The name of Petra Tou Romiou linked to Digenis Akritas, the legendary Byzantine hero. Sometime during the years of the Arab invasions (7 – 10 century AD), Digenis grabbed a huge rock with superhuman strength and threw it over the Saracens who were attempting to land on the coast. The rock then gave to the whole region the name of Petra tou Romiou. The rock stands on one of the finest beaches in Cyprus, an outstanding area of natural beauty and the drive down the old Paphos – Limassol road is well worth it, with some stunning scenery of the hills on one side and beautiful coastline on the other.

And, rumour has it that if you swim around Aphrodite’s Rock naked you will be fertile for life! Whilst others claim that to swim around Aphrodite’s Rock brings good luck…Here is a selection of photographs to entice you to Aphrodite’s Rock. More images of Aphrodite’s Rock and the local area are available to view at http://www.akamas-villas.com/ by clicking on the PR icon, where a large collection of photographs can also be viewed showcasing the Paphos and Akamas region of Cyprus.

Aphrodite's Rock

Coastline at Aphrodite's Rock

Coastal Road View of Aphrodite's Rock

Scenic Drive To Aphrodite's Rock

Clear Waters at Aphrodite's Rock

The are some superb choices of Cyprus villas to suit all budgets whether it be for a couple, a family or for a group of friends, luxury Cyprus villas can be sourced with individual requirements very much in mind with many close to the beach, or even on the beach and others enjoying spectacular rural views. This beautiful Akamas region is also an idyllic honeymoon destination, where newlyweds can enjoy privacy and luxury and be pampered at the magnificent Ayii Anargyri Natural Spa.

Getting to Cyprus – there are frequent flights (including Easy Jet and British Airways) from most UK airports particularly during the main season from March to November, but flights ‘out of season’ are also available as many visitors prefer to go to Cyprus during the mild and sunny winter months. The main airport for accessing Cyprus villas in the Akamas region is Paphos International Airport, with most of the villas less than an hour away, the flight time from London is just over 4 hours.

10 Cyprus villas have been highlighted to illustrate the spectacular choices available, but these do only represent a sample of what you can expect…

Villa Aquamarine (Alfresco Dining)

Villa Mylos (5 Minutes From Luxury Spa)

Villa Aeria (Akamas National Park)

Anthiana Beach Villa (On The Beach!)

Kipseli Cottage (Traditional Cypriot Property)

Sandy Beach Villa (200 metres from the Beach)

Arsinoe Beach Villa (Latchi Marina)

Villa Azura (Lower Budget Holiday in Neo Chorio Village)

Villa Infinity in Neo Chorio

Villa Karavi (Perfect Honeymoon Retreat)

The Troodos Mountains and the ski resort is just a 2 hour drive from Latchi, which means you can enjoy some great skiing and sit outside for a water-front meal in Latchi Marina enjoying the sunny climate, all on the same day – quite a unique experience! Note: ski and boot hire is approximately €16 for adults and a lift pass is €23 per person.

Photos supplied by Crystal Marine, Latchi Marina.

Due to the mountainous nature of the Akamas Peninsula there are no roads running through its heartland. Visitor attractions to the Akamas Peninsula include the loggerhead turtle and the Baths of Aphrodite. As the area is relatively inaccessible, there is a large diversity of flora and fauna there. For this reason, the Akamas Peninsula is endowed with a unique biodiversity, habitats and ecosystems. The largest part of the area is covered with a unique natural Para – Mediterranean ecosystem where the bushes and shrubs alternate with phrygana or garique, maquis and open pine forests. Of particular importance is the fact the area constitutes the eastern most point where many European plant species can be found.

The Akamas Peninsula has branded itself as an exclusive destination and tourists who come tend to be seeking more than ‘sun, sea and sand’, being more interested in culture, biodiversity and the history of this stunning region of Cyprus. The walking trails offer a different view round every corner and the coastline that abuts the peninsula is quite breathtaking with unspoilt and, in may cases, deserted bays. The view across to the Blue Lagoon in Chrysochou Bay is particularly stunning. Walking trails criss cross the Akamas Peninsula and are varied in their length to suit walkers of all abilities and is as popular in the winter months as it is the high season period, with hikers enjoying the cooler climate!

A number of luxury villas adorn this akamas region of Cyprus and provide the perfect base to explore the beauty of the Akamas Peninsula. In particular, Villa Aeria, Sandy Beach Villa and villas in the traditional Cypriot village of Neo Chorio are well worth considering for a holiday base in the Akamas Peninsula.

Tombs of The Kings, Paphos consists of eight complexes, which have been singled out and numbered for visitors, with 3, 4, and 8 being the most elaborate. Some tombs are reached via stairs that lead into sunken rectangular courts. Beyond the colonnades, passages lead to rooms with niches for individual corpses. Bodies were buried with costly grave goods, including jewellery and cosmetic boxes. As was common in the classical world, on the anniversaries of death loved ones would hold a ceremonial meal at the tomb, with the leftovers deposited near the body.

Archaeologists have excavated 18 burials from the Hellenistic period in this tomb that have led to certain conclusions which throw light on at least one every day life in Hellenistic Paphos; that of burial customs: -

1. Each family had its own burial place, which usually consisted of a rectangular enclosure containing tombs of various types. Simple pit-shaped tombs are often found alongside vaulted or even colonnaded tombs.
2. All intact burials found were simple.
3. All large tomb complexes are equipped with a well. In one case, when the excavation reached the level of the water, this was found to be drinkable. In the well-known Greek burial customs, water was essential for purification purposes.
4. Throughout the Hellenistic necropolis only Greek burial customs were observed.

       

The small town of Polis and the neighbouring picturesque villages offers honeymooners much to explore in an area that truly is ‘real Cyprus’. For the more adventurous there is also plenty of choices with a wide range of water-sports on offer at Latchi including diving, paragliding, kite surfing and, for the ultimate romantic experience, a private charter boat cruise with skipper who will take you to see the beautiful sunset over Chryschou Bay whilst you enjoy a glass of champagne served by your personal hostess. Other activities include horse riding, off road safari trips, pampering at the luxury Ayii Anargyri Spa at Miliou and many cultural and historical places of interest to visit in the Akamas region of Cyprus, all will act as a perfect complement to your quiet times enjoying your luxurious villa and relaxing by your private pool. We can accommodate most requests with our range of luxury villas dependent on what you are looking for, from secluded beachfront locations to more rural settings, all offering their very own take on a honeymoon retreats in the Cyprus sun.

Our most popular villas in 2011 were Sandy Beach Villa, Latchi Marina Villa, Villa Aquamarine, Villa Karavi and Villa Aeria and all can be found on our website. The following photographs will illustrate very clearly how each of our villa retreats can fulfil your dreams and create memories that will last a lifetime. The images below are a small selection taken of each of these properties.

Unrivalled Views and Seclusion

Set in Beautiful Landscaped Gardens with Sea and Countryside Views

The Ultimate Breakfast in Bed!

Secluded Pool & Jacuzzi and only 5 Minutes From Latchi Harbour

A Rural Setting with Panoramic Views

A Dream Charter with Personal Skipper and Hostess

The Blue Lagoon, it could be the Caribbean!

Contact the owner of Akamas Villas Limited at the following address to discuss your personal requirements – martin@akamas-villas.com

Honeymoon retreats in the Cyprus sun, where dreams and memories become reality.

The relatively unknown and un-spoilt Akamas region of Cyprus provides all this and more. Low prices for flights and an excellent choice of luxury villa accommodation at low season rates offer the perfect base to explore the small towns and villages such as Polis, Argaka and Pomos and then there is Latchi Marina with its excellent waterfront restaurants, where a leisurely lunch can be enjoyed watching the boating activity. During the winter months, the climate is ideal for exploring by foot whether it be the array of walking trails through the Akamas National Park or for the less ambitious, a more gentle stroll along the quiet beaches around Chrysochou Bay.

The photos shown are in November at Latchi (Faros Restaurant) and at Aphrodite’s Baths on one of the many walking trails looking out to the Bay.

There are other ways of exploring Akamas as well as walking; there are organised off-road tours available, cycling routes and of course boat trips that enable this stunning scenery to be enjoyed from the sea! Hiring an off-road vehicle and going it alone is also an option and certainly can be fun although some of the tracks are a little narrow – not where you want to meet an on coming vehicle! Having said that you can expect to see very little traffic in this area!!

The Bays are well worth exploring, Lara Bay, also known as Turtle Bay, is on a stretch of coastline which offers some of the more remote escapes. A turtle sanctuary and home to two endangered turtle species – the hawks-bill turtle and green turtle. The Blue Lagoon, which could easily be mistaken for a caribbean scene is famous for its crystal clear, turquoise waters is the perfect place for some snorkelling.