Paphos.
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Overview

Paphos (Greek: Πάφος, also Pafos; Turkish: Baf) is a town at the southwestern tip of Cyprus, between the coast and the Troodos Mountains. The city is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Understand

Paphos is renowned as the birthplace of Greek goddess Aphrodite. Modern-day Paphos is divided in two, with the upper section up the hill being the commercial center, and lower Kato Paphos containing the main archaeological points of interest, as well as most hotels and tavernas.

The local government has improved the lower Kato Paphos area which combines hotels, bars and restaurants along a coastal strip a few km long. There is a front leading round to the marina and a long coastal path with amazing views - perfect for a morning or evening stroll.

Paphos was the European Capital of Culture for 2017, together with Aarhus in Denmark. Visit Paphos tourist information

Get around

Paphos town is small enough to navigate on foot however the travelling around the region of Paphos will require motorised assistance! Local bus services are available however hiring a vehicle (bike, quad, car) is common place and allows for going off the beaten track to find small villages in the hills. It gets hot and humid in summer (33 °C and 90% humidity) from between late June through to early September. The rest of the year is relatively mild, with colder spells in January & February.

Karavella Bus Station open. There is no need to head to the Municipal Market bus station if the Paphos website bus site states that a bus route starts at Karavella.

See

Paphos Archaeological Park. Houses a number of attractions, including the House of Dionysos and the House of Theseus, both ruins of large Roman villas famous for their mosaics.

The Tombs of the Kings. Whilst not the burial place of ancient royalty, is worthy of the name nonetheless. Within this vast expanse of land, instead of the kings, would have instead been other high officials and rich citizens. Although all of the tombs have been plundered, what is left is still a very impressive impression of life (after-life?), back in the fourth century. The larger tombs in this "complex" are awesome, carved out of solid rock and with a view for the inhabitants that would make anyone among the living jealous!

Paphos Fort. At the tip of the marina, is a squat box with a colourful history as a fort and prison under many administrators. The present incarnation was built by the Turks in 1586 and was last actively used by the British.

Do

Paphos Zoo. A large animal park in Pegeia (Πέγεια), north-west of Paphos.

The Odeon. A classic Greek amphitheatre within the archaeological park, occasionally holds plays and musical performances.

Aphrodite Water Park. A large, impressive, and very nicely themed, water park. Plenty of slides to keep all ages amused, as well as lazy river rides, wave machines, and everything else you've come to expect from the best water parks.

Cyprus Taste Tours. Several food tours available.

Buy

Leather goods, Lace, Yeroskipou delights, Beware of stores selling copy DVDs these appear a bargain but are often poor quality and a waste of money. Also check the store's 'returns policy'. Some do not offer refunds or exchanges on faulty goods!

Overall shopping in Paphos is a pleasurable experience, with its shops spread out from the numerous quality furniture stores on the road to Polis to the small independent tourist shops on the harbourside.

There are several supermarkets in Paphos:

Eat

Paphos offers a wealth of choices to eat from world known Western KFC & McDonalds to five-star dining at Il Classico and Colosseum, and at many of the hotel restaurants. There are limitless choices from Chinese to Mexican and from traditional Cypriot meze to pizza and pasta.

Lighthouse Beach Snack Bar. Right on the beach, amazing sea and lighthouse view, quite good cocktails and snacks. The halloumi sandwich is really delicious. Quite secluded and beautiful beach. Ideal for a nice relaxing place to unwind. Fast service.

Ben's Bar. Full of expats. Does a decent English breakfast. Friendly service. Small and nice place. Meal to be enjoyed. Very friendly people and nice atmosphere. It’s worth going, grabbing a drink and socialise with cool people.

The Three Little Pigs Grill House. Very good food. If you are looking for a place to eat local food on the go, you have come to the right place. Good quality. The portions are big. Food is fresh and well prepared. Delicious meat, lots of variety, very fast.

Thomas's Jungle Pub. Great, friendly service, delicious food, a very large selection of cocktails. This little bar is to be loved. A pleasant place to sit, a large selection of local drinks with a decent alcohol content. Average age 50+ and great fun.

To Kalamaki Tis Polis Pitta. Very delicious food, nicely arranged. Very authentic and friendly owner. Super helpful and friendly staff who explain the menu and variety of options - you get skewers, different sizes of pita or a meal with fries and salad. There are options for vegetarians too (grilled haloumi)! You can see locals eat here too.

Tea for Two. Kindest staff, delicious food. One of the best breakfast experiences. Large portions. There are several vegetarian options. In addition, it is next to the port and has beautiful views. The owner is very friendly.

Friends Bar. The chicken curry is to be enjoyed. Nice bar to relax. Wonderful friendly atmosphere. The owner is always around for a chat. A variety of entertainment. Quality food. Great little place. Lovely mussels and sea bream. Tasty breakfast.

Viva Cyprus Restaurant. The set menu is well worth it. Very tasty and plentiful meze. Lovely homey restaurant! You might be served by the owner who "gave his life to the place". The portions are large, simple, local, fish and seafood are fresh and very well cooked! Moussaka for is great! Recommend are taking mussels and shrimp with salad: very satisfying.

Burger Kato Pafos. A little taste of home. Mouthwatering and delicious burgers. Burgers, absolute perfection, juicy, light, perfect balance. Wings, crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside and sauces were spot on. Ribs, just right, perfect combination of grilling and glazing.

Some blocks north of the historical center

Tramps Bar. Food is delicious. A really friendly atmosphere and great service, the owner Michael makes you very welcome and is good to chat to. Tbone steak is cooked perfectly and the same thing can be said about the Moussaka. Altogether a great experience. Lovely food and good staff.

Kings Road Cafe Pub Sports Bar. Bar restaurant. Looks inviting from the outside and really makes you want to go in. Very nice bar snacks. The staff is friendly and helpful. 90% of the clientele is British. Superb ambience. Highly recommended.

Alfie T's. Open spaced cafe/restaurant. Excellent breakfast. Small things really matter, the good English bacon all cooked fresh comes hot. Food and drink is excellent. Best breakfast in Paphos, served on hot plates.

Chef's Garden. Great food. Great service. The bacon cheese burger is amazing. The staff is friendly, very welcomeing. The best full English breakfast. Great atmosphere. Everything cooked fresh in front of you with beautiful ingredients well sauced. This place is a hidden gem.

Mar Bianco. Restaurant on the promenade right next to the sea. Lovely location, great choice of food and drink. Friendly staff. The food is so tasty. The staff takes great care to make you feel wonderful all the time. Good fresh food.

Leonidas. A typical tourist attraction. It is famous for its delicious steaks but if you order any seafood you will not be disappointed either. You may fall in love with the delicious tartare. The service is very friendly and helpful. Make sure to order one of the wines. The staff is nice.

Happy Island Restaurant. Complimentary warm breads, fruit and brandy/liqueur to finish off a delicious meal of moussaka and sheftalia. From start to finish, all the staff is friendly, funny, warm and attentive. Moussaka and stifado are excellent and with generous portions. Everything tastes fresh and flavourful throughout the meal.

Laterna Taverna. Authentic Cyprus/Greek food with pleasant service and local music. Good Moussaka. Great food. Kleftiko to die for. Nice atmospheric restaurant. Really good regional food in Paphos. The best taverna. Very large portions.

Deloubak Bar n’ Bites. Great food and portions. Personnel very kind. Very nice bar. The place has good food and drinks and very nice atmosphere. The barman is very friendly and so is the rest of the staff. Also very professional. Big portions.

Antasia Beach Club. Amazing view, amazing cocktails, amazing staff. Very good restaurant. Beautiful place to enjoy the sunset. The food is delicious.

Drink

Accompany any traditional Cypriot dish with wine from the Nelion Winery, Vasilias Nikoklis inn offers a variety of local wines starting from Cyprus aperitif zivania, the Refreshing rose, the dry white wine the medium sweet white and red, the ofthalmo and the shiraz.

Sleep

Palm Tree Oriental House & Homestay. Stone and marble villa built in the 1680s. Available for long-stay, too.