Wherever you look in Paphos you will not be able to escape from its past, whether its historical or mythological, there will always be something to capture your imagination. Paphos and its surrounding villages seem to have remained untouched by modern day society, and life has carried on here the same as it always has done - resulting in the perfect setting and an idyllic place to relax and unwind on holiday - after all, this is the birthplace of Aphrodite. The small charming town of Paphos lies on the west of coast of Cyprus - and due to its picturesque harbour and numerous number of archaeological and ancient sites, (including some monuments that date back to the Trojan Wars,) it is not surprising that it has been included in UNESCO's list of World Cultural Heritage sites, and contains some of the best examples of mosaics and artefacts.

Destination Statistics
Population: Around 28 thousand
Currency: Cyprus Pounds (CYP)
Language: Greek, Turkish (both official) English
EU Member: Yes

Must See

During your visit to Paphos you must see...
Paphos Castle was originally built by the Byzantine's to protect its harbour, however it was then rebuilt by the Lusignans in the thirteenth century and dismantled by the Venetians in 1570 who could not defend it against the Ottomans, who then themselves fortified and rebuilt the fort after they captured the island. Both the castle and the harbour that it was built to protect, are a definite must see. Another must see is Pafos's World Heritage site, which can be found on the headland, just behind the harbour. Its main attraction is its collection of Roman mosaics: considered to be among the finest in the eastern Mediterranean. Which unbelievably lay undiscovered till 1962, when a farmer came by them accidentally when he was ploughing his field, since then, archaeologists have been slowly finding more and more detailed mosaics, along with the ruins of the grand buildings that were used to house them. The whole thing looks so incredible that it will impress even the most hard-pressed art critic. (Though you may wish to take a guidebook with you, as the explanatory signs are somewhat limited.) The Tombs of the Kings is also yet another must see, spread out over a vast area, the underground tombs have been dated back to the 4th century. Due to their magnificence, they were named as tombs for the kings, rather than the high officials that they were made for - nevertheless being carved out of giant pieces of rock and decorated with Doric pillars, they make an impressive sight. Other places of interest include "Petra Tou Romiou" - the birthplace of Aphrodite, just 25 kilometres east out from the centre of Paphos, this is truly a beautiful beach, where according to legend Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty was born by rising out of the waves. Her birthplace is marked by a large rock just of the shoreline. 48 kilometers north of Paphos are the "Baths of Aphrodite" is an area of outstanding beauty that is also associated with Aphrodite. According to legend the goddess used to bathe in a pool under the shade of a fig tree. If you want you can walk 8km along a trail from the baths to Fontana Amorosa where you will enjoy spectacular views of unspoiled countryside. Lempa Village - five kilometres from Paphos, lies this faithful reconstruction of a chalcolithic settlement, giving an insight into their life. 3 kilometres east of Paphos is the Geroskipou Folk Art Museum, and Geroskipou village, named after the sacred garden of Aphrodite, this museum houses folk arts and crafts. Agios Neofytos (9 kilometres north of Paphos) is home to some of the finest Byzantine frescoes from between the 12th and 15th century. Peggia is also worth a visit, at just 19km north west of Paphos; this village is famous for if fountains and stone paved village square. Nearby Churches: Agia Solomoni Church, Kato Paphos, Leophoros Agiou Pavlou / Panagia Limeniotissa Basilica, Kato Paphos, near the Harbour / Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church and Byzantine Basilica, Kato Paphos / Theoskepasti Church, Kato Paphos. / Panagia Chryseleousa, 3km north of Paphos, Empa village / Agios Neofytos Monastery, 9km north of Paphos / Agia Paraskevi Church, Geroskipou village, 3km east of Paphos

Local History

The history of Paphos
Paphos was a busy and thriving port and once the capital city of Cyprus, under the successors of Alexander the Great - the Ptolemies. It continued to be the islands most important city for over seven centuries, and even retained its importance under Roman rule. However, Paphos's history is much richer than this brief outline and dates back a great deal further. Wherever you go in Paphos you will be able to see its history and heritage, from its ancient monuments and the hundreds of archaeological items that have been found. Making all of the text book history explanations seem bland in comparison

Local culture

Many festivals take place in front of Paphos Castle during September. One in particular is the Paphos Aphrodite Festival, where a different opera is presented each year with the fort as its setting.

Local events

Local Climate

Local Transport

Although you can see all of the sites of the town of Paphos by foot, it is advisable to hire a car so that you can easily visit the surrounding towns and villages as well as seeing sites such as "Petra Tou Romiou."

Useful Contacts

General Opinions

Entertainment

Activities & Sports

Trips & Outings

Historical Sites

Wherever you look in Paphos you will not be able to escape from its past, whether its historical or mythological, there will always be something to capture your imagination. Paphos and its surrounding villages seem to have remained untouched by modern day society, and life has carried on here the same as it always has done - resulting in the perfect setting and an idyllic place to relax and unwind on holiday - after all, this is the birthplace of Aphrodite. The small charming town of Paphos lies on the west of coast of Cyprus - and due to its picturesque harbour and numerous number of archaeological and ancient sites, (including some monuments that date back to the Trojan Wars,) it is not surprising that it has been included in UNESCO's list of World Cultural Heritage sites, and contains some of the best examples of mosaics and artefacts.

Destination Statistics
Population: Around 28 thousand
Currency: Cyprus Pounds (CYP)
Language: Greek, Turkish (both official) English
EU Member: Yes