Famous for its role in Greek mythology as the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite the goddess of love, itās not surprising that Paphos is abundant in natural beauty. The ancient port has been honoured with the title āEuropean Capital of Culture 2017ā and there has never been a better time to charter a yacht in Cyprus and discover its heritage. A fractional yacht charter will give you plenty of time and freedom to discover this splendid corner of the Mediterranean.
Explore the Ancient Town
Paphos is an attractive city with palm tree-lined boulevards and stunning archaeological sites, including the ruins of an ancient city and Byzantine monasteries. The huge archaeological site of Nea Paphos is just five minutes away from the main boardwalk and comprises a medieval fortress, a 4th-century church, a Roman villa with stunning mosaic floors, and two tombs with frescoes from the early Hellenistic period. The site is still being excavated as many treasures still lay buried in this fascinating area. Slightly north of Nea Paphos, the townās most popular and awe-inspiring site is the Tomb of the Kings, a World Heritage Site. It was an ancient necropolis with underground tombs and chambers and has been remarkably well preserved.
Stroll Along the Harbour
The promenade that lines the harbour is a wonderful place to take in the scenery and stop off for a drink at one of the cafes with panoramic sea views. The harbour is small but beguiling with luxury yachts at anchor and fishing boats bobbing in and out to sea, while some fishermen fish from the shore. There are lots of places to sit along the promenade if your legs get weary or you just want to soak up the ambience in a moment of reflection. A medieval castle/fortress is situated at the edge of the harbour, which is small enough for a quick visit and offers even better views from its second floor.
Discover a Golfer’s Paradise
Paphos attracts golfers on yacht charters since there are several excellent golf courses in the region. Elea golf course was designed by Sir Nick Faldo and is part of a luxury development just 2km from Paphos. The 18-hole Aphrodite Hills course also has the expert touch since it was designed by American golf architect Cabell B. Robinson. Itās laid out over two plateaus, making it one of the most challenging courses in the Mediterranean. Minthis Hills is arguably the most popular golf course because it is set in the grounds of a 12th-century monastery and at 550m above sea level offers incredible views and a superb clubhouse.
Enjoy Spectacular Beaches
Thereās no shortage of pristine golden beaches in Paphos and most have been awarded Blue Flag status. If you want to avoid the busiest beaches in the town, head a few kilometres north of Paphos to the small sandy beach at Agios Georgios in a beautiful setting below steep cliffs. It is sheltered by a large enclosed harbour, which has a path and beach coves to explore a little further north as well as the rocky islet of Geronisos offshore.
Pissouri Beach is one of the best beaches with clear calm waters and plenty of atmospheric tavernas with traditional Cypriot food nearby. It is located between Paphos and Limassol, close to Cape Aspro and Aphroditeās Rock and is a great place to do watersports and scuba diving. Petra Tou Romiou (Aphroditeās Rock) has been regarded since ancient times as the birthplace of Aphrodite and the pebble beach which faces it is a big attraction for that reason.
Eat in High-Quality Restaurants
Paphos is packed with restaurants serving delicious cuisine from local specialities to international fare. Porto Bello has a long list of regulars who keep returning for the well-prepared pasta dishes and extensive wine list. With traditional decor, itās a truly authentic Italian experience in the heart of Cyprus. The Sienna Restaurant is located between Paphos and Coral Bay, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and serves both Cypriot and international cuisine. The Master Chef was trained at the restaurant in Harrods department store in London, which guarantees world-class quality. This restaurant is great for families and there is a childrenās play area located in their private garden. The finest seasonal dishes in Paphos can be found at Laona Restaurant, an establishment that is hidden away in a side street. However, its discreet location doesnāt mean it hasnāt been discovered by both locals and visitors who enjoy the home-cooked Cypriot dishes and attentive service.
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Tami
May 3, 2017 at 4:17 pmPaphos must be wonderful! History and beautiful scenery, and that stunning water — wow! I’ve only visited Athens and Santorini, but I loved Greece, and I’m sure I’d love Paphos too. It’s funny, but I guess I’d never thought of Greece having golf resorts, too, but why not?
Carmen Edelson
May 5, 2017 at 9:26 amI know – it’s surprising to a lot of people! Paphos just has so much to offer.
ETA Australia
May 3, 2017 at 8:28 pmAncient ruin tombs, fortresses, villas, archaeological park and even the beaches are fascinating. I guess, everything in Paphos is spectacular.
Carmen Edelson
May 5, 2017 at 9:26 amYou’re right about that!! š
Evelyne CulturEatz
May 4, 2017 at 11:24 amYep, it has just about everyhting I want: ruins, gorgeous views, great food, beaches. i’ll skip on the golf lol. Looks like a great place to go.
Carmen Edelson
May 5, 2017 at 9:26 amHa, golf isn’t for everyone! But there’s plenty there to keep you entertained š
Francesca
May 5, 2017 at 10:35 amI’d be most interested in the Roman ruins and the high-quality food! Paphos looks like a heavenly place!
Carmen Edelson
May 8, 2017 at 2:12 pmYou would absolutely love it, Francesca!
Rhonda Albom
May 5, 2017 at 11:23 pmPaphos sounds like it has something for everybody. I like the idea of a walk along the harbour, perhaps a coffee or wine at one of the cafes. A visit to the castle on the harbour’s edge sounds interesting
Carmen Edelson
May 8, 2017 at 2:13 pmSounds like a great itinerary to me!
Erin Klema | The Epicurean Traveler
May 6, 2017 at 2:59 pmPaphos looks like a gorgeous destination. I especially like the ancient history and lore as the birthplace of Aphrodite. Plus, the pasta and wine at Porto Bello is right up my alley. Anywhere with scenic vistas and fantastic food is a place I want to visit, and Paphos seems like it fits that bill perfectly.
Carmen Edelson
May 8, 2017 at 2:13 pmMe too – scenic vistas and fantastic food is almost all I need from a destination š
Megan Indoe
May 6, 2017 at 10:31 pmI would absolutely love to travel Europe by yacht and this is the perfect spot. I actually hadn’t heard of Paphos until this post and now I want to go! I want to be at that gorgeous beach right now!
Carmen Edelson
May 8, 2017 at 2:14 pmYes, that beach is just calling my name!
Ben
May 7, 2017 at 1:00 amOh wow that beach looks pretty amazing. Will make sure to put Paphos on my bucket list.
Carmen Edelson
May 8, 2017 at 2:15 pmGlad to hear it, Ben! Great decision š
Marcus and Mel
May 7, 2017 at 5:28 amWe went to Paphos a couple of years ago and loved it. As well as the beaches, the history is really interesting with the Tomb of the Kings and the Roman mosaics.
Carmen Edelson
May 8, 2017 at 2:19 pmI’m so happy to hear you had a great time in Paphos!
Christina Pfeiffer
May 7, 2017 at 6:54 amThe birthplace of the Greek Goddess of love would surely be the perfect place to spend Valentine’s Day or to propose! I can see why it’s the European Capital of Culture for 2017. It looks like a beautiful place.
Carmen Edelson
May 8, 2017 at 2:19 pmOh, absolutely! It’s definitely a romantic place š
Divsi
May 7, 2017 at 12:37 pmWow. It’s got it all. High end Mediterranean cuisne, luxurious yachts, architecture, towns seeped in history and scenic beaches. Greece has been on the list, and you have tempted me to include Paphos on the itinerary too:)
Carmen Edelson
May 8, 2017 at 2:19 pmGlad to hear it! Paphos really does have it all š
melody pittman
May 7, 2017 at 5:27 pmI had never heard of Paphos until this article. So it is in Cyrpus? I always see that destination on cruise itineraries but was not familiar with it either. Those beaches and the sea views period are worth the trip! Is it a UNESCO site? The historic ruins look fabulous for touring.
Carmen Edelson
May 8, 2017 at 2:20 pmYes, it’s in Cyprus and a UNESCO site! Now you know for next time š
Nathan
May 8, 2017 at 3:55 amThis seems like a dream trip! I’ve never been to Greece but I really want to go. The food looks amazing and the water looks perfect- like something out of a magazine.
Carmen Edelson
May 8, 2017 at 2:20 pmIt’s so unreal, Nathan!
Jen Joslin
May 8, 2017 at 11:39 amI am so happy to learn about Pathos! It’s fascinating that they are still excavating and finding treasures in the ancient town. I would love to explore the city, laze on a beach and end the night at Sienna restaurant. That food looks amazing!
Carmen Edelson
May 8, 2017 at 2:22 pmThe food is certainly amazing, as is the whole place!
Penny Sadler
May 8, 2017 at 10:31 pmYou had me at birthplace of Aphrodite. Perhaps I can go get my goddess on there. Looks lovely!
Carmen Edelson
May 10, 2017 at 8:05 amHa, you can definitely get your goddess on. Great phrase š
Jared
July 16, 2019 at 12:18 amPaphos looks absolutely amazing. Greece is on my bucket list and I am defiantly going to go to Paphos. The Cuisine and beaches along look awesome.
Carmen Edelson
July 17, 2019 at 1:11 pmGreece is such a beautiful country to explore!