For that heady combination of sun, sea, sand and solitude, Western Cyprus is just the ticket. In the area surrounding the city of Paphos you’ll find archeological sites, flower-filled gorges and beaches dotted with turtle eggs. Here are five ways to make the most of nature on the island.
Green and loggerhead turtles lay eggs at Lara Bay / Image: Pafos Regional Board of Tourism
See turtles at Lara Bay
This peaceful stretch of beach has been selected by green and loggerhead turtles as the ideal place to lay their eggs. Visit over the summer and you’ll spot their eggs on the shore, and may even see some hatching, with baby turtles hurtling towards the sea.
Spot animals at Paphos Zoo
Giraffes, lions, lemurs and a host of other furry creatures, reptiles and birds call this peaceful zoo home. There are also parrot and owl shows – kid or adult, it’s a fun way to learn about the species.
Take a 4x4 tour around Paphos / Image: Jimmy's Jeep Adventures
Take a nature safari
Go beyond the beach and explore the remote forests by 4X4 on a tour with Jimmy’s Jeep Adventures. Your guide will hurtle you up hills only accessible by jeep, and help you see the forests, flora and fauna only visible to those who go off the beaten track.
Seek out Aphrodite’s Rock
Legend has it that Aphrodite, the mythical Goddess of Love and Beauty, rose from this huge soft-grey rock on Aphrodite Beach, Kouklia in 1200 BC. Today it’s one of the island’s most striking sights, with turquoise sea swirling around its base.
Float about in Coral Bay
Banana plantations and vineyards set the scene at Coral Bay, a pretty stretch of golden sand just a 15-minute drive from Paphos Town. Grab your lilo and make for the water.
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