Paphos (Pafos) and surrounding area on the south west coast are the only parts of Cyprus where you will find the lush green foliage of citrus fruits, pomegranate and banana trees, olive trees and acres of vines providing grapes for local wineries, many now producing famous and outstanding wines.
Add to this the picturesque busy harbour of Paphos and its mediaeval fort restored by the ottomans in 1592, the Paphos archaeological park, which is a UNESCO world heritage site containing some of the best mosaics in the Mediterranean, the tombs of the kings dating back to the 4th century, …..a must for anyone interested in archaeological history and it’s also another UNESCO site. The there is also the pretty 13th century church of Agia Kyriaki, built over a Byzantine basilica ruin with a beautiful, tiled mosaic floor and outside in its grounds you will find St. Paul’s Pillar, against which he is said to have been bound tightly to receive 39 lashings for preaching Christianity !
Paphos has its own international airport just a 20-minute drive from the city, 4 golf clubs in large, beautiful, panoramic surroundings, a water park, cinema, theatres, museums and art galleries, a wide range of shops and a modern shopping mall. There are many traditional family run tavernas, plus international restaurants, some with live good quality entertainment, and as you would expect, lots of coffee shops, both modern and traditional ones, where you can play backgammon with a Cyprus coffee and brandy !
Not to be missed is exploring Paphos old town, voted European capital of culture in 2017 in which you will see the municipal market, selling everything from fruit and vegetables to clothing, plus handicraft shops with local pottery and jewellery. As its located high on a hill, do stop for another coffee or a glass of Cyprus wine and absorb the outstanding views.
You can also enjoy the magnificent beaches at coral bay and Corallia bay, and discover some smaller, secret ones along the coastline. Then travel approximately 5 miles further south to see wonderful rock formations, underwater caves and the small, busy fishing harbour of st. Georges. Do visit its ancient church and excellent fish restaurant which offers fresh local produce and provides magnificent sunset views most of the year. Move on to Lara bay where the endangered green turtle lays its eggs on its fine unspoiled beach and finally continue into the Akamas national park to explore its natural beauty……You will not be disappointed.
Finally add to all of this a brilliant blue sky, the glorious colours of hibiscus and bougainvillea and roughly 330 days of sunshine a year and you have a place close to perfection.