Tourist and Residential Development

Kouklia area, also known as Palaipaphos, has fascinated many visitors along the years. Nowadays it is one of the Paphos areas, which attracts many and different visitors, since it combines archaeological monuments and sights with modern places of amusement. Thanks to the interest shown by local, governmental and private groups, the area has developed on both levels, tourist and residential.

One of the main reasons that the area has developed so much on the tourist level is its cultural inheritance.
A large number of tourists come to Kouklia so they can see findings belonging to the Ancient Greek civilisation. Here, visitors get the chance to learn more about Aphrodite and the way she was worshipped by people. Aphrodite’s sanctum, thanks to the archaeologists’ work, can be admired by all visitors.

Besides Aphrodite’s sanctum, one can see the northeast gates of the area’s walls. Due to continuous excavations, more findings are discovered proving the area’s rich history.

Visitors can also go to the museum where some of the area’s findings are displayed. In specific, at the Louzinianon mansion, which was built in the 13th century and is a historical landmark, many findings from the Palaipaphos area are displayed. One can see ceramic artefacts, clay figurines, stone tools from the Mycenean era and many other cultural findings.

The legendary “Petra tou Romiou” is one of the most beautiful natural sights of the area, which combines the location’s beauty with the mythology and folklore of the area. This sight attracts many tourists, Cypriots and foreigners. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation in its effort to develop the area has built a big kiosk next to the sight.

Building even more places of entertainment, amusement and relaxation is another factor contributing to the development of the tourist area. A tourist can visit one of the coffee houses or taverns in the area, which are located in the Kouklia square. One can enjoy a walk as well as the delicious dishes.

“Aphrodite Hills” is a luxurious resort that took its name from Goddess Aphrodite and it is an example of the tourist development that has taken place in the area. The resort offers entertainment and relaxation to its visitors. Another very important place, which also has a Greek ancient name, is “Aristo Developers”.

Kouklia area has a developed road network that provides easy access to all the aforementioned private places. The road network links Kouklia with the centre of Paphos, Limassol and Troodos. The road networks along with the services provided by the various organisations have contributed to the area’s tourist development. Private organisations aim at providing entertainment and relaxation to their visitors in specially designed places.

The luxurious resort “Aphrodite Hills” covers an area of two hundred thirty four hectares of land. As it will be made clear from the descriptions to follow, the resort combines different forms of entertainment such as sports, body treatments and important constructions.

“Aphrodite Hills” has a golf court, tennis court as well as schools where these sports are taught. The golf court has eighteen holes and covers an area of six thousand two hundred and sixty nine metres. Next to the court, a shop sells all the necessary equipment for playing golf. The tennis courts are specially designed so tournaments can be carried out.

Sports entertainment is also offered by “Aristo Developers” where a whole valley functions as a golf unit. Visitors can enjoy at the specially designed construction, not only golf, but also relaxation, dry climate and fresh air. The golf valley of “Aristo Developers” has been designed to offer entertainment and tranquillity.

No doubt, the creation of sports places has attracted many visitors from Cyprus and abroad.

At Kouklia, visitors can enjoy moments of relaxation and health in one of
“Aphrodite Hill’s” specially designed places. For instance, they can enjoy luxurious spas and health centres which are built in the Greco-roman style.

Hospitality at Kouklia can be experienced at a luxurious hotel, which is the perfect resort even for the most demanding visitor. The hotel has been built recently which again proves the tourist development of the area. The Kouklia hotel named “Intercontinental” guarantees a pleasant stay.

Residential development in Kouklia is another aspect of the area’s progress. Mansions have been built in the area while tourist units will be completed as part of the “AmathousVacation Club” project.

“Aristo Developers” has and will continue to help the area’s residential development. This organisation sells building plots with approved building licence, covering an area of one thousand to one thousand and seven hundred square metres.  There are about six hundred and fifty building plots, which are located in a valley so that when houses are built they will all share the magical view to Kouklia. All the necessary measures have been taken so that electricity, sewage systems, water and road networks will be available. Houses are already being built so the residential development of the area has already taken place.

The Kouklia community has played an important role in the area’s residential development. With the government’s help, there are plans for the development of beaches. The community hopes that having such beaches will help the tourist development of the area.

The tourist and residential development in the Kouklia area is proven by the aforementioned constructions and projects. Kouklia, the area mythology and Aphrodite have chosen, is developing thanks to both governmental and private bodies.

Sources:  
Archaeological places and monuments in Cyprus in the Catalogue of global cultural inheritance, Nicosia, 1999
Karouzi Giorgos and Mahi, Travel to Cyprus, vol. 3, p.84-87
Information on the Organisation “Aristo Developers” through the website www.aristodevelopers.com
Information from the Laniti Group, owner of “Aphrodite Hills”, through brochures
Information from the secretary of the Kouklia community, Mr. Koliaro Spiro.