Polis holidays

How to reach Polis

• Flight time: Flights to Paphos take about 4 hours 35 minutes from London.

• Transfer time: From Paphos International Airport, Polis is about a 50-minute drive (upwards of 1 hour 30 minutes if you take the bus with a change at Karavela Station).

• Price: A taxi ride to Polis costs around €60–€80 depending on the time of day. Bus fares are significantly cheaper at around €4–€6 all in.

Best time to visit Polis

Polis holidays have year-round appeal, but your choice of season can shape your experience.

• April to June is ideal if the bays, beaches and gorges of the Akamas Peninsula are on your radar, with temperatures ranging between 22 and 30°C, minimal rainfall and up to 14 hours of daylight.

• July to August sees the mercury rise to 30°C or higher and long hours of sunshine – with the chances of rain vanishingly small, you’ve got perfect conditions for beach days.

• September to November sees temperatures dip into a more comfortable range (30°C in September, 26°C in October, 22°C in November). There’s some rain in October and November, but overall, these are lovely months for getting active outdoors.

• December to March is pretty mild, with highs reaching 16°C even in January and February (the coldest months), but you’ll have to take your chances with some cloudy, rainy days. These are the quietest months to visit, but Polis is a working town, so you’ll always find somewhere open.

Practical information

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

• Currency: Greece uses the Euro.

• Getting around: While public buses connect Polis to nearby places like Paphos and Latsi (often referred to as Latchi by the locals), hiring a car is the best way to explore the region. Car hire costs from €20 per day. One-way bus tickets are priced at €2 for local journeys (€3 after 9 pm) and can be purchased on board.

• 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: UK 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 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, holidays to Polis promise a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Loupos’ Cave: The name is a misnomer; it’s an upturned World War II pillbox rather than a cave, but buffeted by waves, it adds a little drama to Dasoudi Beach’s seascape.

• The Baths of Aphrodite: On the edge of the Akamas Peninsula, shaded by a fig tree and with a dose of mythology to entice a steady stream of visitors (the goddess Aphrodite is said to have met her lover Adonis here), this natural grotto is one of the most scenic spots in the area.

The best districts

• Polis Town Square: With its quaint sandstone buildings sympathetically reimagined as souvenir shops, restaurants and bars, this area is Polis’ social hub.

• Latsi: The next town along and part of the broader Polis municipality, Latsi offers charming waterfront tavernas, sandy beaches and boat trips to the spectacular Blue Lagoon on the Akamas Peninsula.

Parks and gardens

• Ayios Andonikos Park: This tree-studded park is the staging ground for a raft of summer events (everything from craft fairs to live music), but it also deserves a look-in for its namesake, frescoed church.

• Akamas Peninsula National Park: Offering gorges, meadows, bluffs and sandy bays, Polis’ proximity to this stunning national park is one of its biggest draws.

Museums

• Local Archaeological Museum of Marion and Arsinoe: Polis’ archeological museum makes the most of its limited gallery space (two rooms and an atrium) with a well-curated array of locally discovered artefacts, including some extraordinary terracotta votives and gold and silver jewellery.

• The Steni Museum of Village Life: A hop, skip and jump from Polis, this great little museum offers a snapshot of rural life in the 19th and 20th centuries with traditional costumes, handicrafts, kitchenware and other workaday items.

Historical monuments

• Ancient Marion and Arsinoe: Modern Polis’ precursors, Marion (founded in the 8th century BC and destroyed in 312 BC) and Arsinoe (built on the ruins of Marion around 270 BC), are still under excavation. Still, enough has been unearthed – the remnants of public buildings, workshops and sanctuaries – to warrant a wander.

Day trips in the area

• Gialia: A 20-minute drive from Polis, there are plenty of reasons to visit Gialia, from nesting turtles to nature trails, but the clincher is the ruined 1,000-year-old monastery in the forest.

• Kathikas: Situated 16km south of Polis, this is a stop for bons vivants, with some fabulous eateries and two wineries (the area is renowned for its white grape varieties, especially Xynisteri).

Activities for families in Polis

Polis is ideal for families looking for a peaceful back-to-nature escape.

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

• *Playgrounds: There are a couple of nice, shady playgrounds in Polis and an even nicer one in Latsi, with areas for different ages.

• Interactive museums: The excellent Innia-Lara Turtle Museum and Education Centre in Ineia is within a 20-minute drive. Unexpectedly high-tech with informative films and interactive games, it's a safe bet if your kids are reptile lovers.

• Outdoor adventures: The Akamas Peninsula is a natural playground for families, with hiking and cycling trails suitable for children and adults alike.

Free things to do in Polis

Getting the most out of your Polis holidays doesn’t mean spending a fortune.

• Annual festivals and events: The Cultural Services Department of the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous organises a host of cultural events and activities throughout the year, ranging from music, dance and theatrical performances to craft fairs and a Christmas village.

• Beaches: All beaches in Cyprus are public. While you’ll have to pay for a sunbed and brolly, the rental is fixed at a very reasonable €2.50.

• Street art: Keen-eyed art lovers will spot several murals around the municipality. Commissioned as part of the Latsi Fish Festival (staged every April at Latsi Harbour), most are based on sea themes, but there are also some politically minded murals.

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

Nature and outdoor activities

• Climbing: For sport, trad or bouldering, look no further than the Droushia and Ineia area.

• Cycling: With coastal paths and extreme mountain trails in the offing, fair-weather and hardcore cyclists will find a route to suit their skill level.

• Hiking: Akamas Peninsula National Park is the obvious go-to, but the nature trails of Paphos Forest are also within striking distance.

• Water sports: Latsi Harbour is the hub for aquatic adventures, whether snorkelling and scuba diving or kayaking and paddleboarding along the Akamas coastline.

• Bird-watching: Chrysochou Bay can be very rewarding for sea watchers with wading birds like whimbrels, sandpipers and avocets.

Beaches to enjoy on Polis holidays

Polis holidays are perfect for beach lovers seeking unspoiled natural beauty and a serene coastal experience. With its pristine 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 centre, 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 harbour of Latsi (Latchi), this pebble and sand beach offers crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling 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 holiday, 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 snorkelling.

• 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, tranquillity, and opportunities for adventure, making them a highlight of any holiday in this charming coastal town.

Local dishes in Polis

One of the highlights of holidays to Polis is savouring the local fare, a unique medley of Greek, Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Some typical dishes

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

• Afelia: Made with diced pork, wine and coriander (one of the most commonly used spices in Cypriot cuisine), this sweet-and-sour casserole is a Cypriot mainstay.

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 table.

• Koupepia: The Cypriot spin on Greek Dolmades – vine leaves stuffed with rice, herbs and sometimes minced meat, served in a cinnamony tomato sauce.

Meat dishes

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

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

Fish and seafood dishes

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

• Xtapodi Stifado: This hearty one-pot 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 pitta with salad and a yoghurt-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 put in appearances) 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 goes down a treat with a cheese board as an after-dinner drink.

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