Spring break...with your dog

Evening on the beach outside our apartment

For a couple of years we've had a short spring break in the west of the island. Last year, while staying in a village in the mountains between Paphos and Polis Chrysochous, we spent some time exploring the Akamas Peninsular and the coast around Latchi. This year we decided to stay on the coast, and found an apartment just outside of Latchi - Amalia Apartments (+357 26 321825)

View of Amalia Apartments from the beach

The website Booking.com states that the Amalia Apartments accept dogs on request, so we phoned to request. Although our experience was extremely positive with this place, I do want to have a small grumble about the 'sizeist' attitude landlords and restaurant owners seem to have when it comes to dogs - we were asked what size our dog was - and I can't see what difference it makes. If you claim to be dog friendly, it should not make a difference what size your dog is. And it doesn't even make sense; if you are concerned about damage, asking what age the dog is more relevant, or perhaps even the breed (although obviously I don't approve of this either).

Master Bedroom in our apartment

Anyway, the landlord met us, and had no problem with our (slightly bigger than average) dog. He was perfectly nice and friendly, and even gave her a quick pat.

The apartment we stayed in was big enough for a family of 5! It was huge. (Plenty of space even for a Great Dane!) There was a large open plan living and dining area, with tv, internet access, comfortable seats etc, as well as fully equipped kitchen. We paid 42€ per night.

Second smaller bedroom with single bed

The external areas were lovely, although not ideal for dog owners.

At the front of the apartments was a small paved area, with pub-garden table and benches. This was a lovely place to sit, and right by the beach too. However, it was not enclosed and there is a fairly busy road between the apartment and the beach. For inquisitive dogs who like to wander off, probably better to sit out the back...

At the front of the apartment

At the back of the apartments was a communal garden area with swimming pool, grassy area, and a sad looking tennis court. I'm not sure how our only neighbours felt about Sage peeing on the grassy lawn. We did try to stop her, but she just couldn't resist it. The landlord didn't tell us any 'rules', but I imagine other guests would not want dogs running around by the pool. Again, this area was open, so a bit hard to contain your dog.

Just next to the apartments was a small area of wasteland that was used for parking, which was very convenient for dog peeing, when we could persuade her away from the grass.

Swimming pool and grassy garden

Living area and kitchen

Outside our apartment

While we were there, during early April, there were hardly any tourists around. Probably it gets more difficult to be there with your dog during the high summer season, but in Spring it is great. There is a sign on the beach outside Amalia Apartments, forbidding dogs to bathe, but not actually forbidding them being on the beach... maybe I'm just being pedantic. But there was nobody around to complain anyway.

It was lovely to open our door and be right on the beach; to be near some amazing places for hiking and exploring, some of the loveliest beaches. I would recommend this area of Cyprus to everyone, and the Amalia Apartments to anyone (with or without a dog) looking for a reasonably priced, self catering apartment by the beach.