Cruises in Paphos

Boat trips out of Paphos go one way — north-west along the Akamas coast, ending in the Blue Lagoon. The reason is simple: this is the only stretch of the island where the shore is unbuilt, the bottom is pale and the water holds that turquoise which looks edited in photographs. On the way the boat passes the sea caves and the Baths of Aphrodite, a spring under the rock where by legend the goddess washed.

There are two formats. The first leaves straight from Paphos harbour, taking longer but keeping the whole journey on the water. The second is a coach to Latchi or Polis and a boat from there: shorter, and you reach the lagoon ahead of the main crowd. In both cases the programme holds one or two long swimming stops, and masks are handed out on board — the fish are visible without any gear at all.

Practical notes. There is nowhere to hide from the sun in the lagoon and no fresh water, so sunscreen and a supply of drink are essential. The bottom is stony and water shoes come in useful. The wind picks up after midday, and morning departures are usually calmer. The protected status of Akamas means rubbish is carried away with you and landing on the shore is not permitted everywhere.