Paphos
Any trip to the island of Cyprus will bring you into contact with sunshine, blue flag beaches, excellent hotels, and also history, which is what you’ll experience to the full on a visit to Paphos. Lying in the middle of the western coastline of the island, this is a resort that has two stories to tell. The first is of an upmarket town full of lively restaurants and bars, and the second is full of myth, legend, and history.
Paphos has been known since ancient times, as the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess Of Love, and was one of the most important sites in the world for worshipping her. This legend has left its mark on the island, and it’s still something of a pull for tourists today, who can visit Aphrodite’s Rock, and Aphrodite’s Baths. There’s even a water park named after Aphrodite, packed full of white knuckle rides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and child friendly slides. Other historical attractions include The Tombs of the Kings, and Nea Paphos. This large area is home to some beautiful mosaics, and the House of Dionysos, a well known mosaic home. The whole town of Paphos is listed as a world heritage site, so expect other attractions, such as Catacombs, Archaelogical Museums, and the Fort/Byzantine Museum at the harbour side.
Moving away from history a little, golf is a popular pastime in Western Cyprus, and a visit to the Tsada Golf Course in the Paphos area will take you onto fairways in the grounds of an 12th Century Monastery. Watersports are another popular choice for active visitors, and are readily available via local beaches. Paphos also caters for animals lovers, with a bird park, and aquarium, which is located in Paphos Harbour. The fishing harbour is a popular attraction in itself offering boat trips, and many places to shop, and experience traditional food and drink. The town’s market is also a great place to shop, with its stalls packed full of locally made lace, jewellery products, ceramics, and perhaps the local tipple Ouzo too. Although there is plenty to explore within this mythological paradise, it’s also possible to spread your wings and take advantage of the excursions available, such as one to Cairo in Egypt to visit the pyramids and famous tombs, or another to Northern Cyprus, an area full of beautiful scenery, castles, and ancient shipwrecks.
All these, and many more attractions are easily available to UK travellers. Flights leave from a selection of UK regional and London airports, landing at the airport in Paphos. Flight times from the UK range from 4 ½ to 4 ¾ hours, with transfer times to accommodation of 20-50 minutes. Accommodation is available in a variety of adult or family friendly hotels, many of which are within walking distance of the historic sites, or beaches in the area. With such a wide range of attractions, a holiday in Paphos is one that can/will suit all ages, and tastes. So whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, or a cultural break, this town is ideal.
