Attractions in Pafos

TOP Attractions in Pafos

There are many wonderful attractions in Pafos to visit…

The city is listed as an official UNESCO World Heritage Site and is overflowing with stunning archaeological treasures.

Third largest city in Cyprus and birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite.

Many of the archaeological sites in Pafos (especially around the area of Koulia) are dedicated to the goddess.

Attractions in Pafos ~ Petra tou Romio (Also known as Aphrodite Rock)

Legend has it that folk-hero Digenis Aakritas hurled a large rock (petra) at the Saracens during a battle.

The rock landed by the sea in Paphos and became known as Petra Tou Romio or Aphrodite Rock. This is one of the most romantic areas of Cyprus and popular for weddings and honeymoons.

Attractions in Pafos ~ Aphrodite’s Baths

Akamas Peninsula, near Polis – 48km north of Pafos and is one of the most popular attractions in Cyprus.

The legend of the goddess lives on in this grotto where Aphrodite used to bathe.

For those wishing to visit the baths during the summer the bus leaves from the town of Polis at 10.00am, Noon and 3.00pm.

Panagia Chrysopolutisse Church & Early Christian Basilica ~ Kato Pafos

Built in the 13th century over the ruins of the largest early Byzantine Basilica on the island. St Paul’s Pillar marks the point where Saint Paul was flogged before the Roman Governor converted to Christianity.

Attractions in Pafos ~ Agia Solomoni Church – Leoforos Agiou Pavlou, Kato Pafos

The church contains 12th century frescoes and was originally a Christian catacomb. According to local traditions, the tree at the entrance is a sacred tree which cures the disease of those who hang a personal offering on its branches.

Attractions in Pafos Roman Mosaics – Kato Paphos ( near the harbour )

Attractions in Pafos such as the renovated Greco-Roman Theatre which was built in the 2nd century BC are truly amazing. The floors of the Roman villa are covered with spectacular mosaics illustrating Greek mythological scenes.

They are known by the house the floor is situated in. For example there’s the House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and the more recently excavated House of Aion.

Tel: 26940217

Attractions in Pafos ~ District Archaeological Museum

This museum illustrates just how old Pafos is with a very interesting collection of archaeological treasures dating back to the Neolithic Age.

Leoforos Grivas Dighenis, Tel: 26940215: Open: Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 5.00pm/Saturday 10.00am -1.00pm
Admission 3.40 euros

Attractions in Pafos ~ Tombs of the Kings

Another popular attraction are the underground tombs carved out of solid rock, some with Doric Pillars and dating back to the 4th century BC. The Tombs of the Kings (Pailaiokastra – Old Fortress) was the cemetery (necropolis) of Paphos and the name has nothing to do with Kings being buried there.

Tel: 26940295

Attractions in Pafos ~ Medieval Fort & Castle at Kato Pafos Harbor

Medieval Fort & Castle ~ The Byzantine fort was originally built to protect the harbor. Rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century and dismantled by the Venetians in 1570and rebuilt after the Ottoman conquest of the island in the 16th century.

One of the major attractions in Pafos is the lovely harbor. This is the setting for the three day Aphrodite Festival which presents a different opera every year against the backdrop of the castle.

Open daily: Winter hours (16th September – 15th April): 8.30 – 17.00
Summer hours (16th April – 15th September): 8.30 – 19.30
Tel: +357 26306217

Entrance: € 2.50

Attractions in Pafos ~ Ancient Pafos Odeon

This ia a small 2nd century Odeon built of limestone blocks and now used for Pafos drama and musical performances during the summer. Just a stones throw away are the ancient city walls and the Roman Agora (Market).

Attractions in Pafos ~ Byzantine Museum

The museum houses some of the most beautiful religious icons from Cyprus churches and is dedicated to the Byzantine period of the Greek Orthodox Church. It also contains the oldest icon found in Cyprus dating back to the 7th century.

Pafos Bishopric, Andreas Ioannou 5 Tel: 26931393
Open: Monday – Friday 9.00am-5.00pm/Saturday 9.00am -1.00pm

Attractions in Pafos ~ Ethnographical Museum

The museum is dedicated to how people used to live in Cyprus and contains everyday things like a workroom with creatively carved chests and pottery plus a bedroom and kitchen.

Exo Vrisi 1 Tel: 26932010
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm/Saturday 9am-1pm

Attractions in Pafos ~ Saranta Kolones – Kato Pafos (near the harbour)

Built by the Lusignans at the beginning of 13th century on the site of a previous Byzantine Castle, it was unfortunately destroyed by an earthquake in 1222.

Walking Holidays

Walking holidays are popular in the Akamas near the lovely town of Polis. The area is well known for the ancient Greek myths of Aphrodite who bathed in a cool pool before her marriage to Adonis at the Baths of Aphrodite.