Why go to Paphos, Cyrpus?
With its warm Mediterranean climate, rich cultural heritage, and a plethora of family-friendly attractions, Paphos offers something for everyone. Located on the southwest coast of Cyprus, this captivating destination where history, mythology, and natural beauty come together to create an unforgettable family adventure.
Where to stay
One of the most luxurious and secluded places to stay is the 5 star Constantinou Bros Athena Beach hotel, just yards away from the sands of Kato Paphos and a short 15 minute stroll from the beautiful harbour, archaeological sites, shops and restaurants.
Just 15 km from Paphos airport and close to the area’s four top of the range golf courses, it really is a sanctuary of luxury.
With 520 modern and lightly decorated rooms and suites, there is accommodation to suit all, from ones with ensuite baths or walk-in showers, with top notch toiletries, to interconnections for families or superior swim up rooms which give direct access from the terrace to a shared pool.
There are spacious balconies looking across the Mediterranean sea and the hotel’s well kept colourful gardens and all the rooms have to die for comfy beds, WI Fi, satellite television, bathrobes and slippers, as well as tea and coffee making facilities and mineral water on arrival.
Hospitality is the key at the hotel, with a choice of five restaurants and a beach bar, ranging from local produce to spicy Far Eastern delights, Italian food and the best of the Mediterranean.
There’s adult only facilities and fun on offer for the children, with a choice of in and out pools, a floodlit tennis court, 24 hour indoor rink, kids club and bowls green, along with a luxury spa offering the most relaxing of treatments.
Signing up to the Elite Class package allows the guest lots of extras including differing food and drink options to late check out and access to the steam and sauna.
Handily there is a bus and taxi stop just outside the hotel and so it’s easy to reach the main tourist attractions as an option instead of walking along the promenade.
What to see and do
The old town of Paphos is great for soaking up the traditions of Cyprus and at the heart of it, is The Place, a converted warehouse where craftsmen continue to use ancient methods to create wonderful arts and handicrafts. This oasis of joy is full of talented people selling their work and also providing valuable classes to allow others to learn the same skills.
Visitors can try their hand at everything from pottery painting to creating mosaic magnets and The Place also has a lovely café to enjoy at the same time.
Full of history, Paphos is officially a UNESCO World Heritage site, with The Archaeological Park one of the most important in Cyprus. It dates back to the 4th century BC when the King Nicocles moved the site to its current home by the harbour.
It features sites and monuments from that time up to the Middle Ages, with most of the remains dating back to the Roman times, the most impressive being the intricate mosaic floors of the houses of Dionysos, Theseus, Aion and Orpheus, which show various scenes from Greek mythology. Other important monuments including the Asklepieion, Odeon, Agora, Limeniotissa ruins of an Early Christian Basilica and the Tomb of the Kings are also in this fascinating and huge park. The big underground tombs are carved out of solid rock and despite the name, it was actually high ranking officials and aristocracy which were buried, in the cavern, with some decorated with Doric pillars.
Sitting grandly at the west end of the city’s harbour, Paphos Castle, was originally a Byzantine fort, which was built to protect the water and renovated by the Lusignans in the 13th century, only to be dismantled by the Venetians. What survives today, was restored by the Ottomans in the 16th century and features a big square tower and central hall.
The castle was handed over to the British in 1878 and it was used as a salt store until 1935, when it was declared an ancient monument.
It really makes the harbour look impressive, alongside the rows of fishing boats and yachts which moor and enjoy this lively area.
Tombs of the Kings Paphos
Paphos village
Paphos castle
Where to eat
Seafood is very much on the menu in Paphos and two of the best restaurants are Ta Mpania, slap bang by the water and a great place to be to sample the best of Cypriot food, from platters of hummus, olives, flatbreads and taramasalata to tasty meats and kebabs and freshly caught delights such as squid and octopus.
In the old town, the very popular Christos Grill and Seafood Restaurant has al fresco dining to allow gorgeous views of the city, while feasting on the finest of local dishes including beautiful Greek salads, vegetarian and meat platters, pizzas and pastas, all served up by dedicated owners, Christos and Chrystalla Paraskeva.
How to get there
Low cost airlines are a plenty to the sunshine island from all airports in the UK. Once arrived, Amber Voyage Taxis are the best for transfers.
