LOCAL AREA
Information regarding the Paphos region and the town
Once the Islands capital it is situated in the South West corner of the island sheltered by the Trodos Mountains, nestling around a picturesque fishing harbour and Venetian fort, It is the ancient Roman capital and birthplace of Aphrodite.
Paphos has the old town with winding streets, classical buildings and daily market and Kato Paphos, situated around the harbour with fish tavernas, souvenir shops and wealth of optical houses offering designer sunglasses and the most dazzling array of jewellers with beautiful and original designs.
HISTORY AND LEGEND
Being a world heritage site history surrounds you. You can visit and see for yourself the
• incredible mosaics dating back to the 3rd Century at the house of Dionysus, Orpheau and Aion,
• impressive Tomb of the Kings burial site with its maize of tunnels and vaults where the islands rulers were buried.
•legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, mythical goddess of beauty and love
• Venus rock (the rock formation ‘ Petra Tou Romiou’) where she is said to have risen from the sea and the Baths of Aphrodite at Polis
CLIMATE
• Mediterranean with hot summers and short mild winters
• Paphos enjoys year round sunshine with an average summer temperature of around 30C
• Average winter minimum of 7C.
• Snow can be found in the pine covered Trodos Mountains in January/February providing excellent weather for a ski trip
Main attractions/excursions
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Safe swimming, good watersports (10 minutes away) and clean sandy beaches
Eating out at many and varied tavernas and restaurants offing different types of cuisine and local specialities
Relaxed and easy-going lifestyle, safe environment
LOCAL EXCURSIONS
Tombs of the Kings
Aphrodite’s baths
Day trips to the Trodos Mountains
Trips to Nicosia (the Capital of Cyprus) 2 hours drive and Limassol (the largest resort) 1 hours drive
Trips to Egypt, Rhodes, and Symi can be arranged by the Tourist Information Office
OTHER ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT
Something for everyone
• Waterparks, reptile and bird parks
• Go-karting
• Diving
• Horse riding
• Walking
• Tennis
• Cycling
• Wine tasting
• Arts festivals and theatre productions
• Archaeological and historical places of interest
Kato Paphos/Tomb of the Kings area
The region has a wealth of opportunity to visit rural sleepy traditional villages, coastal ports, golden beaches and a wealth of tourist activities. You will meet local people who welcome and invite you to enjoy their hospitality and sample their traditional dishes. The area offers beautiful countryside, breathtaking views, cosmopolitan resorts and excellent nightlife. In short whatever your preference or interest the region caters for all, young and old alike.
COAST/BEACHES: There are no private beaches in Cyprus, all are classified as municipal (open to all). Taking a 5 minute short walk from the apartment will bring you to the nearest. These beaches provide a meeting point for local people as well as tourists providing interesting glimpses of local Cypriot culture. Such a beach is Rikki’s but this is just one of many dotted around the coast.
By taking only a short journey you can visit Coral Bay Beach and Vardas Beach with their golden beaches. All along the coastline you will find other beautiful sandy spots to stop off at.
Paphos harbour is only a 15 minute walk away from the apartment offering a vibrant harbour area where you can visit the 13th Century Venetian fort, stroll through the souvenir shops or watch the world go by whilst enjoying a meal and a long cool drink.
Latchi harbour is about only an hours travel and offers excellent dining and nightlife in another wonderful beauty spot.
Attractions
GOLF
Paphos now has three challenging courses nearby.
Tsda Golf Course is just 7 kms. North of the town located in the grounds of a 12th Century monastery in a gently sloping valley, at an altitude of 550m. 18 holes play to par 72 and the facilities include clubhouse with bar and restaurant, driving range, putting green ,tennis court & outdoor swimming pool.
The Secret Valley Golf Club is 18km to the East near the renowned birthplace of Aphrodite. With great views this 18 hole, par72 course has a pro shop stocking all the necessities
Aphrodite Hills Golf Course is the latest addition, opening in 2002. Designed by Cabell Robinson the18 hole, par 71 course lies on two plateaus separated by a dramatic ravine. The seventh hole requires a long drive from one side to the other!! The facilities here are excellent if a little more expensive.
SKIING
Can be found at Mount Olympus between January and March. Facilities include 4 ski lifts, cafes and restaurants
SHOPPING
Local shops are found in the town and provide for all tastes. Recognised brand names have retail outlets in the region including Next and Debenham’s. There are a many shops offering all manner of goods from high fashion items & designer labels to local crafts and souvenirs.
