Polis and Latchi: the sea, villages, Akamas, and wineries of the northwest of the Republic of Cyprus

Polis and Latchi are among the calmest and greenest areas of the Republic of Cyprus. People come here not for a noisy resort, but for the sea without crowds, boat trips to the Blue Lagoon, the trails of Akamas, ancient villages, wineries, and long dinners in tavernas.

• The history of Polis
• Latchi and the Blue Lagoon
• Boats to the Blue Lagoon: prices and formats
• Akamas and nature routes
• Villages near Polis and Latchi
• Cedar Valley
• Wineries near Polis and Latchi
• Tavernas and Anassa Hotel
• Frequently asked questions

The history of Polis

Polis (Polis) stands on the site of the ancient cities of Marion (Μάριον) and Arsinoe (Αρσινόη), so the region is interesting not only for its beaches. In the town, you can visit the Marion-Arsinoe Archaeological Museum (Marion-Arsinoe Archaeological Museum), which houses finds from the ancient period: ceramics, sculptures, and objects connected with the history of this part of the island.

Latchi and the Blue Lagoon

Latchi (Latchi) is the coastal part of the region and the main port for sea excursions. It is from the Latchi harbor that boats depart for the Blue Lagoon (Blue Lagoon) and along the coast of the Akamas peninsula (Akamas).

All the main options can be found right on site: group boats, small motorboats, private boats, and yachts. At the harbor, it is easy to walk along the pier, compare prices, routes, trip duration, and included services.

Boats to the Blue Lagoon: prices and formats

The most affordable option for a trip to the Blue Lagoon is a group trip on a large boat or motorboat. It usually costs around 20–30 EUR per person and lasts 2–3 hours. The program includes a route along the coast and a swimming stop. Food is most often not included in such tours.

More comfortable group tours cost roughly 30–50 EUR per person and last about 3–4 hours. They more often include drinks, fruit, or light snacks, and the boats are usually less crowded.

Private boats and yachts are a separate format: a small boat can be rented for about 150–300 EUR, while more comfortable options cost from 300–600 EUR and up. On private tours, you can agree in advance on the route, drinks, meze, barbecue, or seafood.

Boats usually offer swimming in the Blue Lagoon, relaxing on deck, jumping into the water, stops in coves, and sometimes snorkeling. On more expensive tours, there may be music, drinks, and additional stops along the coast of Akamas.

The main rule is simple: if food is not specified in the tour description, you should not count on it. It is better to bring water and a light snack with you.

Akamas and nature routes

Akamas is the natural part of the region, where wild beaches, pine-covered slopes, and hiking routes begin. The most famous trails are the Aphrodite Trail and the Adonis Trail (Adonis Trail).

They start in the area of the Baths of Aphrodite (Baths of Aphrodite) and pass through hills, pine trees, and viewpoints overlooking the sea. In summer, it is better to set out in the morning and обязательно bring water.

A separate natural spot is the area of Lara (Lara Beach), known as a nesting site for sea turtles. This is a protected area, so it is important to follow the rules: do not disturb the animals, do not touch the nests, and do not leave litter.

Villages near Polis and Latchi

Neo Chorio

If you want to see the traditional side of the region, it is worth stopping in the village of Neo Chorio (Neo Chorio). It is located about 10 km from Polis, near Akamas. This is an old Cypriot village with stone houses, narrow streets, weaving crafts, clay pottery, and home cooking.

In the surrounding area, there are hiking routes through the hills, with views of the Akamas coast. Neo Chorio is convenient to include in a route to the Baths of Aphrodite, the Blue Lagoon, and the trails of the peninsula.

Neo Chorio is not only a starting point for Akamas and the Blue Lagoon, but also a village where you can make an unusual family stop. Here is the Reptile & Amphibian Park, a small reptile and amphibian park where you can see snakes, lizards, turtles, and other representatives of the region's fauna.

Peristerona

Another interesting stop is the village of Peristerona (Peristerona village). In its surroundings is the Peristerona gorge, which attracts visitors with its views and is suitable for rock climbing.

In the village itself, you can visit the Arsinoe Byzantine Museum: it houses ancient icons from across the region, many of them more than 600 years old. The icons are kept in a climate-controlled environment to protect the wood, paint, and gilding from deterioration.

Steni and Evretou Dam

Not far from Peristerona is Evretou Dam — the largest irrigation dam in this part of the Paphos district. This is a good panoramic stop on the road: here you can see the reservoir, hills, and the rural landscape of the Republic of Cyprus.

Along the way, you can also stop in the village of Steni (Steni), where the new museum, dedicated to local life and the history of the region, is located.

Cedar Valley

For a more mountainous route, Cedar Valley (Cedar Valley) is a good choice. A scenic road through the village of Panagia (Panagia) leads there. The final point is the Tripylos area (Tripylos) and a picnic spot, from where you can climb to the viewpoint.

The view opens from an altitude of about 1,362 meters above sea level. The main feature of the valley is the Cypriot cedars, an endemic species found only in this region.

The road is narrow and winding in places, so it is better to drive during the day and without rushing. It is convenient to combine a trip to Cedar Valley with stops in Panagia, wineries, and the mountain villages of the Paphos district.

Wineries near Polis and Latchi

Near Polis and Latchi, you can build a wine route. In the Paphos district, there are several wineries that are convenient to combine with a trip through villages and mountains.

• Vasilikon Winery in the village of Kathikas (Kathikas)
• Kolios Winery in the village of Statos-Agios Fotios (Statos-Agios Fotios), near Panagia
• Vouni Panayia Winery in the village of Panagia (Panagia)
• Ezousa Winery in the village of Kannaviou (Kannaviou)
• Tsangarides Winery in the village of Lemona (Lemona)

It is better to choose 2–3 wineries for one day and check opening hours and tasting availability in advance. The roads in these areas are mountainous and winding, so the route should be planned without rushing.

Tavernas and Anassa Hotel

In the evening, the region reveals itself through food. In Latchi, it is worth paying attention to Restomare Latchi, Noma Latchi. In Polis — Finikas, Moustakallis Tavern, Parea Taverna and Akakiko Polis Old Town Restaurant.

These are places for a leisurely dinner: meze, fish, meat grilled over charcoal, local wine, and a relaxed atmosphere.

A separate point in the region is the Anassa hotel near Latchi. It is one of the most famous five-star resorts in the Republic of Cyprus: by the sea, near Akamas, with architecture in the style of a Cypriot village and the atmosphere of secluded Mediterranean relaxation. The hotel has the Basiliko and Helios restaurants.

Polis and Latchi are not a one-hour route. Here you can spend one day by the sea, another on a boat by the Blue Lagoon, and a third in villages, wineries, and the mountains. It is this combination that creates the main charm of the northwest of the Republic of Cyprus: the sea next to history, nature next to villages, and tranquility in almost every turn of the road.

Frequently asked questions

Where are Polis and Latchi located?

Polis and Latchi are located in the northwest of the Republic of Cyprus, in the Paphos district, near the Akamas peninsula.

Where do boats to the Blue Lagoon depart from?

Boats to the Blue Lagoon depart from the Latchi harbor. There you can also choose a group tour, motorboat, private boat, or yacht.

How much does a boat to the Blue Lagoon cost?

Group trips usually cost 20–30 EUR per person. More comfortable tours cost about 30–50 EUR per person. Private boats start at roughly 150–300 EUR per boat.

Is food provided on boats to the Blue Lagoon?

In basic tours, food is most often not included. On more expensive trips, there may be drinks, fruit, or light snacks. A full lunch usually needs to be confirmed in advance.

What is there to see near Polis and Latchi besides the sea?

You can visit Akamas, the Baths of Aphrodite, the Aphrodite and Adonis trails, the villages of Neo Chorio, Peristerona, and Steni, Evretou Dam, Cedar Valley, and the wineries of the Paphos district.

Is the region suitable for a peaceful holiday?

Yes. Polis and Latchi are suitable for a peaceful holiday by the sea, walks, boat trips, tastings, and routes through villages without the atmosphere of a noisy resort.