Polis & Latchi

Polis and the neighbouring harbour of Latchi (Latsi) sit on the northwest coast of Cyprus, in the Paphos District, and offer the quietest, most low-rise corner of the island. Polis is a relaxed inland town with a pedestrian square of tavernas, while Latchi, about five minutes away, is a small fishing harbour known for seafood and boat trips. Both serve as the gateway to the wild Akamas peninsula, the largest undeveloped stretch of coast in the south.

The best-known target is the Blue Lagoon, a sheltered turquoise inlet on the Akamas coast reached by boat from Latchi or by 4x4 track. On the way sits the Baths of Aphrodite, a small natural grotto and spring tied to the goddess legend, with a nature trail leading along the headland. Further south down the rugged coast lie the turtle-nesting sands of Lara Beach and the Avakas Gorge.

What to do

• Take a boat from Latchi to swim at the Blue Lagoon.
• Walk the trail from the Baths of Aphrodite along the Akamas headland.
• Eat fresh fish at the harbourside tavernas in Latchi in the evening.
• Drive the rough Akamas tracks to Lara Beach and hike the Avakas Gorge.

This is the place to come for nature and quiet rather than nightlife or big resorts. The Akamas is a protected area of cliffs, gorges, sea caves and unspoilt beaches, popular for hiking, snorkelling and boat trips. Accommodation is mostly small hotels and villas, and the pace stays slow even in high summer.

Polis and Latchi sit about 45 minutes north of Paphos and its airport, which makes them an easy add-on to a west-coast trip. From here the rest of the Akamas, and quieter beaches than the busy southeast, are right on the doorstep.