Visit Cyprus

While world famous coastal resorts are a paradise to sunseekers and clubbers, elsewhere Cyrpus is a peaceful haven of traditional villages and medieval castles. Glorious beaches are backed by rugged mountains and antiquity is around every corner in the form of well preserved archaeological sites.

Image Gallery Cyprus © Cyprus Tourism Organisation Goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, has been synonymous throughout history with Cyprus where, mythology has it, she rose from the foaming sea. Holidaymakers can still visit this beauty spot, just a short drive from Paphos.

The island is also home to numerous luxury hotels and spas making this an ideal destination for some serious pampering.

Eating & Drinking

The choices are plentiful in Paphos ranging from gourmet restaurants in some of the most exclusive hotels to chilled out burger joints and pizzerias. Many good restaurants are found around the Marina where there are tavernas serving traditional Cypriot dishes, as well as a concentration of good fish restaurants.

Nightlife: Numerous lively bars, tavernas, British pubs, discos, a cinema, a bouzouki club and a few nightclubs; several of the hotels have their own nightclubs, often with live bands.

Entertainment

Exploring some of the impressive historical remains is a must for any visitor wishing to get a feel for the rich heritage that the island has to offer. There is an archaeological museum, the Byzantine Museum, Mosaics of Paphos at House of Dionysos and Tombs of the Kings.

Paphos also offers some great beaches of which Coral beach is arguably the most attractive, and holidaymakers can enjoy water sports including jet-skiing, para-sailing, pedalloes, snorkelling, diving and fishing.

Families will enjoy the aquarium and water park while visitors looking for a bit of retail therapy can explore the shopping areas and markets situated in Paphos town.

The surrounding area

On the other side of the island, but still within easy driving distance, is Limassol, a popular and lively tourist resort that is worth a visit. Here you will find a well-equipped beach at Dassoudi, some sophisticated shopping on the edge of the Old Town as well as various historical attractions including the medieval castle.

The Troodos Mountains , located in the centre of the island, is the biggest mountain range of Cyprus, with its highest peak at Mount Olympus. There are many pretty mountain villages to explore and Byzantine monasteries and churches on mountain peaks to discover - nine of which are counted among UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.