As I set foot upon the weathered stones within an open area, towering pillars rise above me towards the vivid azure heavens. “Here we’d find what used to be the agora—the bustling market square,” explains my guide David. We currently stand at the heart of the historical city of Amathus, which traces its origins back to around 1100 BC during the Iron Age.
“He points out that they selected this location due to the water supply,” he says, indicating the former course of a river as we ascend through what used to be the women’s and men’s public restrooms.
Apart from a minimal entry fee (€2.50/£2), visitors can access the site without any physical barriers or pathways. The sole guided tours available are arranged through my accommodation, Parklane Resort & Spa Limassol, which is just a short five-minute drive down Cyprus’ southern coastline.
“The site isn’t receiving the attention it truly merits,” states David, noting that many visitors flock instead to more famous historical sites such as Kourion. “However, this place holds greater significance,” he emphasizes. Excavations here continue actively, leading to new findings regularly. As an illustration, he mentions that just within the last couple of years, some sections remained buried beneath the earth.
Cyprus, the third biggest and third most populated island in the Mediterranean, boasts a deep ancient past—human presence dates back approximately 13 millennia—and its people cherish numerous distinctions as the original pioneers of various things and places.
Even though my four-year-old daughter isn’t old enough to grasp the importance of historical discoveries like the world’s earliest known perfume factory, the largest handcrafted urn, or a grape varietal from 800 BC, the blend of sandy shores, sunny weather, and cultural attractions makes this destination ideal for keeping us both engaged during our brief getaway.
Parklane, a five-star retreat within Marriott’s Luxury Collection, sits just a 30-minute drive away from Larnaca International Airport and an additional 30 minutes from Limassol, Cyprus’s second-biggest urban center. You can reach Limassol via taxi, which would cost around €40/£34, or opt for a more budget-friendly local bus ride at approximately €2/£1.70.
This bustling commercial harbor is not only renowned for its significant archaeological landmarks such as the Sanctuary of Apollo and the historic Limassol Castle, which houses a connected medieval museum, but also boasts a charming old quarter characterized by narrow cobblestone lanes and balconies that extend overhead.
In the meantime, the charming village of Lefkara – renowned for its traditional lace embroidery and silver crafting techniques retained since the Venetian era – lies just half an hour’s drive away into the interior.
To escape the hotel briefly, I—like numerous other parents—utilize the Explorers Kids Club. A large play zone, inflatable bounce house, and a small swimming pool featuring a pirate-themed structure with slides ensure children stay entertained for long periods.
At this facility, parents have the option to bring along their young children anytime or choose to leave them with the staff members for an additional fee. The staff organizes various activities tailored to different age groups (ranging from infants aged four months up to 11-year-olds). These activities include arts and crafts, games, and even supervised swimming sessions. There are two such activity periods each day lasting four hours; one runs in the morning and another in the afternoon, providing ample free time for parents to either go out exploring or unwind.
One day, I decide to go with the latter option and make my way to the spa, which is a compact place featuring therapy rooms along with a steam room. After several hectic weeks at the office, the 60-minute Kalloni Experience massage turns out to be exactly what I require.
Our room—a sleek, ample super king suite offering seaside vistas—is just steps away from the sandy shore, yet the true highlight is undoubtedly the hotel’s trio of expansive outdoor swimming pools. Positioned both at the front and beside the primary structure, these generous aquatic areas provide plenty of space; we find ourselves unable to utilize them fully—rest assured, lounging chairs abound here.
I relax for multiple afternoons as my daughter joyfully plays in the water.
As temperatures fall or the winds increase (which happens frequently along Cyprus’s southern coastline), guests can take advantage of an indoor heated pool, as well as make use of a fully equipped gym and sauna.
The hotel offers an impressive array of dining choices with its five eateries, all known for high-quality cuisine. For our extensive buffet breakfast, we visit Lanes, which features made-to-order omelets from the egg station, plenty of fresh fruits, and flowing pink champagne.
The dishes offered here boast an international twist, ranging from freshly prepared sushi at The Gallery to a uniquely Cypriot interpretation of French cuisine at La Petite Maison. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, head over to the sunlit Vithos by the pool for a delicious midday meal.
To truly indulge, I visit the seaside restaurant Nammos, where seating areas among hanging plants directly overlook the water. There, I savor some grilled calamari followed by prawn ravioli served in a rich broth, enjoying the breeze with a good read and a goblet of regional vino—this occasion without my little one, as she’s busy painting ceramics at the children’s club.
Like all parents can relate to, occasionally you require a break even when you’re already on vacation.
How to organize your journey
Accommodations at Parklane, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol (
marriott.com
), starting at €200/£173 per night, includes breakfast.
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