Polis
Tucked away in a remote corner of North West Cyprus is the picturesque and unspoilt getaway of Polis. The 3,000 year old fishing town is one of the Mediterranean island's best kept secrets, and its glorious beaches, nature and scenery have afforded it the accolade of the highest number of repeat visitors anywhere on the island of Cyprus.
Polis, which in Greek means town, looks out over Chrysochou Bay to the Akamas Peninsula, a nature conservation area containing many unique species of birds and exotic plants. This bountiful haven contains several hiking trails of unparalleled beauty as well as the legendary Baths of Aphrodite, where the mythological Greek Goddess of love would swim before meeting her lovers.
As a tourist destination Polis manages to combine 9,000 years of history, stunning nature and hiking trails, rugged forest, sleepy monasteries and warm clear turquoise water. And as well as that Polis also soaks up more than 300 days of sunshine a year making it a perfect year round getaway.
Shopping
As a secluded fishing town, Polis does not have much in the way of high street shopping. But there are plenty of shops selling tourist fare, including bottles of the traditional Greek tipple Ouzo, in the centre of Polis and in nearby Latsi. Shops stay open late in summer, with some shops reputedly staying open till 3am!
Attractions
Polis really has something for everyone. Those interested in history and culture can soak up the magnificent examples of traditional architecture around the pedestrianised area in the town centre.
The local museum of Marion - Arsinoe has a chronological exhibition of the town's history in the Neolithic times, when it was known as Marion and Arsinoe, to the Medieval period when it became Polis. The Polis Culture Centre also has a theatre stage with a 400 seat capacity. Check the [http://www.polis-municipality-cyprus.com/Events.htm Polis municipal website] for upcoming events during your stay.
Polis is also ideal for anyone keen on an active holiday. The town's sun soaked seaside location, as well as its proximity to Akamas peninsula, make it perfect for hiking, biking, horse riding, bird watching, and photography as well as all kinds of water sports. The Tsada Golf course is also just 25 minutes away from Polis.
Visitors to Polis, and to the adjacent port town of Latsi can hire speed boats, surfboards, sea kayaks, and take day boat trips to discover the crystal clear waters of Chrysochou Bay and its many natural attractions, including the mysterious sea caves or pretty Lara Bay where endangered green turtles lay their eggs between mid June and September.
There are many licensed water sport companies offering sailing, para sailing, fishing and body surfing, not to mention scuba diving in the deep seas around the Akamas peninsula.
Local travel agencies with licensed guides dot the streets of Polis, and around the harbour in Latsi. Many of these companies do not have websites so it's a good idea to look for recommendations from the official Cyprus Tourism Organisation, which has an office in the town centre of Polis. (Address supplied below)
Visitors with disabilities may find a wheelchair and other equipment rental service useful. [http://www.polipafo.com/Disability_Travel_PP.html www.polipafo.com] for prices and availability
A trip to Polis is not complete without visiting the unique and beautiful Akamas peninsula, the easternmost point of the three major flora zones of Europe. The number of plant species found here runs up to 600, of which 35 are endemic.
Akamas is also the spot where Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, met her lover Adonis for romantic trysts. Getting to Akamas is easy, just hire a car or 4 x 4 vehicle in Polis, or sign up to a local tour group who run daily trips to the heart of the peninsula.
Right beside Polis is the old fishing harbour of Latsi, sometimes known as Latchi, another must see for tourists. The picturesque fishing port of Latsi is world renowned for its fish taverns, its water-sport facilities and boat-rides up to Akamas.
Nightlife/Dining
Polis and its neighbouring port of Latsi are renowned through Cyprus for fresh fish and an abundance of reasonably priced fish restaurants, traditional tavernas and chic eateries make dining out a delightful experience.
Worth adding another notch to your belt for is Finikas restaurant and its dazzling stifado - a big plate of barbecued meats, focusing on lamb. There's Archontariki's with its enormous swordfish, and Hercules and Iolaos' stomach- stuffing mixed meze, made up of vine leaves stuffed with polenta, tzatziki, humus, grilled haloumi cheese, salad and olives.
The traditional style of eating in Cyprus is called meze. It is best described as a revolving buffet, consisting of small portions of as many as 20 different cold and hot dishes served as they are prepared.
Polis and Latsi also have plenty of cafes, pubs and bars to let your hair down and try the truly lethal ouzo special cocktails - ouzo, grenadine and Sprite.
Tourist Information
The Official tourist body in Cyprus, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, have an office in Polis located at:
Vasileos Stasioikou A´2CY 8820 Polis Chrysochous
- Tel: 357 26 32 24 68
- Opening Hours: every morning except Sunday & on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons
The Polis Chyrsochous municipality office [http://www.polis-municipality-cyprus.com/ www.polis-municipality-cyprus.com] also have a website which has news and information about upcoming events
Airport
Pafos or Paphos international airport lies about 23 miles East or approximately 40 minutes in a taxi from Polis. It is also possible for visitors to arrive in the larger airport of Larnaca international, 111 miles away. British Airways flies to both airports (0845 7733377; [http://www.britishairways.com www.britishairways.com]). KLM ([http://www.klm.com www.klm.com]) flies to Larnaca from its U.S. gateway cities via Amsterdam. Cyprus Airways (020 8359 1333; [http://www.cyprusair.com.cy ww.cyprusair.com.cy]), the national carrier, operates scheduled flights from London (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted), Birmingham and Manchester to Larnaka and Pafos.Air 2000 (01293 596620; [http://www.air2000.com www.air2000.com]), which flies from Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle to Larnaka and Pafos.Larnaca or Pafos airports do not have websites at time of writing but further information for Larnaca airport is available on www.worldairportguide.com;
Contact details for Pafos airport are as follows:Paphos Airport (International), Paphos 8320,Cyprus
- Tel: Airport information: +357 2624 0506;
- Flight information: +357 6 801800
