Welcome to Paphos

The Paphos region of western Cyprus is the perfect holiday destination for singles, families, honeymoon couples and intrepid nature-lovers alike. Its micro-climate promises a year-round idyllic Mediterranean cocktail of clear blue sky and gentle waves lapping gently onto sandy beaches stretching into the sunset. Yet this is a topographical tapestry of varying land and seascapes, basking in guaranteed sunshine for around 340 days a year.  

The main centre of population, commerce and tourist activity centres on the old town and harbour area (Kato Paphos), which is included in the official UNESCO list of cultural and natural treasures of the world's heritage. Paphos was once a Roman provincial capital and played a crucial role in the Empire. Monuments to the town's turbulent history live on as attractions to modern day visitors. Examples include exquisite floor mosaics of Roman villas depicting scenes from mythology, arguably the best in the eastern Mediterranean - and the impressive underground Tombs of the Kings carved out of solid rock and decorated with Doric pillars are only a short distance from the town on the road to Coral Bay.

At the mouth of the harbour stands Paphos Fort - originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbour from unwelcome visitors!

In addition to the wealth of outdoor sites, a priceless collection of artefacts is displayed in the Paphos District Archaeological Museum - spanning the history of one of the oldest civilisations in the Mediterranean and including exhibits pottery, coins, tombstones and statues.

Paphos offers the visitor and permanent resident alike a good choice of shops, banks, supermarkets, a covered market in the old town where local villagers sell fresh fruit & vegetables and 'traditional' souvenirs and lace products - plus more familiar UK high street names such as Debenhams, Next and Marks & Spencer. The town naturally gravitates towards the coastal promenade and harbour area known as Kato Paphos.  Extending along the seafront from the harbour, this is a lively and popular focal point for 'meeting and eating' where the archaeological and military heritage of Paphos rubs shoulders with a diverse selection of modern day restaurants, coffee shops, bars and souvenir shops. The bustling nightlife scene is concentrated in the hotel district of Kato Paphos with bars and clubs found along 'Bar Street'.

'Something for everyone' may be an overworked cliché to describe the more 'tired' and traditional tourist resorts elsewhere in the Mediterranean - but not Cyprus and certainly not Paphos. Here you will find soft, sandy beaches up to exacting European Blue Flag standards.  The better beaches are North of Paphos at Coral Bay - perfect for safe bathing, especially for children - and to the east at Geroskipou.

Paphos is ideal for families. Why not visit the Paphos Aquarium or the Bird & Animal Park? Kids will love these - and trips to the Aphrodite Water Park and Paphos Go-Karting Centre will give them a real taste of excitement! 

Paphos is a very popular coastal resort, naturally diving is very popular with shore dives, boat dives and diving around two local wrecks. There are also daily cruises to delightful bays in glass-bottomed boats throughout the summer. At the end of a 'perfect day' why not promenade safely in the warm evening air, soak up the atmosphere and do something different? If you want to greet the new dawn, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a hospitable restaurant, friendly bar or even a familiar fast-food takeaway that is almost open all hours!

The seafront at Paphos is within convenient walking distance of many privately-owned luxury holiday villas and apartments available for rent throughout the year. Similar self-catering holiday accommodation is also available in select developments located along the coast and in the villages beyond Paphos - including Coral Bay, Peyia, Kissonerga and Tala.

Apart from the spiritually uplifting natural beauty that greets you each day, the joy of visiting Paphos is that within a few minutes you can transport yourself to a myriad of bygone ages - and still be back in time to make the most of the remains of the day.

Roughly seven kilometres out of town perched on an elevation in the mountainside near Tala you will find Agios Neophytos Monastery. Founded in the 12th century, the 'Egkleistra' - an enclosure carved out of the mountain by the by the Cypriot hermit and writer Neophytos - contains some of the finest Byzantine frescoes dating from the 12th to 15th century.

Taking the road North-East from Paphos, the horizon shifts towards the beckoning Troodos Mountain range and its rich variety of flora, fauna and wildlife in a forest setting - the perfect place for lovers of nature. During the winter months you can take that same journey, be on the ski slopes of Troodos in the morning and take a stroll along the beach or relax in your rental villa or apartment in the afternoon!

For a guide on places to see and things to do go to; http://www.hestia-holidays.com/places.

The town area of Paphos is a stark contrast to the wider Paphos ‘region’. Stretching northwest towards the environmental sanctuary of the Akamas Peninsula, famous for its turtle hatchery at Lara Bay… the region extends eastward towards the island's premier man-made attraction of Aphrodite Hills golf course. This is almost - but not quite - a stone's throw from Aphrodite's Rock, the reputed birthplace of Aphrodite, the mythical goddess of love. It is little wonder that Cyprus is known as 'the island of love ' and is world renowned as a naturally romantic idyll and a growing destination for getting married abroad.

For golfing holidays you will find further golf courses at Secret Valley to the east of the town and Minthis Hills (Tsada) in the hills slightly inland from the town. With its superb climate, Cyprus - and Paphos especially - is the perfect destination for the golfing enthusiast who wants the assurance of excellent playing conditions at any time of the year.

Although Cyprus is the easternmost member of the European Union - and lies at the crossroads of three continents in the Eastern Mediterranean, getting there couldn't be easier. To make it even better, Paphos International Airport is only 15 kilometres away. This recently upgraded gateway to Cyprus has regular year-round flights to the UK, along with many European and Middle Eastern Countries.

Once landed, the easiest and best way to see Paphos and the rest of Cyprus is by car. Car rental is easy and affordable to arrange - visit www.hestia-holidays.com/carhire for details. Simply collect your rental car at the airport and drive to your new home in the sun for the duration of your stay. In Cyprus you drive on the left hand side of the road, petrol is typically 25 - 30% less than the UK - and roads tend to be less congested, making the whole driving experience more enjoyable!

Paphos and the seclusion of its adjoining coastline is a 'home from home' to many thousands of regular visitors to Cyprus, especially the United Kingdom. English is widely spoken and used on road signs and in shops, banks and restaurants. Long established as a safe and popular haven for rest and recreation, Paphos is a proven choice for people investing in self-catering holiday homes or property for permanent living.  

You’ll soon understand why the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has styled Cyprus 'a land for all seasons' and ‘a whole world in a single island’.