A popular holiday resort, this once sleepy
fishing village with a charming harbour at its centre by Pafos Fort, is
also the location of the island's second international airport. It is home
to spectacular beach front hotels, gives way to fabulous countryside and
is a must for history and archaeology buffs since, in Hellenistic and Roman
times, it was the capital of Cyprus. Is it any wonder that UNESCO added
the whole town to its World Heritage list.
Nearby Lempa village is the
site of a faithfully reconstructed chalcolithic settlement. While the famous
Enclosure at Ayios Neophytos Monastery, carved out the mountain by the
hermit himself, has some of the finest Byzantine frescoes of the 12th and
15th centuries. If you've got a sweet tooth don't miss the 'loukoumi' of
Yeroskipou, 4km from Paphos.
Dramatic coastline and banana
plantations are characteristic of the picturesque area surrounding Paphos
which eventually gives way to the nature trails of the unspoilt Akamas
Peninsula. The Akamas area is a natural wilderness packed with diverse
features in vegetation, wildlife, geology, landscapes and coasts, and with
a rich historical and cultural heritage. It's also a safe haven for the
endangered Greenback sea turtle.
Highlights
- Bathe in the waters Aphrodite was born
at the Petra Tou Romiou
-
Stand in the
shade of Saint Paul's Pillars
-
Count the
colourful fishing boats in the picturesque harbour
-
Discover the
Tombs of the Kings
-
Visit the 3rd
century Roman villa. The House of Dionysos, to view superb mosaics
-
Make a pilgrimage
to the Sanctuary of Aphrodite
-
Plan a treasure
hunt jeep safari into the surrounding hills and villages and vineyard
-
Sip the wines at
the Chrysoloyiatissa Monastery, dedicated to Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate,
as you enjoy the panoramic view.
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