Paphos is a town in Cyprus whose history dates back
to the Neolithic period. It was in Paphos that the mythological
goddess Aphrodite was born and along with her came the legendary
upsurge of cult worship that lasted for many centuries. The
Mycenaean’s were the first who built a temple in her name in the 12th
century BC. Today, the architectural and cultural remains, dating
from Hellenistic times to the Roman period, are a proof to the
city’s long forgotten extraordinary historical value.
Modern Paphos is a fast developing tourist centre.
An important fishing harbour, the city is divided into two parts:
Ktima, the main residential district and Kato Pafos, which is by the
sea, is a port and contains most of the luxury hotels, restaurants
and tourist places. The two parts are well connected by Apostolou
Pavlou Avenue also known at St Paul’s Avenue. Thus busy road begins
at the city centre and end outside the Medieval Fort.
EXCURSIONS
There are a wide range of different trips to take
during your stay.
Paphos Bird and Animal Park – Coral Bay
Situated 6 km from Coral Bay. This park boasts
one of the largest bird collections and it is committed to the
breeding and conservation of birds, animals and plant life of Cyprus
and the world. A 350 seated amphitheatre is a key feature at the
park, offering air conditioning in the summer and heating during the
winter months. There are daily owl and parrot shows with education
programmes taking place during the bird show intervals.
Adonis Bath
The history behind Adonis Baths related to the
love story between Aphrodite and Adonis. Both Aphrodite, the
Goddess of Love and Persephone, the Goddess of the Underworld, loved
Adonis. This led to a fight between them and the court ruled that
Adonis should spend one third of his time with Aphrodite, one third
with Persephone and remaining is reserved for him. But Adonis
cheated on Persephone by spending one-third time reserved for
himself with Aphrodite. Persephone got angry and got him killed by
a wild boar. After hearing the news, Aphrodite ran towards Adonis
and while doing so she bled from her feet. The route through which
Aphrodite ran and where the blood dripped from her feet has caused
lilies to grow, so goes the saying
PAPHOS FORT
The fort or castle is located at the Kato Paphos
harbour. It was originally a Byzantine fort, but was remodelled by
the Lusignans. But in 1570 the Venetians destroyed the castle but
during the Ottoman rule the castle was restored to its old glory,
expanded and reinforced. Built of strong and large stones, the
castel is connected to the harbour via an arched bridge. There are
very few windows but the view from the top of the castle is superb.
PROTARAS
tHhis is a more calm resort compared to Ayia Napa
even though it is only 10 minutes away by car. Protaras is
situated between Cape Greco and the village of Paralimni and
boasts the fabulous Fig Tree Bay, which stretches over 10 miles
of Sandy Beach. While lying on the beach you will have the
opportunity to decide which of Protaras many restaurants you
will try that evening. Protaras is the place to try freshly
grilled fish in one of the open-air seafood restaurants or take
a pick from the several types including Thai, Italian, Indian
and many others. Protaras also offers a good choice of shops,
taverns, nightclubs and bars.
Coral Bay, a coastal resort in Western
Cyprus, is a short 8 mile drive north of Paphos,
passing through banana plantations and vineyards. It is possibly
one of the most stunning holiday resorts in Cyprus and is
located a 30 minute drive from Paphos airport.
The bay itself is a natural beach spanning 600m
in a crescent shape of powdery white sand, and has earned itself
a European Blue Flag. The beaches here are long and sandy, ideal
for swimming and sunbathing. The sea has a shallow margin,
making it ideal for children to play safely. There are many
water sports on offer including pedalos, water skiing, banana
boats, jet skis and windsurfing.
Close to the bay there are banks, minimarkets,
bars and restaurants and there is a regular bus service to the
neighbouring resort of Paphos.
Coral Bay is a family friendly resort and is
ideally situated as a base to explore the rest of the island.
Tombs of the Kings
As the name suggests, no kings are buried
here. But actually its the resting place of 100 Ptolemaic
aristocrats who dies in Paphos between 3 B.C and 3 A.D.
Located North West of Paphos harbour near Coral Bay the
structure consists of solid rock formations featuring Doric
pillars and walls decorated with frescoes.
