Paphos and the surrounding area offers much to see and lots to do with nowhere very far away. Whether it's ancient history, culture, spectacular scenery or just fun days out, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The historical city of Paphos

The city of Paphos on the southwest coast of Cyprus was the capital of the island in Roman times, and dates from 1400 BC. Legend has it that the city is built on the spot where the Greek Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, was born. The city also has many connections to, and relics from, early Christianity. Over the centuries it has survived numerous foreign incursions and raids, and even a devastating earthquake in the 4th century AD. It lost out to Larnaca as a major port in the Middle Ages and experienced a decline during the British colonial period when development of this part of the island came to a standstill. Today, however, Paphos is reviving on the strength of tourism and government investment in infrastructure such as dams, roads and the airport. Private initiatives have also resulted in a boom in the construction of hotels, apartments and villas. The city has become a popular seaside resort with a population of 39,500. The Ktima section of the city is the main residential area, while Kato Paphos is the playground of holidaymakers, built around the medieval port with its numerous luxury hotels, tavernas and entertainment venues.

Local Attractions

Petra Tou Romiou (Birthplace of Aphrodite) - 25 km east of Paphos:

According to legend, Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot. The Greek name, Petra tou Romiou (The Rock of the Greek), is associated with the legendary frontier - guard of Byzantine times, Dighenis Akritas, who kept the marauding Saracens at bay with amazing strength. It is said in one such fight he heaved a large rock (Petra), at his enemy.

Paphos Castle - Kato Paphos:

Originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbour, it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13 th century,then dismantled by the Venetians in 1570, who found themselves unable to defend it against the Ottomans, who in turn restored and strengthened it after they captured the island.

Temple of Aphrodite - Kouklia village, 14 km east of Paphos:

This is Palaepaphos, Old Paphos, one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimage of the ancient greek world and once an ancient city kingdom of Cyprus. Here are the ruins of the famous Temple of Aphrodite, the most ancient remains, dating back to the 12 th century B.C. The temple was one of the most important places of cult and pilgrimage of the ancient world. The museum, housed in the Lusignan Manor, is small but impressive with many finds from the area.

Acropolis:

Near the modern Paphos lighthouse is sited a complex of ancient buildings, including a Roman Odeon, built in the 2nd century AD, which has been restored and is now used for summer orchestral and stage performances. The Odeon was the focal point of the ancient city centre, of which some ruins still remain in the area. South of the Odeon are the remnants of the Roman Temple of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, and north of the lighthouse are the ruins of the ancient town walls.

Monasteries:

The Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery was founded in the 12 th century A.D and is dedicated to "Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate." The neighbouring monastery of Agios Neofytos contains some of the world's finest Byzantine frescoes and icons as well as an interesting Byzantine museum.

Maa - Palalaiokastro - Coral Bay 9 km from Paphos:

This is an area which accommodated the first ancient (Mycenaean) Greeks, who emigrated to Cyprus at around 1200 BC after the fall of the Mycenaean Kingdoms in mainland Greece This is a very important site for Cyprus because this is where hellenism on the island originated.

The little museum with its unusual architecture is the work of Andrea Bruno, Professor at the University of Turin and one of Europe's greatest architects. The Museum depicts the colonisation of Cyprus by the Mycenaean Greeks.

Baths of Aphrodite:

A romantic side trip from Paphos is a visit to the natural grotto on the Akamas Peninsula near Polis (30 miles/48km north of Paphos) where legend has it that the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, used to take her baths. The serene pool, shaded by a fig tree and surrounded by beautiful examples of maiden hair fern, can be reached by nature trails from Akamas.

Adonis Bath:

The history behind the Bath of Adonis originates from the legendary love story of Aphrodite and Adonis.

Adonis was loved by both Aphrodite and Persephone, the Goddess of the Underworld. This led to an argument and squabbling, and so the Court of the Gods ruled that Adonis should spend one third of his time with Aphrodite, one third with Persephone, and the remaining one third by himself. He cheated, spending his own third with Aphrodite - and so Persephone killed him by having him attacked by a wild boar. When Aphrodite heard the news she ran to Adonis, cutting her legs en route - and the blood that she shed caused lilies to grow.

Catacombs:

A large pistachio tree in Agio Pavlou Street close to Paphos harbour, marks the entrance to the underground catacombs of Agia Solomoni in Kato Paphos. The tree is a strange sight, festooned as it usually is with pieces of cloth tied onto it by the faithful as offerings, in the hope that this sacred tree will cure various ailments. The catacombs themselves were carved into Fabrica Hill, below the ancient Roman city wall, in the 4th century BC, and later became chapels for the early Christians. The underground chapels feature some interesting frescoes and graffiti left by 13th-century Crusaders, and there are numerous legends and stories attached to the patron saint Ayia Solomoni. Visitors are advised to take a torch with them to explore the catacombs.

The Mosaics of Paphos:

The striking mosaic floors in a series of ancient Roman noblemen's villas, dating from the third to fifth century AD, are a must-see for visitors to Paphos. The site where the villas are still being excavated can be found about 300 metres from Paphos harbour, in Kyriakou Nikolaou Street. The mosaics featuring mythological scenes are visible in the houses of Dionysus, Orpheus and Aion, and the Villa of Theseus. All were made of small cubes of marble and stone, called tesserae, with glass paste added to widen the range of colour. In the House of Dionysus, for example, 5,985 square feet (556 sq metres) of floor space in 14 rooms are covered with the gorgeous mosaics.

Tel: (00357) 26 306 217 Opening hours: Daily 8am to 5pm (September to May), 8am to 7.30pm (June to August)

Tombs of the Kings:

There are actually no kings buried here but the site known as Tombs of the Kings, one mile (two km) northwest of Paphos harbour towards Coral Bay, was the final resting place of about 100 Ptolemaic aristocrats who lived and died in the city between 3 BC and 3 AD. The tombs are impressive, carved out of solid rock, some featuring Doric pillars and frescoed walls.  Archaeological excavations are ongoing at the site, which also features a church known as Paleoekklisia, which houses traces of Byzantine frescoes.

Tel: (00357) 26 306 295 Opening hours : Daily 8am to 5pm (November to March), 8am to 6pm (April to May and September to October), 8am to 7.30pm (June to August)

Akamas Safari:

Travel using four wheel drive Land Rover Defenders to give you the unique opportunity to explore unspoiled regions... the real Cyprus. Discover the unexplored and the wild beauty of Akamas, as well as its significance as the last remaining lowland wilderness in Cyprus... Discover the northern coast of Paphos, unique not only for its morphology and geology, but also for its variety of habitats...

The route is Avagas Gorge - Lara Bay (with traditional Cyprus lunch) - Fontana Amorosa Area (a fantastic bay welcomes you for a swim in its crystal waters) - Bath of Aphrodite (last coffee break).

Tel: (00357) 26 322411; (00357) 99 628170.

Paphos Bird Park:

This unique experience will acquaint you with a very large bird collection which includes exotic parrots, hornbills, toucans, eagles, owls, peacocks, ornamental pheasants, water fowl and an interesting variety of animals such as deer, antelopes, gazelles,raccoons, giraffes, reptiles and giant tortoises.

The Park is situated 15 km from Paphos & 6 km past Coral Bay. Follow the coastal road beyond the Coral Bay / Peyia junction towards St. George area and then look for the Paphos Bird Park indicator signs to the Park.

Tel : (00357) 26 813852 Opening hours : Winter Season 1 st October- 31 st March: 09:00 - 17:00;

Summer Season 1 st April - 30 th September: 09:00 - 20:00

www.pafosbirdpark.com

Troodos Safari:

A four wheel drive expedition to explore the Cyprus mountains.

The route is Stavros Tis Psokas (the home of the Cyprus Mufflon) - Cedar Valley to Tripilos area (1362 m above sea level) - Kykko Byzantine Monastery - Pedoulas Village - Lunch - Prodromos - Mount Olympus (the highest peak on the island at 1951m) - Platres waterfalls - drinks break in a traditional coffee shop.

Please note: you should wear comfortable walking shoes. No shorts allowed in the monastery.

Lara Bay:

Within the Akamas Peninsula, the Lara Bay Sanctuary provides a protected breeding ground for two types of endangered turtle, the Green Turtle and the Loggerhead. The Lara Bay Marine Reserve has been in existence for more than 25 years and offers a truly spectacular sight when the turtles come onto the beach for their annual pilgrimage to lay their eggs. Turtles can breed from an age of 25 years old, and may continue to do so until well over 100!

Aphrodite Water Park:

With the largest number of facilities and attractions in Cyprus, the biggest family rafting ride in Europe and virtually guaranteed sunshine for every one of its opening days, it's no wonder that Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. Young or old, swimmer or not there's something here for everyone and everyone's here for fun! The Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is a cool way to spend a hot day..!!

www.aphroditewaterpark.com

Paphos Aquarium:

Paphos Aquarium, situated close to the harbour is a fascinating place to visit with all the family. The aquarium consists of over 70 tanks with a wide variety of marine life including piranhas, turtles, alligators and sharks. The Aquarium is open from 09:00 - 19:00 daily.