PAPHOS HOLIDAYS and PAPHOS HOTELS
If you are planning your holiday to Paphos [also seen as Pafos], and are looking for Paphos hotels or apartments, the following information may help by giving you an overview on the resort.
Paphos [PFO] is home to the second international airport in Cyprus - the other being Larnaca [LCA] - and is deemed to be the capital of the west of the island. An excellent holiday destination, the town of Paphos is located just 10km from Paphos airport.
Paphos holidays are popular with a wide range of tourists including English, German and other European nationalities. Some of the reasons for this include cheap flight to Paphos and the glorious Paphos weather [the weather in Paphos is slightly milder than in other parts of Cyprus which provides perfect conditions for the banana plantations which can be found here].
The focal point of the town of Paphos is the charming fishing harbour and you will also find in the resort Paphos fort and an array of tavernas and open air cafes which serve excellent food which will include the catch of the day.
A holiday in Paphos can mean many things, including beach holidays, family holidays, all inclusive holidays and self catering holidays. Paphos holidays also offer water sports such as jet skiing, snorkelling, parasailing, diving and fishing.
Cyprus Weather and Temperature Chart : | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Sunshine
hrs per day | 5 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
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Avg
Temp °C | 17 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 30 | 32 | 33 | 31 | 26 | 21 | 19 |
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Rainfall mm
per month | 90 | 60 | 43 | 19 | 18 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 28 | 43 | 98 |
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Average daily hours of sunshine | Average daily temperature °C | Average monthly rainfall [mm]
Transfer links to and from Paphos have been improved throughout the last 30 years which has the resort grow, in particular the tourist market which took off after the construction of Paphos International Airport [PFO] in 1983. The resort itself is one of the most attractive on the island with a population of approximately 35,000.
Until recently, West Cyprus [where Paphos is located] was the most neglected part of the island despite it having mountains and a stretch of coastline with lovely beaches. Now, a holiday in Paphos is becoming very popular due to its wild, natural environment. In fact, Paphos is one of the best places in Cyprus for hiking with lots of trails for use by walkers. With its picturesque harbour, Paphos is also one of the most beautiful towns on the island of Cyprus.
If you enjoy visiting historical sites on your holiday to Paphos [Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site], then be sure to see the Roman mosaics and the place where Aphrodite [the goddess of love] emerged from the sea at Petra tou Romiou. Aphrodite was born in the south of Cyprus by the rocks jutting out to sea which are named after her. In the north of the Cyprus on the bay of Chrysochou is Aphrodite’s bath which she used after her amorous frolics with Adonis. Other sites range from Bronze Age dwellings to royal tombs. In fact, there is plenty to see and do on your Paphos holiday.
The modern town of Paphos is split into two:
[1] Pano Pafos [Upper Paphos which is also known locally at Ktima, or the Old Town]. This area is only a short drive inland but in complete contrast to the tourist zone. The upper town contains the main commercial centre, shops and modern museums. Please note that a walk between the two areas is not advisable, as most would consider it rather strenuous - especially during the summer.
[2] Nea Pafos [or Kato Pafos] which is Lower Paphos. This area is the tourist zone on the coast with a huge variety of hotels, tavernas, pubs and restaurants. The lower part, on the coast, is the principal holiday area and contains most of the historic sites with the main focus on its attractive harbour and a wealth of cafés, shops and restaurants along the seafront.
As Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate which means that there are over 300 days of sunshine each year. Temperatures during summer months can reach into the mid 30s and this makes for a great beach holiday.
Beaches in Paphos:
There are a few small beaches to enjoy on your Paphos holiday which are mainly located in front of the Paphos hotels and offer excellent conditions for water sports.
There is a pleasant municipal beach located by Leoforos Poseidonos which is close to the Municipal Garden. You will need to go slightly further away to the north of the archaeological zone to the sandy-pebbly Faros Beach.
You will also find good pebble beaches just north of Paphos with the small beach in the bay of Kissonerga fringed by banana plantations about 8km [5 miles] along the coast.
Coral Bay [10km/6 miles north of Paphos] is an increasingly popular area, with shops and restaurants on the approach road and is considered to be the most attractive due its shallow waters and sandy beach, thus getting many visitors utilising its facilities and water sports. We also have an excellent section of villas in Coral Bay.
One of the most beautiful places to enjoy the sea is the beach near the Rock of Aphrodite which is covered with smooth stones. The water here is crystal clear and facilities include a restaurant, toilets and a shower near the car park. Stay here in the evening to enjoy the sunset.
Exploring on your Paphos Holiday :
Ktima is best explored on foot as the majority of the historical sites are within easy reach of each other. There is a tourist area in the Old Town which has been carefully restored and the main shopping street is Makarios Avenue where you will be able to find a large selection of jewellery, clothing and footwear. Take time to explore the streets in Ktima and then head to the green districts to the south of the Old Town which is near the acropolis and the Byzantine and Ethographic Museums.
Things to do on your Paphos holiday :
Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark :
For a great day out, try Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark which is one of the largest tourist attractions in Paphos and boasts the largest number of facilities and the largest European family rafting ride.
Agora :
Located in Agoras Street, Paphos.
In the centre of the Old Town this is one of the markets in Paphos. It is an ornamental covered market hall building which dates back to the early 20th century. Here you will find sweet and souvenir sellers and just outside you will find the fruit and vegetable sellers.
Grand Mosque :
The Grand Mosque dates back to the presence of the Turkish in Paphos. It stands on the former Mouttalos district and was the Byzantine church of Agia Sofia before being turned into a mosque.
Loutra :
You will find these Turkish baths in Militiathou next to the Agora covered market. Originally, this dome-covered stone building probably served as a church and was then used for various other purposes including a museum. Loutra then stood empty and was neglected. However, the building has been lovingly restored and now houses a coffee shop.
Town Hall :
The Paphos Town Hall and Registry Office is a single storey Neo-Classical building on the edge of the Municipal Garden. This is a very popular Paphos wedding venue.
Agios Theodoros [St Theodore’s Cathedral] :
This was built in 1896 and is the oldest church in the Old Town. Close to the square stands a column which commemorates the victims of the Turkish slaughter of 1821 which claimed the lives of the Bishop of Paphos and other members of the Greek clergy.
Ethnographic Museum :
Open: Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:30 and Sunday 10:00-14:00
There is an admission charge.
The Ethnographic Museum is a privately run museum which houses a collection of coins, costumes, utensils, baskets and ceramics. You will also find a wood-burning stove from an old bakery located in the sunken garden and an authentic 3rd century stone sarcophagus.
Bishop’s Palace and Byzantine Museum :
Open: Monday to Friday 09:00-16:00 [15:00 in winter] and Saturday 09:00-13:00
There is an admission charge.
This is the residence of the Bishop of Paphos and the most important ecclesiastical building after Agios Theodoros [St Theodore’s Cathedral] which was built in 1910.
Geological Exhibition :
Open: Monday to Saturday 09:00-16:00 [summer only]
You will be able to learn about the geology of Cyprus with this small, private collection of rocks and minerals. On display you will find rocks with fossils, volcanic rocks from the Troodos Mountains and the Akamas peninsula and metallic minerals [with particular reference to copper and asbestos that have been mined here in the past].
Archaeological Museum :
Open: Tuesday to Friday 08:00-15:00 [17:00 on Thursday] and Saturday 09:00-15:00
There is an admission charge as well as a café and shop.
The Archaeological Museum is housed in a small modern building just outside Paphos city centre along the road which leads to Geroskipou and is probably one of the most interesting archaeological museums on the island of Cyprus. Here, you will find historic relics dating from the Neolithic era, through the Bronze Age, Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine and medieval eras and right up to the 18th century. There are ancient sarcophagi, a coin collection, clay pots and a set of Roman surgical instruments.
Agia Kyriaki :
Open daily.
This is a 12th century stone church and is also known as Panagia Chrysopolitissa [Our Lady of the Golden City]. It was built on the ruins of a Christian Byzantine basilica and was destroyed by the Arabs. However, parts survived including 4th century floor mosaics. Today, Agia Kyriaki is used by the Catholic and Anglican communities.
Catacombs of Agia Solomoni and Fabrica Hill:
Open: From dawn until dusk
Inside a former tomb is a church dedicated to Solomoni who was a Jewess whose 7 children were tortured in her presence and who is now regarded by Cyprus as a saint. The church is easily identified because those who believe in the magical curative powers of the tomb attach items of clothing to the tree outside. During Roman times, this site was more than likely occupied by a synagogue and earlier by a pagan shrine. There is a tank in one of the caves which is believed to house miraculous water.
Beyond Agia Solomoni the limestone Fabrica Hill which contains carved underground chambers created during Hellenic and Roman times. However, their purpose still remains a mystery. On the southern slope you will be able to see a Hellenic amphitheatre hewn out of the rock which was unearthed by archaeologists. Near to this are two small cave churches - Agios Agapitikos and Agios Misitikos. Tradition says that when dust is collected from Agios Agapitikos and is place in someone’s house, it has the power to awaken their love [agapi] and from Agios Misitikos will awaken hate [misos].
Tombs of the Kings :
Open: 08:30-17:00 daily [until 18:00 during April, May, September and October, and 19:30 during June, July and August]
There is an admission charge and there is a café on site.
Located north of Kato Paphos beyond the old city walls and close to the sea there are 100 tombs on the site which covers a wide area. The necropolis is an interesting system of caves and rock tombs dating back to the Hellenic and Roman eras. There are 8 tomb complexes which have been opened for viewing. Stone steps lead to underground vaults where you will be able to see burial niches and murals.
There are some good views over the sea and you will be able to access a few rocky coves after a bit of a scramble over the cliffs.
Aquarium :
Open: Daily 09:00-19:00
There is an admission charge and there is a café and shop
The Aquarium is dedicated to the Mediterranean Sea environment and contains colourful sea and fresh-water fish from all over the world in large aquariums with the shark and piranha aquariums being very popular with visitors.
Paphos Fort :
Open: Daily 09:00-19:30 [June, July and August] 19:00 [September through to May]
Closed: 1 January, 25 December, Easter Sunday and Greek Orthodox
There is a small entrance fee.
Originally the harbour was guarded by two castles built by Lusignans in the 13th century. Both castles were badly damaged when the Turks attacked in 1570 but one was subsequently restored and used by the Turks as a prison. It is open to the public and you approach the fort across a drawbridge. The main attractions are the dungeons and battlements from where there are great views across the harbour.
Eating our on your Paphos Holiday :
If you are dining out on your Paphos holidays, there are a number of excellent restaurants in the resort serving excellent food. The beach promenade offers a wide range of both international and local cuisine restaurants and a number of these cater for all tastes and no matter what type of food you are after, there is a restaurant in Paphos to suit.
Shopping on your Paphos Holiday :
No holiday in Paphos is complete without a bit of shopping and Paphos is a great place for this. The main shopping lane rund parallel to the beach promenade is ideal for tourists as there is so much to choose from including handcrafted jewellery shops, souvenir shops and many retail outlets.
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Disclaimer:
By its very nature much of the information in our travel guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they are relying with the relevant authorities. Corona Holidays [UK] Limited cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
