Paphos (Πάφος, also Pafos) is a small town at the southwestern tip of Cyprus, between the coast and the Troodos Mountains.
Understand
Paphos is renowned as the birthplace of Greek goddess Aphrodite. Modern-day Paphos is divided in two, with the upper section up the hill being the commercial center, and lower Kato Paphos containing the main archaeological points of interest, as well as most hotels and tavernas.
Get in
The small Paphos International Airport (PFO) serves mostly charter flights. Flights to Paphos are widely available from charter flight companies from many of the UK's regional airports, from Exeter in the Southwest to Glasgow in the North. Many tour operators including First Choice, Thomson and Monarch fly regularly. Flights to Paphos are also available using the scheduled services from British Airways and Cyprus Airways. This can be one busy airport, particularly departures on Wednesdays. The airport is relatively small and can have 6 or 7 flights taking off around the same time, it can be murder!! Once you have managed to check in and make your way into the departure lounge, you will need to keep your eyes and ears open to listen to the rather 'muted' announcements. If the thought of a busy Paphos airport puts you off then why not head off to Larnaca - and have the same problems on a bigger scale - really though the problems appear no worse than any other airport in the world on a busy day! A highway connects to Limassol (68 km) and from there onward to the rest of southern Cyprus, and dolmus shared taxis (£3-4) run reasonably often.
Get around
Paphos is small enough to navigate on foot, although it can get very hot (42 deg C and 95% Humidity) in the summer.
See
Paphos Archaeological Park houses a number of attractions, including the House of Dionysos and the House of Theseus, both ruins of large Roman villas famous for their mosaics.
The Tombs of the Kings, whilst not actually the burial place of ancient royalty, is worthy of the name none the less. Within this vast expanse of land, instead of the kings, would have instead been other high officials and rich citizens. Although all of the tombs have been plundered, what is left is still a very impresive impression of life (after-life?), back in the fourth century. The larger tombs in this "complex" are awesome, carved out of solid rock and with a view for the inhabitants that would make anyone amoung the living jealous!
Paphos Fort, at the tip of the marina, is a squat box with a colourful history as a fort and prison under many administrators. The present incarnation was built by the Turks in 1586 and was last actively used by the British. Open daily to 6 PM (in summer), entry £0.75.
Do
The Odeon, a classic Greek amphitheatre within the archaeological park, occasionally holds plays and musical performances.
The Paphos Aphrodite Water Park is a large, impressive, and very nicely themed, water park. Plenty of slides to keep all ages amused, as well as lazy river rides, wave machines, and everything else you've come to expect from the best water parks.
Buy
Leather goods, Lace, Yeroskipou delights, Beware of stores selling copy DVDs these appear a bargain but are often poor quality and a waste of money. Also check the stores 'returns policy'. Some do not offer refunds or exchanges on faulty goods! Overall shopping in Paphos is a pleasurable experience, with its shops spread out from the numerous quality furniture stores on the road to Polic to the small independent tourist shops on the harbourside. There are 4 main supermarket companies in Paphos:- Orphanides, Papantoniou, Chris Cash & Carry (Now Carrefour); Debenhams (rather like UK House of Fraser).
Eat
Paphos offers a wealth of choices to eat from KFC & MacDonalds to 5 Start dining at Pavarottis and at many of the hotel restaurants. There are limitless choices from chinese to mexican and from traditional Cypriot Mezes to Pizzas. You must try a traditional cypriot meze but if at all possible venture out a little into one of the villages for not just authentic food bust great atmosphere - try Kallepia, Kamaroudi in Konia or the Famagusta Inn in Chlorakas. Should you want to travel a little further East call into Pegia village (around the back of the old jail pub) Sophies Theme Restaurant is a must!! Buffet style dinner every night (except Thurs) ranging from chinese to mexican, with a full cavery on a Sunday - they are just completing a new addition to the restaurant and will be offering a la carte from the mid summer 2006.
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