Jan
10
Paphos Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Cyprus
A trip to Paphos
Located on the southwest coast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, Paphos is historically significant as the principal location for the worship of the Greek Goddess Aphrodite, and UNESCO has deemed it worthy as a World Heritage site. When you begin to explore the ancient sites in and around town, it becomes easy to see why. The beautiful harbour is complemented by a well-preserved old town that has held on to its past during the process of modernisation.
Flights to Paphos
Reachable from most of Europe as well as from Northern Africa and the Middle East, Paphos International Airport is where most visitors land when visiting the region. An alternative is the nearby hub in Lanarca. At either airport, there are taxis and shuttles waiting to take you into the city. If you’ve booked yourself into a resort, chances are they will be able to pick you up at the airport. Ferries also run to Paphos from Rhodes, Crete, Patmos, Athens and as far as Israel. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Paphos try Ebookers.
Paphos Cyprus
Sightseeing in Paphos
The real treasures to be found here are the many ancient historical sites in the area. A subterranean group of king’s tombs dating from the 4th century BC are one of the biggest attractions, with many others ancient wonders to complement the site. The villas that belonged to noblemen from the 3rd century BC, with their incredible mosaic patterns on the floors, are also well worth visiting. The tiles show scenes from Greek mythology and are some of the finest examples of the craft in the Mediterranean. Pathos Castle, built in the Byzantine period, is just beside the harbour.
As a place with so much history, Paphos has no trouble filling the local museums with artefacts and archaeological information. There are three museums well worth visiting on the island: the Ethnographical Museum, Byzantium Museum and the Archaeological Museum.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Paphos is a quaint town, and as such it doesn’t get too rowdy at night. That’s not to say there isn’t anywhere to go; there are some night spots, but the real ambiance is in the restaurants and taverns along the waterfront. Being a Mediterranean island, the food is as good here as it is anywhere else in the Med, with lots of crossover items on the menu from Greece and Turkey.
Cyprus doesn’t do a bad job in producing its own red wine either, and local brands make a perfect accompaniment to a nice dinner in one of the town’s excellent restaurants.
Fun by day- shopping and activities
There is no lack in things to do around Pathos. Simply walking around the town and taking in its historical ambiance can be a relaxing endeavour, while there are many beaches within striking distance of the city. Lanarca is a popular spot for a combination of beaches, resort amenities and historical sights.
The town is not exactly known as a shopper’s haven, and most of your purchases will probably be things you use during your trip or souvenirs for friends and family back home.
Daytrips
There are several ideal daytrip destinations within convenient reach of Paphos. The interior mountains hold quaint hamlets that have remained largely untouched by time. These mountain outposts see few tourists, and life continues here much as it has throughout previous centuries.
The Baths of Aphrodite are a holdover from the days of ancient Greece. Located along the coast of the Akamas Peninsula, this historic area is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historic attractions. The city of Polis is also found near the baths.
Kolossi Castle can also be visited in a single day, and this magnificent structure is located in the quaint town of Lemesos. A hire car is an essential aspect of daytrips from Paphos, as a simple drive along the coastal motorway is one of the most rewarding escapes from the city.
Must-see attractions
The entire Paphos city area is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site so no matter where you travel within the city’s historic core, you are only a few steps away from fantastic, well-kept architecture.
The Castle of Paphos was built in antiquity under the Byzantine Empire and was later refurbished in the 1200s. Venice sacked the castle in the 16th century, and the Ottomans rebuilt it shortly thereafter. Today, the medieval castle together with its ramparts remains one of Paphos’ most iconic structures.
History buffs will also want to take in the Odeon Theatre, a marvellous 2nd century amphitheatre that is still used to host concerts and other performances to this day. Another ancient relic is the Pillar of St Paul, the 1st century whipping post on which Paul the Apostle was flogged before successfully converting the local magistrate.
Finally, the Temple of Aphrodite is one of Paphos’ most ancient sites. It dates to the 12th century BC, and on-site excavations have unearthed a host of important period artefacts. Today, the temple is little more than ruins, though it holds an air of mystique that continues to charm visitors.
Best time to go
Every season in Paphos is perfect for visiting. Summers are hot and long, with plenty of daylight hours to maximise sightseeing. This warm and inviting season stretches from May to October and sees the greatest influx of tourists. Even so, winters are equally comfortable, with mild daytime temperatures and erratic rainfall that isn’t likely to interfere with your holiday. The most variable weather occurs on the shoulders of the summer season.
Rainy day suggestions
In the rare event that rainfall interferes with plans for sightseeing, visitors can take advantage of the wealth of museums that operate in Paphos. The Archaeological Museum houses artefacts from every major period of human history, spanning Neolithic and modern times.
The Byzantine Museum is also worth a visit and the exhibits in this facility showcase religious artefacts from the period of history following the collapse of the Roman Empire.
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