Adonis Baths and Waterfalls
The Adonis Baths and Waterfalls are one of the untouched havens of Cyprus. The baths will take some finding, but once you get there you will feel like you’ve entered a private little paradise. The baths are situated in a place called Kili, very close to Coral Bay.
The two level waterfall is famous in Greek mythology as the love nest for Aphrodite and Adonis. The baths are where they are said to have met and where they chose to bathe thereafter. The aquatic retreat continued to feature heavily in their couple’s lives, as Adonis used them as a place to rest his horses after hunting in the Akamus Forest, and many of their children were born here. On a more sombre note, it is here that Adonis died in the arms of Aphrodite, after having been fatally wounded in battle by a man disguised as a wild boar. The Goddess of Beauty both found and lost her lover at the Adonis Baths and Waterfalls. There is a statue of the couple just outside of the baths. It is romantically rumoured that the residents of Paphos are descendant of the two lovers.
However, today the waters still hold a touch of the divine. It is said that swimming in the baths can help fertility, as well as returning women to the beauty of their youth and making men stronger. A placard next to the statue reads;
‘Ladies infertile who wish to become pregnant touch Adonis’ appendage and have many children thereafter.’
The powers of the waters seem worth the drive! The baths are wild yet tranquil. The cool pools of water ate located under a waterfall, hemmed in by high cliffs with trees leaning lazily over the water. The water itself is reasonably deep and perfect for swimming. For the Tarzans among you there are even rocks to dive from and swings above the baths, allowing you to delve into the cool waters with a thrill. There are actually two pools, with one slightly higher up, burrowed among a small border of rocks. If you venture up here, there is a chance you will get it all to yourself. There is even a smooth boulder perfectly positioned for sunbathing! It beats the hotel pool.
While at the baths, you will have the chance to visit the old mill and the fournos (or large oven) located here. The oven is rumoured to have been used in olden times by women who were hoping to spot their lovers bathing. Meanwhile the old water mill was built over 400 years ago by monks and was hence used by villagers to grind corn.
The baths are well sign-posted from Paphos. It is a steep climb so be careful. If you aren’t happy to drive, there are safari tour operators in Paphos who run excursions to the waterfalls.
Lara Bay Beach
Lara Bay Beach is a picture of seclusion. The beach is a twenty minute drive north of Paphos and is tucked in an entirely unspoiled corner of Cyprus. Those who visit this beach on the north-west end of the island should expect sweeping swathes of sand and ocean, completely devoid of crowds you will find in town. Lara Bay’s beauty has been acknowledged by many, including The Telegraph in their Best Beaches guide.
The beach is also home to loggerhead and green turtles. Turtles are incredibly impressive animals who will travel thousands of miles over the course of a year, migrating between the beaches of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. With Lara Beach being so peaceful, the turtles use it as a place to nest. This does mean that there is restricted access to the beach in high summer, in an effort to protect the eggs, so you will be best visiting in spring or autumn. No umbrellas or sun loungers are permitted at any time of year, but bring a towel and settle in for the day. The Lara Turtle Conservation Project makes a conscious effort to ensure the turtles are protected, rather than being exposed as a tourist attraction. As well as running night patrols to keep the turtle’s habitat as hospitable as possible, they run turtle watching trips at night for people to see the turtles, in favour of than letting them be interrupted throughout the day. To find out more, the project’s information centre is signposted as Lara Turtle Hatchery. You may also spot some monk seals in sea caves dotted around the peninsula.
Before you visit the beach, you should be prepared for absolute tranquillity, including very limited facilities. There is an open air restaurant close to the entrance of Lara Bay, but once past this point there really is nothing! If you’re looking for somewhere with water sports and an ice cream van, this isn’t your spot. However, you won’t find a more idyllic picnic spot. So pack some food, a rug, a good book and you will be set for the day. There are also some lovely spots to snorkel if you’re feeling adventurous, alternatively take a coastal stroll along the Akamus Peninsula. The wild and rugged country makes for a lovely walk and gorgeous views, especially with the abundance of wild flowers during springtime. This place really is the definition of good, back-to-nature fun.
The drive to the beach is also a little adventurous in itself! A textbook example of ‘off the beaten track,’ you would be best off with a 4 wheel drive. Don’t let it put you off if not though, just mind the pot holes and the stunning scenery will be worth it. If you still don’t fancy the drive, boat trips from Paphos do run to Lara Bay.
Lara Bay is one of the last spots of true wilderness in Cyprus, and is already being scouted by developers, so visit it while you can for a peek of beauty at its simplest.
Duckpond Market
Duckpond Market is situated in a village called Chloraka in Kato Paphos, just a 5 minute drive from town. The market is a traditional village market that runs weekly on Wednesday and Saturday, offering an eclectic mix of stalls and stands. A few of the things you might find are jewellery, books, linen, knitted goods, pool accessories, homemade cards, garden furniture, hardware, clothes and beauty products. Apart from baked goods and confectionary, there are no fresh food stalls. There are however stands selling hot and cold drinks, as well as hotdogs and what is rumoured to be the best bacon butty in town!
The book stall proves to be particularly popular. With piles of books to choose from, you can either buy a stash of literature or exchange an old novel. If you return a book after reading, you can get half your money back!
The market usually runs from 8am to about 2pm. There is a car park opposite the market, but car booters are welcome to join in with the selling if they book in advance. The venue has toilet facilities and disabled access.
Other markets in Paphos include the Sunday Open Air Market which runs from 8am to 1pm on Sundays in Timi Village, the Latin Sunday Market at the Parish hall runs from 9am to 3pm and La Fontaine Market which is open from 8am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Old Town Market is perhaps the biggest in Paphos. This covered market tends to be run by Cypriots rather than expats and has an authentic bazaar atmosphere throughout. Some extra stalls you might find here are those selling leather, lace and fresh fruit and vegetables. If you are self-catered it is usually cheaper to buy fruit and veg from here rather than the supermarket. Public transport to the market is available from Coral Bay, Kato Paphos and the harbour. The market is open daily from Monday to Saturday.
There are also plenty of markets out of town; head to Limassol and Nicosia for the big ones!
Paphos Bar Street
Ayiou Antoniou, otherwise known as ‘Bar Street’ in Paphos, is the hub of holiday nightlife. The street consists of an array of bars, cafes, pubs and clubs; many of which are open during the day for a quieter drink and some food. There is a ridiculous amount to choose from, so here’s a handful to whet your tastebuds;
Aces Cocktail Bar is known for its ‘of the moment’ sport broadcasting with English commentary. Owned by Aussies, the bar will help you to keep up with the latest matches while you’re sunning yourself in Cyprus. The bar also runs karaoke nights on a Sunday, with music ranging from cheesy classics to current chart hits.
Blues Brotherz Bar offers something a bit more vibrant; namely a party every night. Theme nights are very popular here and range from decades and Car Wash to Greek nights.
The Hollywood Music Bar has earned its keep as one of the most frequented bars on the island. With a live DJ every night, a pool table, great discounts and four spacious cocktail bars, it’s not hard to see why. Every night is a different theme here, with Hen Night and Stag Night cropping up regularly.
Notos Music Bar provides something more relaxed. Meals are offered until 10pm, and with its location being a little way out, overlooking Paphos Harbour, it’s somewhere to go if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle.
Bubbles Cocktail Bar plays it all. RnB, Funkhouse and Garage can all be found here, mixed by both local and international DJs. Bubbles is also famous for its foam parties, its mix of indoor and outdoor bars, cages, dancefloors and even a catwalk balcony!
Harry O’s is there for anyone who wishes to take the pace down a notch. Settle down for the night with television and sofas. The venue has disabled access.
Lighthouse Beach Bar provides a scenic option for you; situated on the beach you can sit back and sip a cocktail in a charismatic location, away from city life.
The Royal Cocktail Bar offers over 50 different types of cocktails and its open air set up provides the true holiday feel. Music events and sports matches are hosted and screened here. If you don’t want to venture so far out of town, try the California Beach Bar in Kato Paphos.
Flanagans Irish Pub is open from April until the end of summer. The pub is buzzing every night with live music, including regular impersonators, from Elvis to Robbie. A live Irish band performs three times a week to help you get into the Celtic spirit. The pub serves a myriad of international drinks and there is plenty of parking available.
Rainbow Club has long been a favourite night out in Paphos. The club usually attracts a younger crowd as the party only really gets started at 2am.
A night at Barrio Del Mar Club will make you feel like you are in Ibiza. The club is an incredibly busy venue that is known for its pumping music, so get set for a crazy night out. Barrio del Mar is situated on Yeriskipoi Beath.
The Robin Hood pub is ideal if you want to somewhere relatively chilled that you allows you to settle in for the week. The pub is situated Tropical Nights, a karaoke bar owned by the same people. Both spots are good for families and couples.
With a huge Woody the Woodpecker on the roof, you can’t miss Woodyz Cocktail Bar. The venue has a large dancefloor and bar; if you’re lucky you might get a few free shots on your way in.
Whether you are looking for a lazy pub or a wild night out, a wander down Bar Street will have you sorted in no time.
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