Kourion (Curium) is a huge archelogical site situated high above the beautiful blue sea. We arrived by car and there is plenty of room to park, but most tour operators run excursions there. However, you might decide that being able to wander the site at will and take your time is preferable to being hurried along as part of a big group. However, its worth pointing out that some parts of the site are not in the confines of the main one. The Temple of Appollo and the Stadium are a short drive away or a tidy walk (which would be too hot to do in summer). This wasn't immediately evident to us from the maps of the site and we spent some time looking for both of these on the main site before realising that we had to go further to get to them. Neither of these should be missed, so if you are travelling independently, fit them into your itinerary.

If you do not visit with a guided tour group, you'll find that a decent guidebook is helpful. One of the more detailed cultural guidebooks for Cyprus is probably most economical, as they tend to contain quite a bit of information that will help you get a sense of what you are looking at, and will also serve for visits to other attractions on the island. You do get a map and short introduction with your ticket, and each of the attractions are very well labelled. Like all sites in Cyprus, entry is very reasonable.

There were some portaloos in the car park which were clean, if basic. There were some other toilets around the site but we didn't venture into them. A van was selling ice cream and drinks but there was nowhere to sit and little shelter.

Some serious advice here: if you visit in summer, stock up on water and wet-wipes and wear and hat, high factor suncream and cover up! It is very, very hot and very exposed. There are some pavillions where you can sit and recover from the searing heat but the site is huge and it would be easy to be overcome by the heat or get burned.

The paths are not too bad, although some people who have a degree of difficulty walking or a disability might find that some parts are harder to access. There is a gate at the top end of the site for people with a disability and/or wheelchair users.

So what will you see there? You will see some stunning mosaics and remains of houses. The highlight, undoubtedly, is the restored, imposing amphitheatre which is still in use today. (We didn't catch a performance but tickets can be purchased for evenings). You can sit on the terraced seats and enjoy a magnificant view of the bay below you and just imagine what it must have been like in ancient times. To see a theatre pretty much (give or take) in it's original state is a treat and children who have learned about the ancients Greeks and Romans at school will love it. Get them to stand in on the stage and whisper whilst another sits high on the seats. (Or try it yourself). The acoustics really do work!

The mosaics are well labelled and utterly beautiful. Don't miss the house of the Gladiators, at the far end of the site (by the disabled access gate). Some of the mosaics are under shelter, giving relief from the sun in summer. Archeologists are still investigating Kourion and like us, you might be lucky to see them at work.

A short distance away is the Stadium which is just off the road and signposted, although many people overlook it. There is no charge to go in and there is space to park. It is a massive stadium, probably used for sports. Some of the seats have been restored to give an idea of how they looked, but the guidebook told me that there would have been several tiers.

The Temple of Appollo was another drive away on the same road. I can't recall the distance but as I pointed out earlier, it seemed to be a fair way. It is also signposted and you dohave to pay a small additional charge to get in but it is fantastic, with part of the temple restored in a way that reminds you of those old paintings of Greek and Roman ruins. This place was apparently so scared in ancient times that anyone daring to touch the main alter was tossed over the cliffs into the sea below.

If you have a car and have time, go down to the sea after your visit, to Kourion beach. There is a cafe (it's a bit basic) and a nice beach where the sea is a welcome cooling experience.

One more tip: if you are travelling by car from the Paphos area, don't take the motorway. Go via the coast road for a great drive with stunning views, and stop to look at the Rock of Aphropdite on the way.

If you go to Kourion, I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Have a lovely time!