Located within a villa resort with access to a private residents’ beach, Villa Heracles features a prime location. Being set within the unspoilt area of Argaka, it is only a few kilometres away from the town of Polis, in the foothills of the Troodos mountains. This charming town in north-west Cyprus lays on simple pleasures and traditional village life. Days here revolve around the soft sand and pebble beach and the square, which is bordered by shops, cafés and laid-back tavernas. Its surrounds include the beautiful Akamas peninsula – a nature reserve – that’s home to a myriad of wildlife, including birds, reptiles and turtles.
You can explore this beautiful nature reserve via buggies, quad bikes or 4X4 tours. The park contains valleys, gorges and wide sandy bays. Stop off at Lara Beach – a famous nesting spot for the green turtle. The beach is remote and is the perfect spot for swimming or relaxing on the sands.
If it’s more beaches you’re after, Polis also has a sweeping, crescent-shaped beach that has shallow waters that are perfect for swimming. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to take part in water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving and jet skiing. Just a few kilometres west is the small town of Latchi with its boat-lined harbour and restaurants serving a wide choice of food including freshly-caught fish. There’s a water sports centre and boat hire there too. From Latchi port, boats cruise the peninsula and stop at Cyprus’s famous Blue Lagoon where you can swim and relax in the amazing azure blue water. Some boats also prepare a traditional Cypriot barbecue with slow-cooked meat.
For more family-friendly days out, the Baths of Aphrodite with its natural pool (you can swim in it) and Avaka Gorge – a popular hiking destination with a dramatic canyon are also well worth visiting. At the latter, keep an eye out for wild goats in the mountains.