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Useful Tips

Useful Numbers

Police, Fire or Medical
Tel: 112 (Emergency Only)

Kouklia Police station
Tel: 26 801 335

To report forest fires
Tel: 1407

Paphos General Hospital
Tel: 26 803 100

Directory Enquiries
Tel: 11892

Timi Pharmacy
Tel: 26 422 333

Palepaphos taxis
Tel: 26 432 161
(4, 6, 10 or 20 seaters)

Larnaca & Paphos Airport Flight Info
Tel: 77 77 88 33

Cyprus Tourism Organisation
Tel: 26 932 841 (Paphos Office)

Cyprus Dive Adventures
Tel: 97 661 046

Mountain Bike Cyprus
Tel: 26 432 033

Eco Tour Adventures
Tel: 99 280 760

Kids Travellite
Tel: 99 116 659

aphroditerentals.com Client Services
Tel: 99 679 692

Fonterra Estates Estate Agents
Tel: 99 813 821

Aphrodite Hills Security
Tel: 26 828 060

Aphrodite Hills Resort Medical Centre
Tel: 26 956 062                                                                                                            Emergency Number (24 hours): 97 810 529

Resort Information
Tel: 26 828 000

The Retreat Spa
Tel: 26 828 100

Aphrodite Hills Tennis Academy
Tel: 26 828 122

Aphrodite Hills Golf Reservations
Tel: 26 828 200

Aphrodite Hills Horse Riding Stables
Tel: 99 998 989

Dream Team Soccer School
Tel: 96 297 983

Aphrodite Hills Hotel
Tel: 26 829 000

useful tips - phone

Don’t forget the +357 prefix if using your non-Cyprus phone

Useful Tips

Local Information

Drinking water
The water in Cyprus is perfectly safe to drink. You will have a special drinking water tap on or near the kitchen sink tap, this water comes direct from the water mains.

Water conservation
Please conserve water. We don’t get cut off very frequently but it may happen. If you have no water try using the drinking water tap. If no water comes out, the main supply has been cut. We do not generally get a warning but if it goes off it will be for a few hours at a time.

Driving
You will already be aware that in Cyprus they drive on the left, so that part is easy for UK visitors. Trying to work out what drivers are doing is more difficult. You will notice a tendency to drive half on and half off the hard shoulder on motorways and for drivers to weave about all over the place. This is partly because most people seem to drive with a mobile phone permanently locked to their ear. There is a lot of corner cutting, no signalling, traffic light creeping and some red light jumping as well, so be very careful at junctions.

Pharmacy Openings
The nearest pharmacy is located in Timi village, first right just past the airport on the B6. Friendly and helpful service and very well stocked shop. Free beauty consultations throughout the week -c call for details. They are open Monday – Saturday from 8:30-14:00 & 15:30 – 19:00. Half day closing Weds & Sats. Tel: 26 422 333.

Googlemap Location

Timi Pharmacy JPEG

Petrol Stations
Most filling stations still have attendant service during opening hours. The nearest is on the B6 towards the airport on the right. Others are at: Pissouri, on the B6, and in Geroskipou there are 3 petrol stations along the B6 on the way to Paphos. When the petrol stations are closed, a machine dispenses for either cash or credit cards. Be sure to read the instructions.

Bank Hours
Monday: 08:15-13:00 & 15:15-16:45. Tuesday – Friday: 08:15-13:00. In tourist areas some banks will operate an afternoon service and all will have 24hr ATM’s.  There is a 24hr JCC ATM located in the village square at Aphrodite Hills Resort too.

Taxis
There are lots of reliable taxis around but not all of them know their way around the resort. We recommend Palepaphos taxis as they know the resort well.

palepafostaxi

Useful Tips

Getting Around

Bus Route
A cheaper alternative to a taxi or hire car into Paphos is the local bus service. The route 631 bus to Paphos harbour collects from the resort in the Golf club car park slip road near the Aphrodite Hills roundabout.
Website

Route 631
Paphos Harbour (Bus station) – Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock) – travel time 45 mins.

Stops
Harbour (main station), Ledas, Alkiminis, Poseidonos Ave., Danaes Ave., Aphrodite’s avenue, Spyrou Kyprianou Ave., Gianni Kontou, Ippokratous, Makariou Ave., Paphos-Limassol old road (B6), Kouklia Village, Aphrodite Hills, Petra Tou Romiou.

Timetable
From Harbour:
Monday – Saturday:
07:25, 09:10, 10:40, 14:10, 16:00, 17:30, 18:30, 22:30.
Sunday & Public Holidays
06:30, 09:10, 10:40, 14:10, 16:00, 18:40, 22:30.
From Petra Tou Romiou, daily:
08:15, 10:05, 11:35, 15:05, 15:25, 16:35, 16:55, 18:20, 19:30, 0:00.

Fares
One way: €1.50 (after 23:00 €2.50)
Daily pass: €5.00 Weekly pass: €20.00
Students and Kids up to five years FREE

 

Car Hire – Paforentals                                                                                                       26 947 058                                                                                                                       Website                                                                                                                              Our recommended car hire company is Paforentals, based in Paphos. They have a good fleet of cars, are very reliable and offer great service.  They also off our 8509 magazine readers a FREE extra collision damage waiver!

Paforentals Ad

 

 

Taxi Hire – Palepafos                                                                                                       26 432 161                                                                                                                       Website                                                                                                                              Our recommended taxi company is Palepafos Taxi, based in Kouklia Village. They have a variety of cars and mini buses and are very familiar with Aphrodite Hills Resort.  They also off our 8509 magazine readers a 10% discount:

palepafostaxi

 

GoCycle Hire
There’s no better way to see the sights of Aphrodite Hills than on state of the art electric GoCycle bikes which are now on hire from Leos car rentals on the Resort.

GoCycle Hire Sheet jpg

Cycle Hire
Another great way to get around the resort and local area is to hire bicycles. City bikes are available to hire outside Costa coffee (with child seat) or if you require a mountain bike or road bike you can hire them locally for delivery to your holiday property from Mountain bike Cyprus (Kouklia – 26 432 033 / 96 518 061).

Segways
Segway hire is available from Leos care hire just outside the Pantopoleio supermarket on resort. They are available for hire from one hour up to a week! Pick Up Times: 09:00, 10:00 , 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 , 15:00, 16:00
Price from: € 25.00 per Segway for the 1st Hour. Minimum age: 16. Safety first – please wear a helmet.

Tips - Segway

Useful Tips

Saving Money

Holidays can be expensive for families so here are just a few ideas to help you keep your costs down.

8509 Discount Scheme

Show your 8509 magazine at participating outlets. Discounts of up to 10% off rounds of Golf, discounted meals, money off taxi rides or scuba dives, to name but a few, will help save money during your stay with us.

Air-con and electricity surcharges
Avoid these by using air conditioners wisely. Set the temperature to a reasonable level (24C is about right). Don’t leave them on when you are away from, or outside, the property. Use the ‘sleep’ or ‘timer’ setting if you have one, this will run them for a fixed period whilst you get to sleep and then turn themselves off.

Shopping
The larger supermarkets often have deals and multibuys which will help you keep shopping bills down. If you don’t want to go to the major supermarkets in Pissouri, Paphos or Limassol, try ‘Andros’ in Pissouri Village Square or ‘Central’ next to the police station in Kouklia, they have a pretty good range.

Bottled water
Just buy a couple of bottles to start you off and then refill them from the tap and keep them in the fridge. The drinking water in Cyprus is perfectly safe.

Eating out
If you want to save money on eating out, be sure to present your 8509 magazine at participating eateries. Village tavernas and eateries offer the best value for money. You won’t have to go far; Pissouri, Pissouri Bay, Kouklia and Mandria all have good choices of value for money restaurants and tavernas, many of them offering the 8509 discount.

 

Golfing
Ask courses about their Twilight deals, and midweek competitions, they often work out great value – especially in peak periods. The 4-ball special and afternoon twilight rates are great value at Elea Estate.  The ‘tee for two’ on Fridays, and ‘9 hole Wednesday afternoon competitions’ at Aphrodite Hills are particularly good value too.

discount

View all our discounts here!

Eating Out, Take Aways, Useful Tips

Take Aways

Whether you have just arrived, got back late from a day’s sightseeing or if you’ve have had a relaxing day by the pool and just can’t motivate yourself to go out or cook there are options for you to have food delivered to your holiday property or pre phone your food order for collection. We highlight a few options for your convenience;

Ladi & Regani Kebab House

Ladi & Regani Kebab House

 

Saffron Contemporary Indian Cuisine
★★★★★ – €€ – Tel: 96 778084

Serving a delicious selection of Indian traditional and contemporary dishes cooked up by the talented Indian chefs. Extensive menu with lots of tasty dishes to chose from for your take away option.  In Pissouri Bay, on the main road – parking available.

Googlemap Link

Saffron-page-001

Gabriels – Kouklia Village
★★★★★ – €€€ – Tel: 26 432 527                                                                    Situated in the centre of Kouklia village on the left past the church. Gabriels offers a great range of tasty traditional Cypriot dishes, with regular specials. Great option for take aways!

The Plaice – Fish & Chips – Pissouri Village
★★★★★ – € – Tel: 25 222 239
Top class fish & chips available for take away.  Fresh fish and delicious home made chips with all the usual sides available, as well as other lovely menu options.  In Pissouri Village at the edge of the square.

Zimi – Pizza & Pasta – Aphrodite Hills Village Square
★★★★★ – €€€ – Tel: 26 828 072
Situated overlooking the children’s playground in the village square. Good selection of pizzas and salads, large portions – perfect for take away. Phone in advance to avoid the queue.

Ladi & Regani Kebab house – Aphrodite Hills Village Square
★★★★★ – €€ – Tel: 26 828 079
Freshly and traditionally cooked kebabs, (Souvlaki) made to order good with a side salad, chips and a drink. Take away service available. Open from 12:00 – 21:00, call ahead to be sure it’s open.

Mandria Supermarket
★★★★★ – € – Tel: 26 423 924
A small take away food shop attached to the supermarket which sells beautiful homemade Cypriot dishes, including moussaka, keftedes and roast chicken.  Situated just after the Mandria turn off on the B6 to Paphos.  Open every day from 8am – 10pm (food is available until early evening, drop in, do not call to order)

 

Eating Out, Limassol

Viva La Vida

★★★★★ – €€€                                                                                                                Tel: 25 377 753

Mediterranean – classy restaurant for a special evening or lunch. Excellent menu choices. Live music Fridays. Garden seating. Agiou Andreou St 239. Googlemap Link

Eating Out, Paphos and Beyond

Oniro By the Sea – Sea Caves

1 Comment

★★★★★ – €€ – Tel: 99 372 255

Sit back, relax and enjoy a cocktail or tasty lunch at this wonderful little hideaway. Menu is a well thought out range of lunch items with fresh, natural and homemade dishes. When you’re done with lunch, explore the Sea Caves and the surrounding area. Off the beaten track the only way to get there is by car or taxi. Passed Coral Bay Beach, the Sea Caves and after 2km keep a look out for the Oniro signpost left.

Eating Out - Oneiro

Eating Out, Kouklia

Efraim Tavern

★★★★★ – €€ – Tel: 26 432 082

Family run taverna that serves good local food in pleasant surroundings. Spacious interior and outside seating means larger families and groups can be catered for and you won’t be disappointed. Traditional Cypriot dancing on Thursdays. Open for lunch. Opposite church in village square with blue shutters.

Eating Out, Pissouri Bay

Kastro Taverna

★★★★★ – €€discount
Tel: 25 222 562                                                                                          Website

Googlemap Location

Prime location, overlooking the bay, offering stunning sea views. Kastro is extremely popular with tourists and locals alike. A friendly, family run taverna that serves beautiful fresh fish dishes and good traditional fare, try the moussaka! International dishes are also on offer in the evenings. Good selection of wines available. Well worth a visit, make sure to book ahead, especially during summer lunch times.

8509 Discount: 10%

Kastros JPEG

Day Tripping

Top Ten – Great things to do in Cyprus

10 great things to do in Cyprus – Sample local delights, take a dive, then pop a cork in a wine village.

1. Dive the Zenobia
This 120 metre Swedish liner went down just outside Larnaka harbour in 1980. It is a haven for aquatic life and
is perfectly preserved, a must if you are a scubadiver as it is one of the top ten wrecks in the world.

2. Mountain biking in the Troodos
The climate, terrain, views and mountainous nature of the Troodos mountains make it perfect for mountain biking. Hire bikes & tours
are a must if you’re into pedal power.

3. Snow to sand
In winter months (Jan – Mar) it is possible to hit the slopes in the morning on skis, then spend the afternoon on the beach. Be warned, this could be cold but it earns you great bragging rights!

4. Gaze across the Green Line
The island’s capital (Nicosia) has only recently emerged as a tourist destination, thanks to the opening of the Green Line (the no-go area also known as the ‘dead zone’ that divides Cypriot and Turkish areas) at Ledra street.  Make sure to take your passport in order to cross the border.

5. Visit the Blue Lagoon
Hire a motorboat in Latsi and set off on a solo trip round the picturesque peninsula. Snorkelling, dolphin-watching and sea turtle-spotting is an exhilarating experience in this beautiful oasis.

6. Take an end of summer dip
September is the perfect time for a dip in the Med. Head to Kourion Beach, soak up the rays then cool off in the balmy waters with a swim.

7. Eat big
Choose a good local taverna, find a seat & chow down! The meze consists of 20 courses – vegetarian, meat or fish mezes are available and are big social events with the locals.

8. Walk off the cobwebs
Cyprus has some beautiful walks on offer, with stunning views. Coastal walks, mountainous walks and more. Spring & autumn are the nicest times for walks.

9. Go archaeological
Visit the Paphos Mosaics including the Houses of Dionysos, Theseus & Aion. Head to Kourion (or Curium) – ancient city kingdom of 2nd century AD.

10. Wine taste
More than 50 boutique wineries are dotted across the Troodos Mountains, a day sampling their products is thoroughly recommended.

Blue Lagoon

  Blue Lagoon

Ski Slopes in Troodos

    Ski Slopes in Troodos

There are lots of great wineries in Cyprus

There are lots of great wineries in Cyprus

Retail Therapy, Useful Tips

Cyprus bank Holidays

Most stores will not open on the following dates:

2016

Greek Independence Day 25 Mar
Greek Cypriot National Day 1 Apr
Good Friday 29 Apr
Easter Sunday 30 Apr
Easter Monday 1 May
Labour Day 1 May
Whit Monday 20 Jun
Pentecost (Kataklysmos) 19 Jun
Assumption of the Virgin Mary 15 Aug
Cyprus Independence Day 1 Oct
Greek National Day 28 Oct
Christmas Day 25 Dec
Boxing Day 26 Dec

Useful Tips

Self Catering

Here are some useful tips to maximise your comfort and enjoyment while holidaying in your Aphrodite Rentals property.

Food
Keep as much food in the fridge as you can. Take vegetables out of plastic bags if they are not in the fridge as they can ‘cook’ in the bags. If you’ve just carried a big shop home when it’s really hot and you fill the fridge the alarm will probably go off, look for the ‘mute’ button and press it. Cover food when out of the fridge.

Cleanliness
Wipe down work surfaces and sweep regularly to prevent ants and wasps from coming into the property. They have a good nose for food and drink spills.

Ovens and BBQs
When you arrive at the property the oven and BBQ will have been cleaned. Make sure you clean them before you go home otherwise extra cleaning costs may be taken off your damage deposit.

Rubbish & Recycling
Please place rubbish in the bins and cupboards provided at the entrances in and around the resort villages and villa entrances. Recycling bins are situated at the Resort entrance, behind the security hut. Current recycling schemes include paper, glass and plastic packaging.

Eating outside
If you are bothered by wasps then put something sweet in a jar or saucer a little way away from you and it should divert their attention. It would also help if you cover as much food as possible.

Biting insects love it under tables – get a citronella candle or something similar and put it underneath the table. The mosquito season is from mid April to mid June or thereabouts, you won’t feel them if they bite you but you will know it after an hour or so. We also have something called ‘no see ems’ here. It’s true, they are tiny and you can’t see them but you will feel a slight sting when they bite.

Wear long trousers in the evening, it will stop them all from biting your legs.

Swimming Pools
Please shower before getting into the pool or if there is not the facility, wait at least 10 minutes after applying suncream to get in. This will stop suncream gathering in the water, causing the chemicals in the pool to break down.

If you have requested pool heating, please keep the cover on when the pool is not in use.

 

 

Food Shopping, Retail Therapy

Papantoniou

Pissouri
(Open Sundays)
The largest and most wide selection of groceries this side of Paphos. They have some very good local wines, frozen foods, butchery, bakery and green grocers. Perfect for your holiday groceries.

There is also a store located at the town end of Ellados Avenue at a very busy junction.  It has an extensive inventory of food, electrical goods and leisure items.

Food Shopping, Pantopoleio Supermarket, Retail Therapy, The Resort

Pantopoleio – Aphrodite Hills

(Open Sundays)

DSC_0714
The resort supermarket boasts a good selection of groceries, newspapers and alcohol and is more reasonably priced than previously – you pay for convenience here as it is centrally located in the Village square. They do have lovely fresh bread (now baked in-house) and patisserie most mornings after 9am.

Open 7 days-a-week from 8.00am – 8.00pm (November – February)
8.00am – 10.30pm (March – October)

Pantopoleio Ad 8509 060317

Retail Shopping, Retail Therapy

Paphos Old Town and Market

Paphos Old Town is a beautiful area to wonder around the local craft and souvenir shops; there is a market area (named the Municipal Market) which is pedestrianised and offers shade which is welcome in the summer heat. Visit the traditional stalls selling local foods, handmade leather goods, local pottery, jewellery, souvenirs and more. In the Old Town area there are of course some high street shops also featured, such as Zara, Mango and Charles & Keith. We’d recommend wandering off the beaten track of the main market where you might even get a peek at a local tradesman at work. There are plenty of little coffee shops and cafes around should you wish to take a seat and soak up the atmosphere of the beautiful Old Town.

Retail Shopping, Retail Therapy

Paphos Harbour

If it’s Cypriot souvenirs you are looking for then there is an abundance of shops lined along the Paphos Harbour, selling souvenirs from fridge magnets, post cards, local delicacies and lots more. This is also a good spot for jewellery shopping, optical shopping and…there are some fantastic ice cream shops to help you cool off in your break from spending your pennies! The cobbled, palm tree lined harbour front makes for a beautiful shopping spot.

Cyprus Culture

Culture in Cyprus

Among many of the Cypriot traditions we have chosen to highlight food, dance and music to give you a peak inside the culture in Cyprus:

Cyprus - Folk Dancing

Food: If there’s one thing you are unlikely to get in a good Cypriot tavern then that’s a small portion. The Cypriot diet largely consists of meat and salad and involves appetizers, delicacies and sweets. Mezes epitomize the Cypriot cuisine and are not for the faint hearted; pitta, dips, salad, meats, cheeses, fish and more! Sweets in Cyprus are typically honey-soaked pastries, or sweet fruit preserves. Bon appetit! See page 27 for some more recommendations.

Dance: Dancing is a big part of life and still not deemed as ‘uncool’ for the younger generation, dancing is the backbone of festivals, bouzouki clubs & weddings. Traditional dress is often worn. Look out for the dancing that involves yielding a sickle, sieve or glass.

Music: Traditional Cypriot folk music is very similar to Greek, and is typically played by violin, bouzouki, accordion, lavouto & boulgari and oud. ‘Tsiattista’ singing accompanies music – these are poetic improvisations representing everyday life situations.

Cyprus Nights:  The best way of getting a real taste of Cypriot culture is to go along and enjoy (at least) one of the Cyprus Nights that frequent throughout the summer months. Cypriots love to show off their traditions to the tourists and we guarantee you will leave your Cyprus Night fully entertained, full-bellied and having experienced a lovely insight into the country’s history. It’s a fantastic way for children to learn about a foreign way of life too, especially as children are such an important part of society.

Recommended Cyprus Nights:

  • Bouzoukia at O’Vrakas Tavern in Pissouri on Wednesdays.
  • Kouklia Village Square on Thursdays.
  • Platea Tavern in Pissouri on Fridays.
Buying Property

Aphrodite Rentals

Rentals on the resort depend on the size, location and specification of the property. Holiday rentals can be achieved throughout the year, with the busiest time being during European school holidays and from July – August in high summer.

Contact us if you wish to discuss any of your property needs. We are happy to put you in touch with a property promoter who can point you towards the best buys and give you the low down of
the property market on the resort.

Property - Rentals

 

Buying Property

Transfer Tax

Transfer tax is similar to the British stamp duty and is a one-off tax payable when you receive your title deeds. Unlike some other locations in Cyprus, the Resort has issued title deeds to owners on an organised

and sustained basis and by early 2014 most villas and three of the villages are receiving or have already received them.

Buying Property

Resort Costs

Property - RatesAll property owners on the Resort pay a small annual ‘resort charge’ which includes the security cover and maintenance of the sewage system. The ‘village charge’ is only for properties set within the villages of the resort, and covers things like pool maintenance, external decoration and gardening of common areas etc. The ‘Kouklia council charge’ is for refuse collection, lighting, resort cleaning and other municipal costs. Finally, there is an Immovable Property Tax which is paid annually to central Government. All these charges are surprisingly inexpensive.

Mortgages

Following the difficulties for Cyprus in 2013, approval rates for mortgages are currently very low.

Images - Rates 2

Buying Property

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2016 is a great year to buy a property in Cyprus. The Government has just slashed Transfer Tax (similar to stamp duty in the UK) by 50% and this discount will remain until 31st December 2016. Also, if you buy before 31st December 2016, you will not hae to pay Capital Gains Tax in Cyprus (currently 20%) whenever you sell in the future. These two mesures are designed to stimulate the property market and current statistics are proving that they are doing just that. Add the fact that house prices have dropped significantly since the 2008 crash and that makes this one of the best times to buy in Cyprus.

Advice                                                                                                                               Buying your dream property in Cyprus can be a simple process but it is important to work with a reputable property company. Look for a registered estate agent and one with the AIPP logo (Association of International Property Professionals). This means that the agent abides by a code of conduct set by this professional body and it will help to ensure that you receive an honest, fair and professional service. We can advise here, and if you wish can arrange an informal chat over coffee to talk through your options. Always appoint a lawyer to act on your behalf. The Cyprus land registry system, which was set up by the British, includes safeguards to protect you and your purchase.

The property contract will be in English and if you have any queries, ask your lawyer for clarification, lawyers tend not to work on an hourly rate here so feel free to ask questions if you need to!

When it comes to location, there is nowhere in Cyprus like Aphrodite Hills 8509, which is attracting purchasers from countries as far afield as Russia, Australia, China, America and Scandinavia. The properties available range from cosy one bedroom apartments to grandiose six bedroom villas.

DSC_0943Resort Costs                                                                                                                       All property owners on the Resort pay a small annual ‘resort charge’ which includes the security cover and maintenance of the sewerage system. The ‘village charge’ is only for properties set within the villages of the resort, and covers things like pool maintenance, external decoration and gardening of common areas etc. The ‘Kouklia council charge’ is for refuse collection, lighting, resort cleaning and other municipal costs. Finally, there is an Immovable Property Tax which is paid annually to central government. All these charges are surprisingly inexpensive.

Mortgages                                                                                                                     Cyprus banks are now beginning to recover after the financial crisis. However it is still difficult to achieve a Loan to Value of more than 70%. Your lawyer or agent may be able to advise.

Title Deeds                                                                                                                       Title Deeds are available for nearly all resale properties on the resort. Check with your agent before proceeding to purchase.

aphroditerentals.com                                                                                       Rentals on the Resort depend on the size, location and specification of the property. Holiday rentals can be achieved throughout the year, with the busiest time being during European school holidays and from July – August in high summer. These are exciting times for Cyprus, and if you enjoy your stay here on the resort, why not buy a property and become a part of the adventure!

Contact us if you wish to discuss any of your property needs. We are happy to put you in touch with a property promoter who can point you towards the best buys and give you the low down of the property market on the resort.

Wildlife

Trees

You will see masses of olive trees and carob trees around the resort. These are protected by law here so, other than for reasons of disease, they will be here for some years to come. There is one olive tree next to the Intercontinental Hotel entrance which is over 300 years old and one in the village square in Polis which is over 600 years old.

Carob trees have green pods which gradually go black, the beans were used for making plastic at one time but are now used as a chocolate substitute and available in health food shops in many countries. The majestic cedar can also be found in parts of the Paphos Forest, mainly in Cedar Valley.

cedar

Wildlife

Wild Flowers and Bushes

Cyprus is an amazing place for wild flowers, especially in the Spring which starts in January here. There are many, many varieties and the island is a riot of colour. There are around 45-50 different species of orchids in Cyprus, some of which are endemic & are protected by law.

You will see hibiscus and oleanders in the main, they are available in many different colours and varieties,  all of which are quite beautiful.

wild flower

Wildlife

Sea Turtles

Image_turtle_Wildlife Page content

Two species can be found on the island, the green turtle and the loggerhead (both of which are endangered). Green turtles breed almost exclusively on the desolate, surf-swept beaches of the west coast, north of Paphos, mainly in the Lara area (where there is a seasonal station and ‘hatchery’). Loggerhead turtles are a little more elusive and tend to breed on beaches that provide complete seclusion throughout the night. Turtles are a protected species in Cyprus with a Cyprus Turtle Conservation project in place.

It is often said that turtles have a “lost year”, because scientists are unsure what happens to the little turtles for the first year or so of their lives. Therefore it is interesting that several hatchlings and some young juveniles have been found in Paphos Harbour, or sighted or caught off the Paphos coast. These are signs that bode well for the green turtle in Cyprus.

Wildlife

Birdlife

Cyprus is a fantastic place to see birdlife during the migratory periods of February – April and October – November. There are some beautiful bird species, most notable are the many finch varieties, hoopoes, bee eaters, warblers and the famous flamingoes found at the salt lakes. Varieties that you are likely to see around the resort year-round are the hooded crows, magpies, buzzards, kestrels, swallows and house martins and you will probably hear the scops owls and little owls during the night.

(Recommended reading – Birds and Mammals of Cyprus by George Sfikas)

Wildlife

Hares

There are a few of these around the resort but you have to be lucky to see them. They are very fast and will run like mad to get away from humans.

Recommended reading – Birds and Mammals of Cyprus by George Sfikas)

Wildlife

Moufflon

This animal is the national emblem of Cyprus. It is a really shy, fleet footed horned wild sheep and, if you are lucky, you’ll see it scooting up the hillsides in the Troodos or Paphos Forests – best chances of sightings are in the summer months. They are endemic to Cyprus, with a population of only around 3000 and are the largest animal found on the island. Moufflon are officially classified as ferel by the IUCN.

Wildlife

Snakes

There are a small number of different snakes on the island and three of them are venomous – the Montpellier snake, the Cat snake and the Blunt Nose viper. These are well camouflaged on and in the rocks. You probably won’t see any of them, but if you do, leave them alone. You may see other, longer black snakes (Whipsnakes) which can look a little scary, but these are harmless. All snakes would rather slide away than confront a human so you really don’t need to worry about them. However, it is not a good idea to go rummaging around in bushes, especially on the golf course, as you may scare them and that is very unwise.

(Recommended reading – Snakes of Cyprus by Hans-Jorg Wiedl)

Wildlife

Hedgehogs

Wildlife - HedgehogThere are a lot of these around the resort and you’ll often hear them snuffling around in the gardens a short while after sundown. They are very shy creatures and won’t like it if you get close, but they can be quite fierce and will take on a snake and eat it if it’s not too big.

Walking

Atalanti Walking Trail

Length: Approx 12 km
Time: Approx 5 hours
A fantastic panoramic walk around the perimeter of mount Olympus, the highest summit on the island. This trail allows 360 degree view of the island, starting and finishing in the Troodos village square.

Walking

Adonis Walking Trail

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Length: Approx 7.5 km
Time: Approx 4 hours
This trail allows for spectacular views of Polis, the Paphos forest and the Akamas itself and will take you past the Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s tower) and Kefalovrysia where you will find a drinking fountain for refreshment.

Walking

Aphrodite Baths Walking Trail

Length: Approx 7.5 km
Time: Approx 4 hours
This trail gains its name from the starting point, the Baths of Aphrodite. Once on the track you will discover stunning sea views of Cape Aranoutis (Akamas) and of the Polis and Paphos forests. As you near the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas, you will discover the 100 year old oak tree which marks the point the trail links with the Adonis Walking Trail.