In the southwestern corner of Cyprus, there is unmistakable magic in the lights, the sea, the sky, the air, and above all the rocks. It is from the foam of the waves next to the giant rock in Paphos that as the myth has it Aphrodite the goddess of beauty and love emerged. When entering the new town of Paphos, you can already see that this town is quite special. All sites are clustered around the town hall of the upper town making it possible to explore everything within a couple of hours. Yet the big attractions and the real heart of Paphos are to be found in Kato Paphos which literally means lower Paphos, the town next to the sea.
The hotels & beaches are great, the food is amazing and there are over 30 Asian restaurants but the real charm of Paphos is that you can rest and enjoy while also experiencing some fascinating culture. Overseeing the city’s harbor, the medieval castle of Paphos comes alive with the frequent theatrical opera and modern music performances that take place here.
Next to the port is the richest archaeological site of Cyprus and that includes the most arresting Roman mosaics in the world. Here, you will see the remains of four large and elaborate Roman villas all with superbly preserved mosaic floors.
In the same archeological park, you will find the ancient Odeon which is a small second-century amphitheater. Today, it is used for summer musical and theatrical performances. Excavations just nearby have also uncovered a necropolis known as the tomb of the kings. Don’t miss visiting a couple of churches in Paphos like Theoskepasti that’s built on a rock and Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa which is situated among amazing Roman ruins. According to tradition, it was on this column that Apostle Paul who visited the island in the 1st century AD was flagellated. The incident is described in detail in the New Testament.
Besides the legendary archaeological site and the thriving city life, Paphos unfolds a natural picturesque scenery. Sandy beaches and crystal blue seas are equipped with all the facilities to secure the swimmers’ plush enjoyment. But purpose is also the name of the whole district which has many more things to offer such as the beautiful Agamas peninsula with its pristine nature as well as beautiful countryside with quaint villages. For example, northeast of Paphos town is the village of Lemona largely part of the pristine, evergreen Paphos forest. Also, historical churches and monasteries are scattered in the serene green environment.
The locals occupy themselves with winemaking, cultivating the vineyards, and growing livestock. Paphos is a magical place that no number of repeat visits can ever exhaust. Even if you visit one-third of the things we have listed here, you will leave the place with an urge to return.