We purchased this lovely Villa for our retirement but until that happy time, we'll only be able to use it a few times a year.
We love it and hope you will too,
Kind regards
Paul and Alison
Coral Bay - Cyprus
The beautiful beach resort of Coral Bay is often described as the best bay on the west of the island. And it's no surprise, when you consider the calm turquoise sea, dipping gently into some of the clearest off shore diving space in the Mediterranean, the scattered palm trees, the 600 metres of soft white sand and, in summertime, the almost cloudless blue skies.
Tourism came to the seaside village of Coral Bay later than many other Mediterranean holiday destinations, and despite its popularity the resort has retained a genuine local charm. The pace of life is very laid back and things tend to centre around the activity on the beach. You will also find lots of very friendly tavernas and restaurants selling delicious local dishes, with seafood a speciality.
The relaxing environment of the resort, the long warm days and simple pleasures of good food and beautiful views may well lull you into that perfect holiday mood. However, if you want to get up and explore, Coral Bay is a wonderful base from which to see Cyprus' best and most secluded beaches. All along this coastline you will find little sandy coves, protected by the rugged coastline, just perfect for a day trip out. If you don't fancy the walk this may well be the time to make use of your free hire car.
Paphos
Coral Bay is just a short drive from the city of Paphos, once the capital city of the island. Dating back to pre-Roman times this has been a bustling city, so it is literally full of sights of archaeological interest. For example, the Tombs of the Kings is an amazing subterranean world full of hugely decorous tombs, with pillars and ancient engravings. Also of note is the Agia Solomoni church, which is still covered in some 12th Century frescos, a rare sight this far east in the Mediterranean, while according to legend the tree outside the church has healing properties. Meanwhile, the Mosaics of Paphos are considered among the finest in the eastern Mediterranean.
Cyprus History
From the earliest times Cyprus historical significance far outweighed its small size. Its strategic position at the crossroads of three continents, as well as its considerable supplies of copper and timber combined to make it a highly desirable territorial acquisition.
The first signs of civilization go back to the 9th millennium BC, while the discovery of copper on the island brought wealth and trade to the island. Around 1200 BC a process began that was to stamp the island with an identity that it still has today; the arrival of Mycenaean - Achaean Greeks as permanent settlers, who brought with them their language and culture. Cyprus was subsequently conquered by various nations but, nevertheless, managed to retain its Greek identity, language and culture intact. The Turkish Cypriots came much later. They were descendants of the Ottoman Turks who occupied the island for more than 300 years between the 16th and 19th century, and have contributed their own heritage to the country.
Christianity was introduced to the island during the 1st century AD by St. Paul himself and St. Barnabas, founder of the Church of Cyprus.
