Cyprus is the destination you will visit more than once and each time it will win you over even more. Because it has natural beauty, rich history, lots of attractions to see and good food to enjoy. Whatever you will need, even for a weekend getaway.
One of the places that will definitely stay in your mind and you will always have as a favourite destination is Paphos. Paphos is located in the southwest part of Cyprus and was one of the most important ancient kingdoms of the island. Among other things, it was famous as a centre of worship of the goddess Aphrodite.
There are many reasons and many things to do when you go to Paphos and we present five of them to you...
1. Walk-in in traditional neighbourhoods and flavours
It's a place made by people and their traditions. And Paphos stands out for both. If you want to live, see and taste what Cyprus traditionally has to offer, you must go to Paphos. Wear the most comfortable shoes you have and explore the different districts to learn their history. You will find Mousalla district in the east, the area of the Municipality, the area of school complexes with beautiful neoclassical buildings, the Post Office along with the area of the market, and Muttalos, the old Turkish Cypriot district. Τhe district of Muttallos which took its name from its location, as it is built on the top of a hill, above the sea is separate.
If you want to sweeten yourself, you'll go all the way to the village of Geroskipou for Turkish delights and more!. The famous Geroskipou Turkish delight, manufactured for 100 years, is delicious and is a Geographical Indication Product according to European Union regulations. We suggest you try orange, mint, banana and chocolate. You'll see that we are right!
2. Journey to another era in the Medieval Castle
If you enjoy travelling back in time then this will be unforgettable. You must absolutely go to the iconic Castle of Paphos. The Byzantine fort was originally built for the protection of the port and was rebuilt by the Lusignan (French aristocrats of the Medieval Time who became Kings of Cyprus during the time of the Frankish Occupation between the years1192-1489) in the 13th century, was demolished by the Venetians in 1570 during the Ottoman invasion and was rebuilt by the Ottomans, after occupying the island in the 16th century. In addition to being a fortress, it has been used throughout the years as a prison but also as a salt storage place by the English colonialists.
3. The Akamas Peninsula, one of the most beautiful natural attractions available in Cyprus
Photo by Manos Botrini fromthe book Akamas. Nature, Myth, Man
It is an incredibly beautiful area where you will see wonderful natural landscapes, such as the gorge of Avakas, the Baths of Adonis and the beach of Lara with the all-white sand -where, certain times of the year, turtles hatch their eggs - the crystal clear waters of Blue Lagoon and much more. Perhaps the best way to explore the Akamas Peninsula is to arrange a jeep safari or rent a 4×4 vehicle.
4. Walk in the Archaeological Park of Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Photo Source: www.visitcyprus.com
A ride worth taking. It is the one in the Archaeological Park of Paphos which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is as if history has left its remnants and you are trying to put the pieces together.
This great archaeological site includes monuments from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. The famous mosaics of Paphos on the floors of the four villas will steal your attention(houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Century and Orpheus) from the Roman period, depicting scenes from Greek mythology.
5. Getting to know the place where Aphrodite was born
Photo Source: Cyprus Tourism Organisation
If you've gone all the way to Paphos, you can't help but see the place where Venus is said to have been born. We are talking about the famous Petra of Romios about 25 kilometres east of the city. According to the legend, Aphrodite, the daughter of Heaven and the Sea emerged here through the sea foam. Then she went to Olympus, accompanied by Love and Passion, to claim her place among the gods. Of course, the name "Petra of Romios" is not related to the goddess Aphrodite but to Digenis Akritas who, according to the legend, repelled with his force the Saracen pirates who were preparing for looting in the bay.
See here more about the Petra of Romios (the Stone of the Greek)
For lovers of Wine and special flavours
One route you should take is that of the Wine Roads. It's also a good reason to arrange a trip to Paphos, which is why we added it as an extra to the five other reasons in this article. Follow the wine routes that pass through green wine-producing villages in the province of Paphos. Good wine and good traditional food will accompany you.
Source of exterior photography (Kourio): visitcyprus.com
Cyprus: The gastronomic stops you need to make
