People | 4 |
Bedrooms | 1 |
Bathrooms | 1 |
Separate WC's | 1 |
Property type | house |
Minimum Stay | 6 nights |
If you would like to experience a fast disappearing way of life, then this is the place to stay. The traditional village of Kritou Tera, tucked away from the usual tourist trail, yet with easy access to mountains and beaches, can provide an insight into traditional Cypriot culture. The property is located on the edge of this compact village close to the Akamas National Park, with delightful views over sea and mountains. Situated at 500 metres above sea level, the climate is perfect in the hot summer months. The Cyprus Environment Centre is housed in the old village school indicating the value of this location for anyone interested in the natural environment and the habitat of the flora and fauna. Many organised walking and bird watching holidays are based in the Akamas, with it's variety of coastal paths or high level walks, all with spectacular views. Excellent base for mountain biking in Akamas or the Troodos Mountains. The recently refurbished Droushia Heights Hotel in the neighbouring village, provides an amazing infinity pool which is open to the public all day if guests purchase drinks, snacks or meals there. So, a perfect location for either an energetic or restful break.
This partner has demonstrated and is committed to fast response times, the best rates, and a great guest experience.
My husband and I and our family lived and worked for many years in Cyprus, so we know the island very well. We eventually decided to buy a small holiday property and realised it would have to be in the Akamas area, as it's the most beautiful and unspoilt part of the island. We purchased the house in 2002 and used it extensively as a bolt-hole for weekends, as well as for longer holidays. Although we are now retired and living in France, we regularly revisit Cyprus as we have friends in the village and miss the friendliness of the local people.
Ellen Casson purchased this house in 2002
Having discovered this part of the island many years earlier, we returned two or three times a year from our home near Larnaca, in order to camp by the beach in Polis Chrysochou. There was no contest about location once we had decided to buy a property of our own. We love the simple lifestyle and quiet location well away from the tourist areas and concrete jungle that is now Pahos; not to mention some wonderful restaurants in the area. A traditional village house with it's quirky features was more attractive to us than a modern villa with a pool. The beaches are near at hand! It provided sheer escapism from our busy lifestyle!
Our village of Kritou Tera is located in a stunning position overlooking Polis, with easy access to Polis, Latchi and Paphos, as well as the beaches and mountains. We love visiting the beaches but didn't want to live near them and their inherent bustle, potential development and traffic. Kritou Tera is a perfect location in which to enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside, observe (and even get involved in) the local way of life and be surrounded by wonderful walking and cycling country with fabulous views.
The panoramic views from our terrace are simply outstanding, as you will gather when reading our reveiws.
I just wanted to write a quick note to say what a lovely house you have in such a friendly village. We were lucky enough to get to know your near neighbours. I don't think we have ever felt so welcome when we have been away on holiday. Your house really has a lovely atmosphere and so well equipped and comfortable. It was our second visit to Cyprus and it certainly won't be our last. We fell in love with the island and the people all over again and your house certainly helped. If you ever feel like selling please give us first refusal!!
Please thank Pawel for his care and attention to detail. He is even returning some clothes I carelessly left in the bottom of the wardrobe, after being interrupted by your fantastic neighbours!
Thank you once again, we thoroughly enjoyed our holiday.
Gill August 2014
The house and village were wonderful and we had a really lovely holiday. We could not believe how much space was ours and of course the views were incredible. It was a journey back in time to a slower pace of life and was interesting to speak to and observe life for the locals of Kritou Tera. We also had some romantic evenings in Kathikas enjoying meals at Imogens, the traditional taverna and the Farmyard particularly. Overall we did think the house was fantastic value for money. Jenny July 2014
We had a wonderful time at the house, it truly is a beautiful property and I wouldn't hesitate to to recommend to friends and family. Neil July 2014
We loved your house, it was much prettier in the flesh than in the photos. Lovely terrace and great views. Well equipped, good location and friendly locals with strong wine! We would definitely recommend it to friends.
We very much enjoyed our stay in your house in Kritou Tera. It was charming and very comfortable and we very much enjoyed the fantastic views from your balcony. We have had a very relaxing holiday. Thank you for the delicious wines; we very much enjoyed them.
I had an amazing holiday. What a delightful property (definitely the best position in the village).The views are fantastic and it was so quiet. The village is a perfect example of how life used to be there.
We had such a great time last year that we booked again. The house is as quirky and lovely as we remembered, a great base to enjoy a lovely peaceful and relaxing holiday. I'm sure we will return !!
The property has all the facilities we needed. The neighbours across the road were very welcoming and made some good suggestions about places to visit. We came mainly for the wild flowers and the area is certainly a hot spot for orchids.
WE LOVE THIS PLACE, WE HAVE STAYED HERE SEVERAL TIMES NOW.
I THINK THAT SAYS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW.
IT'S A LOVELY QUIET LITTLE VILLAGE, SO MUCH SO THAT WE ARE HAVING OUR OWN LITTLE HOUSE BUILT THERE,
BUT JACKARANDA WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS, IT'S LIKE A
SPECIAL FRIEND,
AND DEALING WITH ELLEN WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE.
WE ARE GOING BACK THERE WHILE WE HAVE OUR PLACE SORTED OUT.
PETER AND STELLA
The house is great, comfortable and quirky. Even in October we still spent most mornings on one of the two patios in the hot sun admiring the incredible views and reading. The house catches the breeze which is a huge advantage. We like to be a away from the tourist traps at the coast but if you want to be able to walk out to a selection of bars and restaurants this isn't the place for you. Polis is not very far away and it has a good range of supermarkets, bars and restaurants but you can't walk to it. There are restaurants nearer than Polis and Ellen recommends some in the information provided. We would recommend the Vasilikon vineyard at Kathikas were we had an excellent lunch and some great wine.
It's an old house that has been renovated well In a historic village, it is relatively easy to find if you follow the excellent directions provided (complete with pictures), it was clean, and had everything you needed. great holiday
Lovely traditional Cypriot villa set in a very very quiet village. Like most villages, investment in developing them is gradually being put into the village, for example a new Taverna. Their is a small village shop and coffee shop, but they weren't open during our stay in September. Neighbour's dogs were occasionally noisy during the night.
Overall very pleasant stay in a nice traditional property. Would recommend.
The property is in the small village of Kritou Tera......it is beautifully situated with stunning views from the upper terrace.....it is well supplied and very quaint with outdoor access to the bedroom.....it also has a beautiful small garden and a sunny patio...it was spotlessly clean and exactly as described online....the owners provided a photographic list of directions which were very helpful and their representative was there to meet us
A car is essential as we never found the village shop open.......an adequate supermarket is on the way to Polis which many restaurants,shops etc.....approx. 20min drive.....we found the nicest beaches near Latchi (approx. 25min drive) in particular La Plage which has several breakwaters and so is calmer than the ones at Latchi harbour.....many restaurants there too
From Kritou Tera is also very easy to reach Paphos....the archeological site is well worth a visit as is the one at Kourion, although it is a longer drive...
As a holiday home it is ideal if you prefer to be away from the very developed areas but it does mean a drive everywhere even to the neighbouring villages
Coast/Beach:
There are many excellent beaches around Polis and Latchi within 15-20 minutes drive. Our favourite is the Polis Campsite Beach and the Anassa Beach to the west of Latchi. Famous Coral Bay, on the west coast is about 30 mins drive.
Then there is Lara...imagine a long sandy beach shore with nothing populating it but turtle eggs and a handful of people ... with inviting clear blue waters. No sun beds, no umbrellas, no beach games! This is the Cyprus Turtle Sanctuary - well worth a visit.
Travel:
Paphos airport:40 minutes drive. Larnaca airport: 1 1/2 hours. Detailed directions from the airports to the house are provided to all our guests.
A car is essential for this property.
Distances:
A small shop, post office and coffee shop in village. 5 minutes drive to village of Droushia (restaurants, shops and basket weaving museum). 5 minutes drive to Kathikas (several excellent restaurants, our favourite winery Vasilikon, cafés and cultural centre). 10 minutes drive to Polis town (restaurants, cafés, bars, discos, museums, shopping, supermarkets, petrol stations, banks, post office, doctor and hospital)
10 minutes to Latchi harbour and Marina with fabulous sea food restaurants
Further Details:
This area of western Cyprus regularly enjoys an amazing 340 days of sunshine a year. With daytime winter temperatures rarely dipping below 18C, it is regarded as an all season, sunshine location. In the summer months, the cooling sea breezes and 500m elevation keep the heat and humidity to a pleasant level, unlike some other areas of the island. Kritou Tera is surrounded by countryside ideal for walking, cycling, bird watching & horse riding. A wine trail can be found in the neighbouring village of Kathikas and an excellent wine (both red and white) can be bought direct from the winery there. Latchi is the watersports centre of this area with kite surfing, snorkelling and Padi Diving courses. Boat trips along the coast to small bays inaccessible by car are available from Latchi. These usually include a meal and opportunities to swim and snorkel.
The baths of Aphrodite, where she is reputed to have met her lover Adonis, are a few miles west of Latchi. This is also the gateway to the Akamas National Park. Marked walking or mountain biking trails, can be followed from here with suitable shady picnic sites en route to viewpoints overlooking the whole of the Akamas Peninsula. The forest to the east of Polis also has nature trails, as well as a Mouflon enclosure where these shy, native creatures can be seen in their natural environment. (1 hour). Paphos Town, about 45 minutes drive is well worth a visit. The old town and market provide a fascinating variety of quaint streets and little shops. The newer resort area on the coast overlooks the famous harbour with Paphos fort. Paphos boasts many archaeological sites, notably the world famous mosaics and the Tombs of the Kings.
There are many excellent local restaurants in the neighbouring village of Kathikas and in Polis and Latchi (fish is the local speciality in those around Latchi Harbour.) Between Latchi and Polis is a Chinese restaurant, which also provides takeaways with other takeaway possibilities in Polis.
Fees | No additional mandatory fees |
Damage Deposit | £150 |
Booking Notes:
30% deposit required to secure your booking. Balance payable 6 weeks before arrival. Payment by bank transfer.or online
Changeover Day:
Flexible
Notes on prices:
Prices include a meet and greet service provided by our local agent, which will ensure you know where things are and how they work! You will also be able to contact him in an emergency.
Bedlinen and towels, as well as beach towels, are provided
Long term rental (over 4 weeks) by negotiaition