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Guide to Paphos, Cyprus
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Paphos
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PaphosOn an island of civilized-history dating back thousands of years, Paphos is one of the choicest destinations for people traveling to Cyprus. Paphos, once the capital of the island, has a fascinating history with countless legends. Some say Aphrodite (Greek Goddess of Love) was born here, and the city was built henceforth. Paphos holds dearly to its past, with beautifully preserved relics and sites (some with ongoing excavation), but is not quite left behind by the techno-savvy world beyond its borders and the sea. At times its roadways can be clogged, and at other points it can seem a bit barren, but it is, without a doubt, a living spectacle.
When to go:
Cyprus is completely surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, which means one thing beautiful weather. The climate in and around Paphos is extraordinarily beautiful, and if it seems a bit more toasty than you imagined, the sea breezes cool the warm air nicely. There is sunshine throughout the year, and in the summer youll see nary a cloud. Winters are pleasant, if a bit too rainy for those extended vacations. What is interesting is that spring and autumn almost seem nonexistent. Of course, weather conditions fluctuate ever-so-slightly throughout the year that itd be something of a miracle to notice any change.
Getting there and around:
Paphos International Airport receives quite a number of international flights a surprising number, considering how many international arrivals Cypruss capital receives. Most who travel to Paphos come for the sights and sands. At 9mi (15km), the distance to the city is not covered in a flash, but its not a trek either. A taxi or rental car will get you to Paphos speedily (traffic on roads within and without Paphos are rarely plagued with bumper-to-bumper conditions).
Much of Paphos is easily covered on foot, but if you plan on spending extended amounts of time outdoors, use a bit of sunblock. Otherwise, a taxi (or the vehicle you may have rented at Paphos International) will get you to far reaching destinations. Car rentals are recommended by many who travel to the city, simply because you wont find a taxi driver waiting for you while you explore historic sites, and another ride may be hard to come by.
Attractions:
Paphos has a great number of archaeological sites open to public viewing and exploration, so lets waste no time in giving you a brief overview of some of the citys wonders.
The Tombs of the Kings is a fascinating site (though the title can be a bit misleading) to walk through. Aristocrats from the Ptolemaic period are buried here, 100 in all, and though it can seem a bit grim, the sophistication of the carvings and frescoed walls from as early as 3 BC will surely get your mind onto something upbeat. You may be in luck if you arrive when archaeological work is in progress; they may allow visitors to see recent findings (but dont bet on it).
Roman villas in the ancient-Paphos are where more treasures lie. These excavated sites (some quite large) show beautiful mosaics featuring depictions of everything from abstract work to mythological scenes. The marble, stone, and glass paste have been preserved quite well, especially in the House of Dionysus, where the floor space in 14 rooms is comprised completed of mosaics.
More interesting discoveries in Paphos are the catacombs of Solomoni and Kato Paphos. These churches have been carved into a hill leading to the city wall, and hold frescoes and what is described as graffiti left by Crusaders during the 13^th century. Its very dark inside, so youre told to take a torch on your trip inside.
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