The 3rd post in my blast from the past series is on my visit to Cyprus in October 2009. After flying into Larnaca, I transferred to Paphos on the west coast of the island. It was very hot at that time of the year, about 32 degrees. Considering I left Belfast in 6 degrees, it was a bit of a change.
Tomb of the Kings
If you enjoy places like Pompeii, then you will like the Tomb of the Kings just north of Paphos. The Tomb of the Kings is a necropolis dating from around the 4th century BC. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site. One of the best things about this place, is that it is relatively unvisited. So if you hate going to places and being in a throng of tourists, then this will suit you perfectly!
The west coast of Cyprus
Walking into the Tomb of the Kings
Tomb of the Kings
Slightly crumbling
No one else around
Getting some shade!
You get a sense of the scale from this shot
Looking down
Monastery and Road Trip
Back in 2009 I hadn’t passed my driving test, so hiring a car was not a possibility. Having looked around at some day trips around Paphos, I decided to go for one organised by Georges Fun Bus. This is a full day tour and George will pick you up from anywhere in Paphos (in his old Bedford bus!) making it extremely easy to do. You can check out what other people think of this tour on trip advisor.
One of the stops on this tour is at Ayios Neophytos Monastery, 15km outside Paphos, which was founded in the 12th century, as well as the Adonis Waterfalls, near the village of Koili north of Paphos. Legend states that this is where Adonis, the God of Beauty, tended to his horses and hunted in the nearby Akamas forest. Whether you believe the legend or not, this is still a great place to escape the scorching hot sun for a while and to take a dip in the water!
Ayios Neophytos Monastery
Ayios Neophytos Monastery
Road trip!
Road trip!
Adonis Waterfall
Akamas Peninsula
Akamas is one of the most stunning places I have ever seen. This is in the very north west of the island. To get there (without a hire car), you take a public bus from Paphos to Polis. Once in Polis, there are minivans taking people to Akamas itself and different hiking trails. The one I decided to do, on the hottest day of the week, is the legendary Aphrodite Trail.
It takes about three hours to do this trail, although I actually did the trail backwards so the first part was largely uphill going round switch back mountain paths with lots of goats. It isn’t difficult to do. The hardest think is the heat, so bring plenty of water and food supplies and of course sensible shoes!
View from the top
Hiking the Aphrodite Trail
Crystal clear water
Hiking the Aphrodite Trail
Amazing scenery
Food and Drink
If there is one thing that Greece and Greek islands are renowned for, it is their hospitality in bars and restaurants. One of the best I have ever been to is called 7 St Georges Tavern in Yeriskipou, just outside Paphos. The waiters took great delight in telling me that my name comes from Greek and seemed genuinely pleased that I was there. If you go, try the meze! The restaurant is rated 4.9/5 on its facebook page, so it must be good right?!
Very very hot day
7 St Georges Tavern, fantastic food
I still have those glasses and watch
Goodnight
All that remains is to say goodbye watching the sunset over Paphos on my last night in Cyprus in October. Have you ever been to Cyprus? What are your favourite memories?
Paphos Sunset in Cyprus in October
20 Comments
Theresa
December 22, 2017 at 04:05The world of antiquities is so fascinating and Cypress definitely reminds me of Greece. All of these ancient ruins are like living museums.
Damien
December 22, 2017 at 21:22You are right there Theresa. I have never actually been to mainland Greece. So far only Cyprus and Crete. One day though….
Rye Santiago
December 21, 2017 at 17:28Wow, Cyprus looks very much like Greece. The cobblestones, the ancient architecture, and the taverns – they look fantastic!
Damien
December 22, 2017 at 21:22I couldn’t agree more. I think its a very overlooked destination.
Mary
December 21, 2017 at 12:02I have never been to Cyprus but would like to visit. You make some great suggestions, especially the ancient ruins and monastery, which are the type of places I love to see on my travels. Thanks!
Damien
December 22, 2017 at 21:20Thanks Mary. I hope you enjoy Cyprus as much as I did if you go!
Catherine
December 21, 2017 at 04:12I’ve have always been particularly drawn to Athens and Santorini, but this great insight into Cyprus. Your pictures are stunning. The Aphrodite Trail seems right up my alley.
Damien
December 22, 2017 at 21:19Thank you very much. I only scratched a little of the surface in Cyprus but the Akamas area where the trail is, is still up near the top of my highlights.
Jas
December 19, 2017 at 20:35I’m from Vancouver and we have a mountain here called Cyprus that is known for skiing/snowboarding. Definitely got a little confused thinking who would wanna visit in October when there’s no snow hahaa. Anyways, I’m for sure adding the Aphrodite Trail hike to my bucket list, as that scenery is amazing indeed like you said. 4.9/5 is also a really high score! Guess I’ll have to check out 7 St Georges Tavern as well when I’m there!!
Damien
December 22, 2017 at 21:18The Aphrodite Trail is definitely a must do in my opinion, Just bring plenty of water and some snacks if you go when its hot as there is limited shade in a lot of places. 7 St Georges Tavern is also a great place to spend an evening with great food and hosts.
Carol Colborn
December 19, 2017 at 04:55Our timeshare lists Cyprus as a destination so I should be able to visit these places soon! Thanks for giving me an idea.
Damien
December 22, 2017 at 21:17Definitely worth exploring!
Tara
December 18, 2017 at 18:02I would love to visit Cyprus someday, especially Akamas, which looks incredibly beautiful! Is October considered the “off” season when there are fewer tourists?
Damien
December 22, 2017 at 21:10I think it would yes. I was able to get return flights, transfers and accommodation for a week for £350. A pretty good deal I think! Maybe late October would be better and the weather would be more in the 20s than the 30s. In Cyprus though, even in December, it can be 20 degrees! I can understand why so many people want to retire there.
Meagan
December 18, 2017 at 00:44Cyprus is one of those places I see pictures of and oooh and ahhh over, but I’ve never been sure where to start when it comes to visiting. How beautiful! I was looking at those views from the Aphrodite Trail going MAN, I’d love to jump into that gorgeous water. Would also love to see the Adonis waterfall in person – that water looks so stunning and turquoise!
Damien
December 22, 2017 at 21:07Yeah I can understand you. It is a big island after all. The Aphrodite Trail in my opinion is a must do and the scenery is stunning. My old camera didn’t really do it justice!
Anthony (one of FourFriendsOneWorld)
December 18, 2017 at 00:43The weather looked perfect while you were there.
But that Mediterranian sun can get hot.
The deep history and ancient ruins are fascinating and I would love to explore them myself.
Thanks for sharing. Keep travel blogging. Adventure is better shared with friends!
Damien
December 22, 2017 at 21:06It really was perfect. I think there was one cloud all week! Thanks for your comment 🙂
Renada
August 12, 2017 at 17:25I have never been to Cyprus and I don’t really have a particular impression of it. The Aphrodite Trail is just my kind of hike!
Damien
August 15, 2017 at 13:08It is really cool and a good hike, just bring plenty of water with you!