A Guide to Villa Holidays in Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus

Aphrodite Hills is a dream resort in the Paphos district of southwestern Cyprus, just 1 mile (1.6 km) from the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love.

Sprawling over 578 acres on an elevated plateau overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, you can have the privacy you expect from a villa but with facilities nearby if you want to be sociable. Eat at one of the restaurants, play golf or tennis, and let yourself be pampered in the spa.

However, the trend these days is towards 'slow living' and a villa at Aphrodite Hills will give you this experience. You can get up when you want, as you won't be tied to hotel meal times. You will have lots of space, not just a hotel room. If you want an evening in, there is a fully-equipped kitchen where you can prepare a meal, or hire a private chef on many of our villas. Aphrodite Hills offers villas of different sizes, so whether you are a large group, a family, or a honeymoon couple, there will be a villa to suit. These luxury villas, some with seaside views, many with a private pool, and others with a jacuzzi, will give you a bespoke Mediterranean experience.

This Aphrodite Hills travel guide is an extensive resource designed to help you navigate the resort and the surrounding area. It will help you decide when to go and what to see, as well as give you tips on how to book your perfect escape.

Why Choose a Villa Holiday in Aphrodite Hills?

Bnbstay handpicks all of its villas, so you can be assured that you will be getting the best. The villas have a Mediterranean feel about them, so you can immerse yourself in a different world and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle.

Villas often provide better value for money than a hotel, particularly if you are a large group. If you stay in a hotel, you will have to book multiple rooms. However, you just pay a standard fee for the villa. You aren't charged by the head.

The villa lifestyle gives you freedom. You can choose when and what to eat. You can eat at home, hire a private chef on many of our properties, or eat at a taverna. Eating at a traditional taverna where the locals go is recommended, as it will immerse you in local life.

Villa Types at Aphrodite Hills

Superior Villas

Superior villas have 2 to 5 bedrooms and sleep up to 10 guests. They suit families who want space to spread out and enjoy the resort. These villas are located on the Eastern Plateau, so you will need a car to get around, but they have scenic views, landscaped gardens, and a private pool. Browse our Superior villa collection.

Elite Villas

Elite villas also have 2 to 5 bedrooms and are a step up in terms of interior design and finish. They are on prime plots with swimming pools and upgraded self-catering facilities, making them well suited to a group of discerning friends or a family who want something a little more refined. Browse our Elite villa collection.

Mythos Villas

Mythos villas are the highest category at Aphrodite Hills, with 4 to 5 bedrooms and views towards the Mediterranean. They come with exclusive privileges including complimentary breakfast and a daily maid service. These are properties for those who want pure luxury, complete privacy, and the finest finish the resort has to offer. Browse our Mythos villa collection.

What Amenities Does Aphrodite Hills Offer?

In the centre of the resort, a village square has been recreated to resemble a typical Mediterranean square. It features everything you could want — bars, tavernas, shops, a medical centre, and a supermarket.

The highlight of the resort is the award-winning PGA 18-hole championship golf course, divided by a deep ravine, with sweeping seaside views. There are also tennis courts, football and basketball coaching, and a horse riding club open to all ages and skill levels.

If you have children, enrol them in the Kids Club, which has been set up for 3 to 12-year-olds, with a creche available for younger children.

Aphrodite Hills does not have a beach, but a 20-minute drive takes you to Timi Beach, a privately owned sand and pebble beach open from May until October. Be sure to get a guest benefit card from the hotel, as it will give you a 10% discount on sunbeds, umbrellas, food, and beverages. For those wanting to get out in the fresh air, there is a nature trail running through the centre of the ravine.

When is the Best Time for a Holiday at Aphrodite Hills?

Peak Season (Mid-June – August)

The peak season for Aphrodite Hills villa rentals is summer, starting from mid-June and continuing until the end of August. It is ideal for guaranteed sunshine, but you need to be able to cope with the heat as temperatures range from 30°C (86°F) to 38°C (100°F). It will be busy at this time of year, especially if you go to the beach or Paphos. It is also the most expensive time and the most popular, so you should book 12 months in advance.

Shoulder Seasons (April – May & September – October)

The shoulder seasons are from April to May and September to October. They can be the best times to visit Aphrodite Hills as the weather is not too hot and it is not as crowded. At this time of year, book your villa 6 to 10 months in advance.

Spring is a beautiful time in Cyprus. After the winter rains, the landscape is lush and green, with beautiful wild flowers everywhere. Temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F), which is perfect for hiking and visiting archaeological sites.

Autumn temperatures are warmer, ranging from 26°C (79°F) to 30°C (86°F), and the sea is warmer than in the spring. There can be occasional rain. In the autumn, the grapes are harvested and wine is produced, making it a great time to visit the local wineries.

Winter (November – March)

Winter is the cheapest time to rent a villa at Aphrodite Hills. It is a good time to explore the towns and on dry days, ideal for hiking. Temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F).

Essential Planning Tips for Your Aphrodite Hills Stay

• Book Early. Aphrodite Hills villas get booked quickly, especially the larger ones. Book 12 months in advance for summer and 6 to 10 months in advance for the shoulder seasons.
• Transport Logistics. Direct flights to Cyprus from London run all year round, though the schedule is reduced in winter. Flights take 4.5 to 5 hours and land at either Paphos or Larnaca. Paphos is the closest airport to Aphrodite Hills — just a 15-minute drive. You will need a car for your stay. The resort is isolated, it takes about 15 minutes to drive to the nearest beach and the same to get to Paphos. Even within the resort a car is useful — if you are staying on the Eastern Plateau, walking to the centre takes at least 30 minutes over hilly terrain. Cyprus drives on the left, which is an advantage for UK visitors.
• Villa Amenities to Look For. Ensure that the villa has air conditioning — essential in summer. Also make sure the villa is registered with the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism Register of Self-Catering. Villas are given a registration number which must be included in advertisements.
• Local Markets vs Supermarkets. There is a supermarket on site for basics, but for a proper shop, head to a local farmers' market. You will find the freshest local produce — vegetables, fruit, cheese, honey, herbs, and spices — at better prices than any supermarket.

Curating the Experience: Food, Culture & Activities

Gastronomy

At Aphrodite Hills, most villas have fully equipped kitchens so you can self-cater, or you can hire a private chef on many of our properties who will cater to your dietary requirements. However, you should visit a local taverna to try traditional fare and experience the atmosphere.

Cypriot food is made for sharing. The meze, made up of 10 to 20 small plates, is very popular. Dips such as hummus, tzatziki, and taramasalata are served first, with salads. The village salad is favoured — tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, olives, and plenty of feta cheese on top. Halloumi is grilled and served as a starter. Seafood follows, then grilled meats.

By the coast, you can get fish and seafood often freshly caught the same day. Sea bream, sea bass, octopus, and calamari are popular. At the end of meals, you are often given a complimentary piece of orange cake.

The region around Aphrodite Hills is well-known for wine production. The most popular is Commandaria, a dessert wine and the oldest named wine in the world still in production. Whites include Xynisteri and reds, Maratheftiko — a full-bodied wine with dark berry flavours.

Activities

For history, visit the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, part of the Kato Paphos Archaeological Site — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Book a winery tasting tour, particularly interesting in autumn when you can see the wine being produced. Take a boat trip to swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. If you have children, take them to Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark.

Ready to Find Your Dream Aphrodite Hills Villa?

Hopefully, we have whetted your appetite for an Aphrodite Hills villa holiday. It will be a magical experience, combining luxury, privacy, and a Mediterranean lifestyle.

Bnbstay has a wide range of villas in Aphrodite Hills, so why not browse the collection? For more on planning your time in Cyprus, read our guide to villa holidays in Cyprus.

FAQ

Is it better to stay in a hotel or a villa in Aphrodite Hills? If you are looking for privacy and space to spread out, with home comforts, a villa is the better option. It can also work out more economical, especially if there is a big group of you. The 5-star hotel is on site if you want to use its facilities, but you get to retreat to your own private space at the end of the day.

Do I need a car when renting a villa in Aphrodite Hills? Yes, a car is necessary. The resort is large and distances between areas can be significant on foot. You will also need a car to reach the nearest beach, Paphos, and local markets. A taxi from the resort to Paphos costs around £25 to £30 one way.

How much does it cost to rent a villa in Aphrodite Hills? A 2 to 3 bedroom villa at Aphrodite Hills typically starts from around £300 to £900 per night. A 4 to 6 bedroom villa costs from £1,000 to £2,500 or more per night depending on the category and season. Mythos villas at the top of the collection carry a premium for the included breakfast, maid service, and superior views.

What is the difference between Superior, Elite, and Mythos villas at Aphrodite Hills? Superior villas are on the Eastern Plateau with scenic views, private pools, and space for families. Elite villas have upgraded interiors and are on prime plots, suited to those who want a more refined finish. Mythos villas are the highest category — 4 to 5 bedrooms, Mediterranean views, complimentary breakfast, and daily maid service included.

Is Aphrodite Hills good for families? Yes — the resort has been designed with families in mind. The Kids Club caters for children aged 3 to 12, there is a creche for younger children, a splash park, and plenty of outdoor space. The villa layouts, with multiple bedrooms and private pools, give families room to spread out. Browse our family villas at Aphrodite Hills.

Does Aphrodite Hills have a beach? The resort itself does not have a beach, but Timi Beach is approximately 20 minutes by car and is open from May to October. Paphos also has several beaches within easy driving distance, including Coral Bay.

Ready to book your Aphrodite Hills villa? Browse our collection at Aphrodite Hills or get in touch and our team will help you find the right villa for your group.