Oliver's Travels

Oliver’s Travels

Exploring Cyprus: Paphos, Protaras, and Latchi

Cyprus has always intrigued me with its blend of ancient history, stunning beaches, and vibrant local culture. On my recent trip, I had the chance to explore three incredible destinations: Paphos, Protaras, and Latchi. What made my trip even more special was staying at three lovely holiday villas by Cyprus Villa Retreats. Each villa offered not just comfort but also the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area.

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Paphos: A Step Back in Time

My first stop was Paphos, where I stayed in a lovely villa in Peyia called Villa Christina. This villa was both rustic and modern with fantastic views of Coral Bay and the Paphos coastline. Waking up to those breath-taking vistas was the perfect way to start each day. The villa’s private pool and spacious terrace made it an ideal retreat after exploring the town’s historical gems.

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As I wandered through the UNESCO-listed Paphos Archaeological Park, I was captivated by the intricate Roman mosaics adorning the Houses of Dionysos and Theseus—masterpieces that seemed to whisper stories of ancient grandeur. Just a short distance away, the Tombs of the Kings transported me to another time, their imposing structures standing as a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era.

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One of the highlights of my visit was a serene coastal walk that begins at the historic Paphos Castle and stretches to the Venus Beach Hotel. This approximately 7-kilometer (4.5-mile) round-trip path offered a feast for the senses. As I strolled, I was greeted by bursts of colourful wildflowers and vibrant fauna, all framed by the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The gentle sound of the waves and the fresh sea breeze made it an unforgettable experience—perfect for anyone looking to blend nature with history.

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One evening, I walked along the Paphos Harbour, where the medieval castle stands proudly at the water’s edge. The sunset here was mesmerizing, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. For food, I couldn’t resist trying meze at a seaside tavern—small dishes like grilled halloumi, fresh calamari, and tender lamb kebabs. The flavours were a perfect reflection of the island’s culinary richness.

Protaras: Beaches and Beyond

Next, I headed to Protaras, where I stayed in a villa right beside Fig Tree Bay called Villa Coralis. Having such easy access to the beach was an absolute highlight. The villa itself was stunning, featuring a private pool, a garden jacuzzi, and modern amenities that made my stay effortless and relaxing.

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Fig Tree Bay was as beautiful as the pictures promised—crystal-clear waters, soft golden sand, and a relaxed vibe. I rented a paddleboard and explored the coastline, discovering hidden coves and sea caves.

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Beyond the beach, I visited the Church of Profitis Ilias, perched high on a hill. The view from the top was breath-taking, and the church’s quiet atmosphere made it a peaceful retreat. 

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Just a short drive away from Protaras lies the breath-taking Cape Greco National Park, a haven of natural beauty and tranquillity. The park boasts a variety of scenic trails, each offering something special for nature lovers. I chose the Agioi Anargyroi trail, a gentle circular route of approximately 2.3 kilometers. The walk was easy yet rewarding, with spectacular views of the rugged coastline and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea at every turn.

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After my hike, I ventured to the nearby town of Ayia Napa, a place steeped in history and charm. Here, I treated myself to a fish meze at Taverna Nissi, a delightful seaside spot with stunning views of the azure waters. The variety of fresh, flavourful seafood dishes was a true highlight of the day.

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Back in Protaras, I couldn’t resist a quick dip in the pool at my villa to cool off. As the sun set, I made my way to a local taverna, where I indulged in koupepia (stuffed vine leaves) and a refreshing village salad drizzled with the island’s renowned olive oil. Each bite was a reminder of the simple yet delicious culinary treasures Cyprus has to offer.

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I ended the day in the villa’s Jacuzzi, a glass of excellent local wine in hand, gazing up at the night sky. The stars felt impossibly close, sparkling as brightly as the sea had that morning—a perfect close to a day filled with natural beauty, rich history, and unforgettable flavours.

Latchi: A Taste of Tranquillity

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My final destination was Latchi, where I stayed near the town of Polis, which is at the north-west end of the Island. Villa Kallizoni was perfectly situated in the village of Neo Chorio, combining the charm of a traditional Cypriot village with close proximity to the picturesque Latchi Harbour. The villa felt like a haven of tranquillity with its private pool and lovely garden.

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A short drive brought me to the charming Latchi Harbour, a picturesque spot dotted with colourful fishing boats gently bobbing on the water. The atmosphere was wonderfully laid-back, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. From here, I embarked on a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, an enchanting location with crystal-clear turquoise waters. It was the perfect place to swim and snorkel, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

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Latchi also serves as the gateway to the stunning Akamas Peninsula, a treasure trove of natural wonders. I hiked along the Avakas Gorge, a breath-taking trail shaded by towering limestone walls. Along the way, I encountered vibrant wildflowers and even spotted a few playful goats navigating the rugged terrain. Of course, no trip to this area would be complete without a visit to the legendary Baths of Aphrodite. According to Greek mythology, this serene pool is where the goddess Aphrodite met her lover, Adonis, as he paused for a drink while hunting—a place steeped in both natural beauty and romance.

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After my adventures, I worked up quite an appetite and made my way to a waterfront restaurant. There, I indulged in freshly grilled sea bass, its delicate flavours enhanced by a glass of chilled local white wine. It was the perfect end to a day filled with exploration, mythology, and the undeniable charm of Cyprus.

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The Tastes of Cyprus

When it came to the food in Cyprus I was spoilt for choice, here are a few of my favourites

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No 1 on my list was the traditional Greek Meze.

A Greek meze is more than just a meal—it’s a vibrant, social dining experience that brings people together over an array of small, flavourful dishes served in multiple courses. Designed for sharing and allows you to indulge in a rich variety of tastes and textures, making it a true celebration of Greek cuisine. 

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For my meal, I chose a mixed meat and fish traditional Greek meze platter, a feast that unfolded over the course of three leisurely hours. It began with a selection of light appetizers, including tzatziki—a refreshing yogurt dip with cucumber and garlic, melitzanosalata, a smoky eggplant dip, and taramosalata, a creamy fish roe spread. These were accompanied by fresh olives and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil and oregano, all served alongside warm pita bread and crusty village bread.

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As the meal progressed, an enticing variety of dishes followed, each one more mouth-watering than the last. Dolmades—tender vine leaves stuffed with rice and fragrant herbs—made an early appearance, alongside saganaki, a golden, pan-fried cheese, and keftedes, Greek-style meatballs infused with aromatic spices. The seafood selection featured grilled octopus and crispy fried calamari, while the meat course included succulent souvlaki (grilled skewered meat), loukaniko (a richly spiced Greek sausage), and perfectly grilled lamb chops. Rounding off the feast were two classic dishes—gemista, oven-baked tomatoes and peppers generously stuffed with rice and herbs, and spanakopita, a flaky pastry filled with spinach and feta.

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Every bite was a testament to the depth and tradition of Greek cuisine, and by the end of the meal, I found myself savouring not just the flavours, but the entire experience—one of warmth, hospitality, and pure culinary indulgence.

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Beyond the meze experience, I had the opportunity to indulge in other traditional Cypriot specialties, each one showcasing the island’s rich culinary heritage. Souvla, a true Cypriot favourite, featured large chunks of pork, lamb, or chicken, slow-cooked over charcoal, resulting in incredibly tender and flavourful meat. Another standout dish was kleftiko, a melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked lamb, marinated with lemon, garlic, and herbs, then baked in a sealed clay oven for hours to achieve its deep, aromatic flavour.

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One of the most unique and satisfying dishes I tried was sheftalia, traditional Cypriot sausages made from minced pork or lamb, mixed with onions and herbs, then wrapped in caul fat and grilled to perfection. Of course, no trip to Cyprus would be complete without tasting halloumi, the island’s famous semi-hard cheese. Whether grilled or fried, it developed a beautiful golden crust while remaining wonderfully chewy inside, perfectly paired with fresh tomatoes, olives, or even watermelon.

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For something hearty and comforting, I couldn’t resist stifado, a slow-cooked stew made with beef or rabbit, simmered in a rich sauce of onions, red wine, tomatoes, and cinnamon, creating a dish that was both warming and deeply flavourful.

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All this fabulous food was perfectly complemented by the locally brewed Keo beer and a selection of exquisite Cypriot wines. Among them was Xynisteri – a crisp and refreshing white wine made from the indigenous Xynisteri grape, boasting bright citrus and green apple notes, making it an ideal pairing for seafood.

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I also had the pleasure of trying Maratheftiko – a rare and full-bodied red, rich with flavours of dark berries, warming spices, and delicate floral notes, often enhanced by oak aging for added depth and complexity. Another timeless classic was Mavro, a traditional red wine crafted from Mavro grapes, known for its smooth, light to medium body and soft tannins, frequently used in local blends.

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Every meal in Cyprus was an experience in itself, filled with rich aromas, bold flavours, and the kind of hospitality that makes dining here truly unforgettable. Whether it was a long, leisurely meze or a simple yet exquisite plate of souvla, each dish told a story of tradition, passion, and the island’s deep-rooted love for food.

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Reflections on Cyprus

Each destination offered something unique: Paphos for its history, Protaras for its beaches, and Latchi for its natural beauty. Staying at holiday villas by Cyprus Villa Retreats made the experience even better, giving me a home away from home in every location.

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The villa in Peyia offered stunning views of Coral Bay and the Paphos coast, the Protaras villa put me right at the heart of Fig Tree Bay’s charm, and the Polis villa gave me the perfect base to explore Latchi and the Akamas Peninsula.

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If you’re looking for a destination that combines culture, relaxation, and adventure, Cyprus should definitely be on your travel list. These three places alone prove how diverse and magical this island truly is—and there’s no better way to experience it than with the comfort and style of a Cyprus Villa Retreats holiday villa.

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