Paphos

The ancient town of Paphos, once the capital of Cyprus, is located at the southwest corner of the island and is one of the finest sightseeing resorts in the Mediterranean. Paphos is divided in to upper and lower sections, Ano Paphos sits on the hillside overlooking the picturesque harbour and Kato Paphos is the main tourist area. The beaches in the area are clean and inviting and offer a variety of water sports. Coral Bay is just 4 km north of town and is a popular family beach with shallow water and soft sand. Paphos has recently been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List and is brimming with ancient history and archaeological sites. Highlights include the harbour’s medieval fort and the House of Dionysos with its beautifully preserved mosaics. Nearby are the sites of St Paul's Pillar, the Tombs of the Kings and the Temple of Aphrodite. Paphos is a place of legend where Aphrodite is reputed to have risen from the crashing waves.

The bustling market in the Paphos old town offers items at exceptional value including souvenirs, hand made lace and embroidery, silverware, leather, jewellery and pottery. There are many places to eat in and around town, with tempting waterfront taverns and bars, offering typical Cypriot "mezes". International restaurants and traditional taverns can also be found on the promenade or hidden away in the resort's side streets. Hiring a car opens up the many attractions further a field, see the quaint hill villages and wine making regions of island’s interior, the Baths of Aphrodite and the beaches of Polis and Lara on the quieter Akamas Peninsular.