The Secret Valley Golf Course was the second
course built on the island also within the grounds
of an old monastery. It is a distance of 40km
from Alkyon Villas near the birthplace of Aphrodite,
the legendary Goddess of Beauty and Love.
Next to this course, one has the recent opening
of the Aphrodite Hills club making Paphos the
hub of golf in Cyprus.
Beaches:
Because the Polis and Latchi region are not areas of mass tourism but rather focuses on quality tourism, the area has the cleanest beaches on the island. Locals usually opt for Yiannakis Bay or Takkas Bay but you are free to visit as many as you please till you find your favourite!
Bird-watcher’s paradise:
From October till the end of March, a large amount of migrating birds pass through the Polis and Akamas area attracting a large amount of bird watchers from Europe. Book your bird-watching holiday in Cyprus at Alkyon Villas.
Boat cruises:
Walk down to Latchi Harbour from Alkyon Villas and take a boat trip out to visit the untouched coastline of the area with its turquoise waters and enjoy a traditional BBQ on board.
Discover villages:
Venture into the surrounding villages, sit in the local tavernas for a meal and a drink with the locals. For an authentic meal, order meze dishes or souvlakia and try the zivania, but be warned, it is strong! Walk around to view old stone houses, Byzantine churches and discover the real Cyprus.
Go-karting:
If all of the rest and relaxation is starting to get to you, why not take the family or friends down to the local go-karting track and try your skill??
Hiking:
The fertile mountainous landscape of the surrounding countryside and villages make the area a delight for the walker and naturalist. In addition to the endless fields that fill the landscape, you can try these two popular trails - The Aphrodite Trail and The Adonis Trail. Both of these trails start from the Baths of Aphrodite. The Aphrodite Trail takes you to Fontana Amorosa and offers spectacular views of unspoilt nature, rare flora, rock formations, limestone outcroppings, cliffs and naturally eroded artistic rock formations emerging from the sea.
History and Archaeology:
The Polis region is a treasure pot of history offering visitors a lot to see by way of history and archaeology. According to legend, Athenian Akamas came to Cyprus after the Trojan War and founded the City of Akamandis, still to be discovered. The town has a museum with exquisite treasures of the region and archaeological sites that have baffled and amazed many an archaeologist. Visit the ancient city of Marion and see why. The Byzantium has also left it mark in the region whose legacy is apparent in the centuries old churches that litter the region.
Jeep Safaris:
A very popular activity during a visit to Cyprus is to go on a jeep safari in the Akamas area. This usually takes the form of a day trip via 4WD and takes you to mystical areas such as the Avakas Gorge and the white sands of Lara Beach (where a green see turtle conservation is underway). From Alkyon Villas, you could always rent a 4WD yourself and travel to the Akamas region which in fact borders the Latchi area.
Paintball:
Take the family out for the day to DNA Paintball Park – choose from their Recball, Speedball and Urbanball fields or sit on the roof terrace of their cafeteria and drink something cool whilst watching friends and family relive their childhood.
Turtle Conservatory:
This region of Cyprus is the only region in the world where the large green sea turtle lives which has very often been depicted in Greco-Roman mosaics. It is currently under study by scientists and is protected species. Visit their conservatory.
Water-sports and scuba-diving:
Staying at Alkyon Villas, you have the convenience of being a very short stroll from all watersport activities! Try water-skiing, jet skiing, paragliding, banana-boating… whatever tickles your fancy. There are also a couple of scuba diving schools at the harbour that you could either get your certificate with whilst in Cyprus or that can take you out for an underwater adventure.
