dossier

Secrets of Cyprus Cycling

SECRETS OF CYPRUS CYCLING | WHERE YOU STAY

Aphrodite Beach Hotel  **
Latchi  Days 1+2

The Aphrodite Beach Hotel is a simple, family run establishment located right by the beach, there are sweeping sea views across the turquoise Mediterranean. Here you will also receive one of the warmest welcomes you’ll find in Cyprus, from the affable Tassos and his wife Gregoria. The hotel itself is split into three buildings; there are two accommodation blocks, with twenty rooms in each, and the third building is the restaurant, bar and lounge area. The 40 twin-bedded rooms are simple but comfortable, furnished with tiled floors, en suite facilities (all are equipped with bath tub), satellite television, air conditioning/heating, direct dial telephone, colorful fabrics and wooden furniture. All rooms have a balcony and the views are mostly over the surrounding fields and orchards.

Day 1 Arrive in Latchi

We meet you at Paphos airport and take you to Tassos’ and Gregoria’s coastal hotel near Latchi (1 hour) in time for dinner on the panoramic terrace – one of the most spectacular views on the whole island! You spend two nights here.

Day 2 North Coast Circular Cycle 17km/11mi or 35km/22mi

A lovely cycle today as you pedal along the coast to the fabled Baths of Aphrodite, your path lined with carob and eucalyptus groves. This trickling waterfall is said to be where the Goddess of Love bathed with her lover , Adonis. Nearby Lachi’s colorful harbour is a scenic spot for a leisurely lunch – on a clear day you can see as far as the Taurus mountains in Turkey. Perhaps continue along the easy coastal tracks to Polis, a lively resort with an interesting archaeological museum dating back to 7BC, or return along the gentle sea-breezed path for a dip in the sea by your hotel.

Day 3 Latchi to Miliou 35km/22mi

Leaving the sea at your heels, a panoramic track bright with orchids weaves you inland to the abandoned village of Androlikou. Sweeping views, with Mt Olympus crowning the horizon, continue as you climb towards Drouseia. Time passes slowly here: old ladies dressed in black sit by their doorsteps to watch the world go by. Visit the lovely church with its shaded courtyard, a great spot for a lazy picnic lunch, before the downhill swoosh through the sleepy villages of Pano Akourdaleia, Kato Akourdaleia and Miliou. The air is perfumed by the groves of oranges and lemon trees which line your path as you approach our
stunning spa hotel.

Ayii Anargyri  ****

Miliou  Days 3+4

Renovated from an old monastery Ayii Anargyri Spa Resort is located just outside the village of Miliou.  The hotel, which opened in May 2009 after a number of years planning is set amongst citrus groves and is a place of real calm.
Much use is made of wood and stone throughout the hotel and rooms are equipped with satellite tv, air conditioning and heating, direct dial telephone, safe and hairdryer. All rooms have balcony or terrace.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 4 At Miliou

Today you might just like to relax at the hotel and take advantage of one of the spa treatments on offer (pay locally). The more energetic can cycle to Ayia Ekaterini, a lovely Byzantine church with incredible views to the shimmering waters of the northern coast.

Day 5   Miliou to Agios Georgios tis Peyias 34km/21mi

Pedalling through quiet lanes flanked by vines through the village of Giolou and up to the abandoned village of Theletra, your only company will be the rock thrushes that chirrup overhead. In contrast, the lively wine village of Kathikas is perfect for an al fresco lunch at one of the traditional tavernas. The day ends with an exhilarating downhill spin – spectacular balcony views over the coastline to Paphos – to our family run hotel in the charming fishing hamlet of Agios Georgios tis Peyias. You spend three nights here.  Note: Should you wish to upgrade to our larger **** hotel above Coral Bay, you can do this for a supplement.

West End Hotel*  AA
Georgios tis Pegeias  Days 5+6+7

So-named due to its far westerly location on the Akamas peninsula, the West End Hotel started life as a fish restaurant with just six rooms. Following a recent renovation, the hotel now boasts 26 tasteful rooms, most of which overlook the large swimming pool. The bedrooms are mostly twin-bedded and are simply decorated with white tiled floors and colourful furnishings. All have ensuite facilities, satellite television, heating/air conditioning and balcony.

*If you prefer, you can choose the **** Horizon Resort Hotel, above Coral Bay, as an alternative for these nights.   Prices are $21 in Nov 2011 and 2012; $77 in Oct 2011 and Apr 2012, $91 in May 2012, $125 in Oct 2012 and $162 in Sep 2012.  Prices are per person for 3 nights, based on 2 people sharing a double/twin room.

Day 6 Exploring Paphos

Perhaps explore the historical treasure trove of nearby Paphos today - it’s just 30mins (pay locally) on the public bus. Unmissable sights include the Hellenistic Tombs of the Kings and the exquisite Roman mosaics dating back to 2C. After a fresh seafood lunch at the bustling harbour , explore the old town’s market,
ablaze with local colour . Otherwise, in fine weather , our hotel has a lovely pool and is just a stone’s throw from the beach, if you fancy a dip.

Day 7 Coastal Cycling to Lara Bay 30km/19mi

Gentle pedalling today through lemon groves and banana plantations leads you to some of the most unspoilt coastline on Cyprus, along the Akamas peninsula’s western flank. A haven for wildlife, you’ll wheel along with falcons circling overhead and shy goats hiding in the crevices of spectacular rock formations. You reach Lara Bay, an idyllic marine reserve offering a tranquil picnic spot as gentle azure waters lap the golden shore. Time for a swim before heading back to the hotel for a final aperitif on the moonlit terrace.

Day 8 Leave Cyprus

We take you to Paphos airport for your flight home.

For extra nights we recommend Agios Georgios tis Pegeias or Polis.