PAPHOS - THINGS TO DO

Located on the southwest coast of the island of Cyprus, Paphos (Pafos) boasts a temperate climate and one of the healthiest lifestyles in the Mediterranean. Paphos (Pafos) is ideal for basking in the sunshine all year round, and experience the hospitality of its people wherever you go. Plunge into the sparkling warm waters of the Mediterranean in summer, or venture out on a splendid nature trail and observe fields blanketed in wildflowers in the spring; visit ancient and historical landmarks in autumn, and keep fit with a plethora of outdoor activities in winter. Whichever way you look at it, Paphos (Pafos) is a year-round destination with many reasons to visit. The Pafos (Paphos) Region caters for all types of vacationers in search of something unique, while revealing in the culture and local traditions. It offers the most idyllic and romantic settings to commemorate your love, or create lifetime memories for the whole family! 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 worth visiting if you enjoy beautiful Mediterranean beaches, Cypriot cuisine, UNESCO World Heritage sites, Roman ruins and mosaics, ancient tombs, a sunny climate, coastal walks and more.

Kato Paphos Archaeological Park

The Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos (Paphos) is one of the most important archaeological sites of Cyprus and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1980. Nicocles, the last King of Palaipafos moved the city from the previous location to its present location near the harbour at the end of the 4th century BC. Between the 2nd century BC and 4th century AD, Pafos was the capital city of Cyprus. The Park includes sites and monuments from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages, while most remains date to the Roman period. The intricate mosaic floors of four Roman villas (the houses of Dionysos, Theseus, Aion and Orpheus) form the impressive epicentre of the finds, and depict various scenes from Greek Mythology. The complex also includes other important monuments, such as the Asklepieion, the Odeon, the Agora, the Saranta Kolones (Forty Columns) Castle, the Limeniotissa ruins of an Early Christian Basilica, and the Tombs of the Kings.

Region:Pafos

Address:Kato Pafos

Contact No:Tel: +357 26 306 217

Operating Hours:April 16 - September 15, daily: 08:30 - 19:30
September 16 - April 15, daily: 08:30 - 17:00

Operating Period:All year round.
Closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday (Greek Orthodox).

Entrance Fee:€4,50 / Tombs of the Kings additional €2,50
For organised groups consisting of more than 10 persons there is a 20% reduction on the entry fees.
The Department of Antiquities can issue special entry cards for all its museums and ancient monuments: One (1) day entry cards - €8,50, three (3) day entry cards - €17,00, seven (7) day entry cards - €25,00.

Disabled Access:Partially accessible to wheelchairs.

Website:www.mcw.gov.cy/da

Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.

Tombs of the Kings

The famous ‘Tombs of the Kings’ form part of the Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos (Paphos) - one of the most important archaeological sites of Cyprus that has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1980. The monumental underground tombs are carved out of solid rock and date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Rather than kings, it is actually high ranking officials and aristocracy that were buried here, but the size and splendour of the tombs – some decorated with Doric pillars - gave the locality its grand name. Some of the tombs imitate the houses of the living, with the burial chambers opening onto a peristyle atrium. They are similar to tombs found in Alexandria, demonstrating the close relations between the two cities during the Hellenistic period. The site links with the Aphrodite Cultural Route.

Region:Pafos

Address:Kato Pafos

Contact No:Tel: +357 26 306 217

Operating Hours:April 16 - September 15, daily: 08:30 - 19:30
September 16 - April 15, daily: 08:30 - 17:00

Operating Period:All year round.
Closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday (Greek Orthodox).

Entrance Fee:€2,50
For organised groups consisting of more than 10 persons there is a 20% reduction on the entry fees.
The Department of Antiquities can issue special entry cards for all its museums and ancient monuments: One (1) day entry cards - €8,50, three (3) day entry cards - €17,00, seven (7) day entry cards - €25,00.

Disabled Access:Partially wheelchair accessible (view from above only).

Website:www.mcw.gov.cy/da

Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.

Birthplace of Aphrodite - Petra tou Romiou

Aphrodite’s mythical birthplace ‘Petra tou Romiou’ is an interesting geological formation of huge rocks along one of the most beautiful coastlines on the island, located on the southwest coast of the Pafos (Paphos) district. According to the legend, the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty - Aphrodite - was born of the sea foam here. Legend tells that she rose from the waves and was escorted on a shell to this particular beach. The giant rock formations, which are seen at the same location are linked with another - more recent - legend which tells that the Byzantine hero Digenis Akritas heaved them there to keep the Saracens Arabs (7th-10th centuries) at bay. The name of Petra tou Romiou (‘rock of the Greek’ in Greek) comes from the hero. It is said that in certain weather conditions, the waves rise, break and form a column of water that dissolves into a pillar of foam. With imagination, this momentarily looks like an ephemeral, evanescent human shape. Other popular myths tell that swimming around the rock three times will bring various blessings, including eternal youth and beauty, good luck, fertility and true love. The site is linked to the Aphrodite Cultural Route.

Pafos (Paphos) Castle

Standing grandly at the west end of the town’s harbour, Pafos (Paphos) Castle (Medieval Fort) was originally a Byzantine fort built to protect the harbour, and was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, but then dismantled by the Venetians. The Ottomans rebuilt it in the 16th century when they conquered the island. What survives today is the 1592 Ottoman restoration of the western Frankish tower with its Venetian additions. An inscription above the only entrance of the castle bears witness to this restoration. The main part of the castle is a big square tower that has an enclosed courtyard in the middle. The ground floor consists of a central hall with small rooms on each of its two long sides, which were used as prison cells during Ottoman Rule. There are 12 battlements on the roof, which received a corresponding number of cannons. The Ottomans removed the cannons in 1878, when they handed over the administration of the island to the British, who used the castle as a salt store until 1935, when it was declared an Ancient Monument under the Antiquities Law.

Region:Pafos

Address:Harbour Area, Kato Pafos

GPS coordinates:Lat: 34.753619 Lon: 32.406937

Contact No:Tel: +357 26 306 217

Operating Hours:April 16 - September 15, daily: 08:30 - 19:30
September 16 - April 15, daily: 08:30 - 17:00

Operating Period:All year round.
Closed on Public Holidays.

Website:www.mcw.gov.cy/da

Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting

Paphos Old Market

Mainly an indoor covered market in the centre of town selling clothes, jewellery, shoes, pictures, art, handbags, lace tablecloths, leather goods and tourist souvenirs etc in a Bazaar style setting. An interesting and colourful market, big enough to occupy most for an hour or two. There is also an outside covered market, selling fresh fruit and vegetables, locally produced and less expensive than the supermarket. Near to the fruit and vegetable stalls is a small, fresh, fish shop.

Avakas Gorge

Trek through the narrow rock walls and soak in the breathtaking scenery of Avakas Gorge. Be prepared to climb over some big rocks and step carefully on slippery stones as the gorge gets narrower. You might even spot mountain goats along the way. The best time to visit is during the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. Avakas Gorge is also less than 15 miles from Paphos, making it a fantastic day trip from the city. When you're done exploring the canyon, head over to nearby Lara Beach for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Blue Lagoon - Akamas National Park

A great spot for a day trip, this shielded bay is one of the biggest lagoons in the Akamas peninsula. Travelers are attracted to its warm crystalline waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling near the reef. You'll have clear views of the sea bed and the marine life that inhabits its waters. It's exceptionally popular in summer, so visit during other parts of the year if you want fewer crowds. The best way to get to the lagoon is by boat from Latchi harbor. Many sunset cruises and day tours from Paphos typically make a stop by the Blue Lagoon, too.

Sea Caves Paphos

At the seafront of Peyia Village are the Sea Caves of Paphos, natural caves carved into the rock faces along the shore. Swing by early in the morning to see fishermen at work or later in the afternoon for sunset. When the tide is low and the waters are calm, it's possible to swim to some of the caves and archways. Otherwise, you can also explore the caves on a boat tour that may also stop by the Blue Lagoon and Edro III Shipwreck. After exploring the caves, you can stroll along the rocky shore and stop by nearby beaches like Kimera Napoli

EDRO III - Shipwreck

The Sierra Leone-flagged EDRO III ran aground off Pegeia on 8 September 2011 in heavy seas, during a voyage to Rhodes, from Limassol, Cyprus with a cargo of plasterboard. At the time of the accident, the ship had nine crew members - seven Albanians and two Egyptians. The crew were rescued and airlifted to the safety of Paphos by a local British Military helicopter. The EDRO III weighs 2,345 Ton

Coral Bay

The clear waters at Coral Bay are calm and shallow, making it a popular swimming spot, especially among families and beginners. There are lifeguards on duty, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Snorkelers will enjoy spotting marine life amongst the rocks around the bay, and there are watersports on offer, like windsurfing, hand-gliding, and jet skiing. Rent a paddle boat and enjoy an hour out on the water. Parking is free, and there are shower and restroom facilities. Coral Bay Avenue is lined with restaurants and cafes—visit in the summer months when the weather is warm, but on weekdays for fewer crowds.

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Phyti Village - UNESCO VILLAGE HERITAGE

The visitor can admire the unique "Fythkiotika" textiles in the Museum of Weaving and Folkloric Art The picturesque village of Phyti is located 25 kilometres north-east of Pafos and 20 kilometres south-east of Polis Chrysochous. It stands on the top of a plateau, at an average altitude of 680 metres. The village Phyti is also written as Phiti. It seems that both are correctly written. As far as "Phyti" is concerned, tradition holds it that, when the village was built, it was constructed amongst the vegetation because the forest extended up to the plateau that the village is located on. Later on, in the beginning of the 19th century when the village was in full bloom, it became a spiritual and educational centre. This is where the children from the surrounding villages studied (in Greek, phito (φοιτώ)= study). It was, that is, a spiritual seedbed. In the 2001 census the community's inhabitants numbered 97. The visitor can admire the unique "Fythkiotika" textiles in the Museum of Weaving and Folkloric Art and also see how this -unique in its kind- textile is made today. Next to the Museum stands the bust of the community's benefactor, Constantinos Foitides, who -at his own expense -supplied the community with water. Other interesting sights include a series of traditional fountains, and the church of Agios Demetrios, which is located in the village square and features a beautiful, well-preserved 19th century altar screen.

Adonis Baths

Adonis Baths is a gorgeous hidden oasis located near Kili Village in Paphos. Visiting as a stop on a guided tour will make navigating to the falls easier, but for the more adventurous, making your own way there will allow you to spend more time at this little gem—get on a quad bike and follow the signs from Tala Village or Coral Bay. Either way, you’re bound to find the chilly waters cascading into the pool absolutely refreshing on a hot summer day. Admission is ticketed and advertised as cash only, and there is a small cafe on site serving food and drinks

Aphrodite's Baths - Polis Chrysochous

Underneath an old fig tree, shaded from the warm Cyprus sun, is a small natural grotto. Water flows down a wall of rock and forms a pool amongst the moss. It is here that legend says Aphrodite would come to bathe. According to Greek mythology, she met her lover Adonis at the pool when he stopped for a drink while hunting.

Paphos Zoo

Pafos Zoo is set in a lush and unspoiled natural environment of more than 100,000sqm, it is home to an extensive variety of birds, mammals and reptiles. Our collection of exotic birds and venomous snakes is one of the largest in Europe

Lara Beach - Akamas National Park

This stunning unspoilt beach has clean, calm water and pristine sands for those who want to escape people and parasols. The beach is most famous, however, for being home to a turtle hatchery; this is one of the world's few remaining havens for green and logger-head turtles to nest. Volunteers monitor the female turtles and around June and July collect their eggs to place in the hatchery, to protect them from predators and inquisitive tots. Monk seals also dwell in the sea caves around the peninsula. Note that the beach has been a protected area since 1971 and no sun loungers are permitted. Likewise, private vehicles are banned from coming to the beach during the egg-laying season; at other times you can approach, although the path is a dirt track. If you feel uneasy go for a 4WD rental vehicle or take a tour. Look for the signs to Lara Restaurant at the adjacent Lara Bay, where you can stop for a drink or snack on the vast terrace overlooking the beach.

Paphos nightlife is a heady mix of dazzling views, molecularly structured cocktails and gimmicky bars. A wander along the Old Town puts you in the heart of the action – but there’s plenty on offer elsewhere too.