Pafos (or Paphos)

 

Pafos is a small coastal town in the southwest Cyprus with great beaches, crystal waters and plenty of interesting places to visit.

 

Pafos is the town of the ancient Goddess of beauty. According to mythology, Aphrodite (Venus) emerged from water at Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou) and lived nearby, in the village of Kouklia.

 

Pafos enjoys a sub-tropical semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and pleasant rainier winters. April is the nicest month. It is neither hot as during the summer, nor cold. A light jacket might be necessary for the evening walks.

 

Although the town and the new constructions give the impression of a modern town, Pafos managed to preserve its old historical character too. The picturesque harbour next to the medieval castle and the Old City offer the visitor the opportunity to walk though narrow streets and neighborhoods and impressive neoclassical buildings. Pafos is a popular tourist destination and attracts numerous visitors especially during the period from April to October. Other points of interest and landmarks worth visiting are the archeological park including the tomp of the kings, the mosaics, and the ancient theater. Pafos castle and the archeological museum are also great places to visit.

 

In 1980, Pafos was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its ancient architecture, mosaics, and ancient religious importance.

 

Pafos held the title of European Capital of Culture for the year of 2017.

 

Pafos is the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2023. The European Capital of Smart Tourism is an EU initiative that promotes smart tourism in the EU by rewarding cities for their pioneering approaches to accessibility, digitalization, sustainability, and cultural heritage and creativity.

 

Pafos International Airport is the second larger airport of Cyprus. Several Airline companies such as Ryan Air and Easy Jet offer frequent flights to and from several destinations. The airport is 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Pafos. Larnaka International Airport, the largest airport in Cyprus is approximately 1,5 hours’ drive from Pafos.

 

Pafos is the closest town to Akamas, a protected peninsula within Natura 2020 with a great diversity of flora and fauna, including caretta-caretta turtles, monk seals and other several endemic species.

 

Pafos is twinned with several towns including the city of Chania where the 2nd Mikis Theodorakis tournament will take place.

 

More about Pafos here