Places to go when in Paphos, Cyprus
The city of Paphos on Cyprus is a fast growing multicultural center of activity on the southwestern coast. Beaches, tavernas and historical sites (just to mention but a few) are what you’d expect in this magical city. It is home to a diverse and culturally rich heritage dating back as far as the 14th Century B.C. For an insight into where the people of this region got their characteristic warmth and timeless traditions, there are many villages of the Paphos region that would give an answer to. You should try out the local wine which is a pride of the locals here. For centuries, families that run vineyards and markets in these forgotten towns have operated the same way they do today. Here are some of the popular villages in the city of Paphos that you should try visit.
Kissonerga
This village is a little more traditional than the others on the island. It has an elevation of about 200m above sea level allowing its inhabitants to enjoy panoramic sea views. The community has a horse riding center as well as a marina. Much of the area is built on what was once a banana plantation. Surprisingly, some of the plantations still exist up to date.
Emba
Named after the Cypriot word for ‘enter’, the village is right at the entrance to the city. Emba has many winding roads lined with citrus groves of lemons, oranges and nectarines. The village is home to several chapels, a theatre and a library. It is constantly undergoing community development projects for its residents due to its comparatively higher population. On your way out of Paphos, you should take ample time to survey the geographical magnificence it has to offer.
Marathounda
Marathounda is infamous for its natural unspoiled beauty and rugged rural appeal. The village itself is quiet and very traditional. It is perfect for residents who want to live near the city (as Paphos is less than 10 minutes drive away), but remain far removed of its traditional influence. There is a local taverna that sells grilled meat, fish, fries, beers and wines. For more specific supplies you will need to either travel to Pathos or the nearby village of Konia. A new recreational center was recently built for local teenagers to keep them busy and productive. This is worth taking a look at.
Chlorakas
When heading outwards towards Coral Bay, you will come upon the village of Chlorakas, along the Tombs of the Kings. With its high demand seaside villas and developed infrastructure, Chlorakas is a popular destination for new residents seeking to leave the big cities behind and enjoy that old-fashioned rural scenery. It has a village center that includes Papantoniou market as well as all the necessary social amenities.
Back to the Hotel
Once you’ve returned from your tour of the countryside, there are several amenities in the city of Paphos that highlight the spectacular progress made by the island in recent years. There are warm sun soaked beaches and modern nightclubs that offer a well rounded experience for visitors. The Louis Imperial Beach Hotel would be an ideal place to go back to. It has rooms that enable you to have a stunning view of the sea, while a mini-bar, swimming pool and beauty salons ensure that you will get a deserved rest after a long day of enjoying the rural region of Paphos. If there is a better way to end a day of exploration, Louis Imperial Beach Hotel would surely be the last piece of the puzzle!
Photos by hAl1927
