.png)
A magical mountain spa resort, a 45-minute flight away, is the perfect "getaway" for tired parents.
The first couple's vacation as parents, without children, is bound to be filled with concerns. When we began planning our first weekend as a couple, we decided to allocate a minimal amount of time to practice the "child-free flight" muscle. Therefore, it was important for us to find a place with a short flight duration and to maximize our time at the destination while still leaving the country. There is nothing to say, something about crossing the border makes a difference, and even when the flight is short, we immediately enter the atmosphere of detachment. This is how we found ourselves in the heart of the mountains of Paphos in Cyprus, on a non-routine vacation that we built for ourselves, and which I am happy to share with you.
Flight
We flew with Ryanair from Terminal 1 at Ben Gurion Airport. I mention this because as of July, Terminal 1 operates a service for flights that don't check baggage. Those traveling with just a backpack or a trolley bag can undergo security checks in a designated area like an express lane. For us, the entire process from entering the terminal to reaching Duty-Free at Terminal 1 took less than 15 minutes. This was my first flight without checked baggage, and there's no doubt that this service will become increasingly popular!
Getting around
Paphos Airport is located a half-hour drive from the city center. Taxis are available from the airport if you're staying in the city center, but we chose to rent a car that would serve us throughout our stay through Europcar.
There's no doubt that the advantage of having a car is the flexibility and independence it provides, without relying on public transportation/taxis. Plus, you can sleep in any area without being restricted by proximity to the city center. Note that in Cyprus, unlike Israel, they drive on the left side of the road, which requires some adaptation. However, drivers in Cyprus are quite cautious, and we found the roads comfortable and pleasant to drive on.
Accommodation
When selecting our accommodation, it was important for us to find a special place that didn't feel like just another hotel on the average city promenade. After browsing through countless options online, I stumbled upon a hotel that seemed different. And that's how we found ourselves in a unique place called Minthis Resort.
The resort, located about a 30-minute drive north of Paphos Airport, is a sprawling golf club, the largest in Cyprus, situated atop a hill surrounded by lush green lawns and endless open views. The resort, nestled within the golf club, features an infinity pool, and villas, each spacious with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living room. The hotel boasts an amazing spa with a huge fitness center, heated pools, and sauna rooms. The entire hotel is designed in a modern natural style, with high ceilings, huge windows, and stunning natural views.
We enjoyed every moment of our stay at this hotel, and I'm already looking forward to returning to it again.
Points of Interest in Paphos
Old Town of Paphos - The Old Town of Paphos is an area with beautiful and inviting architecture, alongside well-preserved buildings, boutique shops, and restaurants on every corner. During the afternoon, there's also a souvenir market, while in the evenings, the main scene is the bars and restaurants.
Paphos Promenade - The harbor and promenade are the most touristy areas in Paphos. A long promenade that ends at Paphos Castle, lined with countless shops and restaurants. Every evening, the promenade fills with crowds, making it the busiest spot in Paphos.
Tombs of the Kings Avenue - The most impressive archaeological site in Paphos, located about 2 km north of the city center. In 1980, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is a collection of underground tombs dating back to the 4th century BC, where aristocrats who lived in the area were buried.
Exploring Paphos Wine Route
Similar to Israel, Cyprus also boasts a wine scene with quality vineyards and wines. In the Paphos region, there are several wine routes, each of which we dedicated a day to exploring.
Tsangarides Winery - Located about a 25-minute drive from Minthis or a half-hour drive from the center of Paphos, Tsangarides Winery is a small and picturesque vineyard overlooking the vines where the wine is produced. Tastings here include 6 wines for approximately 5 euros per person.
Kolios Winery - Perched atop a hill with stunning open views, Kolios Winery offers tastings of 4 wines for around 7 euros per person. You can also join a tour and get an explanation of the winery. Additionally, there's an option for lunch on-site, with booking.
Vouni Panayia Winery - One of the most recommended wineries and also the furthest from the city center. When we arrived, there was no option for tastings, so it's important to arrange in advance. The tasting menu is quite flexible and includes options for different wine combinations based on the number of wines you'd like to taste.
Restaurants In Paphos
Dining Experience at Muse
Muse restaurant is situated in the city of Paphos, near the Old Town. It's recommended for cocktails at sunset.
While less recommended in terms of food, from what I gathered, we opted for cocktails and a cheese platter, which was excellent. The view is amazing, but if you really want to enjoy it, it's advisable to book in advance and request a seat in the front row for sunset.
Letymbou Tavern: A Local Gem
Letymbou Tavern is a recommended local restaurant located in a small village at the beginning of the wine route.
Owned by a woman of Polish descent who married a Cypriot man, the menu offers classic local dishes from the Cypriot kitchen, including a variety of salads and meat dishes.
Divine Peak Restaurant: A Culinary Gem in the Heart of Cyprus
Situated at the heart of Cyprus, Divine Peak Restaurant is the pinnacle of fine dining experiences.
Perched atop a small local hotel, the restaurant's location might seem unconventional at first glance. However, any initial doubts quickly vanish as guests ascend to discover a culinary haven. Offering a fusion of Cypriot cuisine with Italian influences, Divine Peak is a chef-driven establishment serving up a diverse array of dishes.
Ideal for evening dining, reservations are highly recommended to secure your place at this gastronomic retreat.
تعليقات