Paphos is the second largest resort on the island of Cyprus, located in the southwestern region. As the island is also home to resorts like the Ayia Napa party district, Paphos is more of a quiet area that is suitable for families and those who want to focus more on sightseeing than nightlife.
Paphos is the place to go if you want to see more of the historic areas, and the region itself is made up of ‘Old Paphos’ and ‘New Paphos’. Old Paphos is a place linked with some mysticism and spiritualism, as it is the birthplace of the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. If you are interested in this connection, you can go further and not only witness Paphos, where Aphrodite rose from the sea, but you can go and dip your hand in a pool where she was said to bathe (the Fontana Amorosa, or fountain of love). and that it contains the love potion that she is said to have prepared. For this, walking is required on more unstable ground, since it is located on the Akamas Peninsula, which is located 48 km north of Paphos. However, trips are regularly offered to the historic site, and the views surrounding the area make for a day well spent, one you won’t regret.
Paphos used to be the capital of Cyprus in ancient times, so the buildings related to this fact are located in the area surrounding the main complex. There are ruins that were the palace of the Roman governor, and also many mosaics that attract the crowd. There are several rooms filled with mosaics, and the site for these is near the harbor in Paphos. It costs approx. £2 to look at them and you can buy postcards of the designs etc so you can show them to people back home. It gives a real insight into the creativity of the people who used to live there and shows more about their lifestyles.
If you like history, then a good trip for you would also be the Tomb of the Kings, which is also located in Kato, Paphos. There are many catacombs and tombs to look at, and a guide who will explain more about them if he is willing to pay the small fee. These are good even for children, as they will love walking up and down the steps and aisles to look at them, even if the significance may get a bit lost.
The modern complex is a port and harbour, and it’s lovely to walk around during the day so you can watch the boats. There are also good places to eat out front so you’re bound to find somewhere serving Greek and English food, whatever you’re after. Paphos Castle is also in the harbor so you can look at it if you wish.
If you travel 4km north of Paphos you can see Lemba which is home to many artists, a great place to pick up a real souvenir of the area. Further north, however, there is something artistic yet historical: the Monastery of Ayios Neofito. With an enclosure carved by a hermit who lived there, there are fine sculptures from the Byzantine era to admire. Nearby there is also a pretty painted village church, which can be beautiful for photos.
Paphos is a brilliant location in Cyprus as it is a good tourist center in its own right, but there are also plenty of sites nearby and you can also take a day trip to the capital of Cyprus from there with great ease.
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