Cyprus

Paphos (Pafos)

The city of Paphos is located on the southwest coast of the island of Cyprus and dates from 1400 BC. Local legend has it that the city is built on the spot where the Greek Goddess of Love – Aphrodite, was born.

In Roman times, the city was the capital of the island and the city retains many connections to this period. There was a devastating earthquake in the 4th century and over the following centuries the city survived and endured numerous foreign incursions and raids.

With its population of around 27,000 inhabitants Paphos is the capital of Cyprus' western region. Most of the inhabitants work as employees in various branches of tourism.

Paphos consists of two areas: the coastal resort area - the tourist area of  (Kato Paphos) and the town itself (Pano Paphos) which is slightly inland and lies on a rocky hill. 

Today, Paphos is a popular seaside resort and is said to be one of the most beautiful parts of Cyprus, and its tourist industry has certainly increased in recent years. Set upon lovely sandy beaches such as Coral Bay and home to some of the islands best archaeological sites, Paphos is popular with everyone from young singles to families. This is still a fairly undeveloped resort with an attractive fishing harbour and small yachting marina - however many new developments can be observed in the fringes of the city.   Paphos is a very cultural area, and there is plenty to see and do, including impressive old ruins and many cultural heritage sites of interest.

Among its attractions are its ancient mosaic floors, its beautiful old harbour, its modern hotels and restaurants, situated along the seaside promenade. Other sights include an archaeological museum, the Byzantine castle of Paphos, the Tombs of the Kings, St. Paul’s Pillar and the Temple of Aphrodite - goddess of love and beauty.

The climate of Cyprus makes the summer months a popular time for tourism in Paphos, when temperatures reach soar into the mid 30 degrees Celsius every day. (see Weather Forecast) However the cooler winter months make walking and cycling ideal activities, especially further away in the mountains.

The main shopping lane, which runs parallel to the beach promenade, is the ideal tourists' marketplace.

Paphos is one of the main tourist spots in Cyprus. The sun shines all day long in the radiant town. There are many hotels both big and small for tourists to stay in, with kindly staff who will be happy to help you with your every need.

Located near Paphos is the Coral Bay, a beautiful beach with soft sand and deep blue water, a perfect place for water sports. 

PAPHOS ATTRACTIONS

Tombs of the Kings
The tombs, which are also known as Palaiokastra, lie to the north-west of  Paphos. The site is an ancient cemetery with hundreds of subterranean burial chambers cut into the rock. The tombs are those of private individuals, not kings: the name Royal Tombs derives from their very fine architecture. However the tombs are impressive enough to be worthy of kings. These tombs bear a strong resemblance to Egyptian tombs – carved out of solid rock with pillars and frescoed walls. They are burial caves carved into the bedrock of the hill and decorated with Doric columns and capitals and they date from the 4th century BC. Once inside you can freely walk about the place and explore through the rooms of the tombs.

Catacombs
These are carved into the rock. During the Hellenistic period and the 1st c. BC they were used as a tomb or a refuge, but were later converted into a Christian church, dedicated to St. Salomone and her seven sons. Salomone was pursued by Roman soldiers and took refuge in this cave, where she was buried along with her seven sons.
The catacombs are also known as the "cave of the seven sleepers ". Badly damaged wall paintings in the right part of the cave date from the 9th-12th c. BC. The attention of visitors is also attracted by pieces of cloth tied to the tree at the entrance to the catacombs. It is said that anyone who fastens a piece of his or her clothing to the branches of the tree is cured of chronic illness.

The Mosaics of Paphos
The finest mosaics discovered thus far in Cyprus are located in Paphos at the House of Dionysos, the House of Theseus, the House of Aion, and the House of Orpheus. There are also some fine Roman buildings in this area, such as the Odeion, Agora and Asklepieion of Paphos.

Baths of Aphrodite – This is a natural feature on the Akamas Peninsula about 40km north of the town. Legend states that Aphrodite the Greek Goddess of, used to take her baths here.

Food

The beach promenade offers a wide choice of international and meze restaurants. You can enjoy lovely meals with outstanding views. 

Cypriots cook with less oil than their Mediterranean neighbours. The cuisine is healthy apart from their love of syrup soaked pastries. All food is cooked fresh on a daily basis.

On a recent holiday, Betty (my wife) and I spent a most enjoyable time visiting the sights, enjoying the promenade and having some lovely meals in the local tavernas. Being pensioners we managed to find some "value for money" places to eat.

Our favourite was the Moulia Restaurant - They had 3 locations - we found 2 - in the Aphrodite Complex and on Tomb of the Kings Road. They advertised as "quite simply the best Fish and Chips" - we believed them!

Another favourite was the Camares - a Cafe/ Restaurant at 3-4 Poseidonos Avenue (The promenade).  The staff were very friendly and the meals were very good as well as being fairly priced.  There was a glass of table wine free with each set evening meal.

On a visit to Limassol we found the ARCO BALENO otherwise known as Georges Restaurant & Bar - in the Zena Complex on Amanthus Avenue - just across the road from a beach. This was also good value for money and we also found George to be a very amusing host.  Well done George.  We will be back!