Paphos, Cyprus

The focal point of Kato Paphos is its lovely harbour and the magnificent Byzantine fort surrounded by cafés and restaurants. Be sure to step inside the fort, explore its passages and take in views of the Paphos harbour from the top. In September, the impressive fort hosts the annual open-air Pafos Aphrodite Festival.

The traditional pedestrian quarter of Laiki Gonia is perfect for a leisurely stroll. You will also find souvenirs in numerous shops in the area and fresh produce at the municipal fruit and vegetable market.

The Greek goddess of love and beauty is said to have been born from the sea foam at Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock). And she took her first steps in Paphos, which became her playground and the centre of her cult. According to legend, if you swim around Aphrodite’s Rock three times, you will be blessed with eternal youth.

This stunning protected natural park is a pretty as a picture, punctuated with wildflowers and famed for its picture-perfect landscapes, rugged coast, and the Avakas gorge. Little wonder that it ranks among the island’s top areas of natural beauty. Akamas is located on the western tip of the island, about 40km outside Paphos town.

You can always find something to do while enjoying your holiday in Paphos. Dance the night away in a clubs, watch the football in the pubs, delight your taste buds at fusion restaurants or snuggle up in the romantic little taverns along the beach. You can also enjoy various festivals and cultural events that take place throughout the year. One of the most interesting is the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama in the summer months, featuring performances by theatre companies from around the world.

There is no place better to get a taste of the island’s past than the Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos. The park is famed for sites and monuments from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages, most dating to the Roman period. These include intricate mosaic floors of Roman villas depicting scenes from Greek mythology. Perhaps the most famous is the House of Theseus, whose mythological mosaic scenes include ‘Theseus killing the Minotaur’ and ‘Birth of Achilles’.

The park is also home to other important monuments such as ‘Saranta Kolones’ (Forty Columns) and the Ancient Odeon; once a focal point of the ancient city centre. Made entirely from limestone blocks, the Odeon was uncovered in the 1970s and has been beautifully restored. It now forms a beautiful backdrop for theatrical and musical performances during the summer.

Don’t leave without taking a photo by one of the area’s most famous sites – the Tombs of the Kings. The impressive underground tombs date from the early Hellenistic period (3rd century BC) to the Roman era. Carved out of solid rock, they are the final resting place of about 100 noblemen of the time.

The intricate architecture, icons, chandeliers, and ceilings of some of the town’s Byzantine churches tell a compelling story of the local faith. Religious sites worth visiting include Ayia Paraskevi in Geroskipou and the Byzantine Church of Panagia Theoskepasti in Kato Pafos. Further afield, the monasteries of Ayios Neofytos (15km west of Paphos) and Chrysorrogiatissa (37km northeast of Paphos) are both spectacular.

Paphos beaches are ideal for water sports including surfing, snorkeling, and swimming. The Blue-Flag Coral Bay is famed for its sandy beach, sparkling clear waters, safe swimming areas, and organized water facilities. The more remote Lara Bay within the Akamas Peninsula is also dreamy, known for the sea turtles that lay their eggs here each year. You can enjoy an organised boat trip to Lara Bay from Paphos harbour to avoid the difficult roads leading down to the beach.