Paphos is one of the top tourist destinations in Cyprus. It is replete with breathtaking views and historical attractions, and of course the incredible old town center. This harbor city is in southwestern Cyprus. It is the converging place of the mountains and sea, thus offering tons of fun things for tourists whether they are local or foreign. The locals believe the city to be the place where Aphrodite (Venus)–goddess of love and beauty–was born. As such, it has a rich mythological history.
Here are 5 must-visit places for tourists when they get to Paphos:
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Table of Contents
Aphrodite’s Rock
Aphrodite’s Rock is also known as the Rock of the Roman and it is among the most frequently visited places in Paphos. The major attraction of Paphos is the story of how the goddess of love and beauty came to being, and it is believed that she emerged from Aphrodite’s Rock. So, why would you or any other tourist not be interested in visiting such a place?
Aphrodite’s Rock is found in an extremely beautiful landscape that meets the expectations of the birthplace of a goddess. The rock stands tall on the pristine coastline and climbing it is forbidden. The roughness of the sea is seen as a deterrent for those who may want to climb it.
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Paphos Mosaics
The Paphos Mosaics are the remnants of the beautiful Roman villas that they built in various places in Cyprus in the second century. The houses and palaces which were most likely owned by the rich and powerful citizens of the city had elaborate mosaics that represented mythological scenes.
The mosaics were well-preserved for hundreds of years under layers of soil that covered the old city. However, most of these mosaics have been dug out and kept well for the visitors to see. Tourists can do rounds in the archaeological site to see the excavated mosaics. There are still some mosaics covered by soil for preservation purposes. The area was named the “House of Dionysus” due to the many scenes depicting Dionysus, the god of wine. The area has some of the most colorful scenes that show the party life and cheerfulness of the ancient days.
You should make arrangements to have a vacation in Cyprus and visit many places including Paphos, where you will tour the Paphos Mosaics as well as other attractions. As you plan your trip, go online to https://www.one-visa.com/cyprus-visa-service and engage one of the best visa agents to help you process your visa to Cyprus.
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Paphos Old Town
This is the historic city center of Paphos and it is among the most charming places to walk around and explore. This Old Town was rehabilitated in 2017 to restore its public places and historical buildings so they have a great look. Besides exploring to see how the ancient city was, you can dine outdoors and enjoy the beautiful sunset. You may also go on a shopping spree at Kennedy Square and Makariou Avenue, which is famous for its farmer’s market and boutiques.
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Tombs of the Kings
This is an underground maze that has tomb chambers which are thought to have been from around fourth century BC. No kings were buried here even if the name suggests so. However, one reason why you must visit the Tombs of the Kings is that the necropolis (graveyard) is in such an impressive state that every second spent there is time well spent. The attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tombs that make it up are well-preserved and open to visitors.
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Wineries
The fame of Cyprus as a wine producer is widespread. Nowadays, the wine industry is experiencing a resurgence. This is due to the arrival of young and passionate winemakers whose goal it is to improve the quality of the wine by employing modern methods while still preserving old-style traditions. Tsangarides Winery is one of the wineries that are transforming the wine industry and it is well worth a visit. The winery is owned by a family of winemakers who are committed to using indigenous varieties of grapes to make award-winning wine. You will notice that they love what they do the moment you get to the winery and they are so welcoming. To get to Lemona, where the winery is located, you will have to drive a bit up the mountain, but it is time well spent as you will learn and see so much. You can also visit other wineries like Vouni Panayia Winery.
Final Thoughts
The list of tourist attractions in Paphos is quite long and you can have great moments visiting them, especially those highlighted above. Others include Acropolis and Odeon—a theatre and music center from ancient times—and the Paphos Harbor. You may choose to engage in activities during your tour or just watch as you relax. History lovers cannot afford not to visit Cyprus, but more so Paphos.
