Paphos Guidebook
Sightseeing
A geological formation of mammoth rocks off the southwest coast in the Paphos district, this is one of the most breath taking natural sites on the island, associated with the goddess of love Aphrodite, the ancient Greek precursor of the Roman goddess Venus. It is here, by the Rock of Aphrodite, that the goddess arose from the foaming sea and was spirited away on a seashell. To this day, locals say that sometimes the waves break, swirl and rise up in columns of water that fall back and dissolve into sea foam, conjuring up shapes that assume human form.
140 Einheimische empfehlen
Felsen der Aphrodite
A geological formation of mammoth rocks off the southwest coast in the Paphos district, this is one of the most breath taking natural sites on the island, associated with the goddess of love Aphrodite, the ancient Greek precursor of the Roman goddess Venus. It is here, by the Rock of Aphrodite, that the goddess arose from the foaming sea and was spirited away on a seashell. To this day, locals say that sometimes the waves break, swirl and rise up in columns of water that fall back and dissolve into sea foam, conjuring up shapes that assume human form.
The fort of Nea Pafos (Paphos), situated at the west end of the harbour, was constructed under Frankish rule in the 13th century to replace the 7th century Byzantine castle of “Saranta Kolones,” destroyed in the earthquake of 1222. In the 16th century the Venetians dismantled the massive structure – originally built to resist Arab raids – to prevent the Ottoman Turks, eager to capture the island, from using it as a military base. A Turkish inscription above the entrance attests that the victorious Ottomans later rebuilt the fortification.
143 Einheimische empfehlen
Mosaiken von Paphos
19 Pafias AfroditisThe fort of Nea Pafos (Paphos), situated at the west end of the harbour, was constructed under Frankish rule in the 13th century to replace the 7th century Byzantine castle of “Saranta Kolones,” destroyed in the earthquake of 1222. In the 16th century the Venetians dismantled the massive structure – originally built to resist Arab raids – to prevent the Ottoman Turks, eager to capture the island, from using it as a military base. A Turkish inscription above the entrance attests that the victorious Ottomans later rebuilt the fortification.
Uncovered by chance in 1962 when a local farmer was working his field, the magnificent paving of the floors of these Roman noblemen's villas, dating from the 3rd to the 5th centuries A.D., is among the finest examples of mosaic decoration extant in the Mediterranean. Depicted are scenes from Greek mythology: at the House of Dionysus it is the god of wine, while the House of Theseus is named after a scene in which the ancient Greek hero confronts the Minotaur. More mosaic panels adorn other villas, including the House of Aion, the House of Orpheus and the House of the Four Seasons. The Roman villas are on the Aphrodite Cultural Route.
143 Einheimische empfehlen
Mosaiken von Paphos
19 Pafias AfroditisUncovered by chance in 1962 when a local farmer was working his field, the magnificent paving of the floors of these Roman noblemen's villas, dating from the 3rd to the 5th centuries A.D., is among the finest examples of mosaic decoration extant in the Mediterranean. Depicted are scenes from Greek mythology: at the House of Dionysus it is the god of wine, while the House of Theseus is named after a scene in which the ancient Greek hero confronts the Minotaur. More mosaic panels adorn other villas, including the House of Aion, the House of Orpheus and the House of the Four Seasons. The Roman villas are on the Aphrodite Cultural Route.
The Akamas peninsula, so named after an Athenian nobleman, son of Theseus, who arrived here after the Trojan War, is a place of unusual natural beauty, famed for the ecodiversity of its habitat and the variety of geological formations found here – from narrow gorges to deep mysterious caves, from precipitous cliffs to islets swathed in sea mist. According to legend, after swimming in the crystalline waters of the bay, goddess Aphrodite would scale the hillside and bathe in a pool fed by a mountain spring that cascades down the sides of a grotto overhung by a leafy fig tree. This spot has come to be called the Baths of Aphrodite, and here Adonis, hunting in the Akamas forest, first saw and fell in love with the goddess.
151 Einheimische empfehlen
Akamas Peninsula National Park
The Akamas peninsula, so named after an Athenian nobleman, son of Theseus, who arrived here after the Trojan War, is a place of unusual natural beauty, famed for the ecodiversity of its habitat and the variety of geological formations found here – from narrow gorges to deep mysterious caves, from precipitous cliffs to islets swathed in sea mist. According to legend, after swimming in the crystalline waters of the bay, goddess Aphrodite would scale the hillside and bathe in a pool fed by a mountain spring that cascades down the sides of a grotto overhung by a leafy fig tree. This spot has come to be called the Baths of Aphrodite, and here Adonis, hunting in the Akamas forest, first saw and fell in love with the goddess.
This magnificent underground necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Recognized for exceptional historical value, the Tombs of the Kings (Tafoi ton Vasileon) are the final resting place of Ptolemaic aristocrats and officials who lived in Paphos from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD.
Looted and vandalized for hundreds of years, the necropolis has maintained its sense of pious reverie and can be visited by the public every day, throughout the entire year.
The Tombs of the Kings are a working archaeological site. They have been excavated since 1977, and they are managed and investigated by the Department of Antiquities of the Republic of Cyprus.
216 Einheimische empfehlen
Tombs of the Kings
63 Tombs of the Kings AveThis magnificent underground necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Recognized for exceptional historical value, the Tombs of the Kings (Tafoi ton Vasileon) are the final resting place of Ptolemaic aristocrats and officials who lived in Paphos from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD.
Looted and vandalized for hundreds of years, the necropolis has maintained its sense of pious reverie and can be visited by the public every day, throughout the entire year.
The Tombs of the Kings are a working archaeological site. They have been excavated since 1977, and they are managed and investigated by the Department of Antiquities of the Republic of Cyprus.
Coral Bay Beach is a family-friendly beach, well-organized, with comfy sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as lifeguards on duty during the swimming season. When hunger strikes, you can grab a bite at one of the local taverns, which offer simple, hearty meals at reasonable prices.
37 Einheimische empfehlen
Coral Bay Beach
Coral Bay Beach is a family-friendly beach, well-organized, with comfy sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as lifeguards on duty during the swimming season. When hunger strikes, you can grab a bite at one of the local taverns, which offer simple, hearty meals at reasonable prices.
The Agios Neophytos Monastery is carved in rock at an altitude of about 450 m, between the villages of Tala and Tsada in a natural valley, about six kilometers from the sea. It was founded by Neophytos the Recluse (1134–1214), an Orthodox monk who documented in writing events of the early Crusades.
The Agios Neophytos Monastery is a monastic complex dedicated to Saint Neophytos the Recluse. It is the most important monument of its kind in Paphos, with value derived from its cultural riches, but also for the unique architectural features that blend natural and man-made spaces.
58 Einheimische empfehlen
Agios Neophytos Monastery
The Agios Neophytos Monastery is carved in rock at an altitude of about 450 m, between the villages of Tala and Tsada in a natural valley, about six kilometers from the sea. It was founded by Neophytos the Recluse (1134–1214), an Orthodox monk who documented in writing events of the early Crusades.
The Agios Neophytos Monastery is a monastic complex dedicated to Saint Neophytos the Recluse. It is the most important monument of its kind in Paphos, with value derived from its cultural riches, but also for the unique architectural features that blend natural and man-made spaces.
Food scene
This is a fantastic all-day space, open every day from 9am, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.
Ample outdoor seating is shaded and provides one of the best spots on the island to admire a stunning view.
At night, soft lighting in turquoise and blue mimics the sea, and white tables with comfortable colourful chairs add to the stylish interior.
A good selection of food and beverages have been carefully chosen and service is casual, friendly and warm. This is a premium location, and the prices reflect that, but it’s worth it for the ambience and overall experience.
Chlorakas Avenue 129, 8220, Paphos Cyprus. Telephone: +357 99 082363
21 Einheimische empfehlen
Baracas Lounge
129 ChlorakasThis is a fantastic all-day space, open every day from 9am, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.
Ample outdoor seating is shaded and provides one of the best spots on the island to admire a stunning view.
At night, soft lighting in turquoise and blue mimics the sea, and white tables with comfortable colourful chairs add to the stylish interior.
A good selection of food and beverages have been carefully chosen and service is casual, friendly and warm. This is a premium location, and the prices reflect that, but it’s worth it for the ambience and overall experience.
Chlorakas Avenue 129, 8220, Paphos Cyprus. Telephone: +357 99 082363
On holiday and looking for a dreamy place to kick back and really enjoy the rest of your days off? Or are you looking for your next weekend escape? For a tasty bite to eat or cocktail to remember in Paphos, you’ve simply got to visit Oniro by the Sea, right by the area’s spectacular sea caves.
With the name of the place directly translated as ‘Dream by the Sea’, it really is a wonderful experience oozing laid back charm, situated in a spot of outstanding natural beauty with unobstructed sea views and wonderful sunsets over the spectacular sea caves which are beautifully lit up at night.
The journey to get there is fun in itself- off the beaten track (you have to veer off the Sea Caves road to find it), through fields of banana plantations and voila: you’re in ‘dream land’. Once you get there, you might be surprised to see a shipwreck commanding attention in the distance, with the stranded Edro III (a Sierra Leone-flagged ship) stranded here since December 2011.
Glikou Nerou 05, Peyia 8560, Paphos. Telephone: +357 99 372255
143 Einheimische empfehlen
Oniro By The Sea
05 Glikou NerouOn holiday and looking for a dreamy place to kick back and really enjoy the rest of your days off? Or are you looking for your next weekend escape? For a tasty bite to eat or cocktail to remember in Paphos, you’ve simply got to visit Oniro by the Sea, right by the area’s spectacular sea caves.
With the name of the place directly translated as ‘Dream by the Sea’, it really is a wonderful experience oozing laid back charm, situated in a spot of outstanding natural beauty with unobstructed sea views and wonderful sunsets over the spectacular sea caves which are beautifully lit up at night.
The journey to get there is fun in itself- off the beaten track (you have to veer off the Sea Caves road to find it), through fields of banana plantations and voila: you’re in ‘dream land’. Once you get there, you might be surprised to see a shipwreck commanding attention in the distance, with the stranded Edro III (a Sierra Leone-flagged ship) stranded here since December 2011.
Glikou Nerou 05, Peyia 8560, Paphos. Telephone: +357 99 372255
This place run by Lakis and his sons Argyris and Petros situated in the old part of Paphos, just behind the Bishopric and Icon Museum but, unlike other eateries in this area with its very narrow streets Muse offers a generous private car park, which is also a plus. Close to the entrance there is a chic bar where you can also eat, a covered patio area extends out, then from that the whole area opens up to deliver a rather glorious open dining space where in summer a bar is also in operation.
The biggest selling point however has to be the utterly unique view as the restaurant sits atop a cliff edge and enjoys a genuine panoramic view from Paphos airport up to Kissonerga and Chlorakas and come dusk it’s probably one of the very best places to watch the sun set whilst enjoying a sundowner.
Andrea Ioannou 16, Paphos. Telephone: +357 26 941951
18 Einheimische empfehlen
Muse Restaurant
82 Society StThis place run by Lakis and his sons Argyris and Petros situated in the old part of Paphos, just behind the Bishopric and Icon Museum but, unlike other eateries in this area with its very narrow streets Muse offers a generous private car park, which is also a plus. Close to the entrance there is a chic bar where you can also eat, a covered patio area extends out, then from that the whole area opens up to deliver a rather glorious open dining space where in summer a bar is also in operation.
The biggest selling point however has to be the utterly unique view as the restaurant sits atop a cliff edge and enjoys a genuine panoramic view from Paphos airport up to Kissonerga and Chlorakas and come dusk it’s probably one of the very best places to watch the sun set whilst enjoying a sundowner.
Andrea Ioannou 16, Paphos. Telephone: +357 26 941951
It all began in 1979 when Gregoris Papastylianou and his family re-patriated back to Cyprus from London. After many years overseas, working in and owning restaurants in Australia, the UK, and America, Gregoris made the decision to return back so that he could make his lifelong dream of starting his own restaurant in a post war Cyprus a reality.
The Mandra Tavern is a traditional Cypriot restaurant. We recommend you try the meze as it will be an experience worth remembering. Thair meze offers a large selection of dishes from our highly nutritious Mediterranean cuisine.
4 Dionysou Street, Paphos 8041. Telephone: +357 26 934129
6 Einheimische empfehlen
Mandra Tavern®
4 DionysouIt all began in 1979 when Gregoris Papastylianou and his family re-patriated back to Cyprus from London. After many years overseas, working in and owning restaurants in Australia, the UK, and America, Gregoris made the decision to return back so that he could make his lifelong dream of starting his own restaurant in a post war Cyprus a reality.
The Mandra Tavern is a traditional Cypriot restaurant. We recommend you try the meze as it will be an experience worth remembering. Thair meze offers a large selection of dishes from our highly nutritious Mediterranean cuisine.
4 Dionysou Street, Paphos 8041. Telephone: +357 26 934129
The Lodge adds a flavour of South Africa to the restaurants of Paphos. The aim to bring you the best of South Africa’s fusion of flavours in an environment that reflects the ambience of famous “Game Lodges” of Africa – Natural, yet opulent. Relaxed, yet experiential. It's amongst Paphos’ best steak and seafood restaurants.
Owners and partners Anastasia and Peter Van Rijn opened The Lodge steakhouse and seafood restaurant in Paphos with the intention of combining their passion for food with their South African heritage. Their aim is simple. To give customers a taste of South Africa with fresh, high quality ingredients in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. And to stand out as one of Paphos’ best restaurants.
Poseidonos Ave 52, Paphos. Telephone: +357 96 677288
The Lodge Restaurant & Bar
South Marina RoadThe Lodge adds a flavour of South Africa to the restaurants of Paphos. The aim to bring you the best of South Africa’s fusion of flavours in an environment that reflects the ambience of famous “Game Lodges” of Africa – Natural, yet opulent. Relaxed, yet experiential. It's amongst Paphos’ best steak and seafood restaurants.
Owners and partners Anastasia and Peter Van Rijn opened The Lodge steakhouse and seafood restaurant in Paphos with the intention of combining their passion for food with their South African heritage. Their aim is simple. To give customers a taste of South Africa with fresh, high quality ingredients in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. And to stand out as one of Paphos’ best restaurants.
Poseidonos Ave 52, Paphos. Telephone: +357 96 677288
Indulge in an experience that will dazzle all senses. Watch the water defuse a lazy, sinking sun. Hear the soothing sounds of the waves gently caressing the beach. Breathe in the calming aroma of salty sea air. Feel the warm breeze swirl around your shoulders and taste an eclectic blend of exquisite flavours as they dance into your palate.
From a midday lunch to dinner at sunset, whether you sit out on the cabanas or unwind indoors, Suite48 is the ultimate casual dining setting, right on the Pafos seafront. Our friendly staff serves a mouthwatering mix of sandwiches and signature salads with asian, italian and american influences while getting into the rhythm of the evening by listening to our chill-out music.
Poseidonos Ave 48, Paphos 8042. Telephone: +357 26 910808
56 Einheimische empfehlen
Suite48 Grill & Lounge Bar
48 Poseidonos AveIndulge in an experience that will dazzle all senses. Watch the water defuse a lazy, sinking sun. Hear the soothing sounds of the waves gently caressing the beach. Breathe in the calming aroma of salty sea air. Feel the warm breeze swirl around your shoulders and taste an eclectic blend of exquisite flavours as they dance into your palate.
From a midday lunch to dinner at sunset, whether you sit out on the cabanas or unwind indoors, Suite48 is the ultimate casual dining setting, right on the Pafos seafront. Our friendly staff serves a mouthwatering mix of sandwiches and signature salads with asian, italian and american influences while getting into the rhythm of the evening by listening to our chill-out music.
Poseidonos Ave 48, Paphos 8042. Telephone: +357 26 910808