Aphrodites history

On the south-eastern part of Paphos a huge rock marks the birthplace of Aphrodite (Petra tou Romiou). It is said that she emerged from the white foam of the waves and remained on the island at her castle in Kouklia. Furthermore, visitors can dip their toes into the Baths of Aphrodite, found on the north-western part of the district, where she would bathe and cleanse her body from the salt of the sea. It is said that this is the place that Adonis first fell in love with her and visitors that touch the water receive love and beauty.

Archaeological Sites and Cultural Monuments

Paphos is home to some of the finest mosaics in the Eastern Mediterranean which date back to the 2nd century AD. The most impressive are from the House of Dionysus, the House of Theseus and the House of Aion which are all located adjacent to each other close to the harbor. These mosaics, made out of small brightly colored cubes of marble and stone, show mainly mythical scenes and were once floors of large Roman villas. Additionally, Northwest of Paphos town the Tombs of the Kings, an impressive burial ground, can be found. Actually no kings were buried here but it was rather a cemetery for the aristocrats who lived and died between 3 BC and 3 AD. These large underground tombs are imposing as they are carved out of solid rock and feature Doric styled pillars as well as frescoed walls.

Beaches

There are several beaches in Paphos where you can practice an array of water sports including surfing, snorkelling and swimming. One such beach is Coral Bay which is famed for its sandy beaches, sparkling clear waters, safe swimming areas and organized water facilities. A more remote beach is Lara Bay which is unique because sea turtles lay their eggs their each year. A boat can be taken from Paphos harbor to avoid the difficult roads leading down to the beach.

Entertainment

One can always find something to do in Paphos as the nightlife is quite diverse. One can dance the night away in a clubs, watch rugby in the pubs, experiment with fusion restaurants or snuggle up in the romantic little taverns along the beach. Additionally, there are many festivals and cultural events taking place throughout the year. One of the most interesting is the ancient Greek drama festival throughout the summer months where performances are done by theatre companies from around the world.

Places of Interest

The harbor of Paphos with its ancient fort, colorful fishing boats and rows of cafes, restaurants and taverns creates a charming setting for visitors. It is the perfect place to go for a stroll, have lunch and generally take in the atmosphere. Each September, a different opera is hosted here, with the fort and sea creating a dramatic backdrop. Additionally, Paphos has many hiking trails, one of the best ways to see first hand the traditional villages and scenery in the area. There are also several sports that can be done in Paphos, from horse riding to go-carting to great golf courses. Additionally, children as well as adults will enjoy visiting the Paphos Aquarium located in the heart of down town. Furthermore, an exciting trip can be made to the Paphos Reptile Park, where a fascinating display of snakes and lizards are kept.

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