Paphos (Pafos) is a beautiful coastal city in the southeast of Cyprus. The history of this beautiful town dates back more than 9 thousand years, from the Stone Age, to the roman times, Byzantium until today. There are a number of sites which have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Due to the fact that Pafos is the European Capital of Culture for 2017, I’m taking the opportunity to post the must Paphos sites in this beautiful town.
This is the place where I grew up since I moved from the UK to Cyprus. I’ve lived here for 12 years (before moving to Limassol). I basically gathered the top 10+1 sites you have to see when you are visiting Pafos. What’s different in this post is the fact that most of the photos I’m using have been captured by other photographers I follow on Flickr and who have given me the permission to use their work on my post.
Plan your holidays here! You can swim as early as end of March – beginning April up until October. During spring the temperatures are between 23-30 and during summer the thermometer get’s close to 40(~). Depending what you like, spring, summer, autumn you can choose accordingly when to visit. However, whenever you visit make sure not to miss the following sites.
1. Paphos Harbour Castle is another UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the harbor. It’s beautiful stone walled castle with a lot of history. It was a Byzantine fort, built to protect the harbor but was later on destroyed by the Venetians. After the Ottomans ruled, the castle was restored back to its old glory. If you enter the Castle and get on the top you’ll enjoy nice views of the harbor and the city. 2. Archeological Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Here you’ll find the more important monuments including Saranta Kolones,the Roman Oden, Agora, Asklipieion, Basilica of Chrysopolitissa, Roman mosaics at House of Theseus, Aion and Orpheus. 3. Panagia Chrysopolitissa is a Christian Orthodox church which was built in the 13th century. The floors are cover with colorful mosaics which have been preserved. Here you’ll see St. Paul’s Pillar which is one of the most popular spot for Christian pilgrims. 4. Paphos Odeon is one of the most important archaeological sites. Next to the Odeon and near to the New Paphos Lighthouse is a rocky mound which is said to have been the Acropolis of the town. Odeon, is not only a tourist attraction, but is one of the best amphitheatre’s to stage live musical and theatrical performances. 5. Tombs of the Kings is UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as a necropolis since they have been the burial sites of Paphitic aristocrats and officials. I’ll advise you to visit early in the morning before it gets how. Spend around 1-2 hours to explore the place. 6. Agios Neophytos is a Monastery near Tala Village, around 10km outside Paphos. Ayios Neophytos Monastery is the perfect location for those looking for peace and quiet.The monastery, it’s said, that it was founded by a Monk called Neophytos who carved a home for himself within the mountain rock. The Monastery contains a collection of icons and the remains of some 16th century frescoes. Agios Neophytos is said to have lived here for 45 years in one of the caves and you can go inside and see. 7. Akamas Peninsula is the most beautiful and untouched area on the island. Here you’ll find the most crystal clear and sandy beaches, you will enjoy the natural beauty, have the chance to view untouched landscape and see some unique plant species. Lara Bay is an important turtle breeding and you might even see some turtles. The Akamas Peninsula has been declared as a National Park in order to protect the large amount of unique fauna (animal life) which can be found there. 8. Baths of Aphrodite are located in the Akamas Peninsula right after Latchi. It’s believed that Aphrodite user to bath in the natura pool which is surrounded by natural beauty. You can walk here via the nature trails of Akamas. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes/sandals. 8. Peyia Sea Caves is a natural rocky area which consists of beach caves. It’s located near the St.George Island, also known as Geronisos. The sea caves are further east to Coral Bay. Nature has created some amazing sea caves which illustrate talent and creation. 10. Aphrodite’s Rock is a famous site located between Paphos and Limassol and should not be missed. Another legend has it that the Goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite emerged from the sea so that’s why the rock has been named Aphrodite. It’s a beautiful place to visit and take some nice photos and also swim – however the water here is a bit chilly. 11. Palaipaphos is located in Kouklia Village, on the way from Paphos to Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock). At Palaipafos you will find some of the most important monuments including the sanctuary of Aphrodite (important pilgrimage site ), the House of Leda, Panagia Katholiki church etc.Must See Paphos Sites
Admission: € 2.50
Paphos Castle -Photo by Me
Admission: €4.50 (to see all sites)
Opening Times: Winter (16th September – 15th April): 8.30 – 17.00 Summer (16th April – 15th September): 8.30 – 19.30
Paphos Archeological Park -Photo by Allan Ogg
Admission: Free
Opening Times: Winter (08.00 -13.00 and 14.00-16.00) Summer (08.00- 13.00 and 14.00 -17.00)
Panagia Chrysopolitissa – Photo by Jayson Cork
Pafos Odeon & Lighthouse – Photo by Stefan Bellini
Admission: € 2.50
Opening Times: Winter (8:30am-17:00) Summer (8:30 – 19:30)
Tomb of the Kings -Photo by Pierre
Admission: Free
Opening Times: Winter: (9.00 – 16.00) Summer (9.00 – 13.00 & 14.00 – 18.00)
Agios Neophytos -Photo by Nikodem Nijaki
Akamas – Photo by Me
Baths of Aphrodite– Photo by Bayreuth
Peyia Sea Caves -Photo by M.Evripidou
Admission: Free
Aphrodite’s Rock – Photo by Me
Admission: € 4.50 (including Palaipafos Museum)
Opening Times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday: 08.00 -16.00 & Wednesday: 8.00 – 17.00
Palaipafos – Photo by Nikodem Nijaki
It’s always the best when a local tells you the story of a place and when they recommend you what to visit. I would love to visit Cyprus, to be honest, I had no idea on what is there to see in Cyprus until I have read your article. I see now that this city, Pafos, has a lot of roman ruins to see, which I am always interested in. I will add Cyprus on my list of places to visit. 🙂
Paphos looks amazing. There’s no doubt why it has been chosen for the European Capital of Culture.
Wow, this is an awesome guide! You’ve added another destination to my bucket list, Paphos looks absolutely beautiful!!! 🙂
Thank you! Interesting article with great pictures. 2.50 euros is very cheap isn’t it – to see such treasures.
I wouldn’t have ever known about this place until reading this. Thanks!! Looks stunning♡
You are very lucky to live in such a beautiful place! Such history! Would love to see the archaeological sites and the Church especially. Thank you for the tour.
The sea caves look absolutely amazing! And that’s so awesome that you can swim so early in the year.
its great to see what Cyprus has to offer. From what is usually advertised about Cyprus are normally just all inclusive resorts. Beautiful sites!
i LOVE Cyprus and its sea! Looks like there is a huge concentration of unesco sites there! This off the beaten track itinerary is great and very educational.
This would be a heaven for me 🙂 I wanted to be an archaeologist so…