Paphos is one of the real jewels in the holiday crown. Beautiful, bustling, and bursting with culture and history, the old capital of Cyprus attracts almost three-quarters of a million visitors a year – 60% of those coming from the UK – and, more and more, these visitors are liking what they see so much that they become permanent residents of this friendly and inviting community.

Located on the south-western tip of the island, Paphos is served by its own airport nine miles east of the city (and some four hours away from UK airports) and has excellent transport links to the rest of the island. If your stay is a short one, there are many wonderful villas available to rent.

Inhabited since Neolithic times, Paphos is renowned for its historical and mythological significance. A focus for the cult of Aphrodite, legend supposes that the goddess was born on a rock out to sea (commemorated by Botticelli’s famous painting ‘The Birth of Venus’ – Aphrodite’s Latin name) and the spot is still associated with her youthful beauty: common folklore has it that if you swim naked around the rock twenty times as the sun sets, you will look twenty years younger.

The holiday boom didn't really start in Paphos until about 20 years ago when it got its own international airport.

Paphos (also known as Pafos) has ancient ruins, along with pubs, clubs and bars to suit all pockets.

The resort town of Paphos (Kato Paphos) has a charming fishing harbour as its focal point. There is a mediaeval castle and the harbour is lined with open-air cafes and tavernas. Paphos’ castle was originally constructed by the Byzantines to protect the harbour; destroyed in battle, it was rebuilt by the Lusignans and then again by the Ottomans following their capture of the island from maritime Venice. It is said that on the nights when the full moon coincides with the solstice one can still hear the cries of the thousands of slave labourers who toiled on its construction and reconstruction over the ages.

Centuries away in tone and flavour from such spooky monuments, Modern Paphos is one of Cyprus’ most vibrant and cosmopolitan areas, full of great bars, clubs and restaurants serving an assortment of mouth-watering delicacies, especially the locally-caught seafood which is served in such vast quantities, and the coffee for which Cyprus is renowned. The scenic harbour is full of cosy taverns and eateries in which to kick back and recover the energy expended during a hard day’s sightseeing.

Visitors, Kings and Conquerors have been passing through Paphos for thousands of years - and traces of the past make for some of the town's best tourist attractions. There is one of the world's finest collections of Roman mosaics - more tombs are still being uncovered every year. Entrance is only about £1.50 but be prepared for quite a walk if you want to see them all.

If you're going to skip the beach and hit the shops then you really should head inland to Paphos old town - known as Ktima. The old town of Paphos has a great selection of shops. Its narrow winding streets are much quieter than the hustle and bustle down by the coast, and if you press on through the usual array of souvenir stalls you'll find the town market which is just heaving with fantastic local produce. Make sure you get there early because it closes at 1pm.

Those looking for something to put on the mantelpiece as a memento might want to check out the Cyprus College of Art.

Paphos was Cyprus’ capital for nearly 800 years and ancient ruins abound throughout the area: the remnants of palaces and temples, tombs and forts give Paphos incalculable historic value and ensured its nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Fantastic Roman mosaics can be found at almost every corner, while the Tomb of Kings a short drive away from the town, where six centuries’ worth of Paphos’ aristocracy were buried, is beautiful, eerie and fascinating in equal measure.

Those of you preferring the relaxed lifestyle will be perfectly at home sunbathing on any of number of sandy beaches and coves. Gilded with sunlight, Paphos’ beaches are a real attraction for tourists and residents alike; the famous Coral Bay is renowned for its stunning sands and sparkling water, and it’s hard indeed to drag yourself up from such a picturesque and comfortable resting-place – even if it’s only to apply another layer of sun-screen!

Alternatively, for those with more active tastes, Paphos is an excellent location for water sports, tennis and golf. The two world-class courses of Tsada and Secret Valley offer good challenges and excellent after-round facilities, while further championship courses are currently in development. Meanwhile, some superb diving is to be had just offshore, with numerous dive agencies operating boat trips out to the sites of particular interest. Good horse-riding facilities are also available, with some beautiful treks around the beaches and inland ruins well worth investigating.

For property buyers Paphos is probably Cyprus’ hottest hotspot. The standard of homes in the area is exceptionally high, from apartments to luxury villas – you can spend almost as much time exploring the myriad of beautiful properties in Paphos as you can the more obvious attractions of the city. There really is something for everyone, in terms of budget, facilities and location – and the area’s vast tourist potential means that you’re all but guaranteed a high return on your investment should you choose to rent your home out while you’re not occupying it.

North along the coast road is Coral Bay. Here you will find a new and up-and-coming resort with a great selection of bars, shops, restaurants and tavernas. The best beaches are also located here.

Peyia is the nearest village to Coral bay. This beautiful village is a popular place to holiday, being central to the Paphos area.

The low-lying scenery around Paphos, much of it cultivated with banana plantations and backed by the foothills of the western Troodos range, has an attractive open feel to it. This is the gateway to the Akamas Peninsula. Here you will find a natural wilderness of incredible beauty. There are breathtaking gorges, spectacular coastlines and lovely nature trails.

Further north of Paphos lies the resort-town of Polis. The resort overlooks the beautiful Chrysochou Bay with its charming fishing village of Latsi.

Those of you who’ve visited Paphos in the past will know what’s on offer in this gorgeous and remarkable area. It’s simply too diverse to describe in a few hundred words – from the antique splendour of the ruins to the ultra-modern neon sheen on the bars and clubs, there are thousands of years of history imbued in every corner. Only by going there to see for yourself first-hand can you get a real grasp of what makes Paphos so special. Just prepare yourself for a long stay – you certainly won’t want to leave in a hurry! Paphos really does have something for everyone. For a wonderful holiday experience, make sure you visit Paphos soon.

Activities:

Golf:

There currently exist 3 main golf courses in Cyprus, both located in the Paphos district.Tsada Golf Course the first golf course to be built in Cyprus, is a 20km drive from Alkyon Villas. The course is situated in the surrounding hillside of the village of Tsada within the grounds of Byzantine monastery named "Stavros tis Mythis". The course has now become known for its excellent greens.

The Secret Valley Golf Course was the second course built on the island also within the grounds of an old monastery. It is a distance of 40km from Alkyon Villas near the birthplace of Aphrodite, the legendary Goddess of Beauty and Love.

Next to this course, one has the recent opening of the Aphrodite Hills club making Paphos the hub of golf in Cyprus.

Hiking:
The fertile mountainous landscape of the surrounding countryside and villages make the area a delight for the walker and naturalist. The Aphrodite Trail a trail from the Baths of Aphrodite takes you to Fontana Amorosa Walking along this trail, one can enjoy spectacular views of unspoilt nature, rare flora and fauna, rock formations, limestone outcroppings, cliffs and naturally eroded artistic rock formations emerging from the sea. Both the Aphrodite and the Adonis Trail branch out to form the baths of Aphrodite

Jeep Safaris:
On the Western side of the Akamas peninsula is the Avakas Gorge, popular as a day trip safari excursion from Paphos by 4WD. Several Companies organise jeep safaris that stop at Lara beach (where a green see turtle conservation is underway).

History and Archaeology:
The Polis region is a treasure pot of history offering visitors a lot to see by way of history and archaeology. According to legend, Athenian Akamas came to Cyprus after the Trojan war and founded the city of Akamandis, still to be discovered. The town has a museum with exquisite treasures of the region and archaeological sites that have baffled and amazed many an archaeologist. Visit the ancient city of Marion and see why. Roman mosaics in Kato Paphos, Tombs of the Kings: a fascinating ancient burial site. Byzantine castle in Paphos Harbour. The Byzantium has also left it mark in the region whose legacy is apparent in the centuries old churches the fill the landscape...and lots more history and archaeology - enjoy discovering the history of Paphos.

Turtle Conservatory:
This region of Cyprus is the only region in the world where the large green sea turtle lives which has very often been depicted in Greco-Roman mosaics. It is currently under study by scientists and is protected species. Visit their conservatory.

Discover villages:
Venture into the surrounding villages and sit in the local tavern for a meal and a drink with the locals. For an authentic meal, order meze dishes and try the zivania, but be warned, it is strong! Walk around and discover the real Cyprus.

Go-karting:
Try your racing skills at the local go-karting track.

Water-sports:
Try jet skiing, paragliding, banana-boating… whatever tickles your fancy.

Water Park: A great family day out in Kato Paphos

Scuba diving:
Discover the delights of the Mediterranean underwater world.

Boat cruises:
Take a boat trip out to visit the coastline of the area and even view underwater archaeological ruins.

Nightlife: Kato Paphos: Very Cosmopolitan. Lots of bars, restaurants, tavernas, nightclubs, discos, etc. Coral Bay: A laid-back families' and couples' resort with ample bars, restaurants and clubs.

Horse Riding: Try Georges Ranch in Paphos.

There are fascinating Reptile Parks, a new Bird Park, donkey sanctuaries....and lots more.

Last but not least… Beaches!:
Relax, relax, relax, relax…. Simply choose which beach you want to lie on, kick-back, bask in the warm Cyprus Sun and let the cares of the world drift away....Paphos awaits you.

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