Paphos travel guide
Meet PaphosPaphos weather reportGetting into PaphosTop attractions in PaphosGetting around Paphos Where to eat in PaphosPage 2: More information on Paphos
Meet Paphos
Sitting pristinely within the small Mediterranean isle of Cyprus, just miles from Turkey, Paphos is also known as ‘the island of Aphrodite’. The stunning scenery of this picturesque city makes it the perfect location to have hosted the birth of this Goddess of Beauty.
While present day Paphos retains many monuments reminiscent of its glorious past, it also proudly displays the modern assets and natural beauty that make it an unforgettable holiday experience for its many visitors. As noted by the Novel laureate George Seferis, “Cyprus is a place where miracles can still happen.”
The miracle of this city can be ascribed to its harmoniously mixed contrasts. To the north lies a commercial centre while the south brims with tourist attractions in the form of bars and archaeological sites. A stroll through the long marina and medieval port will remind travellers that serenity, joie de vivre, and endless sunshine are the basic ingredients to the Mediterranean way of life.
The almost tropical climate makes this an ideal destination for autumn or spring, and while summer is the peak holiday season, high temperatures and hoards of sun worshippers can get a little bit crowding.
Paphos weather report
Summer is really hot in Cyprus, with the highest temperatures climbing over 40°C and successive heat waves making the atmosphere suffocating at times. Winters are relatively mild with an average 13-15°C temperature as well as being slightly rainy. This is why late autumn and spring are ideal seasons for hiking and cycling throughout the island’s almost totally flat landscapes.
Getting into Paphos
Paphos International Airport is only 10 kilometres away from the city. Taking the local bus at the entrance of the airport will take you to the city in 20 minutes. Alternatively, taxis are available for approximately €15.
Top attractions in Paphos
Paphos is overflowing with archaeological sites, so much so that it has been officially included in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list.
Paphos Archaeological Park is a must see for those interested in ancient history. Explore the House of Dionisos and the House of Theseus, Roman villas with marvelous Pompei-like mosaics scattered on the floor, depicting images inspired from Greek mythology.
The Tomb of the Kings has a macabre allure, its spectacles include 4th century graves meticulously carved into rock, underground catacombs, vaults, and grids belonging to humid caves. According to myth, Saint Paul was tortured here by the Romans.
Paphos Castle at the city’s port epitomizes the history of Paphos and Cyprus. This is a Byzantine fortress which successfully protected the city from pirates for centuries. The castle has been rebuilt over the centuries by almost all of its occupiers from Lusignans and Venetians who captured the city on their way to Jerusalem to Ottomans who conquered Paphos in 1570. The British administration was the last to use it as a prison until 1960, when Cyprus won its independence.
Saint Solomoni Church is an ancient Christian church with an intimidating catacomb, testifying the sufferings of early Christianity. The hallmark of the church is the sacred tree next to the entrance, allegedly curing those who hang their offerings upon it.
For nature-lovers, Dionisos River Valley, only a few miles away from Paphos, offers scenery of extraordinary natural beauty, which is especially recommended for birdwatchers.
The Temple of Aphrodite in Old Paphos was a sacred place for ancient Greeks, being at the epicentre of island life at the time. A stroll through its remains will take you back in time to the 12th century B.C.
Sandy beaches are not a scarcity in Paphos. Municipal Beach and Coral Bay Beach are the most popular ones, but opt for Kissonerga Bay if you prefer something more wild and unexplored.
Getting around Paphos
Paphos is not a big metropolis, so exploring it on foot would be both convenient and cheap. Cycling is also quite popular among the locals. Alternatively, public buses and taxis are cheap and take you everywhere in the city. Almost everyone is fluent in English, due to the island’s colonial past.
Where to eat in Paphos
Cypriot cuisine is famous for its delicious dainties, including the ever present Halloumi cheese, tzatziki (yogurt and garlic salad), olives and fresh fish (especially red mullet and calamari).
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Farm Yard restaurant at the small village of Kathikas is a traditional tavern where you can taste all the local specialties
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Zaffron is a posh but relatively cheap restaurant, famous for its Greek and Italian dishes
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For seafood lovers, Nikos Tirimos Fish Tavern serves an extensive menu of fresh fish and starters
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Koh-i-Noor is the best of the copious Indian restaurants in Paphos, serving delicious Tandoori and lamb korma
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Seven St Georges’ Tavern will amaze you with its cooked food and wine, prepared with fresh home-grown ingredients
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