From Latchi to Tillyria: Paphos’ most authentic side

Living in Cyprus PaphosrestaurantTop NewsTourismvillages From Latchi to Tillyria: Paphos’ most authentic side View Of Latchi Port Akamas Peninsula Polis Chrysochous Relevant News From Latchi to Tillyria: Paphos’ most authentic side 30 July 2026 Nina Bandelj: We don’t see children as people, but as capital we invest in 30 July 2026 Yellow warning and 40 degree peak today 30 July 2026 newsroom 30 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber By Andreas Katsis There are still places in Cyprus where time moves more slowly. Beaches where you can still lay your towel on the sand and bring your own packed lunch without getting funny looks, taverns that still cook over charcoal and take pride in the ingredients they use, and people who greet you in the street with genuine warmth. The area stretching from Latchi and Polis Chrysochous, through the villages of Laona, to Pomos and Tillyria remains one of the island’s most authentic corners. It is not suited to a rushed, few-hour visit. It calls for stops, detours and a willingness to explore: to lose yourself in villages, to follow a country road simply because the view made you stop, and to sit down in a tavern without first checking the reviews online. The day starts at the bakery If the region is famous for one thing, it is its bread and pastries. In Agia Marina Chrysochous, Fournos Tou Trapeza is a reliable choice for one of the best tahini pies in filo pastry you will find on the island. In Argaka, the wood-fired bakery To Stachi draws locals and visitors alike for its freshly baked koumoulies (rolls flavoured with cumin, yeast or sourdough and aniseed), Paphian kattimeria and other traditional baked goods. It is no coincidence that the area has built its reputation around bread. The tradition of the flour mills lives on too: the historic Kougiouka watermill and flour mill in Giolou stands as one of the most important mills in the Paphos district from the 19th century until the mid-20th century. Today, the restored complex houses a traditional coffee shop, a restaurant, a Cypriot wine cellar, a workshop for traditional products and a small folklore museum, all worth a visit. Polis Chrysochous: the heart of the area Polis Chrysochous still has the character of a small seaside town, with its traditional centre ideal for a relaxed stroll and a few interesting culinary surprises. At Tis Pitsas Mezeklikkia, the grill takes centre stage alongside meze dishes, pizzas and the restaurant’s well-known BBQ spare ribs. Chix Chox is a favourite for wood-fired pizza and dishes built on fresh, local produce. For a more refined dining experience, Polis Herb Garden and Old Town Restaurant offer a more contemporary take on Mediterranean cuisine. And with temperatures like these, a stop for ice cream is always a good idea. Older residents may still remember Archimedes and his legendary rose ice cream, with a history spanning more than seven decades. These days, though, most head to Latchi instead. Latchi: the sea takes centre stage Latchi remains one of Cyprus’ most charming seaside destinations. The fishing boats, the marina and the unpretentious atmosphere create the ideal setting for a relaxed day by the water. The fish tavern Periyiali is a point of reference for those after fresh fish and seafood, while a little harbourside stall serving authentic Italian gelato has built a loyal following. The daily queues are the best proof that good ice cream needs no introduction. As for the famous Blue Lagoon, locals are clear on their advice: if you really want to enjoy it, go very early in the morning, ideally by small boat, before the dozens of day-trip boats arrive along with the smoke from the souvla grills cooking nearby. Kathikas deserves its own detour Built on the Laona plateau amid vineyards and stone houses, Kathikas is, on its own, reason enough to visit the area. Fytos’ souvlaki has earned an almost legendary reputation. Beneath the large vine trellis that provides natural shade even on the hottest summer days, the food takes on another dimension. The view over the local vineyards, and the sense of being in the Cypriot countryside as it once was, make the stop memorable. For something different, Farmyard brings Asian influences and creative flavours to one of the more unexpected corners of the Paphos district. A little further on, Steki Tou Panai stays true to tradition, its renowned home-baked bread reason enough for a visit. Drousia and the villages of Laona Beyond food and beaches, the area also offers a different experience for those who love tradition and culture. In Drousia, the Akamas Regional Museum of Rural Life and Tradition is dedicated to rural life, traditional crafts, trades and the folk heritage of the area. Visitors can see old tools, traditional costumes, everyday objects and handicrafts that tell the story of the Akamas villages. The museum also regularly hosts live weaving and traditional craft demonstrations. A little further on, in Ano Arodes, the newer Museum of Templar Ages tells the story of the Knights Templar and medieval Cyprus, while the same area is also home to the Akamas Geology and Palaeontology Centre, which showcases the peninsula’s unique geological history. Pomos and Tillyria: a journey back in time, full of discoveries The further one travels from Latchi, the more it feels like discovering another Cyprus. In Pomos, Koulla’s now-legendary snack bar, known for its tasty, filling sandwiches, remains a point of reference for travellers. The small beaches, fishing boats and the village’s calm evoke images of decades past. From here begins one of the island’s most beautiful coastal routes. As the sun sets, the road to Argaka becomes a natural balcony overlooking one of western Cyprus’ most striking sunsets, the sun appearing to sink into the sea and painting the whole horizon in shades of orange and gold. And if the road takes you towards the village of Lysos, be sure to visit Lysos Tavern, a favourite among locals, who mostly go for the daily specials, and it shows. The final image Before heading back, take some time at Eucalyptus Beach in Polis Chrysochous or the beach in front of the Aphrodite Beach Hotel. Sit on the sand or the pebbles, look out at the sea, and let the light change colour around you. Perhaps that is, in the end, this area’s greatest secret: it doesn’t try to impress anyone. Give it time, and it will reveal all its hidden treasures. MUST TASTE & LIVE Beyond the area’s well-known dining spots, there are a few stops worth discovering while exploring western Cyprus. In Neo Chorio, Taverna Tou Pavlara is one of the most authentic choices for traditional Cypriot cuisine, with home-style dishes, local produce and unobstructed views over Chrysochous Bay. Continuing towards Tillyria, Grape by the Sea in Pyrgos Tillyrias combines contemporary style, endless blue views and a menu that blends Mediterranean flavours with creative touches. In the same area, the long-standing Alexis Fish Tavern is one of the most loved spots for fresh fish and seafood, with the menu following the daily catch of local fishermen. SUNSET SPOTS In Pomos, the iconic pier stretching into the sea offers an unobstructed view of the horizon and is a favourite spot for photographers and romantics. In Pachyammos, the rugged beauty of the coastline and the absolute quiet make for the ideal setting to watch the sun disappear behind the sea. For those who love a view from above, the Drousia area offers a panoramic view over Chrysochous Bay, with the colours of dusk stretching from the Akamas peninsula to the shores of Polis. Equally striking is the view from the Akamas Picnic Site (Smigies), where the sunset reveals the whole of Cyprus’ western coastline against a backdrop of wild natural beauty. Finally, the small and lesser-known Omega Beach near Pomos offers one of the area’s most photogenic sunsets, its rocky landscape and turquoise waters taking on golden hues as the light fades. 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