Cyprus Townhouse: Information Heading Image
  • Location Map
  • Getting There
  • Cheap Flights
  • Peyia
  • Paphos
  • Activities
  • Golf & Skiing
  • Cyprus in Profile
  • Travel Insurance
  • Saving Money

 

The house is located close to the village of Peyia.

It is only 2.7km from the excellent beach at Coral Bay and about 10km from Pafos.

The property is only 20km
( 30 mins approx) from
Paphos airport.

It is also only 150km
(1 hour 40 mins approx) from Larnaca airport. This is nearly all motorway and a very easy drive. Almost no traffic


 

Cheap flights

Suggested Car Hire

Taxi's

      Sea Caves Taxi Centre
      (00357) 99 638439
      Freephone 8000 39 39 (When in Cyprus)

Finding a Cheap Flight

Visit Google and search "cheap flights" and you will be inundated by websites claiming to offer the best deals available. The problem is that more often than not, their idea of cheap is very different to our idea of cheap; genuine cheap flights are few and far between! So without further ado, here are our unwritten rules to finding a cheap flight - We hope they come in use.

Rule 1 - Use good quality tools!

Quality over quantity is a' well-known saying for good reason and is a mantra that should be applied to your cheap flight search. There are many hundreds of websites offering flights but the likelihood is that deep down, you wouldn't trust most of them with your booking. Skyscanner.net is a great comparison website to begin your search with -they get their prices directly from the airlines and include all fees in the prices they display where others websites do not. Kayak.co.uk is another good choice, particularly for longer flights, but they don't tend to include budget carriers such as the airline everyone loves to hate, Ryanair. They do however compare a number of different websites in one go.

Other useful websites include Expedia.co.uk and Momomdo.co.uk. By signing up to a handful of these websites' newsletters, you can be informed of flight sales as soon as they happen, so this is well worth your time in the initial stages. You can always unsubscribe at a later date. Most of us are wise to it now, but do be sure to check for the total cost, not just the headline price.

Consider the cost of baggage for both your outbound and return flights and consider if you really need to pay extra or if you can fly with just hand luggage. (You may even prefer to use a Rufus Roo or Jak Togo space saving jacket!)

Rule 2 - Think outside the box!

Once you've found the cheapest flight on a comparison site, double check that the flight isn't cheaper on the airlines' own website. Check foreign versions of the airlines' website too, for example with American Airlines, they operate AA.com and AA.co.uk. You might be able to take advantage of favourable exchange rates and book your flights in a different currency.

It is often worthwhile to check which airlines serve the airport you are flying to as well, as smaller carriers may not make it into comparison sites and you may not even know they exist. We've touched on this in the past in a post about APD, but don't always take the airlines route as gospel. Consider a dose of DIY and investigate if it would be cheaper to alternate your route and book the different legs separately.

If you are a frequent flier, it can be well worth collecting and using frequent flier miles. As you will no doubt be aware, a number of airlines such as Virgin and British Airways operate frequent flyer programmes.

Rule 3 - Timing is everything!

We all know that flights will be more expensive during peak times but we are unlikely to want to change when we want to go on holiday. That doesn't mean you can't be a little flexible with your dates - most websites allow you to add flexibility of 2 or 3 days to your flight search and this can often make for huge savings, particularly if you also fly at an unpopular time such as first thing in the morning or at meal times.

It's an ambiguous and often argued point but the earlier you book, the more likely you are to find a better deal. It's not always the case but why run the risk, leave it until two weeks until you are due to fly, only to find that there are a handful of high demand seats left at sky high prices. If you are still unsure, Kayak comes in handy once again with its price alerts, letting you know whether your flight is likely to increase or decrease in price.

Comparison is absolutely essential but prices can fluctuate drastically in a matter of hours and especially days, so the longer you spend comparing, the higher the possibility of the total cost increasing. Therefore, as in Rule 2, select good quality tools and keep the comparison to a handful of good quality sites to reduce the time it takes you to compare and eventually book.

Rule 4 - The deal is done!

Lastly, remember that once you've bitten the bullet and booked your flights, don't continue to check prices. You won't do yourself any favours.

PeyiaPeyia Church

Peyia proves a welcome antidote to the bustle of nearby Pafos and is a great place to while away a relaxing lunchtime with a plateful of meze and a cold bottle of Keo beer. If you prefer your afternoons to be a little more active you'll find a number of local companies offering every white-knuckled pursuit from go-karting to paragliding, otherwise it's a short hop to the beach.

Cultural cravings should be satisfied by the two ruined Christian basilicas found on the outskirts of the village (watch where you put your feet as the 'best bit' is the mosaic covering the floor), while further evidence of Peyia's historic importance comes in the shape of Roman tombs carved into the cliffs above the sea.

The whitewashed village clings to the rugged hills that act a backdrop to Cyprus' most photogenic stretch of coastline. Below glitter the crystal waters of the Mediterranean, while to the north the silhouetted peak of Ayios Yeoyios marks the beginning of the untouched Akamas Peninsula.

The village of Peyia is about a twenty minute walk uphill but the best way to get around is by car. There are plenty of parking places in Peyia. The main car park is situated on the left hand side of the road and is well signposted.

View from Peyia Town centreFacilities in Peyia are mainly situated on the main road you will find a Chemist, bakery, which serves delicious hot bread first thing in the morning. There are plenty of taverns to choose from serving a variety of local dishes, Peyia Tavern or Cousins Tavern are quite good which are situated above "Karenina Tavern" at Cousins and the Chef Tavern” they serve an excellent Meze. If you have the time try all the local Peyia restaurants during your holiday. If you fancy a take away La Frescoe is in the same areas (opposite Jail Pub) just phone them for free delivery.


There are three banks in Peyia. All exchange money If you are changing traveller’s cheques don't forget your passports. Banks are open from 08:30 to 12:30 Monday to Friday, Please be warned the banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday and afternoons.

There is also a Doctor and Dentist surgery hopefully you won't need them but it's nice to know they are there if you do.

Behind the church you will find (Philippos) This is the main village supermarket it has everything and anything your heart desires from milk, bread, olives, frozen foods, fresh fruit and veg, kitchen sinks, microwaves ovens, cuddly toys, Most of his customers are amazed at what he has on the ground floor and don’t realize that it has two floors levels.

PAFOS and its surrounding area.

In antiquity Pafos was the centre of the cult of Aphrodite. Swim in the sea by the rocks known as Petra tou Romiou where the goddess was believed to have risen from the waves, make a pilgrimmage to her sanctuary at Kouklia, or visit the grotto near Polis where she was supposed to have bathed.

Pafos HarbourPafos, with its pleasant harbour and medieval fort, combines a cosmopolitan holiday resort, spectacular countryside and historical sites. It was the capital of Cyprus for 600 years in ancient times and its archaeological legacy is such that UNESCO put the whole town on its World Cultural Heritage List. The intricate floor Pafos Mosaicsmosaics in villas dating back to the Roman period depicting scenes from Greek mythology are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. Equally impressive are the underground Tombs of the Kings carved out of solid rock and decorated with Doric pillars.

Byzantine treasures abound, such as the remarkable five-domed church of Agia Paraskevi in Geroskipou, or the ruins of two early Christian basilicas at Agios Georgios in Pegeia.

If peace and quiet in harmony with nature are what you are after, head for the Polis area. The Akamas peninsula is an area of natural wilderness with dramatic coastlines and sandy coves. Here you can explore the various picturesque villages, walk along one of the many scenic nature trails or take a boat trip along the dramatic coastline that all form part of Aphrodite's playground.

PLACES OF INTEREST

  • Paphos harbour and historic fort
  • The House of Dionysos with it's ancient mosaics
  • The Byzantine churches
  • The Tombs of the Kings
  • The Troodos Mountains
  • The Akamas Peninsula
  • The Avakas Gorge
  • Petra Tou Romiou (the Rock of Aphrodite)
  • The Pafos Old Town and Municipal Market
  • Agios Neophytos Monastery
  • Kykkos Monastery

THINGS TO DO

  • Aphrodite Water park
  • Numerous types of water sports
  • Several 18 hole golf courses
  • Skiing (Dec-Mar)
  • Golf
  • Sea Fishing
  • Quad Bike Safari
  • The Paphos Zoo
  • Blue flag beaches
  • Go-karting
  • Crazy Golf
  • Ten pin bowling
  • George's Fun Bus (Voted #1 family day out in Paphos) www.georgesfunbus.com

Skiing Information:

Cyprus is a wonderful island of contrasts. Where else could you ski in the morning and then be sunning yourself by the pool or on the beach in the afternoon? The snows on Mount Olympus are a fabulous way of spending a winter morning in the Ski Cyprus arena. By car it is about 90 minutes from Paphos. Hundreds of Cypriots and perhaps as many holiday makers enjoy the wonderful sport of skiing every winter on the beautiful slopes of Mt Olympus. Skiing, with its 60 year plus history on this island, is here not only to stay, but to continue its growth. The ski lifts operate from 09.00 to 16.00h all week during the winter season. Season runs from December to March.

Golf Information:

Paphos Golf Driving Range & Academy. There is a golf driving range in on the coast road between Peyia and Paphos. http://www.paphosgolfrange.com/

Tsada Golf Club is located 20 minutes from the town of Paphos, Tasada Golf Club is 18 holes of superb championship golf set in the grounds of a 12th century monastery.Designed by Donald Steel, this was the first grass course to be built in Cyprus in 1994 and it sits 550 metres above sea level, ensuring cool breezes during the summer months. 18 holes, Par 72, 6060 metres.

Secret Valley Golf Club is located about 15 minutes from the town of Paphos. Secret Valley Golf Club is an 18 hole championship golf course set in a spectacular setting of mature trees with beautiful sculpted rock formations all around. The front 9 has 4 nice warm-up holes, two birdie opportunities and an easy dog-leg. The back nine is much more challenging. 18 holes, Par 72, 6120 metres.

Aphrodite Hills Golf Resort is located about 20 minutes from the town of Paphos. Crowning Aphrodite Hills Resort’s outstanding leisure facilities is the magnificent 18-hole golf course, designed by acclaimed course architect, Cabell B. Robinson. Five years in the making, it follows the scenic contours of the two plateaux, its challenging fairways cutting a swathe through lakes, olive and carob trees. No wonder the course has taken its rightful place among the very best the Mediterranean can offer.

Cyprus in Profile

Troodos Mountains

Cyprus is a charming island in the eastern Mediterranean with a unique climate, culture, customs and cuisine. Cyprus offers an extraordinary blend of east and west. Over the centuries, the island's coveted geographical location has made it a melting pot of civilizations. Roman, Byzantine, Greek and British influences (to name just a few) have all had a bearing on life in Cyprus.

An island where various kings have fought and ruled, Greek Gods have lived Cyprus Mapand loved, where history was made and legends were born. The island's landscape reflects similar contrasts, where sandy beaches and rugged coves border the central plain that rises up to the pine covered Troodos mountains with several ski slopes in winter. A country where people still cherish the traditions of their ancestors and timeless values are woven seamlessly into modern lifestyles. With a people known for their warmth and hospitable nature, Cyprus is the home of the Cypriots and home by choice to people from all over the world.

 

Capital
Population
Days of Sunshine per annum
International Airports
International Seaports
No. Blue Flag Beaches
Currency
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
800,000
340 for 11 hours per day
Paphos and Larnaca
Limassol
39
Euro

Seasonal Temperatures

MONTH

AVG MAX AIR TEMP WATER TEMP
  Deg C Deg F Deg C Deg F
January 17 62 16 61
February 17 62 15 59
March 18 64 16 61
April 21 70 18 64
May 24 75 20 68
June 27 81 23 74
July 29 84 24 76
August 30 86 24 76
September 28 82 26 79
October 26 79 25 77
November 22 72 20 68
December 18 64 15 59

Click for Paphos, Cyprus Forecast

 

If you go abroad twice a year or more, an annual policy usually offers better value than separate ones. And stand-alone policies typically start the day you fly, meaning you may not get cancellation cover in the run-up to your trip. An annual policy gives year-round cover, even when holidaying in the UK. Compare levels of cover not just the price - and look out for any excess charges, which is the amount you'll need to pay if you make a claim. Don't buy from travel agents as policies are usually more expensive than buying from insurers or brokers.

Make sure your travel insurance has...

  1. Emergency repatriation.
    If you have to be flown home, air ambulances are costly (Canary Islands to the UK, a whopping £16,000).


  2. Medical cover.
    Nobody wants to think about being sick on holiday, but you need to be prepared with a policy that offers at least £1 million worth of cover in Europe and £2 million for the rest of the world.


  3. 24-hour emergency service and assistance contact number.

  4. Cancellation/curtailment cover.
    Look for a policy that offers a refund if you have to cancel or cut a trip short because of illness, accident. jury service or home emergency.


  5. Lost/stolen property cover.
    Check the value of what you're planning to take and pick a policy that insures you for that sum.

Quick money-saving tips

  • Check credit card and overdraft limits before travelling; ringing from abroad can be costly and running out of funds on holiday is no fun.
  • Switch off your mobile voicemail - you'll be charged, for the incoming call, even if your phone is switched off. Suggest texting instead.
  • Don't shell out on "extras" such as booking your seats in advance, or seats with extra leg room, as it can add up to £40 per person to each flight.
  • Don't convert local currency prices to sterling. Many shops abroad offer this option but the conversion rate is poor and you'll pay around £5 more for every £100 you spend.

Know when to book your flights

It's not only when you fly that effects the price; it's when you book, too. Airline 'sales' usually start at midnight, with discount fares released on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. So go online just after midnight to bag the best deals. Booking later in the day may still mean a discount fare, but you'll be competing for just a handful of discounted tickets. Once they're gone, the next batch will be more expensive. Find out when airline sales start by signing up for newsletters and alerts through the airline websites. Early morning flights are more popular with business travellers and tend to be quite a lot more expensive. Shop around using online sites to find the best deals.

Cut your luggage bill.

Budget air fares may look cheap, but don't forget you'll pay for every extra, including luggage. If you go for the "luggage" option online, the system will automatically add one bag per person. It will be cheaper to pay for hold baggage when booking as some airlines will charge a large premium for bringing an unbooked bag to the airport. Share a suitcase to save money. Most charter airlines allow around 20kg but some smaller ones, like Viking (which flies to the Canaries, Greece and Egypt), have lower limits at just 18kg per case.

Get cheaper holiday cash

Most credit cards add a "loading charge" for purchases abroad, which means you pay around 2.75 per cent more than if you use cash - that's on top of fees for withdrawing cash. A good card for holiday spending is the Santander Zero credit card, which has no foreign loading and no charges for withdrawals abroad. An increasing number of high street outlets offer commission free deals on foreign currency. Find the best deal by asking how many euros you'll get for, say, £500, rather than doing the sums yourself based on their exchange rate. Don't change money at the airport; you'll usually get a lower rate compared with the high street.

Don't pay for 'free' things

Travelling within the EU? It's worth getting a European Health Insurance Card in addition to travel insurance. It doesn't replace comprehensive travel insurance as it only offers free basic emergency treatment, but it could be worth using instead of travel cover in some cases, eg, if you're likely to incur excess charges claiming on your insurance. Some commercial companies, such as www.ehic.org and www.ehic.uk.com, charge £9.95 to issue this free card! So apply for an EHIC free via the Post Office.

Save on your car hire

Organise your car hire before leaving home to avoid rental agreements in foreign languages, and paying additional local taxes and charges. Check what's included in the price - such as insurance, or adding a second driver. A great money-saving tip is to book the smallest car you can comfortably cope with; these tend to be popular and go first, so you're more likely to get a free upgrade if there are none left. Don't feel embarrassed to check over the car with the company rep for marks, scratches or dents, and mark them down on the paperwork. If you can, take photoga:aphs as proof of existing damage. Check whether fuel is induded in the rental price and, if so, which of the following categories it falls into:

  • Drive away on a full tank and return on a full tank (make sure the car is full to the brim when you drive off, and return it in the same state, to avoid a refuelling charge).
  • Drive away on a full tank and return it empty (although you may end up paying more for the petrol than if you fill up yourself, and you need to be careful not to run out of petrol when returning it).
  • Pay only for the fuel you use (but remember you may be charged more than double regular pump prices).

Never sign until you've read the terms and conditions (often hidden deep in the small print).

Find airport parking deals

Always pre-book to save money. Flying from the smaller regional airports usually means cheaper car parking, although, naturally, which airports you can fly from depends on your destination. Check the time, frequency and journey-time of shuttle buses, particularly if you're flying early morning or late at night. Shop around and pre-book, using sites such as www.travelsupermarket.com and www.gosimply.com

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