A crumbling villa in a delightful position on the edge of the deserted village of Souskiou, Paphos District, Cyprus
Cyprus’ history is one of wars and invasions – a penalty of being in such a strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean.
As recently as 1974 the north of the island was invaded by Turkey – even today the news in Cyprus is dominated by what hope there is for a reunited island.
The main beach at Coral Bay
Coral Bay, just north of Paphos, is a mecca for holidaymakers.
Technically, it’s a part of Pegeia, but Coral Bay has an identity all of its own based around having a good time in the sun.
One of the reasons people visit Coral Bay in the summer is you can guarantee the weather will be perfect, the sea will be warm and you can have a great holiday.
The vineyards around Polemi become a riot of colour in the autumn
The hillsides around Polemi and Stroumbi in Paphos Region are covered in vineyards.
It’s a terrific place to walk in the country at any time of the year, but in autumn the golden colours of the vines add a real vibrancy to the countryside.
Petra tou Roumio where Aphrodite is reputed to have emerged from the waves in 1200BC
According to legend, Aphrodite mythological goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot on the south east coast of Cyprus.
The Baths of Aphrodite at Polis and the ‘Fontana Amorosa’ – Fountain of Love – also echo her apparent penchant for the island.
Deserted mosque, Vretsia. Look closely. Yes, they are bullet holes in the top of the minaret
You don’t have to dig very deep to find traces of Cyprus’ recent history.
Pre-1974, villages tended to be ‘Greek Cypriot’ or ‘Turkish Cypriot’. So after the events of 1974, the majority of the Turkish Cypriots left in what had become the Greek Cypriot area fled north, leaving their homes behind. The houses – and in many cases entire villages – remain against the day they’ll return.
Kelefos Bridge, one of three Venetian Bridges in Paphos Region, Cyprus
The hidden Venetian bridges in Paphos Forest are testimony to the Venetians rule from 1489-1571.
The bridges formed part of the old camel trail, built to aid the extraction of anything valuable the Venetians could find on the island, for example copper from Pera pedi.
