If you’re planning a villa holiday in Pissouri, you’ve already made an excellent choice. Nestled between Paphos and Limassol on Cyprus’s southern coast, Pissouri is one of the island’s most charming and unspoiled villages — a world away from the busier resort towns, yet perfectly placed to explore everything Cyprus has to offer.

From our villa at The Retreat in Pine Bay, you’ll find yourself ideally located for all of the activities below. Whether you’re here to relax, explore, eat and drink your way around the island, or keep the kids entertained, there’s no shortage of things to do near Pissouri.

1. Pissouri Bay Beach

The beach at Pissouri Bay is just a five-minute drive from Pine Bay and is consistently one of the most loved spots on this stretch of coast. It holds Blue Flag status, which means clean, safe water and good facilities — including sun loungers, changing rooms, and showers. The beach is a mix of fine sand and smooth pebbles, shelving gently into the clear Mediterranean. Watersports are available from the beach including jet skiing, paddleboarding and kayaking.

2. Pissouri Village Square

The pedestrianised village square is the heart of Pissouri and one of the most atmospheric places on the island. Stone-built streets, flower-filled courtyards, and a cluster of excellent tavernas make it the perfect spot for an evening meze. The Bunch of Grapes, tucked just off the main square, is a local favourite. In summer, a Cyprus Night is held in the square every Wednesday — with traditional music and dancing enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

3. Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou)

Less than ten minutes’ drive from Pissouri, Petra tou Romiou is one of the most iconic spots in Cyprus. According to Greek mythology, this is where Aphrodite, goddess of love, rose from the sea. The dramatic rock formation rising out of the turquoise water is stunning at any time of day, but truly magical at sunset. Swim in the sea nearby — the water is gloriously clear, though the pebble beach can be rocky underfoot.

4. Ancient Kourion

Around 15 to 20 minutes’ drive east of Pissouri, Kourion is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cyprus. The ancient Greco-Roman city sits on a clifftop with sweeping views over the coast, and the amphitheatre is remarkably well-preserved — concerts and performances are still held here during the summer. Allow at least two hours to explore properly, and visit early in the morning before the heat builds.

5. Cape Aspro Trail

For those who enjoy walking, the Cape Aspro coastal trail starts just outside Pissouri and offers some of the most dramatic cliff scenery on the island. The white limestone cliffs drop sheer into the blue sea below, and on a clear day you can see for miles along the coast. The trail is moderately challenging in places and is best done in the cooler morning hours. Dogs are welcome and the views from the headland are extraordinary.

6. Pissouri Bay Diving

Cyprus has some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean, and the diving around Pissouri is excellent. Pissouri Bay Divers is a PADI 5-Star centre based in Pissouri Village, offering everything from beginner taster dives to advanced courses and daily boat trips to the best dive sites on the south coast. The underwater visibility is often 20 to 30 metres, and you’ll find a rich variety of marine life including octopus, moray eels, and sea turtles.

7. Wine Tasting in the Troodos Foothills

Cyprus has one of the oldest wine-making traditions in the world, and the vineyards of the Troodos foothills are less than an hour from Pissouri. The village of Omodos is a beautiful starting point — its stone streets, ancient monastery, and family-run wineries make for a wonderful half-day trip. Look out for Commandaria, a rich amber dessert wine that dates back over 800 years and is considered one of the oldest named wines still in production anywhere in the world.

8. Hambis Printmaking Museum

A hidden gem just 5 to 6 kilometres from Pissouri, the Hambis Printmaking Museum is dedicated to the work of the local Cypriot artist Hambis, famous for his intricate carvings and prints. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions from Cypriot and international artists. It’s a peaceful and thought-provoking visit, and very much off the main tourist trail.

9. Secret Valley Golf Club

Golf enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Secret Valley Golf Club is just 15 minutes from Pine Bay. Set in a dramatic landscape of rocky valleys and Mediterranean scrub, it’s a challenging and scenic 18-hole course. Aphrodite Hills Golf Club is another highly regarded option nearby, part of a larger resort complex with excellent facilities.

10. Limassol and Paphos Day Trips

One of the great joys of staying in Pissouri is that you’re perfectly positioned between two of Cyprus’s most interesting cities. Paphos, 20 minutes to the west, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with the Tomb of the Kings, the Paphos Archaeological Park, and a lovely harbour lined with seafood restaurants. Limassol, 35 minutes to the east, offers a vibrant marina, excellent restaurants, and a lively promenade. Either makes for a brilliant day out.

Staying in Pissouri?

The Retreat is a 3-bedroom villa with a private pool set in the pine forest at Pine Bay, just minutes from all of the above. 

Visit homefromhomecyprus.com to check availability.