Paphos or Pafos as the Cypriots pronounce it has a very rich cultural background, natural beauty, magical scenery, beautiful beaches and a plethora
of archaeological and historical sites and also in the local villages which have retained a lot of the traditional architecture and traditions.

These things make Paphos and ideal destination for vistors from all over the world. Paphos is the fastest growing town on the island and has earned
an excellent reputation for a large number of young families who have moved to Cyprus.

The small harbour still holds its traditional charm and is appreciated by visitors all year round with a number of busy restaurants and cafes that overlook the promenade and the sea.

Paphos International Airport is located 16kms from Paphos Town. The newly built terminal completed at the end of 2008 is a welcome addition to Paphos and will be able to service over 2.5m passengers a year.

Fully air-conditioned with brand new facilities including a coffee shop, bar with beer garden and plenty of duty-free shopping and a bank. There are also 16 check-in desks and a large car parking and drop-off area. Other facilities include a tourist help desk, car rental, first aid, a baby/parent room and disabled access facilities.

Tel : 26240506
Flight Information : 77778833

There are 11 blue flag beaches in the Paphos Region including Coral Bay, Lara Bay, Latchi, Geroskipou, Polis, Vrysoudia A & B and of course the local Municipal Beach. Many of these beaches are stoned but are still a lovely place to relax with your holiday cocktail.

Paphos is served by 2 small local cinemas. The Othello and Cine Orasis are both centrally located and show English movies. To find out what movies are on, telephone :

Othello - 26946256
Cine Orasis - 26951325

There are a number of good local companies providing yacht charters and private boat hire including catamarans. Both the charter and the private boat hire are ideal for weddings, a fishing trip or simply lazy cruise round the Paphos coastline.

There are lots of cruise types on offer - the Jolly Roger Pirate Ship, Glass Bottom Boat, the famous Wavedancer and all day trips to Protaras on the eastern side of the island, not forgetting the evening cruises.

There are some excellent paths and trails all over the Paphos Region with over 70 on the whole island and due to the Cyprus climate, you can cycle all year round!

Some popular routes are -

Baths of Aphrodite (near Polis) to Fontana Amorosa - 7km
Neochorio (west of Polis) to Pyrgos and back – 16km
Ayios Yeorgios to Lara and Ayios Konon – 18.5km
Paphos to Yeroskipou/Timi Beach/Paphos - 24km
Paphos to Yeroskipou/Tsada/Paphos - 27km

For further information on some of these routes, click here.

There are lots of festivals and events held during the year in Cyprus.

EPHIPHANY - January

Epiphany is one of the most important Greek Orthodox religious celebrations of the year. It is also known as the Feast of the Light, since it commemorates Christ's baptism in the River Jordan, symbolic of the spiritual rebirth of man. It is celebrated in a number of towns in Cyprus and is normally held by the sea.

On the eve of Epiphany, locals go to church for the blessing of the waters to ward of evil spirits for the past 12 days. After Mass, the priest visits all homes to cleanse them from the evil spirits, known as kalikandjiari. According to tradition, these demons appear on Christmas Day and for the following 12 days play evil tricks on people. On Epiphany Day, after mass, the Bishop leads a procession down to the sea, where a ceremonial baptism is performed. During the ceremony the leading priest throws the holy cross into the sea. Young men dive into the water to retrieve and return it. Doves are released and at the same time, boats sound their horns.

CARNIVAL - February

Carnival time in Cyprus is a 2 week celebration held 50 days beforef Easter focusing on food.

GREEN MONDAY - March

Green Monday marks the beginning of Lent and is celebrated with a picnic and kite flying competition.

ANTHESTIRIA FLOWER FESTIVAL - May

The Anthestiria Festival is a celebration of spring and nature's rebirth. A parade is held with lots of flower floats and people holding fresh flowers going down Poseidon Avenue to the old harbour in Kato Paphos. There are also lots of local celebrations in the villages and churches.

FESTIVAL OF THE FLOOD (PENTECOST) - June

Festival of the Flood coincides with (Greek) Pentecost and is marked by festivities at all seaside towns.

PISSOURI SUMMER FESTIVAL - Aug

Pissouri village hosts a week of of dancing, theatre performances and live music.

PISSOURI RHYTHM & BLUES FESTIVAL - Aug (bi-annual, next event 2010)

The Rythym & Blues Festival is held bi-annually in the village's outdoor ampitheatre. A wonderful evening to be had with spectacular views over the sea and a real must for blues lovers.

DIONYSIA FESTIVAL - Aug

The Dionysia Festival is held in the small village of Stroumbi, located on the main road to Polis for 3 days. The festival consists traditional performances, live music, plenty of food and local wines.

WINE FESTIVAL (Limassol) - Sept

The Limassol Wine Festival is held around harvest time when the city host 2 weeks of cultural events. To get things started with a bang, there is a wonderful fireworks display with plenty to eat and drink in and around the Municipal Gardens area. You can be rest assured that you will see lots of Greek dancing, singing and not forgetting lots of free wine. The festival is attended by around 15,000 visitors each year.

Fasouri Market near Limassol- Saturday/Sunday - Located at Asomatos, Fasouri. This is an Indoor and outdoor market with stalls selling, clothes, jewellery, fresh produce, antiques, shoes, furniture, games and more.

Timi Market - Sunday - Open Air market at Timi village is open every Sunday from 7.00am - 1.00pm

Mandria - Wednesday - Open Airm Market in Mandria is open every Wednesday 2:00pm - 9:00pm

Paphos' Roman Mosaics - Daily at the Paphos Archaeological Park. Open 8am-5pm (until 4pm Apr-May & Sep-Oct; until 7.30pm Jun-Aug). Price €3.42
Tombs of the Kings - Daily. Open 8am-5pm (until 6pm Apr-May & Sep-Oct until 7:30pm Jun-Aug). Price €1.71
Agios Neofytos Monastery - Daily. Open Apr-Oct 9am-1pm & 2pm-6pm (until 4pm Nov-Mar). Price €0.85
Ayia Kyriaki Church - Services Sat-Sun 6pm (12pm in English). Price Free
Aphrodite's Rock
Aphrodite Baths
Kefalos Bridge
Candle Factory
Akamas Gorge

Things for the kids

Island Cove Mini-Golf - Open daily 9:30am - 6pm (winter), 10am -23pm (summer).
Paphos Bird & Animal Park - Open 1 Apr - 30 Sep 9am - 8pm, 1 Oct - 31 Mar 9am - 5pm. Price - €15.50 per adult, €8.50 per child
Cosmic Bowling
Paphos Aquarium - Daily. Open 9am - 6pm / 7pm / 8pm, depending on season
Fasouri Watermania Park - Open 1 May - 31 Oct. Open May & Oct 10am - 5pm, Jun - Sep 10am - 6pm. Price Adults €28, under 12 €16, under 3 free
Paphos Aphrodite Water Park - Open 1 May - 31 Oct. Open May -Jun: 10am - 17:30pm, Jul- Aug: 10am - 6pm, Sep - Oct: 10am - 5pm. Adults €28, under 12 €15 u/3 free
Paphos Karting - Open 7 days a week & evenings, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb 10am - 6pm, Mar, Apr, May 9am - 9pm. Jun - Oct 9am - 11pm. Price from €12
Limassol Zoo - Open Daily in summer from 9am to 7:00pm and in winter from 9am - 4pm. Price - Donations accepted