Eagles'-Castle
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| Pano Akourdaleia Pano ("upper") and Kato ("lower") Akourdaleia are two pretty little villages that are situated high on the Laona Plateau, fringing the Akamas peninsula, approximately 20 km north-west of Pafos. Both villages offer splendid views over the wide Khrysochou valley and the crystal-clear waters of the Polis and Latsi bay and towards the imposing range of the Troodos mountains. This small picturesque village offers a generous sense of serenity and calmness, accompanied by the beautiful chirrup of the birds. The natural environment of the village, is rich in vegetation, vines, carob trees, almond trees, citrus trees and grain, but it is also surrounded by breathtaking gorges and wildland, inviting the visitor into an adventure of exploration. According to one tradition the village acquired its name from the French phrase "a cour de l' eau" meaning "in the course of the water". There are many other stories as to the meaning and origin of the name Akourdaleia. Our preferred version is that it comes from the combination of two greek words which romantically translate to "listen to the birdsong". Both the villages are small, and some years ago the Laona Project helped to breathe a fresh air of optimism into them. The Laona Project was a successful scheme that helped to restore and repair old buildings in five of the Laona villages. |
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| The project encouraged agro -tourism in the area, and gave financial support to the craftsmen. |
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| The pretty little 16th century church of Khryselousa in Pano Akourdhalia was renovated. This church was built near the point where two streams meet and ontop of an old temple of Artemis. and the church is dwarfed by a huge olive tree and there is an old stone olive press nearby | ||
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The schoolhouse was transformed into a herb garden where visitors can wander and buy a variety of fresh herbs. Click here for |
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| or you could simply rejuvenate yourself with a tea made from herbs freshly gathered from the garden and lovingly prepared by Mr Mantis who will give you an inexhaustive and fascinating narrative on anything from instructions of how to prepare your own herbal drink, to stories of how the high society of the ancient Romans used take time off their governing duties and relax in thermal spas not far from where you are now unwinding |  |
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| Akamas Region and the Laona Project The rugged Akamas peninsula is home to a huge variety of fauna and flora. The protected status of the peninsula has preserved the area's natural beauty and, perhaps even more than in the Troodos Mountains, nature reigns supreme. Its coastline is still largely pristine and its littoral and marine life little impacted by the advance of civilization. |
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The diversity of wildlife in this area ranks it as an area of outstanding ecological importance, not only for Cyprus but for the whole of the Mediterranean | |
| Akamas is also the reproductive grounds for "Chelonia mydas" and "Caretta caretta", two species of turtles that have been identified as "near extinction" in the Mediterranean. |  |
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In spring it provides a spectacle of breathtaking beauty with colours and shapes long lost in most of the rest of the island; a reminder of the island's original identity |
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| Driving within the actual Akamas Park is definitely the prerogative of a 4x4 but in summer there are several boats which cruise from Latsi (Latchi) if you prefer not to wrestle with your car's steering wheel. Cruising gives you the opportunity, too, to see some of the shipwrecks - the peninsula is treacherous in bad weather conditions. |  |
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One way to explore is to pack a haversack and hike as only in this way will one really appreciate the rich and diverse wildlife. Another enjoyable way to see the region is using a strong mountain bike. |
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The Cyprus Forestry Department has established some nature trails but there are many unmarked tracks to follow. The Laona Foundation, a non profit making trust, was set up in 1992 to manage a preservation programme originally instituted by the Friends of the Earth (Cyprus) and financed by the EEC. The project involved the renovation of 26 buildings - homes, churches, tavernas etc. in a number of villages all situated about 10 km south of Polis and 20 km North of Paphos. The Laona district in which these villages are located varies in landscape from coastal to hill country. It is abundant in flora and fauna and is particularly attractive in the spring where wild flowers may be appreciated between March and May. The area in general offers excellent walks. Villages benefiting from the Laona project include: Kritou Terra , an attractive village just five minutes drive from Droushia set on a hillside amid fruit and nut trees. The village hosts the Cyprus Environmental Studies Centre. Pano Akourdaleia , a tiny village set amongst vineyards in which the Project has established a herb garden at the old school. Excellent walking area with spectacular scenery. Kato Akourdaleia , set on a hillside facing the Troodos Mountains hosts The Folk Arts Museum. Pleasant walks to the restored Miller's House and to a Byzantine chapel set on the edge of a spectacular 'undiscovered' gorge. Miliou , a small village set amongst orchards. Close by, the hotel offers therapeutic sulphur-spring baths. Two traditional weavers work here. Kathikas offers a visitors' centre and several tavernas. The mild weather, the variety of landscape, vegetation and wildlife and the relatively unspoilt state of the coutryside and villages make it a real delight for the walker and naturalist, all year round. |
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Polis (10 minutes drive from the villa) This countryside little town derives its name from the Greek word for city, and is the shortened version of Polis Chrysohou which translated mean "the City of the Golden Land" thus named for the fertile land surrounding the river Chrysochou. There are no large hotels so travellers can step into a world away from the usual tourist attractions and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this small but attractive village. |
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| 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. Traditional restaurants surrounding the square offer tantalizing home baked cuisine. Ice cream parlours, tiny coffee shops are a few of the delights on offer in Polis. | ||
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Latchi/Latsi Polis is served by the picturesque fishing port of Latsi -a pole of attraction all the year round and reputed for its fish taverns, its sea-sport facilities and boat- rides up to Akamas -a must for all visitors. Latchi / Latsi with its coastal paved walk is the picturesque harbour of Polis, known throughout Cyprus for its fresh fish. In the past it served as a small port for shipping carobs. The old stone carob warehouses have been converted into restaurants, fish taverns and places of recreation |
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Latchi is just 2kms from Polis with a good selection oakourdaleiaf sea-front tavernas offering one of the best choices of fresh fish dishes on the island. The famous 'Baths of Aphrodite' are a 10-minute drive away where the spring in which Aphrodite bathed can be visited. Just a handful of small shops with more choice in Polis or for a more cosmopolitan range try Paphos. Long sand/shingle main beach with other sandy beaches nearby. Water sports available on the beach. Warm hearted, friendly locals will make your stay memorable. Walking enthusiasts will love the many walks available in the area including the trail of Aphrodite and Adonis (walk in the footsteps of the gods). Explore the baths of Aphrodite where legend has it that Aphrodite bathed with her lover Adonis. They say if you bath in the waters at the baths of Aphrodite you will be blessed with the secret to eternal youth and beauty! (you may also be arrested ...but it might be a price worth paying). Enjoy the unspoiled scenery of the peninsula and the Akamas National Park. A walk along its nature trails accompanied by the panoramic view of the bay of Polis is a unique experience. |
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| Coral Bay (20 mins drive) |
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