Sightseeing & Landmarks in Paphos

Paphos archaeological Park (Kato Pafos Archaeological Park) located near Paphos harbour is famous for sites and monuments that date back from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. However, most of the remains in the park date to the Roman era. Spectacular mosaic floors of four Roman villas are the highlight of Paphos Archaeological Park.

Tombs of the Kings is a large necropolis burial ground situated about two kilometres north-west of Paphos harbour. Many of these underground tombs that date back to the 4th century BCE, are sculpted out of solid rock. Believed to be the burial sites of Paphitic aristocrats and high officials, some of the tombs have frescoed walls and Doric columns. The tombs are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their archaeological magnificence.

This rock is the birthplace of the Greek Goddess of love and beauty; Aphrodite. Located between Limassol and Paphos, the rock is believed to be sacred. Legend says that this is the point where Aphrodite emerged from the sea in a surge of amazing sea foam in 1200 BC. She herself chose this rock as the ideal location to begin her life as a mortal.

Located on the edge of Paphos harbour, Paphos castle (also called as Paphos fort) is one of the most famous landmarks in Paphos. Number of archaeologists have taken an interest in excavating and investigating the castle as it dates back to the Roman era. This fort, originally built as Byzantine fort to protect the harbour was destroyed because of an earthquake in 1222. It was then rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century and since then has seen a few more reconstructions till date. It currently serves as a background for the annual open-air Paphos cultural festival, which takes place in September.

Famous as the finest mosaic in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Paphos Mosaics are located beside the harbour. Around 40 mosaics have been discovered which date back to the second century A.D. These mosaics are situated in different villas namely, the House of Theseus, the House of Aion, the House of Orpheus, and the House of Four Seasons. The largest of all villas is the House of Dionysos containing wonderful mosaics of the ancient Greek god of wine. The mosaics are made from small cubes of marble and stone called tesserae. Additionally, glass paste was used to develop a range of colours.

Address: Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, Paphos, Cyprus.

The most beautiful location on the entire island, the Akamas Peninsula is located to the west of Cyprus. The peninsula covers approximately an area of 230 square kilometres surrounded by mountains and densely wooded, almost inaccessible forests. These forests have around 530 plant species endemic to Cyprus and hence enjoy great biodiversity. Because of its ecological significance, the Akamas peninsula is not only a tourist attraction but also of great interest for botanists from all over the world.

Constructed around 1500 AD, on the site of a small church which was destroyed after an earthquake the Agia Kyriaki church lies in close proximity to St. Paul’s Pillar. After it was 100 years old and subsequent to the Turkish invasion of 1570, it was made the Byzantine Cathedral of Kato Paphos. The floor of the church is covered with beautiful mosaics, and the decor in the church gives out pious vibes. Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church, St. Georgios Church, Basilica & Rock Tombs, Agia Paraskevi church, Agioi Anargyroi Church, Church of Panagia Theoskepasti and the Panagia Chryseleoussa Church are some of the interesting churches around Paphos that have enriched its cultural heritage.

Address: Panagias Theoskepastis, Paphos, Cyprus.

Legend has it that St. Paul was tied to a pillar and given 39 lashes five times over. He had visited Paphos in 45 A.D., with the aim to convert the people of Paphos into Christians. He had some success in doing so, but not before receiving severe punishment for his work. Today, the Pillar of Saint Paul is a sacred spot where every year, thousands of people come for a pilgrimage.

Address: Stasandrou, Paphos, Cyprus.

Situated at about 40 km northeast of Paphos the Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery is devoted to ‘Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate’. The monastery was built in the 12th century, by a monk called Ignatius. According to the legends, the monk had found an image of the Virgin Mary off the shore of Paphos, which thrown into the sea in the iconoclastic period. Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery is of great historical importance and holds Holy Books, sacred objects and artefacts which can be viewed at its museum. Few more noted monasteries such as Gialia and the Agia Moni from Paphos are worth visiting for their architecture.

Address: E703, Pano Panagia, Cyprus.

The Adonis bath waterfall is one of the most serene and picturesque locations in Paphos. According to the ancient stories, this place was once the love nest of Aphrodite and Adonis, and they had many children here. The people of Paphos are believed to be the descendants of these two lovers. The place can easily be located from the village of Koili, and lies very close to the Coral Bay.

Address: Koili, Paphos, Cyprus.

A family-run winery, the Tsangarides Winery is one of the oldest and most respected in Cyprus. It lies in the gorgeous old village of Lemona, which has witnessed its steady growth. Tsangarides Winery has bagged many awards for their signature wines. A wonderful place is open to visitors for a wine tour and wine tasting.

Address: Lemona, Paphos, Cyprus.

The historic Agios Neophytos monastery takes you back to the ancient life of Cypriot hermit and writer, Neophytos, who carved the monastery out of mountain rock in the year 1159. Today, home to only a handful of monks and a museum, the monastery is famous for the grottoes dating back to the Byzantine Empire. Located just 20 minutes from the busy Paphos town centre the monastery holds a two-day religious fair in January to sell Cypriot arts & crafts.

Address: Tala Village, Paphos, Cyprus.

The Panagia Theoskepasti church is located in the heart of Kato Paphos and dates back to the Byzantine Empire. The church was constructed in the 10th century when Cyprus was under the control of the Byzantine Roman Empire. The present-day church which was devoted to Panagia (Virgin Mary) was constructed on the remains of the old church in 1923. The church is home to many historical icons, including the miraculous silver-covered icon, which is believed to be painted by the Evangelist Luke.

Address: Panagias Theoskepastis, Paphos, Cyprus.