PaphosThe city of Paphos on the southwest coast of Cyprus was the capital of the island in Roman times, and dates from 1400 BC. Legend has it that the city is built on the spot where the Greek Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, was born. The city also has many connections to and relics from early Christianity. Over the centuries it has survived numerous foreign incursions and raids, and even a devastating earthquake in the 4th century AD. It lost out to Larnaca as a major port in the Middle Ages and experienced a decline during the British colonial period when development of this part of the island came to a standstill.
Today, however, Paphos is reviving on the strength of tourism and government investment in infrastructure such as dams, roads and airport. Private initiatives have also resulted in a boom in the construction of hotels, apartments and villas. The city has become a popular seaside resort with a large population. The Ktima section of the city is the main residential area, while Kato Paphos is the playground of holidaymakers, built around the medieval port with its numerous luxury hotels, tavernas and entertainment venues.
PolisPolis Chrysochous, which in Greek means town, is one of the most beautiful towns of Cyprus, near romantic tourist sites, close to where Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, used to meet her beloved Adonis and just a 30 minutes drive from Paphos (Pafos) and 45 minutes from Paphos(Pafos) international airport.
Polis Chrysochous is considered as the location for nature lovers and those keen on active holidays, such as hiking, cycling, horse riding, golf, scuba diving and other water sports.
Polis Chrysochous is served by the picturesque fishing port of Latchi -a pole of attraction all the year round and reputed for its fish taverns, its sea-sport facilities and boat- rides up to Akamas -a must for all Polis visitors.
In the past Latchi served as a small port for shipping carobs. The old stone carob warehouses have been converted into restaurants, fish taverns and shopping places. The Latchi fishing harbour (now featuring a new, enlarged capacity Marina) is the favourite spot on the island for those in the know.
Nightlife (Daylife) in the Polis Area comes in many different variaties. Not as diverse as some other towns in Cyprus, still Polis' bar, cafe and club scene is funky and friendly.
If you like to hang out in a beach bar sipping exotic cocktails you will find your favorite spot in no time! Polis square, is the centre of Polis bar scene. Here you find a mix of upmarket style bars, quirky tavernas and snackbars, although a little exploring off the beaten track brings untold rewards in the shape of ancient taverns.
The Irish Pub in Argaka, with a large collection of national and international beers and an extensive menu is a guaranty for a good time and good service. In the mood for life music? One of the local attractions is the International Cyprus Jazz Festival which is organized every September in Paradise Place in Pomos village, and with so many British residents and tourists you will for sure end up at some point in an English Bar watching some rugby or a game of football (soccer).
Many bars and clubs have regular events, such as quiz nights, karoake and live music. Major sports events are shown on big screen TV's in almost every other bar.
Most bars and restaurants close at 02:00 hrs., so If you are a devoted clubber, you will feel right at home in the trendy clubs in Polis and Latchi. International and Cypriot DJ's know exactly how to please the crowd with the very best in R'n'B, House Old School and dance music.
Protaras Overview The resort of Protaras on the south east coast of Cyprus has all the trappings of the larger, more frenetic Ayia Napa that is a few minutes drive away, but it is far more family friendly and boasts the best beach on the island, fabulous Fig Tree Bay. Protaras is actually a town built on a piece of flat, scrubby land expressly for the purpose of catering for British holidaymakers. Just adjacent to the village of Paralimni, Protaras consists mainly of a grid of restaurants, nightclubs and shops surrounded by numerous hotels and holiday apartment blocks. Landscaping is rather lacking and the buildings do not follow any theme: it is a hodge-podge of architecture and concrete that can get blistering hot in the summer sun. No-one seems to mind the lack of genuine Cypriot atmosphere, however, because Protaras does what it was intended to do, and that is give everyone a great holiday. Then, too, it has the magnificent golden Blue Flag beach, which stretches for 10 miles (16km) or so shelving gently into the crystal clear Mediterranean, and further up and down the coast a choice of secluded coves and inlets for those wanting more privacy.
The shops in Protaras centre may look a little tacky, but they provide everything required by holidaymakers, from beach paraphernalia to souvenirs. There are a couple of hundred retail establishments in the resort including supermarkets, clothing stores and jewellers. Serious bargain hunters are well advised to take a bus or taxi to nearby Agia Napa where there is a plethora of stores selling tax free designer goods. Local jewellery and leather goods are also good buys.
Restaurants Protaras has dozens of restaurants and fast food outlets, mainly catering for the usual tourist fare of pizza, curry, burgers and the like. Many local establishments are run by British ex-pats. Visitors who enjoy making the most of the local produce should opt for one of the many open-air seafood restaurants. For Cypriot specialities try Bambos, which serves a mix of local and international fare, or the Nicolas Taverna renowned for delectable kleftico.
Nightlife At night Protaras main street erupts into a noisy sound and light show as the many disco/bars, pubs and clubs turn up the volume to draw in the crowds. Many establishments offer live entertainment or karaoke and the discos feature English DJs and laser lights. There are only a few nightclubs, and serious all-night clubbers prefer to travel to Ayia Napa for the evening. Recommended for an entertaining evening of dancing is Sfinx, the bar at the Paralimni end of the main road.
ActivitiesThe main beach at Protaras offers a vast range of water sports opportunities and equipment hire, from paddle boats to jet skis. The resort caters particularly well for children, most of the hotels and apartment complexes offering excellent Kid's Clubs. There are two exciting water parks nearby at Ayia Napa, which provide thrills and spills for all ages. Most visitors enjoy a stroll along the clifftops of the coastline, particularly in spring when the landscape is covered in wild flowers. The more energetic can hike up the steep crag on the outskirts of the resort to the Ayios Ilias Church from where there is a spectacular view. Local operators offer several day trips, sea cruises and excursions to places of interest, like into the Troodos Mountains or to explore the city of Nicosia.
Negatives Protaras resort is not aesthetically pleasing or scenic, and the nearby village of Paralimni is also far from a quaint, authentic Greek Cypriot town. Young clubbers may be disappointed in the nightlife, which is more family-oriented, but there is the option of travelling to nearby Ayia Napa.
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