Paphos - Place of The Gods
Paphos is renowned as the birthplace of Greek goddess Aphrodite. Modern-day Paphos is divided in two, with the upper section up the hill being the commercial center, and lower Kato Paphos containing the main archaeological points of interest, as well as most hotels and tavernas.
The local government seem to be ploughing a lot of money into improving the the lower Kato Paphos area which combines hotels, bars and restaurants along a coastal strip a few km long. Most of the work is now finished. There is a newly built front leading round to the marina and a long coastal path with amazing views - perfect for a morning or evening stroll.
Flights to Paphos (PFO) are widely available from charter flight companies from most European and Middle Eastern Airports and connecting flights are easy to find for those coming from further afield such as North America and the far East. Alternatively Larnaca Airport a little further away is larger and serves more destinations.
Paphos town is small enough to navigate on foot however the travelling around the region of Paphos will require a vehicle especially if visiting Paphos archaeological sites of which there are a number including the House of Dionysos and the House of Theseus, both ruins of large Roman villas famous for their mosaics.
The Tombs of the Kings, whilst not actually the burial place of ancient royalty, is worthy of the name none the less. Within this vast expanse of land, instead of the kings, would have instead been other high officials and rich citizens. Although all of the tombs have been plundered, what is left is still a very impressive impression of life (after-life?), back in the fourth century. The larger tombs in this "complex" are awesome, carved out of solid rock and with a view for the inhabitants that would make anyone among the living jealous!
Paphos offers a wealth of choices to eat from world known Western KFC & McDonalds to 5 Star dining at iL Classico, Colosseum etc and at many of the hotel restaurants. There are limitless choices from Chinese to Mexican and from traditional Cypriot meze to Pizza/Pasta. You must try a traditional Cypriot meze but if at all possible venture out a little into one of the villages surrounding Paphos town for not just authentic food but great atmosphere, either NE towards the mountains or should you want to travel a little further West call into Kathikas village where there are a multitude of traditional tavernas.
Accompany any traditional cyprus dish with wine from the Nelion Winery, Vasilias Nikoklis inn offers a variety of local wines starting from Cyprus apperitif zivania, the Refreshing roze, the dry white wine the medium sweet white and red, the ofthalmo and the shiraz.
The Akamas Peninsula located in the far west of Cyprus. Paphos is the closest major city to this area of outstanding natural beauty. A day may not be enough to explore the deep gorges the wild landscape and the sandy bays. This is an area of great biodiversity and ecological significance. Home to 530 plant species, a third of the total for Cyprus, 126 of which are endemic to the island Cyprus. It remains largely unspoilt to date mainly thanks to its inaccessibility.
The Diarizos river valley an unspoiled paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Drive through Nikoklia village towards Troodos mountains and enjoy the views.Scenic little villages, family runed inns and wineries. |
