The City of Paphos
The City of Paphos
Located on the southwest coast of the island of Cyprus, Paphos is known for its rich culture and long history. It well known for its archaeological sites, numerous museums, cultural venues and attractions.
Following in the footsteps of Aphrodite, the ancient goddess of love and beauty, Paphos evokes timeless memories. Take a dip in the sea at her mythical birthplace, Petra tou Romiou, explore her sanctuary in Kouklia, or uncover the secluded grotto near Polis where she once shared secret moments with Adonis.
Paphos offers even more reasons to fall in love with it. The Markideion Municipal Theatre and “ATTIKON” are excellent venues for enjoying theatrical productions and film screenings. Art lovers can also visit the municipal gallery located in Ibrahim’s Inn, showcasing impressive contemporary artworks by local painters.
Beautiful nature, clear beaches and sunny weather guarantee a magical stay in the city!
More Information on the City of Paphos – Visit Pafos | Discover Pafos | Pafos Regional Board of Tourism
Places You Will Enjoy
Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou)
The Rock of Aphrodite, also known as Petra tou Romiou, is a striking sea stack situated near Paphos, Cyprus. It lies just off the coast along the main road connecting Paphos to Limassol. According to mythology, this spot marks the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite—possibly inspired by the frothy waves surrounding the rock formations. Due to this legend, it is famously referred to as Aphrodite’s Rock.
Tombs of the Kings
The renowned ‘Tombs of the Kings’ are part of the Kato Pafos (Paphos) Archaeological Park, one of Cyprus’s most significant historical sites, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. These impressive subterranean tombs, carved from solid rock, date back to the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Despite their regal name, they served as burial sites not for kings, but for high-ranking officials and members of the aristocracy. Their grandeur—featuring Doric columns and elaborate designs—earned them the majestic title. Some tombs were designed to resemble the homes of the living, with burial chambers arranged around a central open courtyard (peristyle atrium). Their architectural style closely resembles that of tombs in Alexandria, reflecting the strong ties between the two cities during the Hellenistic period.
Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos (Paphos)
The Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos (Paphos) stands as one of Cyprus’s most significant heritage sites and has held UNESCO World Heritage status since 1980. At the close of the 4th century BC, Nicocles—the last ruler of Palaipafos—relocated the city to its current position near the harbour. From the 2nd century BC until the 4th century AD, Pafos served as the island’s capital.
Spanning from the 4th century BC to the medieval period, the park showcases a wide range of historical remains, with the majority dating to the Roman era. At its heart lie the exquisite mosaic floors of four Roman villas—the Houses of Dionysos, Theseus, Aion, and Orpheus—each vividly illustrating scenes from Greek mythology. In addition to these artistic treasures, the park features other prominent structures, including the Asklepieion (a healing sanctuary), the Odeon (a small theatre), the Agora (marketplace), the medieval Saranta Kolones (Forty Columns) Castle, the ruins of the Early Christian Basilica of Limeniotissa, and the famed Tombs of the Kings.
Akamas Peninsula National Park
Located on the western coast of Cyprus, the Akamas Peninsula is one of the island’s most scenic and unspoiled regions. Covering approximately 230 square kilometres, it features a dramatic landscape of valleys, gorges, and expansive sandy bays. Akamas plays a vital role in preserving the Mediterranean’s ecological balance, supporting a wide range of wildlife—including 168 species of birds, 20 reptile types, 16 butterfly species, and 12 varieties of mammals—alongside an exceptionally rich flora.
Recognizing its environmental value, the European Council has incorporated Akamas into its Mediterranean Protection Programme. However, despite its ecological importance, the area has not yet been officially designated a National Park by the Cyprus Government, largely due to tourism interests and landownership concerns. Environmental organisations such as Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace continue to advocate strongly for its full protection.
Wine Routs & Wineries
The Pafos region is celebrated globally for its exceptional wines. With a variety of well-designed wine routes available, visitors can immerse themselves in the winemaking tradition and enjoy some of the finest wines Cyprus has to offer. One particularly captivating route leads east of Pafos, following the Diarizos River through untouched green scenery and charming vineyards, revealing the hidden gem of the Diarizos Valley wine region.
This scenic route winds through 14 traditional villages and includes visits to two prominent wineries that are elevating the region’s reputation in the Cypriot wine industry.
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