Paphos

Paphos overview

Paphos is the town located at the western coast of Cyprus and is a capital of Paphos district. In Greco-Roman times it was a capital of Cyprus. According to the myths, Paphos is a birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty.

Population of Paphos is only 49.2 thousand inhabitants (according to 2008), which is fewer than in Nicosia, Larnaca or Limassol. There is not much industry in this part of the island and most of the locals work in the tourism sector.

In the last twenty to thirty years it became a very popular holiday and residential area, especially with visitors from England, Germany and Scandinavian countries.

Despite increased construction during the last years, Paphos keeps its traditional character, owning to the fact there are very strict building rules.

Archaeological sites protected by UNESCO , fresh sea breezes, friendliness of the local people and amazing picturesque views make Paphos a pleasant and prestigious residential location. Evidence of this is reflected in the growing number of Europeans who select our area to buy properties for holiday and permanent home.

Most amazing unspoilt sceneries and traditional villages with their churches and monasteries as well as idyllic lifestyle can be found just a short drive outside Paphos.

Paphos has its own International Airport. It is located only about ten kilometres east of the town. It offers regular flights to many European countries and is being reconstructed at the moment to support increasing number of visitors.

There is an excellent highway to Limassol, which has opened in 2001. It offers easy access to other parts of the island. Distance to Limassol is about 68 km, to Larnaca 135 km and 147 km to Nicosia.

Transport facilities: 

International Airport, harbour, road network to other island areas, local bus service, car hire and taxis.

Local industry: 

Agriculture (fruits, grapes), fishing, construction and tourism.

History: 

According to the archaeologists, the site of Paphos has been inhabited since Neolitic period. It was a centre of the cult of Aphrodite. It was Roman centre of administration from 58 B.C. The remains of palaces, villas, theatres, fortresses and tombs represent exceptional architectural and historic value. The mosaics of Nea Paphos are among the most beautiful in the world.

Leisure: 

The main activities popular among the visitors are diving, open sea fishing, vast variety of water sports and sea cruises. Taverns, pubs (usually open until 2 in the morning) and discos (open until 4 a.m.). There are also 3 golf courses located close to Paphos. Several “blue flag” beaches with their golden sands are waiting for everyone passionate about the sun.

Places to visit:

The Mosaics of Paphos

Kato Paphos - The mosaic floors of the noblemen's villas, which date from the 3^rd to the 5^th century AD are among the finest Eastern Mediterranean ancient arts. They mainly represent Greek mythology scenes.  House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and House of Aion.

Paphos Odeon

Kato Paphos - small Odeon, which belongs to the 2^nd century, was built entirely of well-hewn limestone blocks, at present often used in the summer for musical and theatrical performances. Nearby are found the remains of the ancient city walls, the Roman Agora and a building dedicated to the god of medicine Asklipeios.

Theoskepasti Church

Kato Paphos - Theoskepasti means 'Veiled by God'.  According to a legend, God has sent the fog to protect the original church during the Arab raids. The modern church was built in 1923.

Saranta Colones

Kato Paphos, near the harbour. This castle was built by the Lusignans at the beginning of the early 13^th century on the site of a previous Byzantine Castle. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1222.

Paphos Medieval Fort

Kato Pafos harbour. Originally it was a Byzantine fort erected to protect the harbour, in the 13th century it was rebuilt by the Lusignans, destroied by the Venetians in 1570 and built again by the Ottomans after their occupation of the island in the 16^th century.

Panagia Limeniotissa Basilica

Kato Paphos, near the harbour - It was built in the early 5^th century. Limeniotissa means “Our Lady of the Harbour”.  During the Arab raids of the 7^th century it was completely destroyed. It was restored later but in the 12^th century it was ruined by the earthquake. A few restored columns and colourful mosaics can be found there.

Byzantine Basilica and Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church

Ayia Solomoni Church (Originally a Christian catacomb)

Kato Paphos - Originally it was a Christian catacomb and it was housing some of the 12^th century frescoes. There is a sacred tree at the entrance above the church. This centuries old terebinth tree is believed to have power to cure any of the illnesses and ailments of the person that hangs his/her personal offerings (usually handkerchiefs) on its branches.

Tombs Of The Kings

Kato Paphos – This is a large necropolis lies over a vast territory (over a square mile) not far from the  harbour of Paphos. Some of the underground tombs date back to the 4^th century BC. There are carved out of the solid rock and represent the burial sites of Paphitic aristocrats and high officials up to 3 CE. There is no fact proving that any Kings were buried here, the name of the Tombs comes due to their magnificence). There are still archaeological excavation works being done on the site. Although the Tombs of the Kings were discovered centuries ago, systematic research started in the late 1970s.

District Archaeological Museum of Paphos

Pano Paphos – Contains interesting collection of Cypriot antiquities from the Paphos area, from the Neolithic Age to 1700 A.D.

Byzantine Museum

In The Premises Of The Bishopric - An attractive collection of objects from the Byzantine period, includes Byzantine icons from the 12^th to 18^th century.

Ethnographical Museum of Paphos

Interesting private collection of objects from the Neolithic Age to the present day.

Go-Karts

The track is located in the Eastern part of Kato Paphos, at the end of the seafront road leading towards the airport.

Water Park

the Aphrodite Waterpark is well worth a visit. Excellent for spending hours of fun with friends or family.

Paphos Aquarium

Kato Paphos - It offers an amazing collection of colourful sea and freshwater fish from around the globe. There are over seventy spacious, environmentally friendly tanks. One of the tanks contains crocodiles. Great opportunity to watch colourful sea creatures in their different habitats.