Located mid-way between Paphos and Limassol, and a short distance off the highway, Pissouri Bay is the ideal base for exploring the south-west of Cyprus. Limassol seafront has a laid back and relaxing vibe; Paphos harbour is buzzing and lively.
Local historical highlights include the spectacular Greco-Roman amphitheatres and mosaics of Kourion and Paphos, medieval castles at Limassol and Kolossi, and the monasteries of Omodos and Kykkos.
In nearby villages, traditional crafts of lace-making, wine making, olive pressing and more are preserved.
And on a hot summer’s day, there’s nothing better than an air-conditioned drive through scenic wine country, or a walk beside a trout stream in the cool of the Troodos Mountain pine forest.
Something For Everyone
Cultural
Petra Tou Romiou: legendary birthplace of Aphrodite | Kourion Roman amphitheatre: and mosaics with Shakespeare Festival in June and Greek Drama Festival in July | Kolossi Medieval castle | Paphos Roman mosaics | Tomb of the Kings | Limassol castle | Omodos: monastery and town – traditional stone buildings in tree-lined streets and glass workshop | Anogyra Olive Oil Museum | Hambis Printmaking Museum | Lefkara lace-making: and silver filigree craftwork | Kykkos monastery: fabulous gold icons | Paphos winery tour | Paphos Aphrodite Festival: September outdoor opera in front of the harbour front castle | Nicosia: the only remaining divided city in the world | Original Red Bus Tour: to Famagusta and the time-capsule ghost resort of Varosha (abandoned in 1974) as depicted in Victoria Hislop’s novel ‘The Sunrise’ (copy in villa).
Natural
Troodos Mountains: woodland trails | springs | waterfalls | trout farm and restaurant | Akamas Peninsula: nature reserve | Lara beach | turtle rescue centre | hiking trails | Pissouri and environs – SCUBA diving | sailing | kite surfing | wind surfing | stand up paddle surfing | geocaching | Paphos Atlantis Cruises: turtle-watching trip.
Family
Cyprus Night: in Platea Tavern, Pissouri Village Square – traditional music and dancing for locals and tourists on Fridays in summer | Red Arrows: pre-season training – Akrotiri – April and May | Archimedes Museum and Science Centre: Limassol | Fasouri Water Park: Limassol – largest in Cyprus | Sparti Rope Adventure Forest Park: Platres, Troodos – zip wires for all ages, archery, crossbow | Sayious Adventure Park: Asgata, Limassol – off-road buggy / all-terrain vehicle rides | segway rides | paintball | drift go-karting | archery | team building | Santa Marina Retreat: Parekklisia, Limassol – horse riding | climbing wall | archery | golf | football | paintball | mountain biking | Limassol Go-Karting | Kings Avenue Mall: shopping | restaurants | cinema | arcade | My Mall: shopping | restaurants | ice-skating | bowling | Artemis Riding Therapy: Avdimou – horse riding | Aphrodite Hills Riding Club: Kouklia – horse riding | Paphos Zoo | Limassol Zoo.
Golf
Secret Valley: aka Venus Rock | Aphrodite Hills | Nick Faldo’s Elea Estate – all 3 along the short scenic coastal drive towards Paphos | Minthis Hills: a little further.
Shopping
Pissouri Bay and village (craft galleries) | Kato (Lower) Paphos (souvenirs) | Limassol old town (traditional) | Limassol Marina: (designer shopping) | Kings Avenue Mall: Paphos | My Mall: Limassol | Lefkara or Omodos (traditional handicrafts) | Nicosia (everything).
Dining
Limassol Marina: (many dining options) | La Boca: Limassol old town (Italian) | Maria’s Fish n Chips: Mandria | Il Vesuvio: Mandria (Italian trattoria and pizzeria) | Kentroikon: Mandria (Mediterranean, Chinese) | Olivio’s: Anarita (Italian) | Gabriel’s Tavern: Kouklia (Cypriot) | Chris Blue Beach: Kourion (Mediterranean) | Londos Perasma: Timi (highly recommended Cypriot – delicious rolled lamb special) | The Woody Gastropub: Episkopi | Kyrenia Beach Taverna: Avdimou Beach | Melanda Beach Restaurant: Melanda/Avdimou Beach (fish specialities) | Famagusta Tavern: Avdimou | Il Gusto: Akrotiri (Italian fine dining) | Plataniskia Taverna | Muse Café Kitchen: Paphos old town (outstanding views from elevated position, evening night-club vibe, good food) highly recommended | Gabor: Paphos (French fine dining, excellent service and great set menu) | Koutourou Ouzerie: Paphos old town (meze specialities) | Gourmet Tavern: Kato Paphos | 7 St Georges: Kato Paphos (authentic Cypriot meze) | Vasano: Kato Paphos (value Cypriot recommended for Sheftalia) | Gustoso: Paphos (popular Sunday buffet) | Viklari (Last Castle) Restaurant: Lara (Cypriot BBQ).