Built around an ancient harbour and a medieval fort, Paphos is acknowledged to have the finest climate on the island, with comfortable, moderate temperatures for most of the year and the summer’s heat moderated by cooling sea breezes. Paphos has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. It was a centre of the cult of Aphrodite and of pre-Hellenic fertility deities. Aphrodite's legendary birthplace was on this island, where her temple was erected by the Myceneans in the 12th century B.C. The remains of villas, palaces, theatres, fortresses and tombs mean that the site is of exceptional architectural and historic value. The mosaics of Nea Paphos are among the most beautiful in the world. Paphos is one of the most beautiful and ancient towns of Cyprus. Wherever you tread in Paphos, you come across its glorious history, its traditions and lifestyles have remained pratically unchanged in all that time. The locals will envelop you in an atmosphere of love and family values are held to be paramount. This as well as many more reasons are what attracts many visitors from the island and abroad every year. Today it is a small harbour town, but in Hellenistic and Roman times it was the capital of Cyprus. Still under the spell of the Beauty-Goddess, the area retains her magic. It seduces its visitor with its majestic landscape,lovely coastline,historical treasures and delightful villages, where tradition is still a way of life. Paphos is situated on the southwest of the Island, 90 miles from the capital Nicosia, 90 miles southwest of Larnaca. Paphos has the island's second international airport, 9 miles east of the main town. Paphos is believed to be the birth place of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and is a popular resort destination ideal for families. The city of Paphos is split into two parts, the upper part mainly the residential area, and Kato Paphos by the pretty harbour, the lower part of the town. You will find many open air tavernas to sit and relax in the warm sunshine, whilst watching the boats bobbing up and down in the water. Along the seafront there are many cafés, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. Paphos is rich in ancient sites, dating back to the the Roman ages, among them the House of Dionysos and the Villa of Theseus, with beautiful mosaic floors, and the Tombs of the Kings. Other places of interest include the Paphos District Museum, the Byzantine Museum, Paphos Fort commanding the harbour, the remains of the Byzantine castle of Saranda Kolones and Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church, the largest early Christian basilica on the island. Paphos offers a variety of holiday accommodation ranging from modern luxurious hotels to hotel apartments, tourist villages and many holiday villas. There are a number of municipal beaches along the Paphos shoreline, but Coral Bay Beach, 7 miles north, is considered the most attractive, being sandy and having shallow waters. Sun-beds and umbrellas are available for rent. Coral Bay area has many tavernas and restaurants, apart from the local tavernas serving traditional dishes and meze, international restaurants offer plenty of choices from Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai and other ethnic cuisine. There is a frequent bus service along the coast road to Coral Bay, operating from early morning till early evening during main season and taxis are also available.

Places of interest around Paphos

PAPHOS DISTRICT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Dighenis street Tel: 26 240215 Attractive collection of Cypriot antiquities from the Paphos area, dating from the Neolithic Age to 1700 AD.

BYZANTINE MUSEUM

In the premises of the Bishopric Elysee str. Tel. 26 232092 An interesting collection of objects from the Byzantine period, including Byzantine icons from the 12th to 18th century.

ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM

Exo Vrisy Tel: 26 232010 Interesting private collection of objects from the Neolithic Age to the present day.

TOMBS OF THE KINGS

Wide area containing underground tombs carved out of solid rock dating to 4th century BC, many decorated with Doric pillars. The magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name, although the Kings in question were more likely rich mercants from the area. Go early in the day to avoid the heat, take water and wear comfortable shoes!

AYIA SOLOMONI CHURCH

Kato Paphos, St. Paul's 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.

THE MOSAICS OF PAPHOS

House of Dionysos, the House of Theseus and the recently excavated House of Aion, in Kato Paphos, the the entrance near the harbour.

The amazing mosaic floors of these 3rd century AD noblemen's villas are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mostly depict scenes from Greek mythology and are beautifully executed.

Go early to avoid the heat, take water and wear comfortable shoes. It's a long walk round for small children.

PAPHOS ODEON

A small 2nd century Odeon (a theatre) 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.

SARANTA KOLONES

Kato Paphos, near the harbour. 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.

PAPHOS CASTLE

Kato Paphos. Originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbour, it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, then dismantled by the Venetians in 1570, who found themselves unable to defend it against the Ottomans. They in their turn restored and strengthened it after they captured the island.

Outdoor band concerts and operatic performances are held here in the summer months.

PANAYIA LIMENIOTISSA BASILICA

Kato Paphos. Dating from the Early Christian period, probably early 5th century and dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Harbour'. Almost completely destroyed during the 7th century Arab raids.

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 '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.

THEOSKEPASTI CHURCH

Kato Paphos, facing the harbour. Theoskepasti means 'Veiled by God' and according to tradition, God sent down a fog to conceal and protect the original church during the Arab raids. The modern church was built in 1923.


Note - if you wish to go inside the churches, please observe local customs and dress respectfully. Shoulders and knees should be covered by both sexes. If local people are at prayer, please refrain from photographing them.


The diversity and beauty of the Paphos area welcomes visitors from all around the world – and some come back to make their homes here permanently.

Come home to Paphos