Archive for May, 2010
Paphos: The birthplace of Love and Beauty
Southwest of Cyprus, Paphos is a coastal city and the capital of Cyprus western region. The mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, it was the most important place for the worship of Aphrodite in the ancient world.
Car Rental Paphos is a great tourist attraction with four main resort regions, Kato Paphos, Coral Bay, Polis Crysochous, and Aphrodite hills. Employing over half of Paphos population, the largest resort by far is Kato Pafos.
Summer is a great time to visit with warm temperatures though the cooler months attract visitors seeking outdoor activities in the mountainous regions.
To see:
The whole town was added to the World Cultural Heritage list by UNESCO because of its remarkable historical legacy displayed all over like the beautifully preserved after 16 centuries under the soil are the remarkable mosaics of the Houses of Dionysos, Theseus and Aion. Then there are the Tombs of the Kings, t he ancient Odeon Theatre, the mysterious vaults and caves and the pillar to which St Paul was tied and whipped. Museums of interest are the Byzantine Museum and the District Archaeological Museum. Finest in the Eastern Mediterranean are the mosaic floors dating from the 3rd to the 5th century. Saint Solomoni Church is one of the many catacombs in the city that has retained some of its 12th century frescoes. There is a 13th century castle, originally built as a Byzantine fort at the harbor. The Rock of Aphrodite is a few miles out of town where Aphrodite rose from the waves according to legend. The ruins of the famous Temple of Aphrodite dating back to 12th century BC are near Petra tou Romiou, Palaepaphos, Old Paphos.
To do:
Paphos offers beaches, cycling, bird watching and walking trails for the nature and outdoor lover.
Paphos has shops located on Makariou III Ave. in Ktima offering local ware. There is a wide choice of international and mezze restaurants along the beach promenade. A whole street called the Bar Street is dedicated to clubs and bars offering a great nightlife.
Paphos International Airport is located 6.5kms southeast of the city of Paphos.
The authorized car hire companies at the airport are Europcar, Astra, Sixt, Avis, and Hertz.