
As the crossroads of every conquering civilisation from the Ancient Greeks, through the Romans, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Venetians and Ottomans, as well as the British, modern Greeks and Turks, Cyprus has benefited from her unique location and rich history as the recipient of the most diverse monuments, museums and landmarks in Europe.
Religious monuments date back to the ancient Greek’s worship of Aphrodite, and it was on Cyprus that the Apostles Paul and Barnabas first brought Christianity. But the truly remarkable legacy of Cyprus still exists with its Byzantine art and architecture.
The Cyprus climate and beaches makes it easy to understand why so many civilisations left their footprints here. The ocean is so clear along Cyprian beaches that it appears completely colourless. The land shelf surrounding the island allows for shallow waters to warm easily under the bright, hot sun. The Mountains offer a retreat from the sand and surf with walking trails and hikes that will take you through indigenous plant life and give you spectacular views of the island.
SelfCatering Apartments and Villa Rentals in Western Cyprus
If you’re planning your honeymoon, Western Cyprus is more than just an island paradise; it is a sacred destination for couples and the mythic birthplace of the goddess of love. Whether you’re looking for a luxury vacation rental or budget accommodations, you will find the honeymoon beach rental of your dreams with SelfCatering.ie.
If you’re looking for a family vacation destination, Paphos is a splendid location. The beaches are mostly blue flag and have life guards on duty. There are plenty of nature trails and hikes, and Cyprians pride themselves on being a family friendly culture. Self catering gives you the opportunity to search our vacation properties online so you can choose the holiday home in Cyprus that’s perfect for you and your family. Booking is easy online, and you can trust SelfCatering.ie as your source for great family vacation accommodations.
Aphrodite is said to have been born out of the foam of a wave which Cypriots have placed on the shores of Paphos in Western Cyprus. She is the goddess of love and beauty and there is no better region to celebrate a honeymoon or to take a romantic vacation than in the place where the goddess herself came to life. You can even indulge in the Palaepaphos Aphrodite Cultural Route which includes a number of museums and the Aphrodite, Adonis and Fontana Amoroza Nature Trails.
Along the hills and valleys of Aphrodite’s birthplace, lie many of the regions best and most beautiful golf courses. The top three courses are Aphrodite Hills Golf Course, Secret Valley Golf Course and Minthis Hills Golf Club. Each of these courses offers just the right amount of difficulty with more than enough scenery and beauty.
Western Cyprus is a spectacular region for wine lovers with many wine tasting adventures. The Kilada Diarizou Wine Route, the Laona-Akamas Wine Route, and the Vouni Panagias – Ambelitis A & B Wine Routes will take you through the many different wineries and vineyards of the region.
If you’re looking for family friendly activities and entertainments, Western Cyprus has magnificent beaches where the whole family can play, swim and sun bathe. With more than 10 blue flag beaches, almost all of which have life guards, showers, sun beds, bathroom facilities and plentiful water sports activities from sailing and boating to snorkelling and scuba diving, there isn’t a member of the family that won’t find excitement and fun at the beach.
A hike through the Avakas Gorge is also highly recommended. The gorge is home to the centauria akamantis which can only be found at Avakas, along with cypress trees and juniper, many kinds of wild flowers and wild fig trees. As you hike through the gorge and look out from some of its amazing vistas, you might also see a fox or a falcon which are indigenous creatures of the gorge.
Regions
Highlights
- Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Palaepaphos
- Paphos District Archaeological Museum
- Paphos Medieval Fort
- Avakas Gorge
- Palaepaphos Aphrodite Cultural Route
- Kilada Diarizou Wine Route
Activities
- Music from the New World in Paphos
- Cyprus International 4-day Challenge Marathon
- Aphrodite Hills Golf Course
- Secret Valley Golf Course
Getting here
- Paphos Airport



