Paphos is a Unesco-listed centre of world cultural heritage, so it has plenty to offer the sightseer. It’s also said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, and it’s named after a daughter of the Greek goddess herself. On top of all this, Paphos is a picturesque harbour town, with seafront fish restaurants looking out over the boats in the Mediterranean.
Things to see and do:
- Mosaics – Paphos’s mosaics are some of the finest from the ancient world, and date from the 3rd to the 5th century, when they adorned the floors of various Roman dignitaries’ villas.
- Tombs of the Kings – just north of Kato Paphos (the lower town) – these tombs were carved into the cliff face over 2000 years ago
- Kolossi Castle – this castle was built by the Order of St John of Jerusalem in the 13th century, and in addition to its own architectural charms, also offers a magnificent view of the surrounding vineyards
- Ayia Kyriaki – Cyprus was the first Christian country after its Roman consul was converted by St Paul in 45 AD, which makes this ruined basilica one of the world’s oldest surviving Christian churches.
Getting there:
The airport is 9 miles east of Paphos town, with buses, taxis and car hire making up the transport options for visitors. Buses link up all the major towns in the Greek part of the island.
Location and weather:
Paphos is on Cyprus’s west coast, 50 miles from the capital Lefkosia, to the south of the Akarnas peninsula. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
Top tip:
In Paphos’s ancient Odeon, the month-long Festival of Ancient Greek Theatre takes place every summer, hosting performances by companies from all over the world.
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