Ithaki House at Meladeia, Cyprus

GUEST BOOK
Ithaki
H OU S E
Entire House Sleeps 5
2 Bedrooms Ensuite
Private Swimming Pool
Free Wi-Fi
Satellite TV & On-Demand Movies
AC & Central Heating
Magical Views & Sunsets
Barbecue and Cyprus ‘foukou’
JUST LET US TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY


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2
CONTENTS
03 Welcome
06 Getting Yourself Oriented 08 Ithaki House
10 Amenities
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Local Wining & Dining, Sports & Leisure, and Grocery Shopping
16 Within Reach:
Steni, Lysos, Kathikas, Polis, Latchi, Aka- mas, Argaka/Pomos
28 Further Down the Road:
Troodos, Kourion, Petra tou Romiou, Yeroskipou, Paphos Town
32 As You Set Out for Ithaki ... 34 Contact Info
We thank all our guests, friends and businesses, whose photos are included in their guest book with their permission.




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Welcome
Every time Ι arrive at Ithaki, I fall in love all over again....
It was love at first sight when I set my eyes on this property. I remember the date so well: 29 November 2016. My Dad and I went to view a house that was for sale in Meladeia, a small village of 20 inhabitants down the road from Dad’s birthplace. I originally come from Steni, a little village close to Meladeia, where I used to spend happy, carefree childhood summers with my ‘yiayia’ (grandmother). My husband and I were looking for our own property there for some time.
On the photos this house looked beautiful,... in real life it was absolutely perfect. Every time I arrive at this small piece of heaven, I am captivated by the beauty of the untouched countryside, the open friendliness of the locals, the absolute peace and tranquility, the breathtaking views and sunsets. The balcony views of the pri- vate swimming pool take my breath away. Every time I feel exactly the same as that first time, and every time I know instinctively we have made the right choice. I’m at home.
Our 2-bedroom beautiful home is the perfect retreat: warm & cosy and with all the amenities you would want and with additional touches that you do not expect! In fact, it is our holiday home so it is furnished with exactly what we need and enjoy. Away from the hustle and bustle, but not overlooked, it is secluded but near to everything you might wish for. Whether you are up to exploring and discovering or lazing and relaxing, you are just a short drive away. Easily accessible to the beauti- ful Latsi Harbor or the Akamas Peninsula and at the same time to the enchanting pine-scented Paphos Forest. A short 15 minutes drive to either location, depend- ing on which way you decide to set off.
Ithaki
HOUSE


Exceptionally peaceful and ideal for 2 couples (each bedroom with private facilities), small families or couples that just want their own space for a while.
We have so much enjoyed welcoming guests and have been thrilled to know they have felt the magic of Ithaki and depart with such fond memories. We are apprecia- tive and proud of the wonderful reviews we have received and are always delighted to welcome back past guests as well as look forward to meeting those that will be able to discover Ithaki for themselves for the very first time.
We know that being here is our destiny. Our journey of searching after so many years is finally at an end.
Thank you so much for joining us!
Christina
This welcome book is intended to help you get acquainted with the property and its vicin- ity, to help you discover the human, cultural, nature and cuisine treasures around you, and to prepare you for falling in love with the region and its people.
In the following few pages we have squeezed some useful information and suggestions on how to best experience your stay at Ithaki House. From suggestions on places to visit, cultural heritage and museums, to favorite restaurants, coffee shops, beaches and more. Along with our short area guide you will also find everything you need to know about our home. Above and foremost, we are at your disposal at all times to assist you and to make this a most memorable vacation.
We wish you a wonderful care-free holiday!
Ithaki
HOUSE


Ithaki House
Located in the mountain village of Meladeia, Paphos, just 2km from the village of Lysos, ITHAKI HOUSE is an ideal vacation destination for those looking to experience Cy- prus’s excellent climate, long his- torical and cultural tradition, and world-known hospitality.
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Getting Yourself Oriented
Meladeia/Lysos, Cyprus
Meladeia (Greek: Μελάδεια) is a small mountain village in Cyprus’s Paphos District, has a population of about 20 (!!!) permanent residents, it is located about 2km from the village of Lysos, about 13km from Polis Chrysochous and about 35km from Paphos Town.
The village is built about 560 meters above sea level, and has a wonderful climate, as it is located not only close to shoreline but also in the countryside and close to the outskirts of the Paphos forest.
Further and foremost, the village and its residents offer a great laid-back atmosphere which is ideal for care-free vacations.
Meladeia’s Gems:
• Unspoiled Cyprus
• 15-minutes drive from Polis and the Akamas Peninsula, and 15-minutes
drive from the Paphos forest
• Wonderful climate
• Ithaki House (!)


‘Fully-loaded’
From a colorful garden with fresh lemons and mandarins to a private pool, from a full range of electric appliances to electronics, from air-condition- ing to a fire place, from house- hold must-haves to amenities, Ithaki House has it all.
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ITHAKI HOUSE
House & Amenities
• Peaceful and picturesque
location
• Two bedrooms with en-suite
bathrooms
• Sitting and dining area
• Private parking
• Patio and covered veranda
• Private swimming pool
• House appliances
(refrigerator, oven, washing machine, dishwasher, iron, microwave oven, hi-fi stereo, electric kettle, espresso machine, hair dryer)
• Hi-speed internet and wi-fi
• Satellite TV and on-demand
movies/series
• 44” Smart TV, Wii console/games,
boardgames
• BBQ gas grill, Cyprus “foukou”
• Air-conditioning, central
heating and ceiling fans in all
rooms
• Gas fireplace
• Pool beds and umbrellas
• Smoke and gas detectors
• Mosquito screens
• First-Aid kit & Fire extinguisher
• Pool keeper


Idyllic
Conveniently located between seaside and the Paphos forest, overlooking Polis Chrysochous’s bay, Ithaki House offers the right balance of activities and of weather conditions, in a peaceful and picturesque setting.
Care-free
So, put your worries aside, sit back and enjoy a glass of wine by the pool gazing at the breath-taking sunset and the colorful countryside at your feet.


Private Swimming Pool
Measured at 4m x 8m, Ithaki House’s private pool is the ideal place to spend your idle days during summer months. The pool, which overlooks the Polis Chrysochous’s bay and the Aka- mas peninsula, is of variable depth (1m - 2.5m), and it comes with sunbeds, umbrellas and even a pool keeper :) Whether you use it as the means to cool down, to exercise, to graze at the scen- ery and the sunsets, or simply to sip into cocktails and push your
worries aside, the pool will prove itself priceless.
2 Bedrooms with
En-suite Bathrooms
With two fully-furnished bedrooms and their en-suite bathrooms (king beds, showers/toilets, cabinets, air-conditioning and ceiling fans) and an extra folding bed, the house sleeps comfortably up to 5 people. Both are furnished with linens, pool and bath towels.
Hi-Speed Internet
and WiFi
Whether you are an adult hooked on technology and/or office emails, or have kids who can not keep themselves away from the internet, Clash of Clans, Minecraft or Facebook (to name a few), you will find Ithaki House’s free hi-speed internet and property-reaching wifi a blessing in disguise. We know we do!J
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Satellite TV &
On-Demand Movies
Satellite TV and on-demand movie content, along with a 44” Smart TV, compliment your digital gizmo. With the pool just a few meters away, and the region’s history, culture, activities and cuisine within reach, chances are you won’t need the TV... but we do gladly provide themJ
House Appliances
Ithaki House is fully equipped with the necessary electric appliances so that we make your stay more comfortable. Appli- ances include a large-size refrigerator, electric/gas oven, wash- ing machine, dishwasher, microwave oven, cappuccino and espresso machine, kettle and toaster, central heating, air-con- ditioning units in all rooms, ceiling fans, hair-dryer, and MP3 player. Dinnerware and cutlery are also included, as well as a first-aid kit and safety equipment (fire extinguisher, sensors).
Kiosk and BBQ Grill
No Cypriot house is complete without a BBQ grill and a ‘fouk- ou’ for cooking. And Ithaki House couldn’t be an exception to this rule. Whether you have an appetite for burgers, steaks, chops, chicken breast, or local ‘souvlaki’ and sausages, the BBQ grill is there to help satisfy your appetite and deliver a meal by the pool. Bon Appétit!


Neromylos Café Steni
With its traditional Cypriot and taste of international cuisine, Neromylos Café is much more than a traditional village coffee shop. Set in one of the loveliest vil- lages in Cyprus this little gem offers simple but consistently excellent food, in a friendly and hospitable environment, run by a most welcoming family.
Neromylos Café has, in 2017, been recognized by TripAdvisor for the fifth year in a row with a Certificate of Excellence, based on the consistently great
reviews it earned.
Porto Latchi Fish Tavern Latchi
Freshly prepared fish ‘meze’ (and not only) by the seaside.
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The Old Town Restaurant, Polis Chrysochous
Constantly rated as one of the best restaurants in Cyprus, and holder of a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, the Old Town Restaurant offers fine dining at affordable prices.
Set in a beautiful and tranquil garden, the restaurant specializes in Cypriot and Mediterranean cuisine.


Or simply stay in, and ‘dive into’ a traditional Cypriot ‘watermelon and halloumi’ dish by the swimming pool. This is a quick and easy, fresh summer salad combination perfect for easy entertaining. Halloumi is a Cypriot semi-hard, unripened brined cheese made from a mixture of goat and sheep milk, and sometimes also cow milk.
Polis Herb Garden Polis
Located in the centre of Polis Chrysochou, next to the museum, this delightful restaurant boosts a 2500sqm herb garden with different kind of herbs which is open to the public. The garden has paths through it with a waterfall, a pond and labels on the herbs to provide customers with a sensory and informative experience. As all of the herbs are organically grown, an abundance of fauna may also be seen including butterflies, ladybirds and frogs at this time of year. Guests can also enjoy modern Cyprus cuisine, the menu has a big variety of fresh, tasty and healthy food, using fresh herbs from the garden. Big selection for meat & seafood lovers.


Sports & Leisure
Cyprus in general and the Polis Chrysochous region in particular are a great place for water-related and hiking activities, as well as for excursions and sight- seeing.
One may go swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear waters along the Latchi bay and the Akamas peninsu- la, or sailing/boating from Latchi to Akamas. In Aka- mas, you can go hiking on a myriad of nature trails or for camping at specified locations. Quality hiking is also offered at several locations on the Troodos
mountains. Should you opt for excursions and sight- seeing, the region offers unparalleled opportunities for visits to traditional Cypriot villages, historical sites, Byzantine churches and monasteries. Also available are wine-tasting routes on selected villages in the re- gion.
Finally, should you be interested in a more kids-friend- ly activity then a visit to Paphos zoo is a must. The zoo is set in a lush and unspoiled natural environment of more than 100.000 sq.m. and it is one of the is- land’s leading tourist attraction. Its home to an exten- sive variety of birds and animals from every corner of the planet. The collection of parrots and venomous snakes is one of the largest in Europe!
Grocery Shopping
Name
Maro’s Place
Peristerona Village Byron’s Half Way Market Papantoniou Supermarket
Category
Mini Market Mini Market Mini Market Supermarket
Location
Lysos Peristerona Skoulli Polis
Distance from Ithaki House 1 km
2 km
7 km
12 km
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Outdoor activities do vary in nature and they can www.wheeliecyprus.com surely satisfy varying interests and needs.
Whether you wish to explore the surroundings, enjoy the sea, go hiking, cycling or horseriding, to exercise, adventure, or ... simply relax at the beach, there is something for you.


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Wonderful
STENI
The village of Steni is about 3km from Ithaki House and at an altitude of about 235m above sea level. The fields in the surrounding countryside are cultivated with almond trees, avocado, olives, watermelons and oranges, to name but a few.
Between 1930-50 and 1960-75, many of Steni’s residents emigrated to South Africa, but many of these ex-pats have now returned to bring a newly-found life to the village. In fact, the village is among the few ones ‘regrowing’ and redefining itself.
As folklore goes, the village’s name originates from the village’s location. When the settlement first came to existence it was a narrow community situated on the banks of the river running through the village, and ‘steno’ means narrow in Greek.
Steni’s Gems:
• Its people (the ‘Steniotes’)
• The ‘Steni Museum of Village Life’
• Neromylos Café
• Agios Tryfonas church (built 1913)
• Chrysolakournas Monastery (12th century)


Places to Visit
Start with a visit to the Steni Museum of Village Life to dive yourself into the region’s history, step over to Agios Tryfonas Church and then walk over to the village’s municipal building, where several events are hosted periodically. Top the day with a refreshing break at the Neromylos Café for a local coffee, excellent food, and traditional deserts. Engage yourself in dis- cussions with the locals and learn more about the region’s his- tory over a glass of wine, in Neromylos’s soothing atmosphere.
Three km north of the village you can find the Monastery of Chrysolakournas, which dates back to the 12th century. An earthquake destroyed the building in 1953 but part of it was restored by the Department of Antiquities as a three-aisled ba- silica in 1973. Inside you can still see fragments of a 12th cen- tury fresco of St John the Baptist, and 16th century frescoes of St George, the communion of the Apostles and Playtera amid the angels. Evidence of an old settlement with crumbling walls and mounds of stone can be seen all around the monastery.
Hosted is a 100-year old dress owned by our grandmother and donated by the family to the museum.
The Steni Museum
of Village Life
is a beautiful rural museum with dis- plays showing how life in Cyprus (and not only) used to be. The museum was created by the local community using local artifacts and memories, it is free- of-charge and it is run by Elias, the vil- lage’s ‘mukhtar’. Elias is one of those special persons you ought to meet, to absorb the local hospitality’s radiance.
Monastery of Virgin
Mary Chrysolakournas
The monastery is located about 3 km from the village of Steni, having a view of the gulf of Polis Chrysochous and Cape Akamas. The monastery’s saved murals are dated in the first half of the 16th century.
Neromylos
stands for watermill in Greek, and Steni’s Neromylos Café is located next to the village’s old stone-built water mill (built in 1192 A.D.). The cafe is a small traditional Cypriot tavern, with excellent and reason- ably-priced food, local deserts and an unparalleled atmosphere.


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Picturesque
LYSOS
Located in the Pafos (Paphos) re- gion, at an average altitude of 560 metres, the village of Lysos has ex- isted since Medieval times with leg- ends of the Medieval hero Digenis still told in the area. The village is lo- cated about 0.5 km north of Itha- ki House.
The name of the village is believed to have its origins in the ancient Greek settlements in Asia Minor that settlers had brought to Cyprus, and an archaeological site in the area has unearthed tombs chiseled out of rock and geometrical vessels that
further cement this theory.
The village is the largest in the Pafos region, with its territory extending to the peak of Pafos Forest where the local eagles and Cypriot mou- flons can be spotted.
Sights of interest in the village in- clude its series of old churches, including the main church dedicat- ed to Panagia Chryseleousa - con- structed around the end of the 15th century or the beginning of the 16th century. The church is believed to have originally been a Latin temple since its two doors are decorated with blazons.
Lysos’s Gems:
• Its people
• Panagia Chryseleousa church
• Village square
• Maro’s coffee shop


Kathikas’s Gems:
• Village square
• Sterna winery
• Vasilikon winery
• Pykni Picnic Site
• Kathikas Square Bar & Gin
Lively
KATHIKAS
Located in the Pafos (Paphos) re- gion at about 20 km from Ithaki House, at an altitude of almost 700 metres, the small and tradi- tional village of Kathikas has been inhabited since ancient times and offers agrotourism in tranquil en- virons.
Retaining its traditional charm, the village has residences that are over a century old and serve as fine examples of folkloric architec- ture, whilst it also has many old and interesting churches.
Kathikas is one of the winemak- ing villages of the Pafos region. Its name is said to either originate from its original owner, or from the verb ‘to sit’ - ‘kathizo’ in Greek - due to the perception that the vil- lage sits on a level location when looked at from a distance. The vil- lage is also known locally for its grand Easter traditions and its fine taverns.
Located at the centre of the village is the ‘Kathikas Square Bar Cafe’, a trendy place that offers a mod- ern touch with a wide selections of drinks and pastries to tempt you throughout the day. The Bar, with its wide selections of gins, is also known as ‘The Home of Gin’.


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Town Square
The city core of Polis Chrysochous with its restored stone buildings has be- come a picturesque pedestrian street and a town square. In a town where life still rolls along at a quiet pace without too many crowds or noise, the town square, with its cafés, bars and restaurants, is a gathering place year round, from morning until night.
Archaeological Museum
the Local Archaeological Museum of Marion-Arsinoe consists of an inter- esting collection of antiquities discovered in the region where the ancient city-kingdom of Marion-Arsinoe once stood. Marion was an important commercial center in the Classical and Hellenistic periods, with close ties with Athens. During the Hellenistic-Roman period, Marion was renamed Arsinoe and is now the small town of Polis Chrysochous, commonly known as simply ‘Polis’.
Church of Agios Andronikos
Those interested in the Byzantine history of the country can visit the Church of Agios Andronikos, near the traditional square of Polis, with its 16th Century wall - paintings. When Cyprus was under Ottoman occupa- tion the Church was used as a Mosque from 1571, and was not returned to Christian use until 1974.


BEAUTIFUL
POLIS
Polis is built on the northwest of Cyprus, near Akamas Peninsula, and is one of the most beautiful and un- spoiled areas on the island, near romantic sites and close to where Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, used to meet her beloved Adonis. Polis is about 13 km from Ithaki House.
Officially, the town’s full name is Polis Chrysochous, which means the ‘town of gold’, thanks to the nearby
copper and gold mines. It is believed that Mycenaean Greeks first settled in the area about 3000 years ago, while legend has it that returning heroes from the Trojan war established a city here. One of Cyprus’ ten great city-kingdoms, called Marion, flourished here thanks to the nearby mines and the resulting trade.
The whole Polis area has been blessed by nature and combines the beauty of mountain, sea and plain. It’s sea waters are clean, it’s summer nights cool and it’s days quiet and relaxing. Polis is a perfect refuge for mental and physical relaxation and recreation, and those wishing to escape the stress and routine of daily life will find the town to be an ideal place of calm and rest, in an environment of unparalleled beauty.
Culinary Pointers
Whilst in Polis you should visit the town’s central square for a stroll at the local shops, taverns and cafés. A taste of traditional dishes and deserts are a must, with ‘glyka tou koutaliou (spoon sweets)’ (an assortment of sweetened fruit) and ‘siousioukkos’ taking center place. Siousioukkos is one of the best known traditional sweets of Cyprus and you can find it mostly in villages were grapes are produced. It is made of grape juice, flour and nuts (almonds or walnuts).


SCENIC
Latchi
Latchi (or Latsi) is situated west of Polis Chryso- chous and at the northern entrance of the Akamas National Park, one of the most interesting and pic- turesque areas in Cyprus.
Latchi with its coastal paved walk, is the pic- turesque harbor of Polis Chrysochous, known throughout Cyprus for its fresh fish. In the past it served as a small port for shipping carobs. Since then, however, the old stone carob warehouses have been converted into restaurants, fish taverns and places of recreation. From Latchi, travelers to Polis can go on short cruises to the Akamas Pen- insula and to the Blue Lagoon, a must for all vis- itors. At Latchi there are also water sport facilities.
Latchi beach is located close to the small port in the area of Polis Chrysochous. This beach com- bines sea and mountain, in a very scenic and
pleasing location. This beautiful beach is covered with pebbles and the crystal clear water is an offer waiting to be taken. There are many areas where you can stop at, as the Latchi beach is quite a long strip. At some points there are restaurants, cafés as well as water sports, sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. La Plage beach, Yiannakis beach or Takkas Beach, with their full range of facilities, are just to name a few of these locations.
A five-minute drive further west from Latchi har- bor takes you to the Baths of Aphrodite, and in essence the northern entrance of the Akamas Na- tional Park (more information is provided in the succeeding pages).
Should you wish a more upscale dining and/or win- ing experience in a magnificent environment, then an evening outing at the Anassa Hotel is a must! The hotel’s terrace offers unparalleled views of the Latchi bay and of sunsets, in a tranquil setting. Please note that formal attire is required .
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Latchi Marina
Nothing speaks louder of the Latchi area than its small-boat fishing har- bor and its neighboring fishing taverns. Further to the fresh fish ‘meze’ served at the local taverns, Latchi Marina offers refreshing drinks at the local cafés and short walks by the marina, all in a relaxing atmosphere. To top it, since Latchi serves as a gateway to the Akamas peninsula, one may embark on a relaxing cruise to admire the unique and unspoilt beauty of the Akamas coast and the rare beauty of the Blue Lagoon Bay, which is rightfully regarded as the cleanest seabed in Cyprus!


Photo by
Manos Botrini (Cyprus from Air)
Unspoiled
Akamas
The Akamas National Park lies on the west coast of Cyprus, a truly pictori- al part of the island. It has an area coverage of 230 square kilometers con- taining valleys, gorges and wide sandy bays. The wildlife diversity is crucial for the ecology in the Mediterranean. In this spectacular environment there are 168 varieties of birds, 20 different reptiles, 16 species of butterfly and 12 different mammals not to mention its very rich variety of fauna.
Blue Lagoon is the most popular place of Akamas and thousands of people have visited it by boat. The crystal blue waters in this small bay are so clear, you can see all the way to the underlying sea bed.
Lara Bay is a sandy beach close to Pegia, famous for its Green Turtle and Hawk’s Bill turtle breeding ground.
Avakas Gorge is found on the western tip of the Akamas Peninsula. The trail leading through the gorge is roughly 21⁄2 km long with sheer rocks on both sides reaching up to 260 feet in height, the narrowest point being 10 feet wide. Deep inside the gorge you will encounter rare plants and flowers, reptiles, immense cliffs and even wild mountain goats.
The Baths of Aphrodite, situated about 10 km from Polis Chrysochous, is according to the myth the place where Aphrodite would bathe and is where she first met her great love- Adonis. The natural cavern features a caved shallow pool encompassed by ferns and a large fig tree which caters for the shade, whilst a natural spring supplies the water to the pool. The waters here are said to hold special rejuvenating powers.
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Laguna Blu - Blue Lagoon
Deep inside the Akamas peninsula park, some 12 km from Polis and accessible only by boat, there is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus - the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is a sheltered bay (where the water tends to be warmer) with crystal clear waters and a sandy bottom which give the sea a magical turquoise color. The crystal blue waters in this small bay are so clear, you can see all the way to the underlying sea bed.


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Argaka Pier
Limni Pier in Argaka never fails to impress. Pcturesque Jetty is a wonderful place for photography, chill out and even swimming as the waters are very clear. You can jump off and swim around 2.5m high and swimming around the pillars looking at the fish. The sandy beaches of Argaka are annual refuge for turtles to lay their eggs. These are special places that should be treated with care and respect..


Koulla’s
Sandwiches
“The place” to have a sand- wich! You will find Koullas Food Truck on the main road from Pomos towards Pachyammos. Unbeatable sandwiches, service & view!
A Village by the Sea
Pomos
Absolutely unique scenery as the forested hills plunge into the Mediterra- nean sea with near perfect beaches. Welcome to the dream coastline that stretches for 15 km between Polis /Latchi and Pomos. The coastal road will escort you between the two settlements, but on the way make sure you leave some time to stop and just absorb what ranks as some of the most dramatic coasts not just in Cyprus, but in the entire Mediterranean.
Travelling due North from Polis your first port of call will be Argaka, then Yialia, Agia Marina and finally Nea Dimmata before arriving in Pomos. The small harbor of Pomos welcomes you with a world class Kanalli fish tavern that attracts tourists from as far afield as Nicosia and Limassol. If you’d like to taste fresh fish caught in the morning this is a must visit for you. When traveling to Pomos one can stop at numerous cafes and restaurants dotted along the coastline, to enjoy the unforgettable views of the Mediterranean. The beach of Pomos has something special. It has enough width and it is constituted from a fine but also coarse-grained sand, mixed with few co- lourful pebbles. The mountain falls almost vertically to the sea while the chutes are covered with pines and fruit-bearing trees.
The whole area is sparsely built and remains today largely unspoilt, an ab- solutely stunning area of natural beauty.
If you are interested for a bit of history, the Pomos Natural History Museum is an informative small museum where you can learn a lot about the geolog- ical structure of Cyprus and its flora and fauna.


PEACEFUL
TROODOS
Troodos is the largest mountain range in Cyprus, located in roughly the center of the island. Troo- dos’ highest peak is Mount Olympus at 1,952 me- ters, which hosts four ski slopes. The Troodos mountain range stretches across most of the west- ern side of Cyprus. There are many famous moun- tain resorts, Byzantine monasteries and churches on mountain peaks, and nestling in its valleys and picturesque mountains are villages clinging to ter- raced hill slopes. The area has been known since antiquity for its mines, which for centuries sup- plied copper to the entire Mediterranean. In the Byzantine period it became a great centre of Byz- antine art, as monasteries were built in the moun- tains, away from the threatened coastline.
The monastery of Panagia tou Kykkou, widely known simply as “Kykkos”, is the most famous in Cyprus. Located on the far edge of the Troodos area, 15km west of Pedoulas, it’s often dismissed
because its buildings are relatively modern, but it will tell you more about Greek Cypriots and their religion today than all the more venerable church- es of Troodos put together. The original monas- tery was established at the end of the 11th centu- ry by the Byzantine Emperor, though none of the original buildings has survived the numerous fires that have swept through the region.
At 1750m Troodos Village is only 250m below Mount Olympos, the island’s highest point. It has the longest history of catering for visitors (during the winter it doubles as a ski resort), and there- fore has the best infrastructure, with numerous hotels and restaurants, extensive hiking and cy- cling trails, and a tourist office serving the whole region.
The Troodos region makes for a great drive with endless forest vistas and picturesque villages. Stavros tis Psokas, home of the Cyprus mouflon, and Cedar Valley, distinctive for its thousands of endemic Cedrus brevifolia species (Cedar trees), and the Caledonia trail are must-see locations.
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Picturesque villages
The Troodos Mountain area is the birth- place of tourism in Cyprus. King Farouk of Egypt spent his holidays in Pano Platres in the late 30’s, and during the British Colonial Rule in Cyprus between 1878 and 1960, the high society came to relax in the summer retreats.
A chat at the village square, a game of backgammon at the “kafeneion” (local coffee shop), a nibble from the Meze dishes and plenty of time to watch the world go by; life in a village of the Troo- dos Mountains is tranquil, idyllic and traditional.


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Kourion Theatre & the Mosaic Floor at the House of Eustolios
Kourion, an important ancient city-state on the southwestern coast of Cy- prus, is about 60km from Paphos town. The Kourion archaeological area (home of the acropolis, its theatre, and the mosaics at the House of Eusto- lios) is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paphos.
Petra tou Romiou (also known as Aphrodite’s Rock)
is located off the shore along the main road from Pafos to Limassol. Ac- cording to legend, this rock is the site of the birth of the goddess Aphrodite, whilst the present name “Petra tou Romiou” associates the place with the exploits of the hero Basil. Legend tells that the Christian Basil hurled the huge rock from the Troodos Mountains to keep off the invading Saracens.
Yeroskipou
Yeroskipou is a a few km east of Paphos town. According to local tradi- tion, and as is implied in the etymology of the town’s name, Yeroskipou was the site, in Greek mythology, of goddess Aphrodite’s sacred gardens. Hence its name — “yeros” (ιερός, holy) and “kipou” (from κήπος, garden) — means “holy garden”. Yeroskipou, with its remarkable five-domed Byzan- tine church of Agia Paraskevi, and its Folk Art Museum, is a popular tourist destination.


HISTORICAL
PAPHOS TOWN
Paphos (Pafos) is, according to Greek mythology, the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and beauty, and the city bears many relics and mon- uments to worship her. The city is divided into two parts - Palaepaphos (Old Paphos) and the Nea or Kato Paphos (New Paphos). This historic city has still retained its old-world charm, and has been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. This mystical city that once belonged to the Gods and Goddesses of an-
cient Greece has become a hot tourist destination in Europe. Stunning beaches, historical museums and dynamic nightlife define the city of Paphos.
Come and explore true Cypriot hospitality, where the past seamlessly merges into the present. Visit the city’s harbor and its castle, and then step over to the Ar- chaeological Park of Kato Paphos which includes sites and monuments from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, and the Roman period. The city also houses the Paphos District Archaeological Museum which hous- es a collection of finds from the Paphos region dating from the Neolithic Age to 1700 AD, and the Byzantine Museum of Pafos (Paphos) exhibits artifacts from the 7th to the 18th centuries.
The Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos
is one of the most important archaeological sites of Cyprus and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1980. The Park includes sites and monuments from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, while most remains date to the Roman period. The intricate mosaic floors of four Roman villas form the impressive epicenter of the finds, and depict various scenes from Greek Mythology. The complex also includes other important monuments, such as the Asklepieion, the Odeon, the Agora, and the Tombs of the Kings.


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As you set out for Ithaki
hope the voyage is a long one,
full of adventure, full of discovery.
...
May there be many a summer morning when , with what pleasure, what joy,
you come into harbors seen for the first time;
...
Keep Ithaki always in your mind.
Arriving there is what you are destined for. But do not hurry the journey at all .
Better if it lasts for years,
so you are old by the time you reach the island, wealthy with all you have gained on the way, not expecting Ithaki to make you rich.
Ithaki gave you the marvelous journey.
Without her you would not have set out.
She has nothing left to give you now.
And if you find her poor, Ithaki won’t have
fooled you. Wise as you will have become, so full of
experience , you will have understood by then what these
Ithakis mean .
(“Ithaki”, by C.P. Cavafy;
Translated by Edmund Keeley and Philip Sherrard)
Ithaki House is named after Ithaki (or Ithaca), the home of Odysseus whose delayed return after the Trojan War is Homer’s Odyssey plot, and the theme of a famous poem by Greek poet C.P. Cavafy. Cavafy’s Odysseus’ ten year voyage home, with its many turn- ings and adventures, is a metaphor for a fulfilling life.
The poem’s main theme is to take your time on your journey through life, pausing to obtain wisdom, plea- sure and experience. Some people always find the straight and easy way through life. However, since the things that really matter are the various expe- riences and memories, and since you can not get many of them on the straight and narrow path, a long and winding life road proves itself more rewarding.
Likewise, Ithaki House has been for us a most fulfilling homecoming to this region, after years of experiencing life in many places around the globe. Originating from the village of Steni but having lived away for decades, we have always sought an opportunity to return to the region. This oppor- tunity was finally presented to us in 2017, in the form of Ithaki House. Our long and winding road through life has finally reached its conclusion.
Christina & Simos


Meladeia, Paphos, Cyprus
GET IN TOUCH
Address: 4, Alexandros Gardens, Meladeia, Cyprus https://www.ithakihouse.com LatLong: 34.990530, 32.506844 https://www.facebook.com/ITHAKICy/
E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +357-99496071 (Christina)