CYPRUS
Paphos

Paphos

Paphos in Cyprus is truly a destination for everyone; it is impossible not to love this town and the whole island. Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus offers that typical island feeling, where time seems to pass more slowly, making it the ideal holiday destination. A holiday in Cyprus is so versatile that every type of traveller can enjoy it; culture lovers, sports enthusiasts and also those who just want a relaxing sun holiday. For the latter category there are also many beautiful resorts on the island to book to enjoy an all inclusive holiday in Cyprus.

Paphos Beach_{Photo: Vladimer CC3.0 Unported no changes made}

Location

Paphos is a port city on the west coast of the island. The city has its own airport, so after landing you are practically at your destination. If you are planning to explore the special island during your holiday, Paphos is also a perfect starting point for this. Just a few kilometres from the city, for example, you will find the Avakas Gorge. An impressive walk is guaranteed thanks to all the colourful - and sometimes rare - flora and fauna. Don't forget to visit the salt lake of Larnaca while exploring the island, and if you're in the area, don't miss the Kavo Gkreko National Park.

Weather

Paphos is characterised by a subtropical/mediterranean climate and has the mildest temperatures on the island. The summer season lasts an incredibly long time; from April to November, so almost eight months! Even in March and December the temperatures can still be quite pleasant, but in the period from December to March there is a considerably greater amount of precipitation.

History

When staying in the city, it soon becomes clear that Paphos actually consists of two parts; Palea Paphos (old part of town) and Nea Paphos (new part of town). Old Paphos was founded by the Mycenaeans or Phoenicians and is definitely worth a visit, as many ancient ruins are well preserved here. During the time of ancient Paphos, New Paphos also existed. There is always something going on around the harbour area with its numerous restaurants and bars in this lively part of town.

Paphos Amphitheatre_{Photo: Jpatokal CC3.0 Unported no changes made}

Sights

There are plenty of sights in Paphos; a first stroll through the city is likely to provide you with plenty of new impressions and plenty of pictures. It's no coincidence that the entire city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was also named the European Capital of Culture for the year 2017.

So during your holiday, marvel at the ancient Roman mosaics, the Ayia Solomoni underground church, the castle and the ruins of the old city centre. Palea Paphos consists of a large number of impressive ruins including an amphitheatre (the Odeon), a Roman agora, a temple and the remains of the city walls.

Paphos Castle_{Photo:Nikodem Nijaki CC3.0 Unported no changes made}

The Paphos Castle was built by the Byzantines to defend the port of Paphos. However, in 1222, the castle was largely destroyed in a major earthquake. In 1570, the Venetians demolished it and the Ottoman rulers rebuilt it. At that time, it was used as a fortress and prison. The British later used it to store salt. The castle of Paphos is a popular attraction for tourists.

The Ayia Solomoni is a particularly beautiful example of an underground church. In the Roman Empire, the Christians were persecuted and so they had to go underground. Above the entrance to the "church" is an imposing tree. Several ribbons or handkerchiefs hang in the tree. According to legend, the tree has the power to heal people suffering from a certain disease.

Paphos Ayia Solomon_{Photo:Bukvoed CC4.0 International no changes made}

Tips

Legends tell that near Paphos, the Greek goddess of love and beauty - Aphrodite - was once born. The exact spot where this goddess sprang from the foam of the sea is now known as the Rock of the Romans (Petra tou Romiou) and it is nice to be able to say that you have seen this spot - along a beautiful stretch of beach.

Troodos in Winter_{Photo: Chneophytou CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

Are you going to the island in the winter? A really special experience is skiing on the slopes of the Troodos Mountains! The highest mountain is Olympus and there are four ski slopes here. While skiing you can look out over the sea, who wouldn't want that?