Apartments and Villas in Cyprus

Home

Holiday Lets

Long Lets

Owners Page

Car Hire

Flights

Paphos Information

Links

Information about Paphos PAPHOS is the capital of the west of Cyprus and positively teems with history. It is the site of the island's second international airport. The resort town has as its focal point a charming fishing harbour by Paphos Castle, lined with open-air cafés and taverns that serve a tempting menu of the day's catch. It was on the Paphos shoreline that the mythological goddess Aphrodite was born - a legend that lasted several centuries. Landmarks associated with Aphrodite are the chunky, rugged rocks of her beautiful birth shore known as Aphrodite Rocks or Petra Tou Romiou, the evocative sanctuary of Aphrodite at Kouklia Village, the Baths of Aphrodite at Polis, supposed source of fertility and the Fountain of Love or Fontana Amorosa which is a few miles further into the Akamas Peninsula. Paphos was the name of the mythological daughter of Venus and Pygmalion. Another 'first' for Paphos was its early recognition of Christianity. While under Roman rule in 45 AD, it was here that Saint Paul converted the first ruler to the faith. The legacy from its remarkable history adds up to nothing less than an open museum, so much so that UNESCO simply added the whole town to its World Cultural Heritage List. Paphos itself is split into two main areas. The old town has an abundance of shops selling all types of local products from lace to Cyprus’ well known drink Zivania. You can also relax in one of the many cafes and enjoy a Cypriot coffee while the world passes you by. Down by the harbour area, known as Kato Paphos, wander around the quaint fishing harbour with its boats, browse the souvenir shops and visit the many archaeological sites. Why not try the quayside restaurants - the perfect way to enjoy the famous Cyprus meze! PLACES TO VISIT PAPHOS MEDIEVAL FORT - Kato Paphos Originally a Byzantine fort built to protect the harbour, it was rebuild by the Lusignans in the 13th century, dismantled by the Ottomans after they captured the island in the 16th century. ROMAN MOSAICS – Kato Paphos Home to the remains of the ancient city of Nea Pafos, now an Archaeological Park which contains among others the magnificent Roman mosaics in the Houses of Dionysos, Theseus, Orpheus and Aion. PETRA TOU ROMIOU - 25km east of Paphos This is birthplace of Aphrodite, the mythological goddess of love and beauty, who, according to legend, rose from the waves at this strikingly beautiful spot. LEMPA - 5km from Paphos Lempa village can be singled out as one with historic significance. In its pretty setting near the sea, Lempa's link with prehistory is the site of a Chalcolithic (copper age) settlement. Today the faithful reconstruction of several dwellings, gives an insight into Chalcolithic life on the island. TOMBS OF THE KINGS – Tomb of the Kings Road Spread over a large area, these impressive underground tombs date back to the 4th century BC. They are carved out of solid rock with some being decorated with Doric Pillars. High officials rather than Kings were buried here, but the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name. PAPHOS ODEON - Kato Paphos A small 2nd century Odeon entirely built of well-hewn limestone blocks. It was uncovered by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities in 1973-4 and is now regularly used for musical and theatrical performances. PAPHOS CASTLE - Kato Paphos Originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbour. It was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century and then dismantled by the Venetians in 1570, who found themselves unable to defend it against the Ottomans, who in their turn restored and strengthened it after they captured the island. SARANTA KOLONES - Kato Paphos This castle was built in the first years of the rule of the Lusignans (beginning of 12th century) maybe on the site of a previous Byzantine Castle. It was destroyed in the earthquake of 1222. THEOSKEPASTI CHURCH - Kato Paphos Theoskepasti means 'Veiled by God' and according to tradition, God sent down a fog to protect the original church during the Arab raids. The modern church was built in 1923. PANAYIA CHRYSOPOLITISSA CHURCH AND BYZANTINE BASILICA - Kato Paphos Built in the 13th century, over the ruins of the largest early Byzantine basilica on the island. Within the compound, one can see the so called St. Paul's Pillar, where according to tradition Saint Paul was flogged at some time before the Roman Governor Sergius Paulus was converted to Christianity. Excavations are still going on. AYIA SOLOMONI CHURCH - St. Paul Street Originally a Christian catacomb. A sacred tree stands at the top, which, according to tradition, cures the diseases of those who hang a personal offering on its branches. PAPHOS BIRD PARK - Coral Bay An excellent variety of birds and animals. Come and see the giraffes, parrot shows and exotic snakes such as Goldie the yellow Python. www.pafosbirdpark.com PAPHOS DISTRICT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM - Dighenis Street An attractive collection of Cypriot antiquities from the Paphos area dating from the Neolithic Age to 1700 AD. BYZANTINE MUSEUM - The Bishopric, Elysee Street An interesting collection of objects from the Byzantine period, including Byzantine icons from the 12th to 18th century. PAPHOS AQUARIUM – Kato Paphos Enter a mysterious underwater world and experience life in the fascinating realms of the deep. Admire a spectacular array of colourful fish in their natural environment. Open all year round. THINGS TO DO MINI CRUISES Popular cruises are available to Rhodes and Egypt for two and three day excursions. Ask any travel agent for schedules and prices. PAPHOS APHRODITE WATERPARK - Kato Paphos Young or old, swimmer or not, there's something here for everyone and everyone's here for fun! A cool way to spend a hot day! www.aphroditewaterpark.com GO KARTS - Kato Paphos & Coral Bay Experience the thrill at one of these challenging courses! JEEP SAFARI (AKAMAS) This is a great way to explore the Akamas National Park and surrounding area. JEEP SAFARI (TROODOS) When the heat gets too much, get out of town and into the mountains with a driver who is also your guide. FISHING Fishing in Cyprus is becoming more and more popular. We have many well stocked reservoirs providing a good variety of healthy fish. Check locally about licence requirements. GOLF - APHRODITE HILLS Situated near Paphos this award winning 18 hole championship standard course is 6299 meters in length and is a par 71/70. PGA resident golf instructors are also available. Tel: 26818700 GOLF - SECRET VALLEY Located 18 km east of Paphos, this 18 hole golf course plays to a par 72 and is 6158 meters in length. Set in a scenic tree lined valley it offers a clubhouse with lockers, pro-shop, driving range and tuition if required. All levels welcome. Tel: 26642774/5 GOLF - TSADA Located 20 minutes from Paphos in an elevated position, this 18 hole golf course plays to a par 72 and measures 6060 metres. Facilities include a pro-shop, tuition from PGA qualified coaches and a driving range. All levels are welcome. Tel: 26642774/5 KIDS KINGDOM – St. Paul Street In the complex you will find an English cinema, though a little behind on new releases, a ball park and games arcade for the children. HORSE RIDING – Various There are plenty of riding centres. A popular one is St. George, located just past Coral Bay. It offers afternoon treks as well as coastal sunset rides. BIRD WATCHING Cyprus is on the flight path of many migratory birds and has a wealth of indigenous species. www.camacdonald.com/birding/eucyprus.htm EVENTS Normally there are live evening shows including drama and opera at Paphos harbour with Paphos Castle as a backdrop. Check with the Cyprus Tourist Organization for more information. www.visitcyprus.org.cy SAILING AND DIVING For all things nautical, call Crystal Marine on (00357) 99828816. Advice is free from fully qualified RYA and PADI instructors. www.crystalmarinecyprus.com WATER SPORTS A variety of water sports are available throughout the summer season at major beaches. BOAT TRIPS A wide variety of boat trips are available from Paphos harbour. Please check locally for details.