Tucked away on the northwestern coast of Cyprus, far from the neon lights of Ayia Napa and the bustling high-rises of Limassol, lies Polis Chrysochous—commonly known simply as Polis.
This is the Cyprus of old, a place where the scent of citrus groves hangs heavy in the air and the pace of life is dictated by the rhythm of the Mediterranean Sea. Polis sits at the gateway to the Akamas Peninsula, offering a rare blend of mythic landscapes, crystalline waters, and authentic village charm.
For travelers who prefer hiking boots over high heels and secluded coves over crowded beach clubs, Polis is a sanctuary. Whether you are looking to trace the footsteps of Aphrodite or enjoy the catch of the day in a sleepy fishing harbor, this region promises a deep connection to the natural world. Here is a guide to the top 10 places every traveler should explore in the Polis Chrysochous region.
1. The Baths of Aphrodite
Just a short drive from the center of Polis lies one of the most legendary sites in Cyprus: the Baths of Aphrodite. According to local folklore, this shaded natural grotto is where the Goddess of Love used to bathe and where she met her lover, Adonis. The site is centered around a small pool tucked beneath an ancient fig tree, fed by a freshwater spring that trickles down a limestone cliff.
While visitors are no longer allowed to bathe in the pool itself, the atmosphere remains thick with mythology and romance. The surrounding botanical garden offers a cool respite from the sun, featuring a variety of endemic plants and wildflowers. It serves as the official trailhead for some of the most spectacular hiking paths in the Akamas, making it the perfect starting point for an outdoor adventure.
2. Akamas Peninsula National Park
The Akamas Peninsula is the last truly wild frontier of Cyprus, and Polis serves as its primary jumping-off point. This vast protected area is a mosaic of rugged gorges, sandy dunes, and dense Mediterranean scrub. Because there are no paved roads, the park remains remarkably pristine, accessible only by foot, mountain bike, or 4x4 vehicle.
Exploring the Akamas allows you to witness the incredible biodiversity of the island. It is home to over 160 species of birds and a staggering variety of orchids. For those who seek solitude, the park offers countless "secret" spots where the only sound is the wind through the pines. A journey into the Akamas is a journey into the soul of the Cypriot wilderness, providing vistas of the coastline that haven't changed for millennia.
3. Blue Lagoon
While many places claim to have the clearest water, the Blue Lagoon in the Akamas truly lives up to the hype. This sheltered bay is famous for its bright, neon-turquoise water and white sandy floor, creating a natural swimming pool that feels more like the Maldives than the Mediterranean.
Because of the rocky terrain, the best way to reach the Blue Lagoon is by boat. Dozens of small vessels depart daily from the nearby Latchi Harbour. Spending an afternoon anchored here, snorkeling among the rocky reefs or simply floating in the buoyant, salty water, is often cited as the highlight of a trip to Polis. The water is shallow and warm, making it an ideal spot for families and less confident swimmers to enjoy the sea safely.
4. Latchi Harbour
Originally a small port used for exporting carobs, Latchi (Latsi) has evolved into a charming seaside village that serves as the maritime heart of the Polis region. The harbor is lined with old stone warehouses that have been converted into some of the best seafood tavernas on the island.
Strolling along the pier, you can watch local fishermen mending their nets and unloading crates of red mullet and sea bream. It is a fantastic place for a long, leisurely lunch where the "catch of the day" was likely swimming in the bay just hours earlier. Latchi also offers a variety of water sports, from scuba diving to self-drive boat rentals, allowing travelers to explore the coastline at their own leisure.
5. Fontana Amorosa
Deep within the Akamas Peninsula lies Fontana Amorosa, the "Fountain of Love." Legend has it that anyone who drinks from its waters will be seized by a sudden, uncontrollable desire for love. While the spring itself is modest, the bay surrounding it is a masterpiece of coastal scenery.
The water at Fontana Amorosa is exceptionally calm and clear, often appearing in shades of pale emerald. It is a favorite destination for boat tours and seasoned hikers. The area is also of great archaeological interest; the seabed in the bay is littered with fragments of ancient amphorae, silent witnesses to the Roman and Greek merchant ships that once sought shelter in these protected waters.
6. Polis Old Town Center
The town center of Polis Chrysochous is a delightful departure from the modern resorts found elsewhere. It is characterized by its traditional stone buildings, paved pedestrian streets, and a central square shaded by massive trees. This is the social hub of the community, where locals gather to drink coffee and play backgammon.
The Old Town is home to several small galleries and craft shops, as well as the Church of Agios Andronikos, which features beautiful 16th-century frescoes that were uncovered beneath plaster added during the Ottoman period. Dining in the square at night, under the glow of fairy lights and the scent of jasmine, provides an authentic taste of Cypriot hospitality and village life.
7. Marion-Arsinoe Archaeological Museum
To understand the deep roots of this region, a visit to the Marion-Arsinoe Archaeological Museum is essential. Polis is built upon the remains of two ancient cities: Marion, a prosperous hub of the copper trade, and Arsinoe, which rose in its place during the Ptolemaic period.
The museum houses a fascinating collection of gold jewelry, intricate ceramics, and funerary stelae unearthed from local necropolises. The artifacts tell a story of a sophisticated civilization that traded with the entire Hellenistic world. It is a compact, well-curated space that provides historical context to the landscapes you see today, proving that Polis has been a "traveler’s destination" for thousands of years.
8. Avakas Gorge
Located on the southern edge of the Akamas region, Avakas Gorge is a geological marvel. Over millions of years, a persistent stream has carved a deep, narrow canyon through the limestone, creating walls that soar up to 30 meters high. At some points, the gorge becomes so narrow that the overhead canopy of trees and rocks almost blocks out the sun.
Hiking through Avakas is a sensory experience. The temperature drops noticeably as you enter the shadows, and the air is filled with the sound of trickling water and the scent of wild oleander. The gorge is also home to the rare Centaurea akamantis, an endemic plant that clings to the sheer cliff faces. It is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the raw, sculptural power of nature.
9. Lara Bay Turtle Station
Lara Bay is one of the most important ecological sites in the Mediterranean. This long, wild stretch of beach is a primary nesting ground for the endangered Green and Loggerhead turtles. Because of its ecological sensitivity, the beach has no sunbeds, umbrellas, or permanent structures.
During the summer months, you can visit the small conservation station where volunteers protect the nests from predators. Walking along the soft sand, you’ll see protective cages marking where eggs have been laid. It is a place of profound stillness, where the primary focus is on the survival of these ancient marine creatures. Visiting Lara Bay is a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation and the delicate balance between tourism and nature.
10. Pomos and the Dragon's Cave
Following the coast road east from Polis leads you to the dramatic, windswept village of Pomos. This area is far less visited than Latchi, offering a rugged coastline defined by dark volcanic rocks and deep blue water. Pomos is famous for its prehistoric "Idol of Pomos," a cruciform figure that has become a symbol of Cypriot heritage.
A highlight of this area is the "Dragon's Cave" (Spilia tis Rigenas), a sea cave where, according to local myth, a dragon once lived to protect the area from pirates. The nearby Pomos Harbour is incredibly picturesque, featuring a small fleet of brightly colored boats and a lone taverna perched on the rocks. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset, as the sun dips directly into the sea, marking the end of another day in this tranquil corner of Cyprus.
