Paphos, a city rich in history, is a gem of Western Cyprus. The city’s existence traces back to the Neolithic period, claim archaeologists. Believed to be the birthplace of Greek Goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, Paphos proudly boasts the remains of villas, palaces, theatres, fortresses and tombs that belong to Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Such exceptional architectural and historic value is an ornament to the city that is included in UNESCO’s list of world heritage as a natural and cultural treasure. Paphos, roughly divided into Old Paphos and New Paphos, is also famous for its sun-kissed beaches. Paphos was valued as a major port and the capital of Cyprus during Roman times. Later when the British colonized the island, the city started losing its value especially after Nicosia gained importance. Today, this small harbour is slowly and steadily emerging as an attractive tourist destination.
Top 10 Paphos Landmarks
Paphos Castle :
Located on the edge of Paphos harbour, this castle is one of the most classifiable landmarks of Paphos. It has attracted a number of archaeologists to excavate and investigate its past, as it dates back to the Roman era. The Byzantine fort, originally built to protect the harbour was destroyed in the earthquake of 1222. It was then rebuilt by the Lusignans in the thirteenth century and has seen few more rebuilding in the years ahead till date. It currently serves as a background for the annual open-air Paphos cultural festival, which takes place in September.
Aphrodite’s Rock Petra Tou Romiou (Birthplace of Aphrodite) :
Named after the Greek Goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, the rock located between Limassol and Paphos is believed to be sacred. The legend tells a tale that this is the point where Aphrodite emerged from the sea in a surge of amazing sea foam in 1200 BC and she herself choose this rock as the ideal location to begin her life as a mortal.
Tombs of the Kings:
A large necropolis burial ground lying about two kilometres north-west of Paphos harbour in Cyprus is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Many of these underground tombs, date back to the 4th century BCE, are sculpted out of solid rock. Believed to be the burial sites of Paphitic aristocrats and high officials, some of the tombs have frescoed walls and Doric columns.
Paphos Archaeological Park:
Paphos archaeological Park is famous for sites and monuments that date back to pre-historical times. In addition to that, most of the remains in the park mark the Roman period date.Marvellous mosaic floors of four Roman villas here have also added to the fame of Paphos Archaeological Park.
Odeon:
Located in Paphos Archaeological Park, Odeon is an amphitheatre-like structure, which was unearthed during excavations. Now fully restored, Odeon is in close vicinity of several other archaeological or tourist sites such as Paphos Lighthouse, The house of Aion, The house of Dionysos and the villa of Theseus. This interesting archaeological monument built in the 2nd century is made entirely out of well-hewn limestone and has approximately 1,200 seats for spectators. Odeon is not only a tourist attraction today; it also hosts many musical and theatrical performances.
Paphos Lighthouse:
Paphos lighthouse is a golden point of the city as it can be seen from any corner of Paphos. Situated in close proximity of Odeon, the top of this lighthouse offers you an opportunity to catch panoramic, magnificent glimpses of Paphos in your camera. After climbing the staircases successfully, you reach to the top of this lighthouse and a look at the historic and scenic city of Paphos makes your visit to Paphos worth a treasure.
Akamas Peninsula Paphos:
The most beautiful location on the entire island, the Akamas Peninsula is located in the west of Cyprus. The peninsula covers approximately an area of 230 square kilometres with mountains and densely wooded, almost inaccessible forests that are home to almost 530 plant species, endemic to Cyprus and enjoy a great biodiversity. Because of its ecological significance, the Akamas peninsula is not only a tourist attraction but also is a great interest of botanists from all over the world.
Ayios Neophytos Monastery:
Located just 20 minutes from the busy Paphos town centre, the historic Ayios Neophytos monastery takes you back to the ancient world and introduces you with the life back then. Today, a home to only a handful of monks, the monastery is famous for the grottoes carved out of the mountain rock and is believed to be founded by a Cypriot hermit and writer called Neophytos in the year 1159.
AyiaSolomoni Church:
Originally, a Christian catacomb, Ayia Solomoni Church was carved underground out of limestone rock. Home to several 12th century frescoes, the church also houses some of the original graves that date back to the Hellenistic period, the archaeologists say. The remains of the old frescoes from the 12th century and some holy water are the main attractions of Ayia Solomoni Church.
Ethnographical Museum:
Considered as the richest museum of Cyprus, Ethnographical Museum that now holds collections of woodcarvings, jewellery, tapestries, woven goods, pottery, embroidery, and national costumes from19th and 20th centuries, was the Folk Art Museum until 1971. Today it is famous among tourists, especially among history and art lovers as an excellent place that introduces the lives of the people in the prehistoric era.
The Mosaics of Paphos:
Famous as the finest mosaic in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Paphos Mosaics are located beside the harbour. The mosaics here show the scenes from Greek Mythology and were made from small cubes of marble and stone called tesserae, and glass paste available in those days.
Top 10 Activities
Walking Tours/Town Walks:
Paphos town walk, also known as strolling around Ktima can be enjoyed every Tuesday for free. Organized by Paphos municipality in collaboration with CTO and the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association, the tour takes tourists to various archaeological sites dating back to the Chalcolithic, early Bronze Age and to the present. Avail this tour, as its goal is to introduce tourists to Ktima and the evolution of its lifestyle from the late Byzantine and Medieval times to the present. This town walk is a great opportunity to know better, the local life, year-round atmosphere, and Paphos’ continual cultural development.
Paphos Aphrodite Festival:
Paphos Aphrodite Festival aims to promote Paphos as an international centre of high profile cultural events. Famed to be the one to organize and present a new opera every year, the festival welcomes music fanatics to enjoy opera performances and take a deep dive in the world of music. Organised at the Medieval Castle Square in Paphos, the festival invites world famous, internationally acclaimed companies to perform at the festival, which takes place at the end of August or during the first weekend of September.
Aphrodite Water Park:
A day out with the family at Aphrodite Water Park is a great way to spend quality time as a family. The place offers entertainment and appeal to every generation. Packed with variety of attractions, the park has a snacks bar and a varied selection of rides among which the rafting ride is the biggest family rafting ride in Europe. Set within 35,000 square meters of natural landscaped grounds, the park is situated at the far eastern end of the Kato Paphos coastal road. Its location is ideal for tourists as it is situated about 300 meters inland from the Cypria Maris, Paphian, Pioneer and Phaethon hotels. A large free car park in front of the water park adds up to the visitors’ convenience. Ideal months to visit are between May and October.
Pafos Bird Park:
Pafos Bird Park is a unique park in Cyprus. The park is open to the public and has a tremendous variety of birds and animals from around the world. From ponies, giraffes, monkeys, tortoises and exotic parrots to emus, ostriches and swans, this park also has a petting zoo were children can interact with the animals. It also hosts owl and parrot shows. Situated near Agios Georgios/Coral Bay the park is spread across one million sq.m, in a natural setting with lakes, ponds and gardens. Children’s birthday parties can be arranged at this park, as it is open all year round from 9 am until the sunset, including Christmas day.
Snake George’s Reptile Park:
This is a small establishment run by Hans-Joerg Wiedl, famous as Snake George.The park displays an eye-popping collection of snakes including eight species indigenous to Cyprus, and lizards. The owner, Hans is brimming over with enthusiasm to show you around and tell you a few stories of snakes. He opened this park in Ayios Georgios, near Paphos, with a will to educate and inform the public about reptiles.
To reach Snake George’s Reptile Park, travel the main road past Coral Bay to Agios Georgios and on the right, you will see an EKO Service Station. The reptile park is situated behind the station. The entry fee is minimal and is for the maintenance of the reptiles.
Diving In Paphos:
Paphos is an excellent choice for a diving holiday. The city is surrounded by crystal clear sea water and is home to thousands of excellent diving spots such as underwater cliffs, valleys, coral colonies, and ancient ship wrecks. Absence of dangerous underwater currents in the seas near Paphos is ideal for taking deep dives. The city offers well established diving schools equipped with fully qualified instructors to welcome the novice divers to plunge into the seas near Paphos. Any time of the year is good for diving in seas near Paphos.
Paphos Karting Centre:
Paphos Karting Centre is located just a 5 minutes walk or drive away from Paphos harbour. From Limassol, it takes only 35 minutes to reach this centre famous for its tracks. The floodlit track is the only bridge and tunnel track and one of the biggest and best karting tracks in Europe. Booking in advance is not needed to enjoy the thrilling tracks at Paphos Karting Centre which is open 7 days a week. The centre also provides a snack bar which offers food & drinks, a cafe, restroom etc. Visitors can arrive at or after 10 am and experience the rides till 6 pm from November to February. From 9am till 9pm from March till May and from 9am to 11pm from June to October.
Akamas Jeep Safari:
Paphos holidays are incomplete without a jeep safari to Akamas, a great adventure for nature lovers. The southwestern tip of Paphos Island is formed by the Akamas Peninsula, which is a nature preserve, home to 168 species of birds, 12 mammals, 20 reptiles and 16 butterflies. This magical and unexplored countryside unfolds the beautiful landscapes and coastal area; indeed a jewel in the southern crown of Cyprus. By availing this safari, the tourist can visit historic spots such as birthplace of Aphrodite, Avakas Gorge, Lara Bay, Baths of Aphrodite and Polis etc, to add more.
Old Venetian Camel Trail:
The camel trail is one of Paphos’ most adventurous activities. The Old Venetian Camel Trail takes the trailers to the remoter parts of the island while passing through the south of Chryssorogiatissa Monastery. The adventurous trip by jeep lasts for about half a day but is a treasure to cherish. The route is spotted with three ancient bridges : Kelephos, Elea and Roudias further west. History tells the tale that these bridges were built to enable pack animals, especially camels, to cross the river and trade copper from the Troodos mines to Paphos.
Paphos Byzantine Museum:
Paphos Byzantine Museum, located in a mediaeval fort near Paphos harbour area shows off the city’s beauty and history. The museum is one of the best museums, as it holds an interesting collection of artefacts from the Byzantine era, including icons dating back from the 12th to the18th century. The other museums such as the museum of St. Neophytos Monastery, the Byzantine Museum of Arsinoe, and the Omodos museum feature ecclesiastical treasures including icons, frescoes, manuscripts, woodcarvings, gold and silver covered gospels, and embroideries among which many artefacts trace back to the 7th and 8th century.
Source: www.paphos.com