A trip to this western edge of our island is not only an immersive tour experience, but also an exploratory walk through the history of many centuries: the area of Polis Chrysochous is believed to have been inhabited since the Cypro-Archaic Period (725-475 B.C.) and was one of the ten ancient kingdoms of Cyprus. However, from evidence found to date from inscriptions and coins, we only know the names of a few of the kings of Marion from the 5th and 4th centuries B.C.

The area of Chrysochou Bay is rich both geographically and historically. It is also adorned with natural beauty: the endless blue of the Mediterranean Sea, long pebble beaches, picturesque sunny valleys and historical and cultural treasures, as well as legends and ancient myths artfully intertwined with the present day, in a place where ancient gods and kings used to live and were worshipped. It is ultimately a wonderful attraction for nature enthusiasts, explorers, and the admirers of its history, culture, and Cyprus’ unique local identity. Demanding travelers and swimmers who visit the area marvel at the majestic exotic beaches, the warm Mediterranean climate, the crystal clear blue waters, the unique landscapes, the gastronomic local delights, and moments of peace and relaxation, away from the crowds of the cosmopolitan resorts. A trip to Polis Chrysochous is also an opportunity to get acquainted with the neighboring Akamas peninsula to the west and the wider area of Chrysochou Bay and its picturesque villages to the east. All these, combined with the genuine and cordial hospitality of the locals, comprise the perfect panorama for an unforgettable escape to both the residential areas and the seaside landscapes of the region.

Polis Chrysochous invites you to discover it by following one of the two scenic routes from the town of Pafos, either through the lush green Stroumpi (B7), or by choosing the coastal route through Pegeia (E709), overlooking the endless blue of the Mediterranean Sea and the smooth elevations of the imposing Laona plateau.

Latsi, with its attractive beaches and an ever-increasing development of tourist accommodation and restaurants, attracts thousands of visitors every year. They seek relaxation, nice clean waters for swimming, and beautiful landscapes for exploring. Organized cruises are also offered from Latsi, to explore the eastern coastline of Akamas towards the famous Baths of Aphrodite and the idyllic Fontana Amorosa, until reaching the cape of Akamas.

The sea surrounding the area, apart from its attractive beaches, is considered a hot spot for its marine biodiversity on a global scale, and an important and fertile habitat or refuge for many living organisms. Some marine species that are also found in other parts of the island, such as the Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta and the Mediterranean monk seal, which are classed as vulnerable, are found in the marine environment to the west and east of Polis Chrysochous The ‘Posidonia oceanica’ seagrass, which is endemic to the Mediterranean and considered to be its most important marine ecosystem, holds an honorary place in this western edge of Cyprus, since one of the deepest Posidonia meadows in the Mediterranean has been found in the Akamas region. The turtles that nest on the beaches of Polis Chrysochous usually find protection in the underwater meadow, while they feed and breed.

The town was built on the foundations of ancient Marion, one of the ten ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus. Indeed, Marion was one of the most important ancient kingdoms of Cyprus, is associated with the valley of today’s Polis Chrysochous.

Ancient Marion was one of the richest kingdoms of Cyprus, due to its geographical position and the rich copper deposits in the neighboring Limni Mine as well as the presence of a port, from which goods could be exported and imported. Its geographical location also allowed it to establish relations with mainland Greece, since it was the closest port to Greece, and this is where ships from the west used to arrive first.

From the Guide to “Exploring Polis Chrysochous, A journey through the villages of Chrysochou Bay and Akamas”.

The book is available at the Museum of Sea and Culture of Polis-Latsi

SELAS participated in the publication and documentation of the work, contributing to the cultural and geographical recording of the region.

A visit to Stavros tis Psokas is recommended for those who like to get acquainted with the mountainous forested landscape of Cyprus and particularly those who like to see on the spot moufflon’s, a unique endemic species of the sheep family. The visitor can approach Stavros tis Psokas through the village of Lysos. Though the distance on the map appears to be short, nevertheless, the time required is rather long, since the traveler must follow earthen, meandering, often narrow roads. The road is, however, hard and resistant, as it lies on igneous rocks. The dominant forest tree throughout the route is the pine and the golden oak. Wild olive trees appear in some areas while the plane trees grow in deep valleys. On the way to Stavros tis Psokas the traveler might be lucky to meet groups of moufflon. 

Stavros tis Psokas is a forest settlement, with filed, steep pitched houses made of wood, including guest houses for those who would like to spend a few nights in the Station. 

The environment at Stavros, amid the lush vegetation of pines, chestnut and cypress trees, next to cedar, golden oak and maple is very pleasant, quiet and cool, particularly in the worm summer days. In an enclosure the visitor can see the moufflon, the national animal of Cyprus. A few deer, kept for acclimatization in enclosures, can also been seen. They are beautiful, fast running animals with the males having deciduous antlers. The deers, as historically know, used to live in Cyprus up to the Middle Ages. They were abundant in almost all the forests of Cyprus. A few trails have been set up for those who would like to combine the visit with walking amid a cool, refreshing, forested landscape.

Moufflon

Moufflon is an old as the first inhabitants of Cyprus or the first Neolithic settlements of the island. In Neolithic times it was hunted and caught for its meat as well as for its bones. Later on, particularly in the Hellenistic-Roman time, its presence is evidenced by the mosaics of Pafos. In the Middle Ages it was the game of the noble Frankish ruling class.

In 1939, the Forest of Pafos, where the animals live, was declared a reserve area. The moufflon has been used on stamps, coins, posters, etc. Though in the past moufflons could be encountered in the Troodos Forest, currently they are confined to the Forest of Pafos. There is a seasonal movement to higher areas of the forest in summer and to the lower in winter. Its pale brown hair protects it from the enemy, as it resembles the colour of the natural vegetation. The moufflon belongs to the sheep family with the male having horns like those of a ram, and the female bearing no horns. The animals live from 15 to 20 years and are very elegant, powerful and handsome. As soon as they feel the presence of the man they disappear. Normally they appear in groups of five or six

Extract from the Touring Guide of Pafos published by SELAS PUBLICATIONS LTD