Description

Paphos is a coastal city in southwest Cyprus and is the capital of Paphos District. The current city of Paphos lies on the Mediterranean coast‚ about 50 km west of Limassol. Paphos International Airport is the country's second-largest airport. The city has a subtropical-Mediterranean climate‚ with the mildest temperatures on the island. Paphos is made up of two areas: a) the lower town or 'Kato Paphos'‚ by the harbour and most of the tourist hotels and nightlife and b) the upper town ('Ktima Paphos') which is the main administrative‚ commercial and modern shopping town for the region of Paphos. The market is in the upper town. Both sections are small enough to navigate on foot‚ although many people take the bus to travel up the hill from the harbour area. Buses are also available to reach Coral Bay‚ Polis and other local villages. However‚ it is easier to use a vehicle (bike/quad/car) to travel further into the Troodos mountains‚ the Akamas peninsula or go off the beaten track to find small villages in the hills.

Paphos offers a wealth of dining choices. There are limitless choices from Chinese to Mexican‚ Italian to Indian. But the jewel in Paphos' crown is its traditional Cypriot mezze and seafood. Head to the harbour to sample freshly caught fish at one of the many seafood restaurants along the front. Venture into one of the many villages fringing Paphos town for authentic food andgreat atmosphere. Head towards the mountains‚ or call into Kathikas village where there are a multitude of traditional tavernas.

Accompany any traditional cyprus dish with wine from the Nelion Winery‚ Vasilias Nikoklis inn offers a variety of local wines starting from Cyprus apperitif zivania‚ the Refreshing roze‚ the dry white wine the medium sweet white and red‚ the ofthalmo and the shiraz.

• 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 area land are found the cave-cut tombs of high officials and rich citizens. Although all of the tombs have been plundered‚ what is left is still a very impressive 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 among 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.) 
• Tala Village‚ found high up north west of Paphos‚ Tala is a pretty traditional village‚ now with a large expat population but with beautiful Agios Neophytos Monastery nearby and a good range of popular restaurants. 
• Episkopi Environmental Centre‚ Episkopi Village (by local bus or car (or foot)). Episkopi Village is about 10 km NE of Paphos (not the one where British forces are based.) It is a small and interesting old village with winding streets and its renowned cliff face. Situated in the beautiful Ezouza Valley‚ it is at the lower end of a nature trail from Tsada/Minthis Hills Golf course. In 2013 the old primary school was transformed into an excellent Environmental Centre with films‚ displays and a garden to demonstrate the local flora and fauna.

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