Polis, Polis area
Polis is located 37 km north of Paphos. Legend has it that the goddess Aphrodite emerged from the sea, just as Cyprus did itself.
Polis was founded in the 7th century BC and means (Polis Chrysochou) city of the golden land. It lies where there once stood the ancient city-kingdom of Marion, one of the ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus.
It became an important commercial centre in Classical and Hellenistic times, in close relations with Athens. Some beautiful houses, dating to the beginning of this century, can still be seen here. Polis, with its excellent climate and beautiful beaches and scenery, is now developing into a popular resort.
Polis Archeological Museum - The Museum exhibits a vast array of treasure from the Marion and Arsinoe ancient kingdoms upon which modern Polis is built. Well worth a visit .Puts into perspective the archeology and ancient history of Polis.
Opening hours: 08.00-14.00 daily, Saturdays 09.00-17.00
The town is cradled by rugged mountains and surrounded by a patchwork of citrus groves and vineyards. The town's whitewashed sugar cube houses, plump Orthodox Church domes and shady courtyards are a reminder of a Cyprus that's fast disappearing and much of Polis' charm lies in watching local life tick slowly by.
Polis first made it into the guidebooks in the 1980s as a backpacker haunt and today it's one of the few places that still caters for independent travellers. There are no large hotels so visitors can step into a world away from the usual tourist attractions and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this small but attractive town. The surrounding land is fertile and is a largely untouched by tourist development which adds to its charm, and it still retains its own distinctive character.
The main feature of Polis has to be the village square boasting cobbled streets, souvenir shops, banks, jewellers, chemists and bars where thirsty travellers can sample locally made wines, including Commandaria a sweet dessert wine favoured by "Richard the Lion Heart" and used as a holy communion wine.
The town huddles round a central pedestrianised plaza that hosts a colourful daily market showcasing the best local produce. At sunset the market stalls are replaced with restaurant tables piled high with platefuls of meze and fresh local fish. Traditional restaurants surrounding the square serve genuine local dishes, not just tourist fare, and tantalizing home baked cuisine. Ice cream parlours and tiny coffee shops are a few of the delights on offer in Polis.
Once you've visited the archaeological museum and had a look at the medieval frescoes daubed on the walls of St Andronikos Church then it's time to explore some of Cyprus ' least spoiled countryside.
The nearby Akamas Peninsular is an untouched wilderness laced with hiking trails and secluded coves bitten from the pink rock. Offshore, the waters are a glassy mosaic of greens and blues that promise some of the best snorkeling and diving on the island. Don't miss Aphrodite's Bath, a picturesque rock pool and waterfall where the goddess is believed to have bathed, which oozes with magic and mystery.
Polis is considered as the location par excellence for nature lovers and those keen on active holidays, such as hiking, cycling, horse riding and golf. The Tsada Golf Course is just 25 minutes away. Polis also has a camping site on the beach on the north-west coast of the island, in a pleasant eucalyptus grove, (500 meters from Polis town center). It has a capacity of 200 tents/caravans.
Generally speaking tourism has not had much of an effect on this lovely area so far.