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Once the ancient capital of Cyprus under the Romans, today Paphos is a delightful resort brimming with ancient history and mythological enchantment. It is one of the most attractive and contrasting regions in Cyprus and is ideal for combining the pleasures of sightseeing with a relaxing beach holiday.
This charming and quaint harbour town is really divided into two parts:
Ktima is the fascinating old town, full of winding alleyways, narrow streets, shops and a lively market. It has remained virtually unchanged over the years and is typically Cypriot in character.
The tourist area of Kato Paphos has developed around the mediaeval fort and picturesque harbour area and contains most of the hotels and entertainment, as well as many historical sites. It has everything from shopping to a wide range of restaurants, bars and cafes.
Paphos is a treasure trove of antiquities and scattered with so many places of historical and archaeological interest that UNESCO has added the whole town to its list of Cultural World Heritage sites. Just a few of its treasures include the beautifully preserved mosaics in the House of Dionysos, the mysterious Tombs of the Kings and the ancient Odeon Theatre. According to legend, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was born from the sea at Petra tou Rominou, and the rock marking her birthplace became a place of pilgrimage for several centuries.
The enchanting atmosphere of Paphos is relaxed, friendly and welcoming. The whole area has a fantastic mixture of fascinating ancient history, clean, safe beaches, watersports, golf, shopping and restaurants.
A paradise for sightseers and beach-lovers alike, it's no mystery why Paphos remains so popular.
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