Selection of Places of Interest
Akamas National Park
The Akamas National Park lies on the west coast of Cyprus, a truly pictorial part of the island. Standing out with its immense natural beauty with has remained unharmed from development.
It covers 230 square kilometres containing valleys, gorges, beautiful coastlines and wide sandy bays. The wildlife diversity is crucial for the ecology in the Mediterranean. In this spectacular environment there are a wide variety of birds, butterflies and reptiles.
You can explore this area by taking one of the many nature trails on foot or hire a bike or 4×4.
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon is the most popular place of Akamas and thousands of people have visited it by boat.
The clear blue waters in this small bay are so clear, you can see all the way to the underlying sea bed and so inviting you will not be able to resist taking a swim.
You can either take an organised cruise which you can book at the harbour or hire your own boat to explore at your own pace.
Church of Agios Andronikos, Polis
The church of Agios Andronikos in Polis Chrysochous is an aisleless, barrel- vaulted church of small dimensions. The church can be securely dated to the 16th century, since the very important wall-paintings on its walls and vaults belong to the Venetian period (1489-1570). The church was converted into a mosque during Ottoman rule and a room was added to the north, serving the needs of the Muslim worshippers.
The church was abandoned in 1963. After 1974 a long and painstaking process for the uncovering and cleaning of the wall -paintings of the plaster additions of later years began. As has already been mentioned, the restored wall paintings belong to the 16th century and are of great significance. They portray scenes such as the Ascension, the Pentecost, the Birth of the Virgin Mary, the Sacrifice of Abraham and other scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin.
In 1997 the interior of the church was excavated and the remains of four floors, all belonging to different periods, were uncovered and preserved so that the visitor can acknowledge the monument’s various architectural phase.
Polis Village Square
A traditional and charming village square with many restaurants and cafes.
A perfect place to sit and enjoy a frappe or Cypriot coffee and watch the world go by.
Latchi Harbour
Latchi with it paved coastal walk is a picturesque harbour. Fishermen bring in the fresh catch of the morning and supply the local restaurants.
Take a stroll around the marina and stop of for lunch or dinner, there are many tavernas offering the local specialty ‘Fish Meze’.
Ayia Saint Barbara Chapel
Ayia Saint Barbara once served as a monastery. It thought to have been built in the 18th century and served as a monastery up to 1821. It belonged to the Jerusalem patriarchate and accommodated an abbot and two deacons.
The Ayia Barbara Chapel is the only thing saved from the monastery. It is said that the chapel had burnt and had to be rebuilt. Only the sanctuary and the south wall were saved and now form part of the chapel existing today.
The chapel lies at the north side of the village, about one and a half kilometres away from the village. It is near the village’s cemetery. It has a rectangular shape and it is built in a simple architectural style. The parvis is full of wild vegetation. It is built out of stone and painted white.
Church of Ayia Marina
The church dedicated to Ayia Marina was built at the centre of the village with the help and contribution of all the inhabitants. The church was dedicated to Ayia Marina in 1959. It is quite big and it can receive up to three hundred people. It has a rectangular shape and an arched roof.
Externally, the church is built out of stone and it is painted white. The parvis is quite big and its floor has been recently paved with slabs. The church is surrounded by a wall. The belfry is high and vaulted and it is built at the east side of the church, abutting on the church.
Once you get in the church, you will admire the frescoes decorating the whole church. The frescoes depict Saints, Christ and Virgin Mary.
Wild Rocks of Ayia Marina
The costal road from Argaka to Ayia Marina is considered as one of the most picturesque and beautiful routes of the island.
The road is straight and the view of the deep blue sea on the left side of the road is incredible be sure to visit the wild rocks of Ayia Marina a great photo opportunity.
Pomos Natural History Museum
At the Museum of Natural History in Pomos, visitors can admire the rocks and minerals of Cyprus as well as big collection of embalmed migratory birds
Pomos Port
Take a stroll around the quaint working fishing port that serves locals and restaurants.
Dragons Cave in Pomos
According to tradition, it is told a dragon lived in the cave and protected the area from evil.
Dragons cave is a rocky area with an opening towards the sea a few kilometres from the port towards the cape.
