Polis vacation packages

How to reach Polis

• Transfer time: From Paphos International Airport, it's about a 50-minute drive to Polis (potentially upwards of 1 hour 30 minutes if you opt for the bus, which requires a change at Karavela Station).

• Cost: A taxi ride to Polis costs around $65–$90 depending on the time of day. Bus fares are significantly cheaper at around $4.50–$7.

Best time to visit Polis

Polis vacations have a year-round appeal, but the season you choose can greatly influence your experience.

• April to June is perfect for those interested in the bays, beaches, and gorges of the Akamas Peninsula, with temperatures ranging between 72 and 86°F, minimal rainfall, and up to 14 hours of daylight.

• July to August sees temperatures soaring to 86°F or higher with long hours of sunshine and little to no chance of rain, creating ideal conditions for beach outings.

• September to November features more comfortable temperatures (86°F in September, 79°F in October, 72°F in November). Although there's some rain in October and November, these months are still great for outdoor activities.

• December to March is relatively mild, with highs reaching 61°F even in the coldest months of January and February, although some cloudy and rainy days are expected. These are the quietest months to visit, but as Polis is a working town, you'll always find places open.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the primary language, but English is widely spoken in Polis.

• Currency: Cyprus uses the Euro.

• Getting around: Public buses connect Polis to nearby locations like Paphos and Latsi (often referred to as Latchi by the locals). However, renting a car is the best way to explore the region. Car rentals start at around $22 per day. One-way bus tickets cost about $2.25 for local journeys ($3.50 after 9 pm) and can be purchased onboard.

• Electricity and plug types: Cyprus uses 240V and British-style three-pin plugs.

• Time zone: Cyprus is 2 hours ahead of GMT.

• Required travel documentation: US citizens can enter Cyprus visa-free for up to 90 days but need a valid passport (with an expiry date at least 3 months after the departure date and at least one blank page for stamping).

Best things to do in Polis

Nestled on the serene northwest coast of Cyprus, with its untouched charm, tranquil beaches, and surrounding forests, vacations in Polis offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Loupos’ Cave: The name is misleading; it’s actually an upturned World War II pillbox rather than a cave. However, surrounded by waves, it adds a touch of drama to the seascape at Dasoudi Beach.

• The Baths of Aphrodite: Located at the edge of the Akamas Peninsula, this natural grotto, shaded by a fig tree and steeped in mythology, is where the goddess Aphrodite supposedly met her lover Adonis. It's one of the most scenic spots in the area.

Key districts

• Polis Town Square: With its quaint sandstone buildings that have been charmingly repurposed into souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars, this area serves as Polis’ social hub.

• Latsi: Part of the Polis municipality, Latsi offers charming waterfront tavernas, sandy beaches, and boat trips to the stunning Blue Lagoon on the Akamas Peninsula.

Parks and gardens

• Ayios Andonikos Park: This park, dotted with trees, hosts a variety of summer events such as craft fairs and live music. It's also worth visiting for its namesake, a frescoed church.

• Akamas Peninsula National Park: Featuring gorges, meadows, cliffs, and sandy bays, Polis’ proximity to this stunning national park is one of its major attractions.

Museums

• Local Archaeological Museum of Marion and Arsinoe: This museum makes the most of its limited gallery space with a well-curated array of locally discovered artifacts, including extraordinary terracotta votives and gold and silver jewelry.

• The Steni Museum of Village Life: Located a short distance from Polis, this engaging museum offers a glimpse into rural life in the 19th and 20th centuries with displays of traditional costumes, handicrafts, kitchenware, and other everyday items.

Historical monuments

• Ancient Marion and Arsinoe: These ancient cities, considered the precursors to modern Polis, are still undergoing excavation. Enough has been unearthed-such as remnants of public buildings, workshops, and sanctuaries-to make a visit worthwhile.

Day trips in the area

• Gialia: A 20-minute drive from Polis, Gialia is worth visiting for its nesting turtles, nature trails, and the clincher-a ruined 1,000-year-old monastery in the forest.

• Kathikas: Located 16 kilometers south of Polis, this spot is ideal for food lovers, with fantastic eateries and two wineries known for their white grape varieties, especially Xynisteri.

Activities for families in Polis

Polis is ideal for families looking for a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with nature.

• Family-friendly beaches: The sandy shores of Polis and Latsi offer safe, shallow waters perfect for swimming and beach games with the family.

• Playgrounds: Polis offers nice, shady playgrounds, with even better options available in Latsi for different age groups.

• Interactive museums: Within a 20-minute drive, the Innia-Lara Turtle Museum and Education Center in Ineia provides an unexpectedly high-tech experience with informative films and interactive games, perfect for kids who love reptiles.

• Outdoor adventures: The Akamas Peninsula serves as a natural playground for families, offering hiking and biking trails suitable for kids and adults alike.

Free things to do in Polis

Enjoying your time in Polis doesn't have to break the bank.

• Annual festivals and events: The Cultural Services Department of the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous organizes a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including music, dance, theatrical performances, craft fairs, and a Christmas village.

• Beaches: All beaches in Cyprus are public. Although there’s a small fee for sunbed and umbrella rentals, the cost is quite reasonable at around $2.50.

• Street art: Art enthusiasts will enjoy spotting several murals around the municipality. Commissioned as part of the Latsi Fish Festival held every April at Latsi Harbor, most murals feature sea themes, but there are also some that are politically inspired.

• Sunset watching: Latsi and Argaka beaches are excellent spots to catch a sunset.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Climbing: Whether it's sport climbing, traditional climbing, or bouldering, head to the Droushia and Ineia area.

• Cycling: With both coastal paths and challenging mountain trails available, cyclists of all skill levels can find suitable routes.

• Hiking: The Akamas Peninsula National Park is the obvious choice, but the nature trails of Paphos Forest are also within easy reach.

• Water sports: Latsi Harbor is your go-to hub for aquatic adventures, offering snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding along the Akamas coastline.

• Bird-watching: Chrysochou Bay is rewarding for birdwatchers, with sightings of wading birds like whimbrels, sandpipers, and avocets.

Beaches to enjoy on Polis getaways

Polis getaways are ideal for beach enthusiasts seeking untouched natural beauty and a peaceful coastal experience. With its immaculate coastline and proximity to the stunning Akamas Peninsula, Polis offers some of the most picturesque beaches in Cyprus.

• Polis beach (Municipal beach) This calm and family-friendly beach is a short walk from the town center, offering golden sands and shallow waters ideal for swimming. It’s well-equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, and nearby cafes, making it a convenient spot for a relaxing beach day.

• Latchi beach Located near the charming harbor of Latsi (Latchi), this pebble and sand beach offers crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. With several waterfront tavernas nearby, it’s a great spot to combine a day by the sea with delicious local dining.

• Blue lagoon A must-visit during your Polis getaway, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most breathtaking spots in Cyprus. Accessible by boat or a rugged drive through the Akamas Peninsula, this secluded bay boasts turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

• Argaka beach Just a short drive from Polis, Argaka Beach offers a quieter and more natural setting. Surrounded by lush greenery, this sandy beach is ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape away from the crowds.

• Lara beach Part of the Akamas Peninsula, Lara Beach is a protected area known for its wild beauty and as a nesting site for loggerhead turtles. It’s perfect for nature enthusiasts looking for an unspoiled, tranquil beach experience.

Polis's beaches combine natural beauty, tranquility, and opportunities for adventure, making them a highlight of any getaway in this charming coastal town.

Local dishes in Polis

One of the highlights of vacations in Polis is indulging in the local cuisine, a unique blend of Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern flavors.

Some typical dishes

• Pourgouri: This Cypriot pilaf, which combines bulgur wheat with broken vermicelli noodles, is especially good with barbecued dishes like Souvla.

• Afelia: Made with diced pork, wine, and coriander (a commonly used spice in Cypriot cuisine), this sweet-and-sour casserole is a Cypriot staple.

Meze dishes

• Halloumi: Made from sheep’s or goat’s milk (or both) and mint, this iconic Cypriot cheese is a staple on the meze platter.

• Koupepia: The Cypriot take on Greek Dolmades-vine leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat, served in a cinnamon-infused tomato sauce.

Meat dishes

• Pafitiko Loukaniko: Made from fresh minced pork matured in Mavro wine, these sausages are a specialty of the Paphos District.

• Souvla: Large chunks of meat, usually lamb, pork, or chicken, slow-roasted on a spit for an irresistibly smoky flavor.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Tsipoura: Meaty with a clean and subtle flavor, sea bream (whole or fillets) is a solid choice, especially if you want fresh rather than frozen fish.

• Xtapodi Stifado: This hearty stew combines pearl onions, warming spices, and pieces of octopus.

Street foods

• Koupes: Filled with herbed minced meat, these crunchy bulgur-wheat croquettes are a Cypriot food icon.

• Sheftalia: A mix of minced pork and lamb wrapped in caul fat, these grilled sausages typically come served in pita with salad and a yogurt-based sauce.

Sweets and desserts

• Loukoumades: These fried dough balls are traditionally topped with a drizzle of honey, cinnamon, and crushed walnuts.

• Shoushoukos: Stringed nuts (usually walnuts, but almonds or hazelnuts can also be used) dipped in concentrated grape juice.

Local drinks

• Commandaria: Made with native sun-dried Xynisteri and Mavro grape varieties and usually fortified with pure grape spirit, this age-old aromatic dessert wine is delightful with a cheese board as an after-dinner drink.

• Zivania: A combination of grape pomace and Cypriot dry wines, this potent brandy is typically enjoyed as an aperitif but pairs well with nuts or meze.