Polis go to a tavern. Being a small town, you get a variety of authentic options. We went to the place called Mouskatallis tavern (highly recommended).
Go for the halloumi, koupepia, souvlakia or ttavas and all the wine you can get.
Full, tired, tipsy and half-asleep head back to Paphos.
If staying in a hotel by the seaside (like us), enjoy a cup of herbal tea on the balcony before going to bed. Just listen to the sea at night, look at the stars and breathe. You just had quite a weekend, haven’t you?