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Cyprus Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and benefits from a much longer season than most others, blue skies and a warm climate make it an ideal destination all year round, both in the winter as well as throughout its long hot summer. Cyprus is the friendly island, the home of Aphrodite and an island whose history goes back to the birth of civilisation itself. You will immediately feel at home amongst the smiling faces and its British influences which still remain, including driving on the left, British road signs and even the same plug sockets, so there's no need to pack those adaptors. Paphos Paphos was originally the capital of Cyprus in Roman times and has grown from what was once a sleepy fishing village to become a very popular resort amongst holidaymakers. However, it has been a well planned expansion and all its history and natural beauty is preserved. Overflowing with history, culture and archaeological sites, Paphos is a fantastic place to visit any time of the year, and boasts 335 days of sunshine a year. Perhaps the most famous landmark of Paphos is the medieval castle located at Paphos harbour. This charming harbour has offered a safe haven for ships for more than 2000 years. Next to the harbour is a world heritage site containing a large number of archeological sites, and don’t miss the fine examples of 4th century Roman mosaic flooring. The pedestrian promenade that leads through the harbour to the castle bustles with numerous traditional tavernas. Here you can relax and enjoy eating the fresh fish and other specialities, or just have a drink and watch the world pass by. Be sure not to miss the covered market in Paphos old town. The market is an enjoyable place to visit containing a colourful fresh fruit and vegetable market, where villagers sell their products. The newer part of the town is what is known as "Kato Paphos" which is the tourist area; here you will find a fine array of restaurants, tavernas, bars, nightclubs, and shops. Paphos is only a fifteen minute drive from Coral Bay and is well worth a day trip. Paphos is the ultimate ‘eat out’ experience with hundreds of cafes, restaurants and tavernas offering a vast diversity of cuisine. Coral Bay: Only 8km from Paphos centre and just twenty five-minutes from Paphos International Airport, Coral Bay has an extensive sandy beaches set around a wide horseshoe bay, and the crystal blue sea and peculiar rock formations are unique to the area. Local amenities and sports include cycling, tennis, bowling, horse riding, paragliding, diving, go-karting, swimming and a variety of beach activities. Just slightly inland from the beach is Coral Bay High Street with an excellent selection of restaurants, tavernas, bars and shops. Jeep safaris run regularly to all parts of the Island from here. St George: Just to the west of Sea Caves along the coastline is the small picture-postcard fishing harbour of St George with its beautiful church and sand and shingle beach. A perfect spot for snorkelling and scuba diving, topping up your tan or enjoying the local specialty “fish meze” in one of the selection of small family run tavernas, as well as watching the breathtaking sun-sets over the spectacular slab-like Gernisos Island famous for its' ancient civilisation and migrating birds. Important Roman and Christian archaeological sites also lie just inland from here including a complex of rock-cut tombs that go un-noticed by most visitors.
Sea Caves: This area of Coral Bay is only a 5-minute drive from the restaurants and bars of the High Street. Once a rural and barren land over recent years it has changed dramtically. Now it has one of the finest residential areas on the Island offering some of the most exclusive villas in Cyprus but still retaining its' natural beauty and prviacy. This is not surprising when you consider its breathtaking rugged coastline dotted with ancient smugglers caves and small sandy coves with crystal clear Mediterranean waters. The name is derived from the breathtaking geological formations which have appeared over the centuries caused by the sea gouging out the limestone cliffs. Aphrodite's Rock
The Greek goddess Aphrodite is born on Cyprus. Or actually, she is born from the foam of the sea around this rock, on the beach close to Pafos. In ancient times, lots of people came here to join in the fertility rituals here and at the nearby temple. In Greek, the rock is called Petra tou Romiou. It is a good place for pictures of sunset - when the sun cooperates. In our case, the day before and after we were here, we had the most magnificent sunsets with orange skies. When we were at Aphrodite's Rock, this was the best as it got.
Avagas Gorge Another thing you should see when going to Pafos, is the Avagas gorge. When going with a guide, you can approach it from the upper end, but that path is very hard to find. Almost as good is walking in from the down end. This way it gets better every meter. That is, if you dare to enter the gorge after reading all the warning signs at the entrance. Beware, flash floods (the actual text is a lot longer, but the meaning is the same). Beware of falling rocks. Never enter when an earthquake might happen. Watch out for snakes.
Town and village life The towns of Cyprus present a modern cosmopolitan atmosphere blended with historic buildings and ancient monuments. Imposing colonial and classic style buildings rub shoulders with well designed contemporary hotels, apartment blocks and attractive shopping streets, some narrow and quaint, others thoroughly modern. By contrast, life in the villages follows a slower pace, reflecting the importance of agriculture, cottage industry and family ties. Traditional flat roofed village houses made of mud brick are a common sight, while stone-built dwellings with tiled roofs can be seen in the mountains. Many village houses feature delightful vine-shaded court-yards and the typical local oven "fourno" for home-made baking. Its People The people of Cyprus are traditionally warm and welcoming and consider a visit to their island as a compliment - one thats repaid with genuine hospitality, summed up in the Greek word Philoxenia : Friendship towards the guest. Their naive tongue is Greek, but English is readily spoken in all the shops, restaurants and hotels - in fact just about everywhere. In a world of ever-increasing violence, Cyprus has a remarkably low crime rate, and from just one visit to the Island the visitor can understand why. The pace is leisurely, the people kind and helpful, always ready with a smile. The Cypriots are hard workers too - resilient people who have withstood and accommodated the succession of invaders throughout their long history Paphos Harbour Paphos Harbour is very popular and atmospheric, with lots to do. You can climb around the old fort, look out for the pelican, visit the mosaics or Paphos Odeon or just sit in one of the tavernas and sip that cold beer. Boat trips go regularly from the harbour, including fishing trips and glass bottom boats - don't miss seeing the turtles. Watersports also operate from here and there are loads of shops around the place for those postcards and souvenirs. In the evening the harbour is very lively with the tavernas in full swing. There is plenty of parking. Take a gentle stroll around the coastal road from the Harbour to the Municipal Beach.
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