Paphos

This seaside town in southwestern Cyprus, between the coast and the Troodos Mountains, houses appr. 32,000 residents. The city is famous for its climate and historical sites. Today Paphos is divided in two parts, with the upper section up the hill being the commercial center, and lower Kato Paphos containing the main archaeological points of interest, as well as most hotels and tavernas.

The mythical birthplace of the goddess Afrodite is located in antique site of a town, village of Kouklia, 16 kilometres from modern Paphos – the Petra tou Romiou stack is an exact place of that legendary miracle.

UNESCO added the entire town to its World Cultural Heritage List.

Shopping

There is in the harbour many small shops and boutiques selling e.g. good-quality lace.

Recreation

Aphrodite Water Park is a decent aquatic all-family site with several water slides and a wave pool.

Paphos Zoo has a bird park and e.g. goats and reptiles.

Kato Paphos area is the center of nightlife.

Vasilias Nikoklis Inn offers good wine and decent accommodation.

Something to explore

Tombs of the Kings

This vast area in Kato Paphos houses several underground tombs ate back to the 4th century BC. Many Doric pillars decorates the site, where have been buried many high-rank persons.

Kato Paphos

This area in harbour is a remarkable archaelogical site. Here is e.g. the ruined castle of Saranta Colones, House of Orpheus with stunning mosaics, and the Odeon amphitheatre, where is held live concerts and theatre performances.

Tala Village

Tala is a beautiful and traditional village up in the hills near Paphos. The main sight here is the Monastery of Agios Neofytos.

How to get around in Paphos

Public local bus service is operated by the OSYPA Ltd. Routes and ticketprices are visible here.

How to get in Paphos

Tiny Paphos International Airport serves the region, being located 8 km (5 miles) from the city. List of its airlines is here.

InterCityBuses offers a shuttle bus service to Paphos from Limassol.

CyprusByBus operates bus line to the city from Larnaca Airport.

Text: Timo Hellman

Photos: With the CC licence / China Crisis, Nikodem Nijaki