A Summer Holiday in Paphos is…

A Summer Holiday in Paphos is…

1. Making your home.

Hopping to the beach bright and early and leaving when the sun sets into the horizon will soon be your holiday ritual!

2. 2. Meeting sea turtles! Did you know that ragged-looking Lara Bay is also the Caretta-Caretta sea turtles favourite nesting spot? What do you say to witnessing sea turtles being born up close and personal? A remarkable experience!
   3. Watching a theatrical performance at the 2^nd century Odeon! The ancient Roman open-air amphitheatre is the place where Romans watched performances in the past, so wouldn’t you want to be part of history? Watching a performance within the thousand-year-old amphitheatre is like reliving history.
   4. Strolling leisurely along the Paphos Harbour! The old harbour is dotted with tiny fishing and sailing boats, cafes, traditional taverns and lively bars making it the ideal spot to enjoy a romantic dinner for two or fun night on the town! The views of the blue sea are enough to mesmerise you!
      
   5. Visiting the Paphos Medieval Castle which is found on the edge of the old harbour. Initially the fortress was constructed by the Byzantines to protect the harbour from enemy invaders. In the 13^th century, the Lusignans rebuilt the castle which was destroyed again
   6.  in 1570 by the Venetians who conquered the island. During the British reign, the Medieval Castle was used as storage space for salt and prison cells. In 1935 the Medieval Castle was designated as an ancient monument. Today it is one of the most preferred landmarks in Paphos. It’s important to add that every summer, the Paphos Aphrodite Festival is held at the Medieval Castle.
   7. Hiking in Akamas Peninsula, the Cyprus’ protected biotope. The Akamas Peninsula is an area defined by its natural wilderness and ragged beauty. The designated park features soaring pine-covered cliffs plunging down into crystalline blue-green sea waters. Akamas is the perfect place to take a hike or explore by jeep and meet the island’s rare flora and fauna and wildlife.
   8. Swimming at Blue Lagoon! Hop on a boat and set off to beautiful Blue Lagoon, which is definitely the most beautiful bay on the island. If heaven was on earth it would surely be Blue Lagoon!

2. 2. Visiting the Tombs of Kings! Unlike what the name of the burial site connotes, the Tombs of Kings is not the burial place of kings but of Paphos aristocracy. In fact, the underground tombs were named after their architectural brilliance. It is interesting to note that the locals refer to the Tombs of Kings as the Palaiokastra (Old Castles). The graves found on site date back to the 3^rd century BC, and are indeed a work of art! The tombs were carved in hewn rocks and decorated with Doric columns, sculptures and frescoes depicting scenes of early Christianity.

2. Marvelling at Paphos Mosaics! Paphos is home to numerous 2^nd-4^th century Roman Palaces, such as the House of Dionysos, the House of Theseus and the House of Aion, which are decorated with spectacular well-preserved mosaic floors! The fascinating mosaics illustrate scenes taken from Greek mythology and are recognised as the most impressive of their kind within Eastern Europe.
3. Marvelling at Aphrodite’s Rock, the place where Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty rose from the foams of the waves! Aphrodite’s Rock has long been known as a source of inspiration and beauty for artists and travellers, attracting visitors to the birthplace of Greek goddess. According to legend whoever swims in these waters is granted eternal beauty and youth!

A summer holiday in Paphos is all the above and much more! When is your next visit?