Cyprus Island of love.

Pathos

New Paphos is eight miles westwards of Old Paphos, which was destroyed by an earthquake in the 12th century BC, It was founded in 4th century BC. At first it was only a small village but with the decline of Salamis it became the capital of western Cyprus.

Being the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite placed Paphos on the map of the ancient world, and its important strategic position between European Mediterranean countries and the Middle East has seen its sovereignty change hands among some of the greatest powers of medieval and modern times. While politically, Paphos and Cyprus as a whole has sometimes suffered a great deal, the legacy of its turbulent history is now the magnet for attracting hordes of tourists every year.

Things to do in Paphos

Paphos is a treasure trove of ancient archaeological sites and mesmerising historical architecture. Rarely do places combine modern beach resorts with spectacular heritage as successfully as Paphos, and its unique status was recognised in 1980, when the entire area was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Paphos Restaurants

Meals are a very important part of Paphos social life, and the local cuisine is varied and sumptuous. The city has many eating establishments, with cafés and restaurants offering both Cypriot and international dishes. Most bars also have decent menus for hungry patrons. Most of Paphos' cafés, tavernas and restaurants are located along the waterfront promenade and have great views across the harbour. Some excellent establishments can be found at the foot of the Medieval Castle with quality seafood restaurants serving up the catch of the day. Bar street has a number of outlets selling meze and other light meals.

Paphos Entertainment

A lively resort town, Paphos has plenty to keep you occupied after the sun sets. There is a wide selection of bars and clubs, while for many, the restaurant and café scene is more than enough for evening entertainment. Paphos has some great performing arts acts and there is a full calendar of both traditional and modern productions and events throughout the year.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Paphos is varied and lots of fun, with most of the bars and clubs located on the aptly named Bar street. Take your pick from venues with a jazz, techno, blues or rock themes, some of which have great live music during the busy summer months. There are some lively discos to dance the rest of the night away in as well, featuring great DJs.

Festivals

Paphos features the usual annual religious festivals typical of Greek towns, but it also has a wide variety of unique and interesting events based on local myths and traditions. Many of these are enthralling performing arts events including dance, music, song and drama.

Paphos Hotels

Paphos has a great range of hotels of all ratings, with plenty of options for each class to choose from. The best hotels have superb facilities and amenities, with convenient business and conference services. Many of the better establishments have in-room internet access provided either by LAN sockets or wireless transmitters. Some hotels feature excellent restaurants, atmospheric bars and lively discos. Pools are standard fare, with entertainment areas surrounding them. Most hotels are well equipped to cater to families as well as couples and business travellers.

Where to stay

Most of Paphos' hotels are located in the lower town district near the waterfront, with the most luxurious lodgings situated on the beachside promenade. Prices and quality tend to drop as you move farther away from the coast, but most facilities and attractions are still within walking distance. Despite the numerous hotels in this area, capacity is stretched during the summer holiday season and advanced reservations are almost mandatory.