Pafos is renowned as the birthplace of Greek goddess Aphrodite. Modern-day Paphos is divided in two, with the upper section up the hill being the commercial center, and lower Kato Paphos containing the main archaeological points of interest, as well as most hotels and tavernas.

The local government seem to be ploughing a lot of money into improving the the lower Kato Paphos. Most of the work should be finished by the end of May 2008. There is a newly built front leading round to the marina and a long coastal path with amazing views – perfect for a morning or evening stroll.

Getting to Pafos

The small Paphos International Airport (PFO) serves mostly charter flights. Flights to Paphos are widely available from charter flight companies from many of the UK’s regional airports, from Exeter in the Southwest to Glasgow in the North. Many tour operators including First Choice, Thomson and Monarch fly regularly. Flights to Paphos are also available using the scheduled services from British Airways and Cyprus Airways. This can be one busy airport, particularly departures on Wednesdays. The airport is relatively small and can have 6 or 7 flights taking off around the same time, it can be murder!! Once you have managed to check in and make your way into the departure lounge, you will need to keep your eyes and ears open to listen to the rather ‘muted’ announcements. If the thought of a busy Paphos airport puts you off then why not head off to Larnaca – and have the same problems on a bigger scale – really though the problems appear no worse than any other airport in the world on a busy day! A highway connects to Limassol (68 km) and from there onward to the rest of Cyprus, and shared taxis (£3-4) run reasonably often.

Out & About in Pafos

Pafos offers a wealth of choices to eat from KFC & MacDonalds to 5 Star dining at Pavarottis and at many of the hotel restaurants. There are limitless choices from Chinese to Mexican and from traditional Cypriot meze to pizza. You must try a traditional Cypriot meze but if at all possible venture out a little into one of the villages for not just authentic food bust great atmosphere – try Kallepia, Kamaroudi in Konia the Famagusta Inn in Chlorakas or the Vasilias Nikoklis Inn in Nikoklia village a 100 years old khan situated in Diarizos river valley. Should you want to travel a little further East call into Pegia village (around the back of the old jail pub) Sophies Theme Restaurant is a must!! Buffet style dinner every night (except Thurs) ranging from Chinese to Mexican, with a full carvery on a Sunday – they are just completing a new addition to the restaurant and will be offering a la carte from the mid summer.

What to buy in Pafos

Leather goods, Lace, Yeroskipou delights, Beware of stores selling copy DVDs these appear a bargain but are often poor quality and a waste of money. Also check the store’s ‘returns policy’. Some do not offer refunds or exchanges on faulty goods! Overall shopping in Paphos is a pleasurable experience, with its shops spread out from the numerous quality furniture stores on the road to Polis to the small independent tourist shops on the harbourside. There are 4 main supermarket companies in Paphos:- Orphanides, Papantoniou, Chris Cash & Carry (now Carrefour); Debenhams (rather like UK House of Fraser)