Three Days in Polis Chrysochous: Beaches, Akamas and Village Life

A practical itinerary for exploring the laid-back northwest corner of Cyprus, with honest advice on where to stay and what to skip.

Day 1: Settle in and explore the town

Start with a morning walk around Polis Chrysochous, known locally as Polis. The town square, Plateia Chrysochous, is a good orientation point; from there, wander down to the fishing shelter at Latchi, about a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute walk along the coast road. The municipal beach in Polis is pebbly but calm, and the water is clear. For lunch, try a meze at one of the tavernas along the Latchi marina; expect to pay around €15–20 per person for a generous spread. In the afternoon, visit the Archaeological Museum of Marion-Arsinoe in Polis to see finds from the ancient city-kingdom. Entry is a few euros.

Accommodation-wise, Polis has a mix of small hotels, self-catering apartments and a few larger resorts. The area around the town centre is convenient for shops and restaurants, while Latchi is quieter and more focused on the marina. If you want easy access to both, look at the coastal strip between the two. For dinner, head back to Polis and try one of the family-run tavernas on Griva Digeni Street; the grilled halloumi and sheftalia are local favourites. Best months to visit are May–June and September–October, when temperatures are pleasant and crowds are manageable.

Day 2: Akamas Peninsula and Lara Bay

The Akamas Peninsula is a highlight of the region. To get there, drive west from Polis towards Neo Chorio and then follow the signs to the Akamas. The road is partly unpaved but passable for most cars; a 4x4 is better if you want to explore deeper. Start at the Akamas Environmental Station near the entrance, where you can pick up a map and information. From there, hike or drive to the Avakas Gorge, a dramatic limestone canyon about 30 minutes from Polis. The walk through the gorge is relatively easy, but wear sturdy shoes. Allow 2–3 hours for the round trip.

After the gorge, continue to Lara Bay, a protected nesting site for green and loggerhead turtles. The beach is remote and beautiful, with golden sand and clear water. Note that the turtle nesting area is fenced off; respect the signage. There are no facilities at Lara, so bring water and snacks. On the way back, stop at the village of Ineia for a late lunch; the views from the tavernas there are spectacular. If you’d rather not drive, guided jeep tours depart from Latchi marina and cost around €40–50 per person. I’d book a hotel in Latchi for this night to be closer to the marina and avoid backtracking.

Day 3: Latchi, Baths of Aphrodite and wine country

Spend the morning at Latchi, where you can take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon. The lagoon is famous for its turquoise water and is best visited in the morning before the crowds arrive. Boat trips typically last 2–3 hours and cost around €20–30 per person. Alternatively, relax on Latchi Beach, which has sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. After lunch, drive to the Baths of Aphrodite, about 10 minutes from Latchi. The baths are a small grotto with a freshwater pool; the surrounding gardens are free to enter and offer lovely sea views. It’s a quick stop, but worth it for the scenery.

In the afternoon, head inland to the wine villages of the Laona region, such as Stroumpi and Lemona. The drive takes you through rolling hills covered in vineyards. Several wineries offer tastings; for example, the Vasilikon Winery near Kathikas is a 15-minute drive from Polis. A tasting usually costs around €5–10. For dinner, return to Polis and try one of the restaurants on the pedestrianized street near the town hall. If you’re looking for a final night’s stay, consider a hotel in Polis town centre for convenience; the area is lively in the evening and you’re within walking distance of shops and tavernas.

Where to base yourself and what to skip

For a three-day stay, I’d recommend booking a hotel in Latchi or the coastal area between Polis and Latchi. Latchi has a picturesque marina and several good seafood restaurants, while Polis offers more amenities and a local feel. Both are well-placed for exploring the Akamas. If you’re travelling without a car, Polis is better for public transport, with buses connecting to Paphos and other towns. The cost of accommodation varies; expect to pay more for sea-view rooms, especially in peak season.

One thing to skip is the crowded beach at Coral Bay near Paphos; it’s over an hour’s drive from Polis and not worth the trip when you have the quieter beaches of the Akamas on your doorstep. Also, avoid visiting the Blue Lagoon at midday in August, when tour boats crowd the area. Instead, go early in the morning or late afternoon. And don’t bother with the souvenir shops in Polis; they’re largely generic. Spend your time on the nature and the local food instead.

Questions, answered

Do I need a car to explore Polis Chrysochous?

A car is highly recommended to reach the Akamas Peninsula and nearby villages. While Polis has local buses, they are infrequent and don’t cover the remote areas. Rental cars are available in Polis town, with rates starting around €30 per day in low season.

What is the best time to visit Polis Chrysochous?

May to June and September to October offer warm weather without the peak summer crowds. July and August are hot and busy, especially at Latchi and the Blue Lagoon. Spring brings wildflowers to the Akamas, while autumn is ideal for hiking.

Are there good beaches near Polis Chrysochous?

Yes, the municipal beach in Polis and Latchi Beach are both pebbly but clean. For sand, head to Lara Bay in the Akamas, but note it’s remote and has no facilities. The Blue Lagoon is great for swimming but crowded in summer.

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