Holidays in Paphos

Holidays in Paphos - Destination Profile

Holidays to Paphos will take you to a picturesque resort with lots of historial interest, many resaurants and good sandy beaches.

Paphos holidays contain many historical points of interest including the district museum, the Tomb of the Kings, the Pillar of St. Paul, the mosaics of Paphos and many other famous archaeological sites. A short drive away is the legendary site where Aphrodite the Goddess of Love, is said to have been born from the waves.

Divided into two main areas, the old town being the main shopping area whilst the tourist area situated by the sea hosts numerous tavernas, restaurants bars and shops.

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Book your holidays to Paphos with Olympic Holidays the leading specialist tour operator to Cyprus with over 40 years expertise in offering quality holidays at great value. As well package holidays to Paphos, we offer an excellent range of hotels in Paphos. For great savings on holidays to Paphos book online or call our reservations team, lowest price guaranteed!!!

Holidays in Paphos - Things to see

Amathus - Limassol: Amathus is one of the ancient Kingdom of Cyprus where numerous tombs have been found. Excavations are still continuing at the Acropolis and Agora area of the ancient site.

Kolossi Castle - Limassol: A fine example of military architecture originally constructed in the 13th century, and subsequently rebuilt in the form it is now, in the middle of the 15th century. It served first as the Grand Commander of the Knights Templar, and after the fall of Acre in 1291 for some years, as the headquarters of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. 14 km (9 miles) west of Limassol, on the road to Paphos.

Kourion - Limassol: Kourion is also an important ancient city kingdom, and one of the more interesting and spectacular archaeological sites on the island with excavations still bringing new treasures to light. Kourion Museum houses a collection of finds, from nearby archaeological sites.

Tombs of the Kings - Paphos: Spread over a vast area, these impressive underground tombs date back to the 4th century BC. They are carved out of solid rock with some being decorated with Doric pillars. High officials rather than Kings were buried here, but the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name.

The Mosaics of Paphos - Paphos: The Mosaics of Paphos are considered amongst the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mainly depict scenes from Greek mythology.

Petra tou Romiou - Paphos: Birthplace of Aphrodite, Aphrodite goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot. The Greek name, Petra tou Romiou 'The Rock of the Greek' is associated with the legendary frontier-guard of Byzantine times Digenis Akritas, who kept the marauding Saracens at bay with amazing strength. It is said that he heaved this large rock into the sea destroying the enemy's ship.

Baths of Aphrodite - Polis: An area of breathtaking beauty associated with Aphrodite. According to legend, the goddess Aphrodite used to bathe in the pool of the nearby natural grotto, which is shaded by a fig tree. A trail from the Baths takes you to Fontana Amorosa (8 km from the Baths, at the end of the Akamas Peninsula). Walking along this trail, one can enjoy an incomparable view and unspoilt nature.

Larnaca Fort - Larnaca: Erected in 1625 by the Turks. This fort is now a museum and its inner courtyard is used as an open-air garden-theatre during the summer months.

The Pierides Museum - Larnaca: Contains a unique archaeological, medieval, post-Byzantine and Cypriot fork art collections gathered by five consecutive generations of the family. It also exhibits an old arsenal and a rich collection of old chartography of Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean

Ayia Napa: Originally a fishing village it is now a major tourist resort. The charming medieval monastery dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Forests' stands in the middle of the village surrounded by a high wall. It's 16th century church is partly underground and cut into the rock. The Marine Life Museum can be found within the premises of the Agia Napa Municipality.

Cavo Greco: A National Forest Park at the southeastern end of the island between Ayia Napa and Paralimni. The uniqueness of the area is not only due to its natural beauty but also to the fact that it offers a wide range of interests such as swimming, diving, towed parachute, fishing, rowing, cycling, riding, climbing, airports and hiking.

Fun Excursions During Paphos Holidays

Make your holidays to Paphos extra special and book one of our wonderful excursions, we have a range of excursions that have been selected to cater for everyone's interests. Some of our most popular excursions are:-

Cairo by Air: Fly off to the mystical land of Egypt, visit the pyramids and take in the Sphinx! Cruise down the Nile and shop till you drop in the flea markets! A once in a lifetime experience!

Troodos Jeep Safari: An exploration trip to the green heart of Cyprus in a 4x4 Land rover defender. Travelling through rugged hills and valleys, various picturesque villages and pine forests reaching some of the most remote places on the island.

VIP Catamaran: Sail in style from the historic Paphos Harbour along the picturesque coastline of Western Cyprus. Peace and relaxation is yours on this adults only, all inclusive cruise. Get 3 days tanning in 1 while stretched out on the nets between the 2 hulls or sit in the shade while enjoying a cocktail or two. Onboard you will find snorkeling equipment and 2 kayaks for messing about on the water at one of the many swim stops along the way.

Fireworks Night: The most popular night out in Paphos. Spoil yourself at the unlimited, freshly made buffet with tantalising desserts. Enjoy the professional and dazzling entertainment whilst you sip a glass of wine or cocktail drifting along the beautiful Paphos coast. The evenings finale is an amazing firework display.

Famagusta: A day of modern and ancient history. Visit the ruins of Salamis, one of the largest city kingdoms of Cyprus. Spend time wandering the streets of the Venetian Walled city of Famagusta with it's unusual Gothic architecture. Finally taking a trip around the outskirts of the famous ghost city. An area trapped since the invasion of 1974.

Half Day Heaven: If you have always wanted the millionaire life style then an afternoon cruise on-board Ocean flyer is just the ticket. Motoring along the coastline you can just lie back and relax as your snacks and drink are included, then cool off in the clear waters of the Mediterranean with a refreshing dip.

Aphrodite Waterpark: The best way to cool off in Paphos. Great fun for all the family, whether it's launching yourself down the kamikaze or gently bobbing along on the lazy river, it's unique cashless system means no one is left holding the bags. Also if you take the local bus the park will refund your fare, your rep will advise which number bus to catch.

For further information and to secure your place on all the above exciting days and nights out, see your Olympic representative in the resort. The best time to book would be at the Welcome Get Together on the day after arrival.

Holidays in Paphos - Things to do

Paphos holidays offer activities all year round: diving, golf, sailing, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, horse riding. For those who seek relaxation and pampering there are plenty of spa and health centres around Cyprus.

Watersports: Water Sports All sorts of beach activities from water and jet skiing to windsurfing and pedal boating are catered for along the coast. Both the beaches backing onto hotels and those further afield provide equipment hire

Diving: There are over forty different dive sites in Cyprus. The best way to find out more is to visit one of the area's dive centres. Around Latchi and Akamas you will find the best scuba-diving available anywhere in Cyprus, with crystal clear water and no tides or strong currents to worry about.

Cycling: Cyprus is a natural mountain-biking place. Its terrain offers many opportunities for exciting mountain-biking in different tracks, making the island a paradise for the sport's fans.

Due to the excellent weather conditions prevailing on the island, cycling sports can be enjoyed almost throughout the year.

Hiking: The Akamas peninsular, to the north of Paphos, provides an excellent area for walking as it has been virtually untouched by tourism and development. Further afield, numerous interesting walks can be found among the breathtaking Troodos mountains.

Golf: Cyprus is quickly getting a reputation as the latest holiday Mecca for golfers. There are two 18-hole courses only a short drive from Paphos. The Tsada Golf Club near Tsada village is the oldest in Cyprus and is set in the grounds of a twelfth century monastery. The Secret Valley Golf Club is slightly further away, about 18 km east of Paphos.

Skiing: Skiing for the winter lovers. Cyprus is also becoming established as a destination for winter sports. In Cyprus, snow-skiing can be enjoyed on the slopes of Mount Olympus (1951 metres a.s.l.), from the beginning of January to the end of March. Mount Olympus is only 3 km, from Troodos hill resort.

Holidays in Paphos - Eating/Drinking

Cyprus has a panoply of choices for night owls of all feathers. You will find traditional entertainment - folk music and dancing - at numerous tavernas and restaurants in the cities as well as in many villages. Tavernas offer a tantalizing selection of local food, and dessert is often on the house for visitors. You're sure to enjoy this festive look into many of the colourful customs of old Cyprus.

Eating and drinking

Major resorts have bars and restaurants of every category. All over the island there are restaurants offering genuine Cypriot food. One of the best ways of enjoying Cypriot food is by ordering "mezze", a large selection of a number of different local dishes.

There are no licensing hours and the highlight of the wine year is the annual wine festival in Limassol, usually held in September, when free wine flows and local food is on offer.

Looking for something different to take home? How about the island's culinary delicacies such as wine, sweets like Shuchuco, Halloumi cheese and Chiromeri ham?

Nightlife

Nightclubs of all stripes are found in Limassol and Nicosia, Larnaca and Paphos but especially in Limassol and Agia Napa. Ayia Napa is a resort in the eastern part of Cyprus now known as an international clubbing destination, widely recognized for its British House Garage sounds, up-and-coming DJs and festive atmosphere. The action usually gets started late - towards midnight.

Holidays in Paphos - Climate

Max Temp C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cyprus	16	17	19	22	24	29	31	32	31	26	22	20
London	6	7	10	13	17	20	22	21	19	14	10	7

Sunshine Hours	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cyprus	6	7	8	9	9	11	12	12	11	9	7	5
London	1	2	4	5	6	7	6	6	5	3	2	1

Paphos holidays - 5 Day Forecast

Holidays in Paphos - Shopping

Join in the bustling activity of a colourful market where you'll find fresh produce, fish and meat, basket work and national specialities which make original and reasonably priced souvenirs.

Purchases in Cyprus include lacework and embroidery, tablecloths, silks, basket work, pottery, silverware, leather goods and jewellery. Silver spoons and forks are a traditional symbol of Cypriot hospitality. Lefkara lace is famous throughout the world as one of the products most closely associated with Cypriot workmanship; the name originates from the village Lefkara.

The local wines and brandy also make good purchases.

Shops: Most of the tourist and souvenir shops stay open until midnight.

November - April 9:00 - 1:00 / 2:30 - 5:30

May - October 9:00 - 1:00 / 4:00 - 7:00

Wednesday and Saturday is half-day shopping from 8:00 - 1:30 all year round.