Polis Chrysochous (most commonly called Polis), is located in one of the most beautiful regions of the island, near the Akamas Nature Reserve. It is currently the smallest town of Cyprus.
The history of this place is rooted in the distant past. Before Polis, two ancient cities thrived here – Marion and Arsinoe, whose heyday fell in the 4th-3rd centuries BC. It was here that the cultural, spiritual and economic life of the entire region was focused. According to a local legend, the first inhabitants of this area were metallurgists and copper miners, who moved here because of the local rich deposits of copper ore.
One of the main attractions of Polis is the Local Archaeological Museum of Marion-Arsinoe, which showcases a unique collection of artefacts found during archaeological excavations in the region. The collection is truly marvellous! Any visitor will be amazed by the craftsmanship of ancient masters, the ideal lines and colours of ceramic products of various sizes and the intricate design of ancient jewellery.
By the way, these two ancient cities did not exist at the same time! Initially, the city-state was called Marion. However, in the 4th century BC it was destroyed by an earthquake. The city was eventually rebuilt, and the governor of the region decided to name it Arsinoe, in honour of his wife.
Polis is closely connected with Aphrodite. According to a myth, the goddess of love and beauty, who was born off the coast of Cyprus, chose this beautiful area of the island to meet with her lover Adonis. There are local attractions dedicated to this myth, including the Aphrodite Trail, the Adonis Trail, and the Baths of Aphrodite. Make sure to visit the most romantic and hidden waterfall in Cyprus – the Kremmiotis Waterfall, located not far from the Paphos-Polis road.
Polis Chrysochous is a great option for those who don’t like both the big cities and the small villages. In Polis, there is something for everyone – luxury hotels, modest guest houses or camping site in the eucalyptus forest, for a complete unity with nature… Beach lovers will appreciate Polis as well, as most of its beaches have received the prestigious Blue Flag award for cleanliness and developed infrastructure. In Polis, there is a picturesque harbour, with many restaurants and cafes for every taste. The local climate can probably be considered the best on the island. Mountain trails through pine forests and equipped picnic places will be greatly appreciated by the lovers of walking and cycling.
Once you get hungry, be sure to check out the Polis Herb Garden & Restaurant with an original concept. Many dishes of the restaurant are prepared using herbs which are grown right there, in a park with wild and medicinal herbs – a kind of “pharmacy garden”. Such gardens were popular at the courts of European rulers, starting from the Renaissance. Chefs and doctors used to keep these herbs a secret. Today, the local owner generously shares his experiences, offering the produce grown in his garden, including dried herbs and natural (!) cosmetic oils, and treating his customers to a wide variety of meat and fish dishes. Vegetarians will also not stay hungry! Children will be able to experience the taste and aroma of dishes that their grandparents remember from the time when there were no chemicals in food, only real spices and herbs! Before placing an order, walk slowly along the paths of the garden, breathe in the heady aromas, marvel at the unusual trees and shrubs. Check out the amazing trees which have several types of citrus growing on them at once!
Come here and taste the real Cyprus – picturesque, hospitable and unhurried, filled with centuries-old history and the smells of forest herbs!
Source:- TopGuide Cyprus
