Polis, Paphos (Cyprus): A Wonderful Holiday Destination

Polis, Paphos (Cyprus) – officially known as Polis Chrysochous – is a town in the Paphos district.

We have visited Polis countless times since we were kids…

…and we will keep visiting Polis because we love it!

It’s a place where you can relax and have a good time, enjoy the Mediterranean views and scenery around you, savor delicious local cuisine, meet friendly, hospitable locals, enjoy the beaches with the crystal clear waters, snorkel, scuba dive, swim, sunbathe and the list goes on.

To find out more information on Polis like accommodation, things to do, etc, click the quick links below to guide you through the article.

Quick links:

• About Polis, Paphos (Cyprus)
• Accommodation
• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• How to Get to Polis
• Getting Around

About Polis, Paphos (Cyprus)

In summer locals and visitors alike visit this wonderful small town for their holidays, because Polis offers – among others…

• Tranquility and relaxation
• Culture (e.g. archaeological findings – Marion-Arsinoe Archaeological Museum)
• Warm crystal clear sea waters (there are no tides or undercurrents)
• Breathtaking scenery (mountain and sea views)
• Wonderful coastline
• Delicious local cuisine
• Lovely accommodation
• and the list goes on

A bit of history…

…Polis’ rich history (its glorious past) can be found in the heart of the town in the Marion-Arsinoe Archaeological museum. Many archaeological treasures are exhibited at this museum due to the lengthy and diligent archaeological excavations (spanning over 20 years).

Polis means “town” and Polis Chrysochous means “town of gold”, due to the nearby copper and gold mines.

One of the island’s ten great city-kingdoms called Marion prospered here (in Polis) during Classical times due to the nearby mines and the resulting trade.

Marion had strong ties with Athens until it fell to the Persians…

The Great Athenian General, Kimon, liberated Marion, (it was the first city he liberated), but....

…later Marion was destroyed during the success struggle following Alexander the Great.

Finally Marion was rebuilt by Ptolemy II who renamed it Arsinoe after his wife and sister. Arsinoe prospered during the Roman times.

Polis, Paphos (Cyprus): Accommodation

If you are looking for accommodation in or near Polis town take a look at this…

Also, take a look at...

Anassa is a wonderful 5 star hotel that it will most certainly amaze you! It’s only a 5 minute drive from Latchi beach. So check it out…just click the link above to take a look at it.

If you are on a budget then consider checking out Polis 1907 by Louis Hotels. It’s located in Polis and it’s a 5 minute drive from Latchi beach.

Also consider checking out Tavros Hotel Apartments. It’s another wonderful budget option.

Polis, Paphos (Cyprus): Things to Do

Whether you are looking for tranquility or an adventure Polis offers both.

Let’s take a look at the things you can do and see in this wonderful holiday town…

Swimming, Sunbathing, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Water Sports

The beaches in Polis are amazing!...

…and it’s easy to find them!

Polis has warm crystal clear sea waters (no tides or undercurrents), sandy and pebbled beaches, organized and uncrowded beaches…you will definitely find a beach that suits your needs.

Here are some of the best beaches in Polis…

• Polis Municipal Beach
• Latchi Beach
• Polis Dasoudi Beach
• Baths of Aphrodite Beach
• Asprokremmos Beach
• Yiannakis Beach
• Ttakkas Beach
• Anassa Beach

Also, you can explore the underwater world off the coast of Akamas by scuba diving or free diving or snorkeling.

Boat Cruises and Land Excursions

Are you up for an adventure? :-)

Take a boat cruise and explore the amazing coastline…

…or book a Jeep safari to explore Akamas by land.

For information on Paphos tours (land and water) click here.

Baths of Aphrodite (Loutra tis Aphroditis in Greek)

Visit the Baths of Aphrodite – a fresh water grotto shaded by a wild fig tree.

Legend tells that the Baths of Aphrodite is where the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty was bathing.

Akamas Peninsula

Visit Akamas Peninsula from the Baths of Aphrodite. Please note that you will need a 4x4 car and very good driving skills because the dirt road in Akamas is very rocky and bumpy.

Latchi

Latchi is part of the Polis Municipality. It’s well known (among others) for its beach and its taverns/restaurants serving fresh fish. For more information on Latchi click here.

The church of Ayios Andronikos

Visit Ayios Andronikos church with its 16th century frescoes.

This church was converted into a mosque from 1571 by the Ottomans who covered the frescoes up with plaster additions.

After 1974, the Department of Antiquities in Cyprus uncovered the wall paintings and restored them. Today, the visitors can admire the wall paintings once more.

Marion-Arsinoe Archaeological Museum

Visit the archaeological museum in Polis to see fine artifacts of the ancient city-kingdom of Marion-Arsinoe.

Coastal Pedestrian

It links the two sandy beaches of the Municipal Beach and the beach in the camping site (Blue Flag beach). Nice views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Polis, Paphos (Cyprus): Food & Drink

There are lots of places to have a nice meal in Polis. However, we chose our two favorite places to share with you.

Here’s what we recommend for food and drink in Polis in Paphos…

The Old Town Restaurant (Local Cuisine, Mediterranean, European, Greek, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly)

Address: 13 Georgiadou Kyproleondos, 8820 Polis, Paphos, Cyprus

Tel: +357 99 632781

Exceptional delicious food, wonderful ambience, attentive and friendly staff. 5/5 stars.

Tavern E Parea (Mediterranean, European, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly)

Address: 6 Ayiou Nikolaou, 8820 Polis, Paphos, Cyprus

Tel: +357 96 306218

Delicious well prepared food, nice atmosphere, attentive and welcoming staff, reasonable prices. It’s 5/5 stars from us.

How to Get to Polis, Paphos (Cyprus)

First, you need to book an air ticket to Paphos (Pafos) International Airport (PFO) – which is the nearest airport to Polis. Check out flights to Cyprus for further information.

Second, you need to book your airport transfer (take a look at Paphos airport transfers for pre-booking a taxi so you won’t have to wait for one in the queue outside the airport).

(If you wish to rent a car then take a look at car rentals in Cyprus).

Polis, Paphos (Cyprus): Getting Around

Apart from buses and taxis, you will find that a rental car comes handy when it comes to exploring Polis and the surrounding areas – especially if you decide to tour/explore the whole island.

(If a rental car is not in your budget then consider booking a tour. You will find information on Paphos tours here).

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…And that wraps up our article on Polis, Paphos (Cyprus). We hope you have a wonderful holiday here on our island. :-)

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