Walking in Western Cyprus

Welcome to the Athena Beach Hotel. Unpack and settle in.

Today is all about sightseeing in and around the Limassol district. We begin with a trip to ancient Kourion, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in all of Cyprus. Wander between the ruins of this once mighty Greek city state, marvel at the remarkably well-preserved mosaics in the House of Eustolios and be wowed by the Greco-Roman amphitheater that dates from the 2nd century BCE.

Heading downhill now, we pass interesting Akrotiri Marsh, on the migrating path of birds coming from Africa to Europe. Over 200 species of birds are regularly recorded here, where the Cypriot wetlands offer a winter refuge. We’ll also visit an Eco Garden to learn about the organic produce they grow there, sample homemade herbal teas, and taste all-natural Cypriot marmalade made by the owner and executive chef.

Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest. Options include:

Paphos Waterfront

Stroll along the promenade to the harbour and enjoy a drink overlooking the town’s imposing castle. Some of the best restaurants and cafés are located here, most of which offer superb views of the sea.

Pano Paphos (Upper Paphos)

Known locally as Ktima or Pano Pahos, this part of town is characterised by its beautiful, white-washed houses and busy shopping scene. Keep your eyes peeled for the striking street art that lends the place a splash of colour.

Paphos Archaeological Park (Nea Paphos)

Backed by the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, this outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site features extensive Greco-Roman ruins and incredibly well-preserved mosaics depicting Greek mythology. Believed to have been in use as far back as the 3rd century BC, the Tombs of the Kings (a network of ancient underground burial chambers) are just one of the site’s many highlights.

We hope to see you again soon.

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.