YOU CAN EDIT THIS PAGE! Just click any blue "Edit" link and start writing!

Paphos

From Wikitravel
Jump to navigation Jump to search


Paphos or Baf in Turkish, is a town at the southwestern tip of Cyprus, between the coast and the Troodos Mountains.

Understand[edit]

Paphos coast, Cyprus
The Odeon

Paphos is renowned as the birthplace of Greek goddess Aphrodite and in the ancient times was the capital and main cultural city of the island. 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 and tourist services.

The local municipality has made great efforts in recent years to improve the lower Kato Paphos area, which combines hotels, bars and restaurants along a coastal strip a few km long. There is a newly built front/'promenade' leading round to the marina and a long coastal path with amazing views - perfect for a morning or evening stroll.

Get in[edit]

Mosaic in Paphos, Cyprus

"Paphos International Airport" (PFO) serves both charter and scheduled flights. Flights to Paphos are widely available from charter flight companies from many of the UK's regional airports, from Exeter in the Southwest to Glasgow and Edinburgh in the North. Many tour operators including First Choice and Thomson fly regularly. Flights to Paphos are also available using the scheduled services from Easyjet and Ryanair. There are also direct flights from central, eastern European countries, Russian plus Israel and Jordan.

There is now dual carriageway the whole way from Paphos to Larnaca, skirting Limassol. By car/taxi it takes around 1.5 hours. Bus services run from Paphos Airport to the 'tourist area' of Kato Paphos, approximately hourly in summer, for 1 euro; also to Limassol. There are also buses from the Paphos Karavella bus station to Larnaca airport (change near Limassol) and shared taxis (€5-10) run reasonably often.

Get around[edit]

Paphos landscape, Cyprus

Paphos is made up of two areas: a) the lower town or 'Kato Paphos', by the harbour and most of the tourist hotels and nightlife and b) the upper town ('Ktima Paphos') which is the main administrative, commercial and modern shopping town for the region of Paphos. The market is in the upper town. Both sections are small enough to navigate on foot, although many people take the bus to travel up the hill from the harbour area. Buses are also available to reach Coral Bay, Polis and other local villages. However, it is easier to use a vehicle (bike/quad/car) to travel further into the Troodos mountains, the Akamas peninsula or go off the beaten track to find small villages in the hills. It gets hot and humid in summer (33 deg C and 90% Humidity) between late June and early September, so air conditioning can be welcome in the car then. The rest of the year is relatively mild but there are sometimes colder spells in January & February. Official website of Paphos Cyprus region.

See[edit]

Temple of Apollo, Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos Park, Cyprus
  • Paphos Archaeological Park houses a number of attractions, 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 area land are found the cave-cut tombs of 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 Fort, at the tip of the marina, is a squat box with a colourful history as a fort and prison under many administrators. The present incarnation was built by the Turks in 1586 and was last actively used by the British. Open daily to 6 PM (in summer.)
  • Tala Village, found high up north west of Paphos, Tala is a pretty traditional village, now with a large expat population but with beautiful Agios Neophytos Monastery nearby and a good range of popular restaurants.
  • Episkopi Environmental Centre, Episkopi Village (by local bus or car (or foot)). Episkopi Village is about 10 km NE of Paphos (not the one where British forces are based.) It is a small and interesting old village with winding streets and its renowned cliff face. Situated in the beautiful Ezouza Valley, it is at the lower end of a nature trail from Tsada/Minthis Hills Golf course. In 2013 the old primary school was transformed into an excellent Environmental Centre with films, displays and a garden to demonstrate the local flora and fauna. (34 37 39.73,32 31 23.69)

Do[edit]

  • Paphos Bird Park, [x]. A large animal park located north of Paphos. Tickets are 15.50 €/adult and 8.50 €/child
  • The Odeon, a classic Greek amphitheatre within the archaeological park, occasionally holds plays and musical performances.
  • The Paphos Aphrodite Water Park is a large, impressive, and very nicely themed, water park. Plenty of slides to keep all ages amused, as well as lazy river rides, wave machines, and everything else you've come to expect from the best water parks.
  • Walk the coastal path. There is an excellent, paved, coastal path from the Tombs of the Kings site to Geroskipou Beach. For those willing to walk on some slightly rougher ground it is possible to walk all the way from the Airport almost to Coral Bay, with only a few hundred metres along road. A beautiful walk to enjoy the sea breezes and, in spring, the flowers growing by the sea.
  • Tomb of the Kings, (25 min walk from the harbor). A collection of limestone tomb
  • Kato Paphos, (Next to the Harbor and main bus stop). The main archaeological site. Well worth a visit to view the mythological mosaics €4.50.
  • Biologique Recherche SPA salon, 0035796505393, [x]. Book an amazing Facial Spa Biologique Recherche Treatment to relax during your holidays. (34.7771775,32.4099958)
  • Rozita's Beauty Salon, Agapinoros 6, 0035799467760, [x]. Try a genuine Gehwol Pedicure treatment with a Spa massage for your feet to ehnahce your holidays memories.
  • SUP Tours Paphos, Peyia, 00 (357) 95137366, [x]. Small group guided paddleboard tours along the stunning Paphos coastline.

Buy[edit]

Kings Avenue Mall offers the more total shopping experience in the city however you can also find interesting to visit Paphos's old town and walk through many shops and restaurants at the renovated square.

Debenhams shopping centre has a long establishment in the area before the mall and they have available top clothing and cosmetics for sale.

Eat[edit]

Paphos offers a wealth of dining choices. There are limitless choices from Chinese to Mexican, Italian to Indian. But the jewel in Paphos' crown is its traditional Cypriot mezze and seafood. Head to the harbour to sample freshly caught fish at one of the many seafood restaurants along the front. Venture into one of the many villages fringing Paphos town for authentic food andgreat atmosphere. Head towards the mountains, or call into Kathikas village where there are a multitude of traditional tavernas.

Budget[edit]

Mid-range[edit]

  • Zaffron restaurant, [x]. a very good restaurant with Italian, Turkish, Greek menu. Situated near Venus beach hotel. The average bill for supper - 40 euros for 2 people with glass of wine.
  • Apmenhe, Eleftheriou Venizelou, Paphos, Cyprus. 7:00 - 22:00. Cozy 4 euro. (34.780724,32.425843)

Splurge[edit]

Drink[edit]

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.

Sleep[edit]

Budget[edit]

  • Budget options can be found by searching online for apartment rentals. There are a variety of short and long term options. Shop around- some offer services such as airport pickup.

Mid-range[edit]

  • Amathus Paphos, Poseidon Avenue 8042 Paphos, +357 26883300, [x]. This world-class Cyprus beach hotel hosts a fabulous selection of 5 star accommodation in Paphos along with some of the finest luxury restaurants in Cyprus.
  • Palm Tree Oriental House & Homestay, 7 Agiou Georgiou, 8728 Skoulli, Cyprus, +357 9676 1124, [x]. checkin: 15pm; checkout: 10am. Traditional stone villa originally built in 1680s. Caters for international travellers, backpackers and nature-loving crowd. 5 km from Polis. Has also long-stay accommodation options. Starting from 24€/night. (34.98074,32.44938)
  • King Evelthon Beach Hotel & Resort, 27 Chlorakas Avenue, 8820, Paphos City, Cyprus, [x]. Offering an outdoor and indoor pool, and a selection of restaurants and bars, the beachfront King Evelthon Beach Hotel & Resort in Paphos Town, features air-conditioned accommodation with tasteful decoration. A spa centre and waterpark facilities are included.

Splurge[edit]

Get out[edit]

  • 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 Blue Lagoon located off the coast of the Akamas Peninsula. There are many boat tours with swim stops that visit the stunning clear turquoise water. You can organize a tour leaving from your hotel or drive to Latchi Harbour yourself and hop on one of the tours that usually leave at 10:30 or 1:30.
  • The Diarizos river valley is an unspoiled paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Drive through Nikoklia village towards the Troodos mountains and enjoy the views. Scenic little villages, family run inns and wineries.
  • The Ezouza Valley, which can be reached by local bus, is similarly excellent for local birdwatchers and nature lovers. No need for a car; a good place for walking. See the item on Episkopi Environmental Centre above.
  • Tours to the Troodos Mountains leave Mondays and Thursdays. Depart at 8am and return around 5pm. Prices are competitive and start around €17.


Create category

This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!

WikiPedia:Paphos