What to see in Cyprus

Paphos

Nestled in the sun-kissed southwest of Cyprus, Paphos is a coastal city and one of the top holiday destinations in the country. Home to long stretches of inviting sand, interesting historic sights and vibrant nightlife, a trip to Paphos is the perfect choice if you want to experience a little of everything that Cyprus has to offer. In fact, much of Paphos city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, notable for its ancient architecture, mosaics and religious importance. A historic Cypriot port city, Paphos is bursting with hidden gems, from the charming Ktima Old Town to the mysterious Tomb of the Kings. If you travel to Paphos, you’ll soon realise that there’s more to this destination than sand, the sea and sunbathing. In fact, Paphos was once the Cypriot capital during the Greco-Roman era, and it's a destination rich in mythological significance. Indeed, its connections to the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, make honeymoons to Paphos eternally popular! 

Whilst the nightlife here is nowhere near as notorious as nearby Ayia Napa, Paphos enjoys a thriving bar and restaurant scene, and is a delight for foodies on the hunt for authentic tavernas and the best halloumi cheese on the island! With a smattering of excellent museums, a charming seafront promenade and plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained, a package holiday to Paphos is the ideal introduction to the abundant treasures of Cyprus!

Things to see in Paphos

Whether you’re visiting for the beaches, history or cuisine, there are a plethora of things to do and see in Paphos. One of the most prominent landmarks in the city is Paphos Castle, situated at the western end of the old harbour. Originally a Byzantine-era fortress, it was later modified by both the Venetians and the Ottomans and remains a fascinating symbol of Cypriot history. Furthermore, it hosts the annual Paphos Outdoor Cultural Festival, celebrated every September.

For a deeper dive into the history of Paphos and the island of Cyprus, be sure to visit the curious Tomb of the Kings, one of the best things to see in Paphos. Situated just 2-kilometres from the harbour, this incredible archaeological site is a large underground necropolis, thought to date back to around the 4th-century BC. Despite their name, the tombs are believed to have been the burial place of high-ranking aristocrats and officials. With Doric columns and rock-hewn chambers, the Tomb of the Kings is a fascinating insight into the days of Hellenic Cyprus. In fact, the tombs are part of the wider Paphos Archaeological Park, one of the most important historical sites on the island. Other highlights to visit here include the houses of Dionysos, Theseus, Aion and Orpheus, with their mosaic floors, the Asklepieion, the Odeon and the Agora! Spending an afternoon exploring this ancient city is sure to be a highlight for anyone with even the slightest interest in ancient history.

Finally, no trip to Paphos would be complete without paying a visit to Aphrodite’s Rock, a huge sea stack located on the coast between Paphos and Limassol. According to legend, this rock formation was either the birthplace of Aphrodite or a part of the giant shell that the goddess arrived in when she came ashore in Cyprus. In fact, legend states that if you swim around the rock three times you’ll fall in love! Whether you’re into Greek mythology or not, you can’t deny the natural beauty of this site, considered one of the most popular sights in Paphos.