For millennia, Paphos in Cyprus has proved to be the perfect place for gods, conquerors and pleasure-seekers.
A sun-kissed Mediterranean island steeped in heritage and touched by St Paul – Cyprus is similar to Malta in many ways but different in others
This charming harbour town attracts thousands of sun-seekers every year and offers all the attractions one would expect from a Mediterranean seaside resort, yet it retains its elegance and relaxed vibe.
With stunning beaches, golf and watersports, an endless supply of open-air restaurants, buzzing nightlife, a pretty quayside and important archaeological sites, tourists could be forgiven if they did not leave Paphos at all while on holiday – though it would be a shame not to explore more of this beautiful island.
A sun-kissed Mediterranean island steeped in heritage and touched by St Paul, Cyprus is similar to Malta in many ways but different in others.
It is much larger than our own island, offering wide open spaces, stunning countryside and charming villages amid the cooling air of Troodos Mountains.
Southern Cyprus is heavily Greek influenced, which means mouth-watering cuisine and a fascinating history.
The area around Paphos is steeped in Greek mythology; the rugged Aphrodite Rocks on the town’s shores are said to have been the birthplace of the goddess of love.
Don’t miss the Baths of Aphrodite at Polis, a supposed source of fertility, and the Fountain of Love, a few kilometres further into the Akamas Peninsula.
Paphos became the Cypriot capital under the successors of Alexander the Great – the Ptolemies – and continued as the island’s first city under the Romans.
Its most famous Gover-nor, Sergius Paulus, was converted to Christianity by St Paul in AD 45. The pillar that the Governor had tied St Paul to before whipping him is still standing in the town outside the pretty church of Ayia Kyriaki.
Where to stay
The luxurious, five-star Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel, located on a plateau overlooking the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite and the glittering blue Mediterranean Sea, is ideal for both couples and families. The hotel offers the chance to relax by the pool, in the sea or on the golf course.
Contemporary, elegant and set in an area steeped in Cypriot culture, mythology and tradition, the hotel is a lifestyle haven for devotees of luxury and comfort and the first resort hotel of its kind in Cyprus.
All 290 rooms feature private terraces with a pool and garden view or a golf course and sea view, while suites have the option of additional interconnecting rooms, ideal for young families, as well as the choice of an outdoor jacuzzi or a private plunge pool overlooking the fairways and the Mediterranean.
Food lovers should not be disappointed. Guests can choose from the informal Ifestos poolside grill bar for daytime casual dining and on warm summer evenings; Eleonas – the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant; afternoon tea or a light snack in the Carob Lounge; tapas and cocktails at Las Ramblas Sunset Restaurant; elegant Euro-Asian cuisine in Leander, or a more family Mediterranean culinary experience in the award-winning Mesogios.
The Pirate’s Village, a new childrens’ club, is located at the heart of the Aphrodite Hills Resort right next to the children’s playground. It features a spacious indoor club for children aged three to 12, a separated baby crèche for babies aged six to 35 months, shaded play areas, an outdoor adventure playground, including a bouncing castle and trampoline, a multi-purpose surface court and a large children’s swimming pool with an active water slide.
Guests are encouraged to use all the resort’s facilities, including The Retreat spa and health club, an 18-hole championship golf course, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and championship standard tennis courts.
Outside of the deluxe resort, Paphos is approximately 20 minutes away and the airport just 10 minutes, while the picturesque village of Pissouri is a 10-minute drive.