Elpida's Stone Houses
Alternative Tourism in Cyprus
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Activities
 
 
 
 
 Swimming
 Beaches
Warm, crystal clear waters that are safe from dangerous currents make the Polis area ideal for swimming.

There are two Blue Flag beaches in the Polis region, both run by the Polis Municipality. They are the Polis camping site and the municipal beach near Latsi harbour, both sandy beaches mixed with pebbles, with sun beds and umbrellas for hire, facilities for the disabled and lifeguards on duty.

You cannot say you’ve been to every kind of beach unless you experience Asrpokremmos Beach, a 2 km beach between Latsi and the Baths of Aphrodite. For spectacular views of the bay and the crystal clear turquoise waters below, nothing beats the beach at the Baths of Aphrodite. Also pebbles and sand, it has warm shallow rock pools and sandy areas which are a pleasure to bask in.

The Akamas area is best for swimming off the comfort of a boat, from where you can explore a variety of hidden sandy coves, anchor and snorkel at the blue lagoon at Fontana Amorosa and jump off its cliffs. A trip to the golden sands of Lara, the turtle conservation bay, is a must.

East of Polis a long stretch of sandy beach about 5 km long extends from Argaka to Nea Dimmata. Apart from a few spots with tavernas providing sunbeds, it is also a popular turtle nesting ground. Enjoy the waves, as here it’s great for bodysurfing, as well as for jogging.

The harbour at Pomos has one of the cutest little pebbly beaches you will see anywhere, with fishing boats anchored behind the breakwater and the sweep of the bay. The water here is deep and fresh, with rocky areas that provide interesting marine life for snorkelling, while the sandy beach at Pachyammos is popular with kitesurfers who take advantage of the strong steady winds here.

 
 
 Hiking
Cyprus is on European path E4, an international network of long-distance walking routes across the whole of Europe designated by the European Ramblers Association. Part of the Cyprus section of the E4 goes through the Polis region.

There are seven nature trails in the area which offer hikers the opportunity to stay fit while enjoying beautiful scenery in the heart of nature.

Nature Trails:
  1. Adonis: starting point 400 m before the Baths of Aphrodite; length 7.5 km; Circular The trail offers beautiful views over the bay and across the Akamas forest. At Pyrgos tis Rigainas it connects with the trail of Aphrodite
  2. Aphrodite: starting point at the Baths of Aphrodite; length 7.5 km; Circular The trail offers spectacular views over the bay and across the Akamas forest. Links up with the Adonis trail.
  3. Smigies: starting point Smigies picnic site, outside Neo Chorio village; length short route -2.5 km, long route 5 km; Circular The trail offers beautiful views of the Akamas peninsula including Lara bay and of Polis bay and the Pafos forest.
  4. Argaka dam: starting point on the southern side of Argaka village; length short route – 8 km, long route, 10 km; Circular The trail follows an existing forest road with panoramic views over the bay and unique views over the dam. The trail is also suitable for cycling.
  5. Gialia: starting point 500 m from the bridge along the Polis-Pomos road; length – 9 km; Circular The trail provides a wonderful walk in the Pafos forest.
  6. Symvoulas: starting point Nea Dimmata village square; length 11 km to Pomos; linear; plus 6 km from Pomos to make it circular This trail skirts the Pafos forest along the “avlaki”, an old irrigation course, and ends up at the village of Pomos. Along the way hikers can enjoy spectacular bird’s eye views of the coast.
  7. Anerades: starting point 100 m from the Agioi Anargyroi hotel near Miliou village; route 1- length – 1.3 km; route 2 – length – 2 km; route 3 – 2.1 km; all circular. These trails follow the course of a river, down valleys and up hillsides going through orchards and vineyards with citrus, almond, carob, olive and walnut trees.
Participate at the upcoming Hiking & Nature Activities events
 
 
 
 Cycling
The island has perfect weather for cycling, especially between October and April when temperatures range between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, while annual rainfall is also low.

What makes this region stand out for cyclists is the varied terrain over short distances going along unfrequented forest roads allowing you to experience all kinds of surfaces with ease. One minute you could be riding on the top of a cliff, the next you could be down on the coast riding along a long straight stretch of road.

 

Mountain Bike and e-Bike Rentals

 Petrides Bicycle hire: Recommend renting a mountain bike or an e-bike here to ride through the Akamas world heritage park.

 Savvas Bike Shop: Great place to rent bikes for the whole family as it also has bicycles for kids and child seats.
 
 
 
 Mini Cruises
 Go on a boat trip along the coast to the Akamas natural park, an area that is hard to get to by car. Hire a speedboat or join a mini cruise on a glass bottom boat. Full day or half day trips are organised from Latsi harbour. Anchor at one of the hidden coves with turquoise waters and rocks full of sea life just waiting to be discovered.

 

Suggestion by Elpida's Stone House:

- Discover The Akamas Peninsula on a Latchi Boat Trip with Cyprus Mini Cruises. We’ll ensure that you have an enjoyable and authentic Cypriot experience. Our hospitality and safety is well known.

During our cruises you will see the famous Baths of Aphrodite, Saint George’s island, sea caves at Manolis bay, Blaji bay, Fontana Amoroza.

And, waiting for you; the spectacular Blue Lagoon. We’ll stop there for swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear waters. And, whilst you relax, the captain will prepare a traditional Cypriot barbeque with fresh fruits, wine and juice.
 
- Hire Self-Drive Boat from Latchi Watersports Centre. Take one of our superb powerboats for a spin around Latchi & Polis and to the Akamas
 
 
 
 Quad Safari
Take a trip through rugged terrain where normal cars fear to tread, where sheer cliffs plunge into turquoise seas. In four-wheel drive jeeps or quad bikes you will be able to marvel at breathtaking views that you would not otherwise be able to reach. The drive will take you along earth roads through the sleepy villages of the Akamas peninsula or to difficult to reach places such as Lara Bay, Fontana Amorosa, and the Avakas Gorge. On the way you may stop off for lunch in the heart of the Akamas forest and swim in the crystal clear sea waters of the area.

 

Suggestion by Elpida's Stone House:

 L. Tsaggaras 79 Moto Rentals provids an unforgettable experience! Whether you want to have fun on quad bikes, buggies, motorbikes or bicycles, they have it!
 
 
 
 WaterSports
Splash about in the warm waters of the Mediterranean indulging in all kinds of water sports. Go water skiing or wakeboarding, or just bounce along in the wake of the boat on a donut or a banana.

The steady predictable westerly winds make it a great place for windsurfing, or sailing and you could also try your hand at kitesurfing.

Facilities for diving can be found at Latsi.

 

Suggestion by Elpida's Stone House:

 Latchi Watersport Centre’s main headquarters is based in the heart of Latchi Marina. We also have two beach watersports centres and have a wide range of activities to offer you.
 
 
 
 Wine Tasting
Vasilikon Winery: is one of the first local wineries of Cyprus, established in 1993 by the brothers Heracles, Georgios and Giannis Kyriakides. Its successful operation is based on the excellent quality grapes of Kathikas and the Akamas Laona areas of Paphos, which are mainly picked from the family’s vineyards. Furthemore, the knowledge, dedication and care exhibited by these winemakers, together with the technologically advanced special machinery used, make Vasilikon one of the most accomplished wineries in Cyprus.
 


 

Sterna Winery & Museum: is one of the first local wineries of Cyprus, established in 1993 by the brothers Heracles, Georgios and Giannis Kyriakides. Its successful operation is based on the excellent quality grapes of Kathikas and the Akamas Laona areas of Paphos, which are mainly picked from the family’s vineyards. Furthemore, the knowledge, dedication and care exhibited by these winemakers, together with the technologically advanced special machinery used, make Vasilikon one of the most accomplished wineries in Cyprus.
 


 

Wine-delivery.online: offers you private wine tasting in your villa or house. The tasting evening is two hours long and contains:
-Five boutique wines from Cyprus different from the market, which is going to be for you after tasting night
-You will get a food platter perfect food mach for your wines
-A professional Sommelier will give you a very interesting explanation and some facts about wine and how to pair wine and food
 
 
 
 Scuba Diving
Discover the magic of the underwater world by snorkelling or diving in the warm crystal clear seas. The warm sea temperatures ranging from 27 to 16 ºC, allow one of the longest diving seasons in the Mediterranean.

The underwater coastal areas teem with a wide variety of colourful fish, sponges, coral, sea anemones, octopus, mussels and the ubiquitous sea urchin. If you’re lucky you might even spot a sea turtles, whose numbers have been increased thanks to a turtle conservation project. Spectacular underwater caves add to the attractions, particular at the islet of Agios Giorgios off the coast at the Baths of Aphrodite.

Facilities for diving can be found at Latsi.

 

Suggestion by Elpida's Stone House:

 Latchi Dive Center. Highly qualified and professional scuba diving staff have many years experience between them. They will strive to make your diving experience exceptional.
 
 Cool Divers. Scuba Diving Courses for Kids and Adults, and from Beginers to Experts.
 
 
 
 Fishing
Sea fishing can be enjoyed all along the coast, as the sea around Cyprus is home to more than 250 species of fish, including snapper, amberjack and tuna. Popular places where anglers hang out are the Limni pier, Latsi harbour, as well as rocky coves where they can fish undisturbed. Boats can be rented at the various fishing shelters.
 
 

 
 
Fresh water fishing is a very popular leisure activity in Cyprus as the country has over 20 reservoirs open to anglers and most are well stocked with a variety of fish such as trout, largemouth bass, carp, pikeperch, and roach. One of the largest is Evretou, 8-9 minutes drive from Elpida's Stone Houses. Angling is also possible in Argaka, Agia Marina and Pomos dams. A licence is needed in order to fish, which can be bought online or from the Department of Fisheries.
 
 
 Horse Riding
 Horse Riding at the countysite of Paphos, is a wonderful experience for both adults and children.

 

Suggestion by Elpida's Stone House:

Located at a beautiful location at the nearby village of Simou, Villa Spartacus Horse Riding map offers rides and riding lessons for all ages. Pat is very professional and knowledgeable.

You can call Pat on +357 97695272
 
 
 
 Yoga
 Not Just Yoga. Helen is a registered Experienced level teacher with Yoga Alliance Professionals. This accreditation demonstrates excellent standards as set by Yoga Alliance Professionals.
Along with the yoga classes offered at the indoor studio located in Polis, Helen offers private group class at villas or hotels, including the Elpida's Stone House.
 
 
 
 Fun Parks
 Pretend you’re a Formula 1 driver by zooming round a go karting track in Polis, or play a game of paintball, at the new Paintball Arena near the camping site. Polis also has a bowling alley for a fun afternoon out. Or try the waterpark in Pafos for thrills. The Aphrodite Water Park is situated at the far eastern end of the Pafos coastal road and offers a wide and varied selection of rides, attractions and facilities.
 
 
 
 The Aphrodite Water Park is situated at the far eastern end of the Pafos coastal road and offers a wide and varied selection of rides, attractions and facilities.
 
 
 
 
 Pafos Zoo was the first established and biggest licensed zoo in Cyprus. It is set in a lush and unspoiled natural environment of more than 100.000 sq.m, and is the island’s leading tourist attraction. Its home to an extensive variety of birds and animals from every corner of the planet. The collection of parrots and venomous snakes is one of the largest in Europe!

Pafos Zoo offers a great wildlife experience and we are situated just a few minutes from Pafos. Come and meet all the residents: giraffe, monkeys, meerkats, crocodile, kangaroos, albino wallabies, mouflon, white lions, tigers and many more.

Don’t leave out …the performers: the brightly-coloured macaws and the smart owls. They will amaze you with their clever and amusing tricks that they perform everyday in the amphitheatre.

Spend a perfect day surrounded by the magical sounds and colours of nature. Enrich your senses in this beautiful environment of lakes, ponds and gardens.
 
 
 
 Kids Playgrounds
Latsi Playground map . A nice palyground next to the sea with a nearby restaurant and a beach bar.
 
 
 
 
 
Multifunctional Park "Thalassa" map near Latsi Harbour. Palyground next to the Harbour with a nearby restaurant and a beach bar. There are some fitness equipments and a football field.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Small Park - Skoulli village map is Park with Playground for kids, picnic tables and toilets. The Park is arround 2km from the house.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Polis Playground map is a shaded Playground for kids with picnic tables and toilets.
 
 
 Handicraft & Enogastronomy Workshops
 Discover the Free of Charge Workshops through the Heartland of Legends program.
 
 Visitors can participate in various handcrafts and oenogastronomy workshops, which take place at many Heartland villages. Wrap your hands around clay to make pots, learn how to use the gouge (carving tool with a curved cutting edge) to carve your own wooden artifact, master needle and thread to create Lefkaritika needlework, sit at a voufa (loom) moving rhythmically to weave Fythkiotika fabrics and many more. Exciting workshops and authentic experiences just for you, beckon to be discovered in the Heartland of Legends.
All these experiential activities require booking, therefore contact the organizer in advance. Also, at the village/location where the workshops take place, free guided tours are offered.

 
 
 
 Events & Festivals
 Join the upcoming Events & Festivals