Welcome to Paphos

Paphos: The town that has something for everyone!

Paphos is the jewel of Cyprus, with a mild climate, and a natural beauty - Mountains dipping into crystal clear waters and gentle hills sloping into deserted bays. The relaxed tempo of life offer visitors and residents a tranquility and peace few places in the world can offer.

Experience a kaleidoscope of rich colours in the Springtime, breathtaking blue skies and sunshine in Summer, the deep contrasting colours of Autumn, and enjoy Halycion days in the warm winter sun.

Admire the intricate floor mosaics in villas dating back to the Roman period depicting scenes from Greek mythology, considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. Equally impressive are the underground Tombs of the Kings carved out of solid rock and decorated with Doric pillars.

In Paphos you will enjoy the safety and security. Unspoilt and peaceful, the Paphos way of life attracts visitors who come back year after year or stay forever. Shake hands with people whose reputation for hospitality and good food is world renowned. You will want to stay forever.

Paphos town and Paphos region has many attractions being the most popular place in Cyprus for those interested in investing in immovable properties. Enjoy classical opera under the stars in the romantic setting of the medieval castle overlooking Paphos harbour during the various summer festivals. Or jive to the latest dance tunes at a plethora of entertainment spots, part of the modern town's varied nightlife.

A wide selection of accommodation is on offer in the city luxury beachside hotels with every amenity, such as health spas, conference centres, fresh and salt-water pools and exotic gardens, to a variety of hotel apartments for the budget-conscious.

The warmth of Paphos hospitality, coupled with a near perfect climate is of course one contributing factor relating to people buying both holiday houses and retirement homes.

Paphos is the town that has something for everyone!

- The ancient capital of Cyprus
- A new Marina under development
- Sports, Leisure and Golf activities
- New Golf courses
- New International Airport
- Island's most important tourist destination
- Very warm and hospitable people
- Mildest climate - Coolest in summer, warmest in winter
- Natural beauty
- Safe sandy, blue flag beaches
- A picturesque harbour with a truly Mediterranean feel
- High quality European Standard of living
- Cosmopolitan Lifestyle
- Excellent Medical care
- Paphos offers safety and security
- Major cultural events, festivals and other activities
- Paphos is the town for all seasons
- A variety of luxury 5-star hotels
- Traditional restaurants & tavernas but also variety of cafes, bars and night clubs

PLACES OF INTEREST AROUND PAPHOS

The island of Cyprus, lying where Europe and the Middle East meet, has enjoyed a rich and culturally varied history. The earliest traces of civilisation date back more than 9,000 years and its Greek culture arrived with the Achean Greek settlers in 1,200BC. At various points in history the island has been settled or occupied by Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, French, Venetians, Ottomans and British. Greek myths and legends abound in Cyprus, often called 'The Island of Aphrodite' - who is the goddess of love. Of all the regions of Cyprus, the Paphos region is particularly rich - whatever your interest, there will be something in the area for you, whether it be an ancient site, an atmospheric place of myth, outstanding natural beauty or a modern day family fun destination.

Tombs of the Kings

The "Tombs of the Kings" are situated close to the sea in the north western area of Pafos. They owe their name to their size and splendour – some probably belonged to the Pafian aristocracy, and not because royalty was buried there. They are rock cut and date to the Hellenistic and early Roman periods. Some of them imitate the houses of the living, with the rooms (here the burial chambers) opening onto a peristyle atrium. They are similar to tombs found in Alexandria, demonstrating the close relations between the two cities during the Hellenistic period.

Maa - Palaeokastro Settlement

Maa-Palaeokastro, a settlement on the western coast of the island close to Coral Bay, is important for the understanding of the end of the Late Bronze Age in Cyprus. Its imposing defensive walls were always exposed and gave the site its name of "Palaeokastro" ('the old castle'). This area was settled by the first Mycenaean Greeks who arrived on the island around 1200 BC, after the fall of the Mycenaean kingdoms in mainland Greece. The fortifications of the settlement consist of two separate walls. The first wall protected the settlement from the land, as it blocked the whole width of the narrowest part of the peninsula. The second offered protection from the sea, as it is located on the edge of the peninsula, just next to the sea.

Pafos Medieval Fort

The fort of Nea Pafos is located at the west end of the harbor. It was built during the Frankish occupation in the 13th century in order to replace the Byzantine castle of 'Saranta Kolones'. The fort has only one entrance on its east side and very small windows. Its main part is a big square tower that has an enclosed courtyard in the middle. The Venetians dismantled the fort in 1570 so that the Ottomans, who had begun their conquest of the island, would not use it. According to a Turkish inscription placed above the entrance the Ottomans rebuilt the fort in 1780. Nearby are the ruins of a second fort, which was probably built in the same period.

Roman Mosaic Houses & the Ancient Odeon

A 'must' is a visit to the Roman Mosaic Houses near the harbour. During the Roman occupation of Cyprus 2,000 years ago, Paphos was the island's capital, and then called Nea Pafos. The 3rd-4th Century AD mosaics remain on the floors of the Roman houses, unequalled in Europe, along with other important sites, are the main reason why UNESCO has added the whole town of Paphos to its World Cultural Heritage List. The almost perfectly preserved mosaics include those telling stories of Greek mythology with their inscriptions in Greek, even though they were built for Romans. There is also a small 2nd Century Odeon, or theatre, on the site which is still used for music and theatre today.

St Paul's Pillar

After the death of Christ, St Paul and other apostles came to Nea Paphos in 45AD and converted the first Roman Governor, Sergius Paulus to Christianity. As a result Cyprus can boast to being one of the earliest Christian countries. Before this conversion tradition has it that St Paul was flogged for his efforts. With that in mind a walk of about 200 metres back towards the main town up from the harbour is the orthodox cathedral called Agia Kyriaki. It is built on a site abounding with Roman and other remains and outside is the famous marble column St Paul's Pillar which is allegedly the very pillar against which St Paul was beaten. The church itself is worth a visit and still full of beautiful orthodox icons though being used today mainly by non orthodox English speaking Christians worshipping in Paphos.

OLD PAPHOS

The Archaeological, Byzantine and Ethnographic Museums
The Old Market

A short bus ride up the hill from the harbour brings visitors to the 'old town' or 'Pano' (Higher) Paphos. This is the site for the main museums, those with a love for orthodox iconography will enjoy the Byzantine Museum which houses some of the best and most ancient on this island. Nearby is the Ethnographic Museum which is a delightful reconstruction of folk life in bygone Paphos with the Archaeological Museum housing a collection dating from the Neolithic age to 1700AD.

If you wish to see a good range of locally produced crafts or pick up some local fruit and vegetables visit Paphos Market . Best visited in the morning it is a maze of narrow lanes with everything needed for presents to friends and family.

FAMILY DESTINATIONS

Paphos Aquarium
Paphos Bird Park
Reptile Park

For visitors with children, you may prefer to spend your time visiting some of the more modern day attractions. The Paphos Aquarium in Kato Paphos is well worth a visit with examples of marine life from the waters around Cyprus, throughout the Mediterranean as well as colourful fish from around the world.

Paphos Bird Park beyond Coral Bay is open all year round and has a fantastic selection of tropical birds and other animals including the unique Cyprus Moufflon deer and reptiles. Smaller and very reasonably priced is the well known Reptile Park of local naturalist 'Snake George' where children particularly enjoy being able to hold the non poisonous local Whip Snake and see other reptiles including chameleons and lizards.

Cyprus has so many attractions you are spoilt for choice but part of the enjoyment is simply getting to them. Plans are often forgotten as something different just appears around every corner.

ON THE TRAIL OF APHRODITE

Petra tou Romiou

This interesting geological formation of huge rocks off the coast in the Pafos district forms one of the most impressive natural sites of Cyprus associated with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. According to legend, this strikingly beautiful spot is where Aphrodite rose from the waves. Its Greek name, Petra tou Romiou, "the Rock of the Greek", is associated with the legendary Byzantine hero, Digenis Akritas, who kept the marauding Saracens at bay with his amazing strength. It is said that he heaved a huge rock into the sea, destroying the enemy's ships. The site is on the Aphrodite Cultural Route. The beach is pebble but swimming is possible and the superstition is that if you swim around Aphrodite's rock you will gain eternal youth. There is a tourist pavilion and a restaurant close by (closed in the evenings) where visitors can soak in the atmosphere whilst perched high on the cliffs above the sea.

Aphrodite Temple and Museum, Kouklia

About 6 k/m from here is the village of Kouklia where the famous Sanctuary of Aphrodite once stood. Visitors can walk amongst the remains of the temple to which pilgrims came from all over the Mediterranean. The sanctuary itself was built around 1200BC although there have been early Neolithic finds at the site. Next to the sanctuary is a fascinating museum housed in the Lusignan Manor and contains many archaeological finds from the area.

Aphrodite Baths, Latchi

Continuing with your search for the Goddess of Love, it is well worth visiting Polis and Latchi (see above). Just beyond Latchi the mythical site of Aphrodite's Baths can be found where legend has it the goddess used to bathe in a pool of a natural grotto shaded by a fig tree. Whatever you think of the legend the site is well worth the walk and is near to other nature trails which take you through the heart of the unspoilt Akamas Peninsula.