Paphos is a thriving vacationer vacation spot on the southwest coast of Cyprus and there are a lot of causes for its reputation. While many come for the sun-kissed seashores and cocktails, many historical past buffs come to discover historic ruins, nature lovers to hike the Troodos trails, or foodies to take pleasure in Mediterranean delicacies.
No matter your motive for visiting this stunning island of Cyprus, this information highlights the finest issues to do in Paphos to ensure you have the journey of a lifetime!
About Paphos Cyprus
The place is Paphos Cyprus?
Paphos (Pafos) is a metropolis situated on the southwest coast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. It’s the capital of Paphos District and there are 2 areas – the Previous City and New Paphos, which is often known as Kato Paphos.
What’s Paphos identified for?
Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage website together with historic Greek and Roman ruins such because the Tombs of the Kings and the Roman mosaics of the Paphos Archaeological Park. While Paphos is thought for being the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, it’s also well-known for its stunning seashores, full of life cultural scene, and nice Mediterranean local weather.
How was Cyprus shaped?
Cyprus shaped by tectonic plate collisions and volcanic exercise over hundreds of thousands of years, creating its numerous panorama. Its geological historical past consists of the convergence of African and Eurasian plates and subsequent volcanic eruptions.
Greatest issues to do in Paphos Cyprus
Discover Akamas Nature Reserve
The Akamas Peninsula is house to the famend Aphrodite Nature Path (Loutra tis Afroditis). This round climbing route begins on the Baths of Aphrodite, a small pool the place she is believed to have bathed. We ascended by carob bushes and Cyprus sage and walked alongside the scenic paths to finish the 7km path. You’ll be able to’t fail to fall in love with the gorgeous distinction of the clear turquoise waters with the rugged inexperienced shoreline.
The most effective reward after a hike is lunch with a view. Expertise the fish mezze at Baths of Aphrodite the place the dishes of Cypriot meals, dips, and salads simply preserve coming. After all, paired with the native white wine.
|| For a little bit journey, take a Buggy Safari to Adonis Baths in Paphos
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
The Kato Paphos Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Website situated close to the picturesque shoreline of Paphos, Cyprus. This open-air museum spans from the 4th century BC to the Center Ages and predominantly showcases remnants from the Roman period. To study extra about its fascinating historical past and treasures, I’d suggest taking a guided tour by a neighborhood.
Paphos Mosaics
Paphos is famend for its in depth assortment of historic mosaics, with quite a few examples present in websites such because the Paphos Archaeological Park, together with the Homes of Dionysus, Theseus, Aion, and Home of 4 Seasons. It’s loopy to assume these intricate flooring mosaics date from the 2nd to the fifth centuries AD and had been solely found in 1962.
The Home of Theseus is the most important residential construction in Roman Cyprus consisting of greater than 100 rooms. While it’s house to many stunning mosaics, my favorite is the mosaic depicting the legendary combat between Theseus and the Minotaur within the Labyrinth of Crete.
The Home of Aion options intricate mosaics from the Roman interval, together with the well-known Aion mosaic depicting the god of eternity.
Odeon Amphitheatre
The Historical Odeon, a spotlight of Pafos Archaeological Park, dates again to the 2nd Century AD. Carved into Fabrica Hill, it served as an amphitheatre till the fifth Century AD. The Odean sits on Agora, an previous market, and a white-washed 20m excessive lighthouse may be seen prominently on the hill.
|| Kato Paphos Archaeological Park is open day by day, though instances differ per season. Entrance price is €4.50.
Discover Paphos Harbour
Eating places and boat journeys
Paphos Harbour is an enthralling spot to chill and watch the motion because the boats come out and in. Alongside the waterfront are a number of eating places providing quite a lot of cuisines, and you actually couldn’t ask for the catch of the day to be any brisker. Learn critiques of the eating places on Paphos Harbour.
For the extra adventurous, take a boat tour from Paphos Harbour on quite a lot of vessels. Strive the Jolly Roger pirate crusing ship, a glass-bottomed boat, or a sundown cruise. Ships ahoy!
Paphos Fortress
Preserve strolling previous the eating places as there are extra issues to do in Paphos harbour. Paphos Fortress, a medieval fortress relationship again to the thirteenth century, is surrounded by a moat of water, it’s price a go to!
The construction was initially constructed by the Byzantines to safeguard the harbour, and after it was destroyed within the 1922 earthquake, it was remodelled by the Lusignans, altered by Genoese, then Venetians. The Ottomans remodeled it right into a jail and mosque. Restored in 1780, it was used as jail cells and salt storage throughout British rule.
Paphos Fortress was declared an historic monument in 1935, and a UNESCO World Heritage Record monument in 1980. It now hosts cultural occasions just like the Paphos Aphrodite Pageant, showcasing world-class operas in its historic setting yearly in September.
|| Paphos Fortress is open day by day, though instances differ per season. Entrance price is €2.50.
Go to the Tombs of the Kings
The traditional Tombs of the Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, dates again to the 4th century BC. A part of the Kato Pafos Archaeological Park, this sequence of underground tombs belonged to high-ranking officers, not royalty. I used to be blown away by spectacular rock-cut tombs that are adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes.
In my humble opinion, the Tombs of the Kings is without doubt one of the finest historic vacationer points of interest in Paphos, and shouldn’t be missed.
|| The Tombs of the Kings is open day by day, though instances differ per season. Entrance price is €2.50.
Discover the Frescos at Agios Neophytos Monastery
Agios Neophytos Monastery, based by the hermit Neophytos within the twelfth century, is an actual gem and probably the greatest locations to go to close to Paphos.
The monastery serves as an ecclesiastical museum showcasing work and artifacts in addition to the stays of Neophytos in a sarcophagus and his cranium in a separate silver casket.
The massive drawcard for me is the cave known as ‘Enkleistra’ which was carved out of the mountains by Neophytos’ personal arms! Not solely that, however the stunning show of Byzantine frescoes on the entrance and all through the cave are nonetheless so clear. The painter, Theodore Apsuedes, dated the frescos as 1183, which was throughout Neophytos’ lifetime.
|| Agios Neophytos Monastery is open day by day from 9 am though instances differ per season. Entrance price to Museum and Enkleistra: €2,00
Paphos Previous City
Take time to discover the issues to do in Paphos Previous City. Go to The Place and wander into Ibrahim Khan, each home communities of artists to Kennedy Sq. and twenty eighth of October Sq., the place the classical-style City Corridor stands.
Admire just lately found underground ruins and the magnificent Holy Bishopric of Pafos, then get pleasure from panoramic views from Axiothea Hill overlooking Paphos Lighthouse and Harbour.
Go to The Place
The Place is a superb gallery and store housing handicrafts by native artisans akin to jewelry, glassware, and Cypriot meals. Witness artisans at work within the studio, check out among the conventional strategies akin to encaustic and pyrographic artwork, and even craft your personal mosaic fridge for €6. A must-visit in Paphos to assist native expertise!
Avenue Artwork of Paphos
Strolling by the streets, preserve your eyes peeled to find city artwork excessive up, down aspect streets, or murals that cowl the entire aspect of buildings and you actually can’t miss.
The Aphrodite out of doors mural, a standout piece in Paphos, was created in 2017 for the Avenue Artwork Sq. Pageant. It was a collaborative work by artists BillyGee, Alex Martinez, and Lune82er to have fun the goddess of affection.
Uncover Edro3 Shipwreck
The Edro3 Shipwreck is a sunken cargo vessel from Sierra Leone that ran aground off the coast of Pegeia close to Paphos. The ship was ailing from Sierra Leone to Rhodes when it bought caught in heavy seas in 2011.
As a consequence of rust, it isn’t protected to get on board however it’s doable from the water as Edro III shipwreck has develop into a man-made reef and a well-liked diving website to discover its construction and observe the underwater ecosystem.
|| Diving & Snorkelling Adventures In Paphos You Might Like
View Aphrodite’s Rock
Aphrodite’s Rock, or Petra tou Romiou (Rock of Roman), stands majestically alongside the street linking Paphos and Limassol. Its heart-shaped silhouette in opposition to the pebbly seaside is believed to be the birthplace of Aphrodite the place the Greek goddess rose from the crashing waves of the ocean.
The legend goes that anybody who swims round Aphrodite’s Rock thrice is blessed by the goddess with real love and everlasting magnificence. It appeared pretty uneven on the market so I believed I’d give this a miss!
Go to the Village of Fyti
The village of Fyti is famend for its UNESCO-recognised Fythkiotika weaving strategies. These geometric signature patterns have been created on the loom within the village since the Medieval interval. It’s an honour to fulfill Irène Diomidous and her daughter Diamant who’re maintaining the custom alive because it has handed by generations of their household. They may even allow you to unfastened on the loom to have a go!
The Fyti Weaving Museum throughout the street homes a group of images of villagers, alongside vintage instruments utilized in weaving, farming, and homemaking—an fascinating perception into the previous.
Go to Epskopi Environmental Centre
For the character fanatics visiting Paphos, you need to make your method to the Epskopi Atmosphere Centre. Right here, you possibly can discover an interactive exhibition to achieve insights into the geology, flora, and fauna of the Ezousa Valley. Additionally, you possibly can wander by the wild botanical backyard designed to draw numerous wildlife.
Make your method to Cyprus’s largest monolith, standing at a powerful peak of 70 meters and stretching 250 meters in size. Sometimes called the “Meteora of Cyprus,” this geological surprise was a fraction of a bigger boulder that fell throughout an earthquake in 1953. It’s a haven for birds and, if lucky, you catch a glimpse of uncommon falcons—I used to be not so fortunate!
Expertise Wine-tasting in Cyprus
With Cyprus’s wine-making legacy spanning 5,000 years, a go to to a vineyard is a should. Everyone knows that is purely to discover the island’s historic tradition and never simply because I get pleasure from a wine or two, proper?
Cyprus’s soil and local weather create the right circumstances for grape cultivation, from crisp whites to strong reds, and fragrant rose. Throughout my go to to Vasilikon Vineyard within the Akamas Laona area, I loved a guided tour and sampled their seasonal wines.
So, whether or not you’re a connoisseur or a novice, a wine-tasting tour is a enjoyable factor to do in Paphos.
Eat mezze in Cypriot eating places
Considered one of my high issues to do In Paphos is take pleasure in genuine Cypriot delicacies. Why does it style so a lot better in a standard rustic taverna?
I cherished the whole lot concerning the fusion of Mediterranean flavours from the locally-produced halloumi cheese, souvlaki, moussaka, and conventional meze spreads brimming with olives, hummus, and tzatziki. Fairly frankly, in case you’re not hooked on Cypriot meals earlier than you arrive on the island, you may be if you go away!
I like to recommend Antigo Mezedopoleio for genuine eating or in case you fancy a deal with, Minthis Resort creates the very best regionally sourced conventional dishes with a twist.
Take a Cypriot meals tour
When you’ve got guessed already, I’m mad about meze after my journey. What higher method to attempt native specialties and get insights into native customs than taking a meals tour in Cyprus?
Halloumi is the hallmark of Cyprus and has a complete totally different flavour than what we get again house. It’s fascinating to look at how it’s made and better of all, style it in varied recipes. To get the full-day expertise with a neighborhood household, e-book a halloumi and wine tour within the Troodos mountains.
Take pleasure in conventional Cypriot dancing
Prepare for a style of Cyprus’s full of life spirit at The Konia Tavern on a Friday evening! Dig into mouthwatering Cypriot dishes, hearken to stay music, and watch {couples} dance the standard steps. Quickly sufficient, extra teams (together with us) are on their ft, tossing paper handkerchiefs within the air dancing the evening away.
Alternatively, watch a standard folklore present with signature strikes like arms held out, finger-clicking, and handkerchief-holding. The lads usually dance with extra vigour contrasting with the sleek actions of the women.
The Cypriot present at Athena Seaside Resort Paphos ended with a mesmerising finale: a performer skillfully balancing ingesting glasses on his head whereas dancing, leaving the viewers in awe.
Watch the sunsets in Paphos
Vibrant Paphos sunsets paint the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple, casting a wide ranging glow over the Mediterranean Sea. This unbelievable imaginative and prescient is feasible whether or not you go to Paphos within the winter or summer time.
Plan your Paphos journey
How one can get to Paphos
My journey to Paphos was with Jet2, identified for its budget-friendly journey choices. Regardless of the reasonably priced fares, my expertise was a pleasing one with a pleasant crew onboard. Jet2 flies from 11 airports in England and Scotland making Paphos simply accessible from the UK. Examine flights to Paphos with Jet2
Are Jet2 sustainable?
Jet2 has a ‘Jet2 Journey to Internet Zero‘ technique that outlines their sustainability initiatives to achieve a goal of web zero carbon emissions by 2050. This consists of fuelling their planes from family waste and investing in additional environment friendly planes.
Beneficial Insurance coverage for Cyprus
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How one can get round Paphos
Sure, Paphos is comparatively walkable, notably within the central areas the place you’ll discover points of interest just like the Paphos Archaeological Park, the harbour, and varied outlets and eating places.
In case you plan to discover areas exterior the town centre or go to points of interest additional away, chances are you’ll want various transportation akin to buses, taxis, or rental automobiles. If you’d like a enjoyable day with a neighborhood information, take a jeep safari tour.
The place to remain in Paphos
There’s a nice choice of lodging in Paphos and Jet2 has a group of sustainable resorts to select from. As a accountable traveller, this makes vacation analysis a a lot easier course of.
My keep at Constantinou Bros Royal Athena Seaside Resort was a fantastic location on a palm tree-lined promenade with Mediterranean sea views. The lodge has gained Travellife Gold Certification for Lodging Sustainability, in addition to volunteering in neighborhood tasks, rising their produce, and sourcing regionally.
PIN FOR YOUR PAPHOS TRIP
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