Paphos has a reputation for being the best Cypriot resort for a romantic getaway or a relaxing, respectable getaway. The city is surrounded by picturesque bays and secluded beaches where you can endlessly enjoy the sound of the sea waves.
The historical sights of Paphos are valuable architectural monuments that remained to people from the greatest civilizations of antiquity. Greek and Roman buildings, medieval castles, the first Christian monasteries - all these places will certainly attract the attention of tourists.
Paphos and its environs have everything for a high-quality and full-fledged rest - excellent hotels with European service, taverns with delicious Cypriot cuisine and magnificent well-groomed beaches with clear water.
The best hotels and hotels at affordable prices.
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What to see and where to go in Paphos?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Paphos Archaeological Park
An open-air museum that houses the remains of the ancient city of Nea Paphos and the medieval fort of Saranta Kolones dating back to the 7th century. In the 1960s. inside the buildings of the Roman era of the III-V centuries. - the houses of Orpheus, Theseus, Aion and Dionysus, well-preserved mosaics were discovered, created in accordance with the plots of ancient mythology.
Villa of Dionysus
Remains of an antique 2nd century mansion that once belonged to a Roman aristocrat. The name "Villa of Dionysus" stuck with him for the reason that the mosaic "Triumph of Dionysus" is located here, which depicts the Greek god of winemaking, sitting on a chariot drawn by leopards. He is accompanied by the gods Pan and Satyr. The villa is located on the territory of the Archaeological Park.
Saranta Kolones Castle
Byzantine fortress, erected in the 7th century to protect Paphos from the claims of the Arab conquerors. At that time, it was part of a powerful system of defensive fortifications. In 1200, the building was rebuilt after the Knights of the Order of St. John (Hospitallers) settled here. In 1222 the castle was destroyed by an earthquake and has been in ruins ever since.
Theater Odeon
Antique amphitheater of the 2nd century, over the construction of which the Greeks and Romans worked hard. The odeon is quite well preserved due to the fact that it was almost completely carved out of monolithic rock. That is why the earthquake of the 4th century did not bring significant damage to it. The theater was discovered in 1973 during excavations. Today festivals and concerts are held on its territory.
Paphos castle
Medieval fortress of the 13th century, which previously served as a defensive structure, prison and warehouse. The fortification existed until 1570, after which it was dismantled by the Venetians. After the conquest of Cyprus by the Ottoman Turks, the castle was restored and fortified. In 1935 it was declared a historical monument and became one of the tourist attractions in Cyprus.
Tombs of the Kings
An underground necropolis, carved out of rock, where aristocrats and high officials were buried until the 3rd century. The first graves date back to the 4th century BC. e. Many crypts of tombs are decorated with columns and frescoes, others are made in the form of full-fledged residential buildings. In these catacombs, the first adherents of the Christian religion hid from persecution.
Catacombs of Saint Solomon
The catacombs were dug in the 4th century BC. and were originally used as tombs. At the end of the II century, Saint Solomonia, who fled from Palestine with her sons, was hiding here from persecution. The children of the martyr were killed in front of her eyes by order of the king Antiochus, she herself died while praying over their bodies. It is believed that the relics of Saint Solomon were buried in one of the catacomb grottoes.
Church of Panagia Chrysopolitissa
It is believed that the Apostle Paul was subjected to corporal punishment on the site of the temple in the 1st century, after which he converted the first Roman official to Christianity. In the 4th century, an early Christian basilica in the Byzantine style was erected here. Around 1300, a large three-aisled church was built next to it, which lasted until the 16th century. The modern temple was erected on the ruins of the basilica around 1500. Today it is an important pilgrimage center.
Monastery of Saint Neophytos
The monastery was founded in the 12th century by the wandering monk Neophytos the Recluse. The complex is located about 10 km. from Paphos. After the conquest of Cyprus by the Turks, the monastery was plundered and gradually fell into decay. Its revival began only in the middle of the 18th century. The main church of the monastery houses the relics of St. Neophytos, discovered in 1756. Today the monastery is a center of pilgrimage and a popular tourist attraction.
Chrysoroyatissa monastery
The monastery is 40 km away. from Paphos, founded by the hermit Ignatius in the XII century. The monastery complex acquired its modern look in 1770, when new buildings appeared on its territory. The main relic of the monastery is the ancient icon of the Mother of God, which Ignatius miraculously fished out of the waters of the Mediterranean Sea (according to another version, the hermit found the image of the Virgin Mary in one of the mountain caves).
Archaeological Museum
The exposition of the museum consists of finds discovered during excavations in the area of Marion - Lempe - New Paphos - Geroskipou and other ancient settlements. The collection is housed in five rooms. It consists of stone sculptures, pottery, jewelry and other artifacts from a time period spanning several millennia. The museum was opened in 1936, in 1966 it moved to a separate building.
Byzantine Museum
The museum was established in 1983 with the participation of the highest church hierarchs of Cyprus for the purpose of studying and popularizing church Byzantine art. The exposition consists of valuable Orthodox icons of the 7th-19th centuries, frescoes and iconostases taken from the destroyed churches of the Metropolitanate of Paphos, manuscripts, church utensils and ancient theological literature found on the territory of decayed monasteries.
Ethnographical museum
Private collection of the Eliades family, which has existed since 1958. The museum is located in a historic building of the 15th century. It exhibits antique furniture, ceramics, folk art, interior items, dishes, textiles, coins and other valuable exhibits. The Eliades family was deeply into the history and culture of Cyprus. They have been collecting their collection for several decades.
Bird and animal park
The park grew out of the private collection of ornithologist K. Christopher, who kept exotic birds at home for a long time. In 2003, the area of the dwelling was not enough, so it was decided to create a public park. Today this place has become one of the most visited attractions in Cyprus. In addition to the large number of birds, crocodiles, tigers, giraffes, kangaroos and other animals live here.
Botanical Park "Eleouthkia"
The park is located in a relatively small area. It consists of 13 themed gardens, where thousands of plants grow, including roses, cacti, conifers, tropical flowers and many other species. There is a small exposition in the park, made up of Cypriot household items. There is also a tavern for visitors, where you can dine after walking along the picturesque park alleys.
Sea caves
A stretch of coastline about 18 km from Paphos, dotted with picturesque grottoes, bays and bizarre rock formations in the form of arches.In some places, tourists are equipped with a safe descent to the water so that they have the opportunity to plunge into the gentle Mediterranean Sea. Sea caves are an incredibly beautiful place that attracts romantics and lovers of mesmerizing landscapes here.
17. Akamas Peninsula National Park
Protected area, located 50 km from Paphos. The park is a unique piece of pristine nature in Cyprus. Rare endemic plants grow on the territory of the reserve, more than 168 species of birds, several dozen species of reptiles and mammals live. The Akamas ecosystem is located on the border of several natural zones, which creates rare climatic conditions here.
Petra tou Romiu
Petra tou Romiou is also known as the Rock of Aphrodite. It was here, according to legend, that the Greek goddess of beauty emerged from the foam of the sea. According to another legend, the Achaeans landed at this place after arriving from Troy. There is a picturesque beach near the cliff, where a harmonious and cozy atmosphere reigns. The natural beauty of this place attracts many tourists who want to admire the picturesque landscapes.
Paphos city beach
The bathing area is located in the center of the tourist part of the city near the Paphos Castle. The beach stretches for 150 meters along the coast. It is surrounded by numerous bars and taverns and is equipped with all the necessary infrastructure. On the beach you can rent catamarans, jet skis, "bananas" and other water transport.
Aquapark "Aphrodite"
Aphrodite is the third largest water park on the island of Cyprus. There are 23 slides for tourists, designed for both adults and children. The water park has several outdoor pools and comfortable relaxation areas. Landscape designers have worked on the interior space, who managed to create a piece of paradise of tropical vegetation.
