Paphos is the second largest tourist center on the island of Cyprus, located in the southwestern region. As the island is also home to resorts such as the Ayia Napa party district, Paphos is more of a laid-back 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 her 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 concocted. This requires walking on more unstable ground, as it is located on the Akamas Peninsula, which is 48km north of Paphos. However, tours are offered regularly 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 crowds. There are several rooms full of 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 at 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 going up and down steps and hallways to look at them, even if the importance may be lost a bit.
The modern complex is a harbor and harbour, and it’s lovely to walk around during the day so you can see the boats. There are also good places to eat out front, so you’re sure to find a place that serves Greek and English food, whatever you’re looking for. Paphos Castle is also located in the harbor so you can look at it if you wish.
If you travel 4 km north of Paphos you can see Lemba which is home to many artists, a great place to pick up a real souvenir from the area. Further north, however, there is something artistic yet historic: 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 nice painted village church, which can be beautiful for photos.
Paphos is a brilliant location in Cyprus as it is a good tourist hub in itself, but there are also many places nearby and you can also take a day trip to the capital of Cyprus from there very easily.
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