Miliou Holidays

Miliou is a humble little hamlet hidden away among pine trees, vineyards and lemon groves in Cyprus. The rural village is all about stripped back simplicity, so it’s just you, the locals and one rather popular coffee-shop-cum-restaurant. You’re not cut off here, though. There’s more at nearby Polis and Latchi, and Paphos itself is only 35 minutes’ drive away.

There may not be a beach at Miliou, but you can use the one at Latchi, a 15-minute drive away. You’ve got a wide stretch of sand and shingle here, with bars and cafés to hand and the marina’s tavernas just a stroll away. The clear waters are great for snorkelling, and there’s a whole host of watersports to play with, too. If it’s just sand you want, you’ll find it at Coral Bay, 30 minutes’ drive away.

Miliou takes pride in its natural landscape, all blossoming almond trees and scented orange trees. Hikers spread out into the area’s picturesque trails, and the Troodos Mountains are just four kilometres away. Birdwatchers, meanwhile, will be pleased to know that Miliou is a renowned nesting site for nightingales.

At Paphos, 35 minutes' drive away, UNESCO has cherry-picked some great sights, like the Tomb of the Kings, aristocratic burial chambers that have been around since the 4th century BC. There’s an Ottoman castle, what’s left of the Temple of Aphrodite and some fantastic Greek mosaics at the House of Dionysis. You’ve also got lots of shops and a harbour packed with bars and restaurants.