Aphrodite's Coast and a Living Archaeological Park
Paphos is a coastal city and district on the south-west shore of Cyprus, known for its Roman mosaics, its UNESCO-listed ancient sites and its legendary link to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The old town and harbour of Kato Paphos sit inside an archaeological park, where the mosaic floors of the House of Dionysus and neighbouring villas glow with scenes of myth and hunting. The wider Paphos area was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, and the city was a European Capital of Culture in 2017.
The legend gives the coastline its romance. At Petra tou Romiou, a cluster of pale sea stacks off the road to Limassol, Aphrodite is said to have emerged from the foam, and visitors still come at sunset to watch the light settle on the water. Close to the harbour, the small medieval fort guards the quay, while the Tombs of the Kings, carved into rock above the sea, give a quieter, more reflective hour. Travellers exploring the wider Mediterranean often find that Paphos packs more layers of history into a short stroll than almost anywhere.
Wine Villages, Turtle Beaches and Meze Tables
Beyond the ruins, the district is a landscape of terraces and slow food. Inland, the foothills of the Troodos mountains hold villages where vines climb the slopes and traditional wineries pour Commandaria, the sweet dessert wine that is among the oldest named wines still made. On the table, expect a long meze of grilled halloumi, souvlaki, koupepia, fresh salads and olives, ending with loukoumades dripped in honey. Cyprus shares culinary ground with Turkey and Malta, yet its own flavours, citrus, herbs and local cheeses, are unmistakably its own.
For beaches, Coral Bay and the sandy coves around Lara Bay give the area its sunbathing reputation, and Lara is known as a nesting place for green and loggerhead turtles. North of it, the Akamas peninsula offers walking trails, the Baths of Aphrodite and the clear waters of the Blue Lagoon, reached by boat. A tourist board can use this mix of beaches, heritage and wine country to speak to couples, families and active walkers within one coherent story.
Read the full Paphos guide on Visit Travel Group, or see VisitPaphos.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.