The best entertainment in Paphos. Where to go in Paphos and what to see? What to visit in Paphos Cyprus
On the shore Mediterranean Sea, where Aphrodite once emerged from the foaming waves onto land, Paphos lies - Small town With great history. Here, under the hot Cypriot sun, ancient monuments and modern buildings merged together.
Thousands of tourists come every year to this paradise to find something of their own. Those who dream of the sea will be enchanted by the bays and those hiding between the rocks well-maintained beaches, and those who want to touch the shrines of antiquity will be pleased with the numerous attractions of Paphos, which are worth seeing for every guest of the legendary island.
Archaeological Park
If you are looking for traces of ancient civilizations, be sure to visit the museum below open air next to the harbor in Kato Paphos. Here the ruins of ancient Roman villas coexist with the remains of Greek temples and fortifications of Byzantium and Ottoman Empire. The archaeological complex includes buildings from centuries gone by - from the 2nd century to the early Middle Ages.
Opening hours: daily from 16.09. to 15.04 - from 08:30 to 17:00, from 16.04. until 15.09. - from 08:30 to 19:30. Ticket price is 4.50 euros.
As you walk among the ruins of the park, pay attention to the well-preserved mosaic masonry. During times Ancient Rome The houses of wealthy citizens were decorated with unusual paintings created from thousands of tiny stone tiles, glass and pebbles of various colors. And today, dilapidated buildings of antiquity preserve magnificent floor mosaics. The most famous of them tells about the feat of Theseus, who defeated the Minotaur, the monstrous son of King Minos, in a mortal battle.
Advice for travelers: when going to the archaeological park on your own, prepare for a long walk. Seeing all the sights will take 2-3 hours. Don't forget hats, sunscreen and a couple of bottles of water.
Villas
The most valuable part of the complex's historical treasures are four dilapidated villas built in the 2nd-5th centuries. The most impressive discovery of archaeologists was the House of Dionysus. Tourists can see a 2nd century dwelling with walls destroyed by an earthquake. According to scientists, the building consisted of 40 rooms surrounding an internal atrium. The well-preserved floors are decorated with 15 mosaics covering an area of 556 m2.
In 1966, the 3rd century House of Theseus, containing 100 halls, was discovered. They are located around a courtyard and form four wings. The floor mosaics are highly artistic paintings reproducing scenes with the participation of mythological heroes. The ruins that remain of the last building - the House of Orpheus - are famous for their mosaic images of Orpheus and animals. The best preserved villa is Eon's home - here you can see the remains of the walls. Archaeological work is currently underway in the building.
Odeon Amphitheater
This park object, found in 1973, is a typical Hellenic theater, built in the 2nd century and reaching its contemporaries in almost its original form. The grandiose horseshoe-shaped structure, carved into a monolithic rock, consists of a stage with a diameter of 11 m and 12 rows of spectators (previously there were 25). Today, the architectural monument is a venue for festivals and cultural events.
Saranda Colones
The ruined bastion, also known as the Castle of Forty Columns, was built by the Byzantines in the 7th century to protect the harbor from Arab sea raids. Defensive structure consisted of two fortress walls, one of which was equipped with a gate and a drawbridge, the other surrounded the castle itself. Inside the fort there were stables, barracks, baths, a chapel, a mill, a swimming pool and outbuildings. Only broken walls, arches and towers have survived to this day.
Royal Tombs
Part of the archaeological park is also a necropolis, the history of which dates back to 300 BC. e. The tombs are located two kilometers from Kato Paphos. The name of this famous attraction has nothing to do with royalty - in underground rooms decorated with stucco and frescoes, representatives of the elite of the ancient city rest.
On the territory of the complex there are tombs carved into the rock of impressive size. The height of the ceilings, supported by Doric columns, reaches 5 meters. Here, in the realm of tranquility and frozen eternity, you can wander for hours, looking at the wall ornaments, graceful benches, curved niches and secret passages. The memory in the form of numerous images of crosses was left by the early Christians, who used the catacombs as a shelter from persecution.
It is convenient to get to the Royal Tombs by bus route 615, stop Tombs of the Kings Ave. Entrance to the necropolis costs 2.50 euros.
Paphos Castle
At the end of the embankment, where Apostle Paul Avenue meets the sidewalk, is one of the most popular attractions of Paphos - the medieval port fortress.
In the 7th century, the Byzantines, who lived on Cypriot lands at that time, erected a watchtower on the seashore, which was destroyed in 1222 by an earthquake. In 1391, a new fort appeared, but a sad fate awaited it - during the war with the Turks, it turned into ruins. The rectangular stone structure that appears to the eyes of contemporaries was built in the 16th century by the Ottomans.
Today, a museum exhibition is opened in the ancient castle. The basement contains former prison cells. Fans of breathtaking views and spectacular panoramic photos can climb the stone stairs to the battle platform located on the roof. A visit to the fort will cost you 1.71 euros. Address: Kato Paphos Harbour, Coastal Broadwalk.
Aphrodite's Stone
Cyprus is often called the beautiful island “where the gods go on vacation.” This is confirmed by the picturesque bay, located 25 km from Paphos next to the B6 highway leading from Limassol. According to legend, it was here that the foam-born maiden Aphrodite emerged from the depths of the sea. The most beautiful place on the coast is called Petra tou Romiou. Translated from Greek this means " Romiu Stone" The second name is Aphrodite's Stone. The legendary boulder rises above emerald water close to the beach.
The romantic bay has prepared free souvenirs for its guests - sea pebbles in the shape of a heart, bringing good luck in matters of the heart. And for those who are not afraid to swim naked on a moonlit night, the goddess of love guarantees eternal beauty and youth.
Catacombs of Saint Solomonia
The underground structures, dug in the 4th century, received their name in honor of the Great Martyr Solomonia in 166 BC. e. who fled with her sons from Palestine. The persecuted family took refuge in the rocks, but were soon discovered by their pursuers. The children suffered martyrdom, and their mother died from the grief that struck her.
In the 12th century, a church was built under the arches of the grotto. The walls of the underground rooms still contain icons, frescoes and crosses carved on stones. The main attraction of the caves is the holy spring, the healing water of which was used by the first Christian settlers. At the entrance to the catacombs there is a pistachio tree. Its branches are hidden under numerous rags. They say that a person who leaves a personal item on the crown gets rid of all diseases.
Address: Apostolou Pavlou Ave. The catacombs are not exposed to sunlight, so when going on an excursion, don’t forget a flashlight.
Monastery of Saint Neophytos
One of the oldest temples in Cyprus, whose history dates back to the 12th century, is the monastery of the hermit Neophytos. At the age of 18, the young man became a novice of the Church of St. John Chrysostom, and at the age of 25 he realized his true destiny - serving God in complete solitude. In 1159, the hermit settled in the mountains, cutting out the premises of the future temple with his own hands in the rock.
Soon the monk’s followers began to settle around the schema-monk’s cell. In 1170, the Church of Neophytos became the basis of the monastery. Today, thousands of tourists and pilgrims come to this blessed place, imbued with spiritual strength and peace, dreaming of venerating the relics of the saint in the hope of healing.
The monastery is located in a beautiful location at an altitude of 412 m above sea level. Entrance to the monastery is free. Address: Agios Neofytos Ave, Tala.
Bath of Aphrodite
48 km from Paphos, near the picturesque village of Latchi, a small village surrounded by limestone cliffs hides among the trees. According to legend, on its shore the goddess Aphrodite first saw the beautiful hunter Adonis. The meeting became the beginning of an all-consuming love, and the water of the cool spring in which the lovers performed their ablutions acquired a miraculous rejuvenating effect.
Today it will not be possible to test this extraordinary property - swimming in the pond is strictly prohibited. However, hundreds of tourists come to this amazingly beautiful place to moisten their faces and hands with healing liquid and admire the pristine nature of the protected areas of the Akamas Peninsula.
Tip: if you want to do beautiful photos romantic bath, come here in the first half of the day - after 13:00 the thick shadow from the plants will interfere with successful photographs.
Bird Park
A family holiday would not be complete without a visit to the zoo, located 15 km from Paphos. Representatives of the world's fauna harmoniously coexist on a well-groomed territory with an area of 100 thousand m2. In addition to numerous birds, reptiles and mammals live here: turtles, crocodiles, giraffes, monkeys, tigers, kangaroos and white lions.
They live in spacious enclosures pink flamingos, exotic hornbills, ostriches, eagles, toucans, pheasants, ibises and many other winged birds. Tame peacocks stroll leisurely along the well-groomed paths, happily allowing themselves to be petted. Three times a day, the amphitheater hosts an owl and parrot show. Trained birds demonstrate not only their beauty, but also amazing talents: they ride miniature cars, dance, play ball and overcome an obstacle course.
Address: Agiou Georgiou, Peyia. The park welcomes guests daily from 09:00 to 17:00 (01.10.-31.03.) and from 09:00 to 20:00 (01.04.-30.09.). Ticket price: 16.50 euros.
Botanical Garden
Another green oasis worth seeing in Paphos is Eleouthkia Park, located 11 km from the city near Anarita Airport. It's not only Botanical Garden, which has a collection of 50,000 plants. Natural area with an area of 20 thousand m2, it is divided into 13 sectors representing the climatic zones of the planet.
In addition, guests are offered a recreated Cypriot settlement from two centuries ago. Everything here is real: artisans dressed in traditional costumes make wicker baskets, and potters fire ceramic pots. For those who want to taste Mediterranean cuisine and join the company of national dance performers, Eleouthkia has a tavern.
The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00. Tourist information: Try to plan the excursion on the weekend - on these days the ticket price for adults is 5 euros, and children go free.
The Odeon is one of the main attractions of the city of Paphos, which is an ancient Roman theater located near the Villa of Dionysus. It was built in the 2nd century from well-hewn limestone blocks. The total capacity of the Odeon is approximately 1,200 seats. It was discovered in 1973 by scientists from the Cyprus Department of Antiquities. After the excavations were carried out, the Odeon was partially restored, and now it is a semicircle consisting of 12 rows of seats.
Nowadays, this place is not only a historical landmark, but also takes an active part in cultural life city, providing its arena for theatrical and musical productions, as well as an annual choir festival. Next to the Odeon are the remains of the Roman Agora, which in ancient times served as market square. Also nearby are the ruins of city buildings and walls, which at one time were dedicated to Asklipios, the ancient god of medicine. Next to the Odeon and the rocky mound that was once the city's necropolis, stands the Modern Lighthouse.
Paphos Airport
Paphos Airport is one of the largest international airports in the state of Cyprus, located in the western part of Cyprus, 15 km from the city center. It has a developed infrastructure: on its territory there are shops, cafes, a restaurant and bar, ATMs, and car rental companies. A free mother and child room is also available at the airport, there are emergency rooms medical care. Charter flights operate mainly through Paphos Airport.
There are two regular buses from Paphos airport - No. 612, to Coral Bay, Chloraka area, harbor, Geroskipou village (from 8.30 to 22.00, once an hour) and No. 613, to the city market, the center of Ktima, Timi area (2 times a day ).
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Bath of Aphrodite
Aphrodite's Bath is a secluded grotto, the bottom of which, due to natural springs and springs, is filled with water approximately knee-deep. Here, surrounded by fragrant flowers and songbirds, the goddess of love Aphrodite preferred to take a bath and here she met Adonis, whose heart could not resist the beautiful sight of the goddess. By the way, they all met at the same source.
The water in the bath is always cold, but, according to legend, it has a wonderful property, giving eternal youth and beauty. However, unfortunately, it will not be possible to check this - swimming is prohibited here.
Instead, you can explore the protected areas surrounding the bathhouse. Two tourist routes start here walking routes and from here there are gorgeous views of the sea, going down to which you can feel all the charm of bathing in crystal clear water.
Aphrodite Bay is one of the most romantic and beautiful places Europe, located on the island of Cyprus. According to legend, it was here that the ancient Greek goddess of love Aphrodite emerged from the sea foam. When it gets dark, the cliffs washed by the gentle sea are painted in whimsical colors by the sunset, and pink oleanders and green bushes further emphasize the eternal beauty of this amazing paradise.
It seems to tourists that time has no power over this corner of nature, and that the beautiful landscape here has remained unchanged since ancient times. In the bay there is a rock overhanging the water, at the base of which there is a small grotto. It was there, according to myth, that the goddess of love took baths from spring water in preparation for dates. On the way here, you will notice a lot of different beads and ribbons left by tourists on the branches of roadside trees, so that you can come back here at least once again.
Not far from the grotto there is a beach where you will not find any infrastructure; it is a wild place, left in its original form. Be sure to visit it, because those who swim in this bay will receive a wonderful gift from Aphrodite - youth and beauty that will remain forever.
Church of St. George
The beautiful white stone Church of St. George was founded in Paphos in 1939. Since the temple does not have its own priest, a clergyman from Larnaca comes here every two weeks. In 1951, a Sunday school was opened on the basis of the church, which is still functioning, but requires major repairs. Next to the temple there is a small museum, the collection of which contains ancient vestments, icons and various church utensils. Every time you visit this magnificent monastery, looking at its ancient iconographic images, you discover something new for your soul.
Inside the temple you can see beautiful wall paintings from the 15th century. Also here are kept the relics of the great Saint Apostle Philip, which are a source of grace for thousands of pilgrims. All Russian-speaking parishioners living in the city of Paphos sincerely thank Metropolitan George for granting them the right to conduct monthly services in Russian in the church of the Monastery of St. Lazarus and St. George.
Catacombs of Saint Solomonia
The Catacombs of Saint Solomonia is one of the main Christian shrines in Cyprus. Under the Byzantines, there was the Church of Saint Solomonia - a saint who in the 2nd century BC was killed along with her sons because of her refusal to eat pork (forbidden by the Jewish faith).
The ashes of the great martyr are buried in an underground grotto, the entrance to which is guarded by an ancient pistachio tree (this tree also fulfills wishes made near it). Due to the nature of its activity, the tree has to endure the clothes, ribbons and scarves of those who believe that a rag tied on a branch will get rid of all diseases.
In the catacombs there is another miracle - a spring with the purest and very clear water, which, according to legend, helps to cure eye diseases. Of course, due to the constant visits of tourists, the water in it is not so clear, but healing properties, as they say, this is not reflected.
Avagas Gorge
Avagas Gorge is a gallery of luxurious rocks, thickets of tall bushes sprinkled with pink flowers, coquettishly reflected in a flowing stream, and a lot of other visual impressions. The gorge, located on the Laona plateau, was formed as a result of an earthquake, because the landscape here is amazing and will captivate both lovers hiking, and connoisseurs mysterious places.
One of the most mysterious places in the gorge is a cave discovered in 2003 by local shepherds. To get inside, you need to go through one of the passages, then crawl along a narrow (30 centimeters in diameter) hole, after which you need to overcome a zigzag tunnel, and only then a plateau dotted with huge stalactites, stalagmites and bats. In addition, a copper arrowhead and ancient pottery were discovered in the cave. Who, when and why brought these objects into the cave? Scientists are looking for an answer. So far to no avail.
However, unfortunately or fortunately, both entrances to the cave are constantly closed. As a precaution.
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Lara Beach
The deserted and spacious Lara Beach on the protected Akamas Peninsula is often called Turtle Beach. The sandy strip bordering the picturesque bays is a place for laying eggs of turtles, including rare species green and hawksbill turtles. Scientists at the local special station observe unique animals and at the same time protect them from the possible annoying attention of tourists. During the laying season, the beach is dotted with special frames that protect future turtle offspring from accidental trampling. To complete the experience, you can temporarily become a volunteer at a local nature reserve to communicate directly with the animals.
Otherwise, Lara Beach fully corresponds to the definition of “wild”. There is no tourism infrastructure, it is prohibited to place sun umbrellas and sun loungers. Here there is only a long strip of sand practically devoid of vegetation, the wavering clear sea, the southern sky and the natural beauty of nature. It is very beautiful and very calm here. Sometimes you don't need anything else other than this.
The most popular attractions in Paphos with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Pathos on our website.
Cyprus, like a magnet, attracts to its shores great amount travelers. The beauty of the island will captivate the hearts of visitors, forcing them to return here again and again. Each resort boasts its own uniqueness and originality. The city of Paphos deserves special attention, where a large number of unique attractions are concentrated. Let's take a closer look at the places that are definitely worth visiting during your stay in this wonderful city.
1. Kato Archaeological Park
This place preserves the history of time immemorial, so every admirer of antiquity will be able to please their soul with a stay in the park. I’ll say right away that you need to set aside at least a day for the excursion in order to examine the monuments without haste and enjoy the spirit of antiquity. Near the ticket office there is a tourist center where you can get all the information you need. After purchasing tickets and brochures, you can safely go to get acquainted with Nea Paphos.
- House of Dionysus
When you are inside this building, you can only imagine how pompous and luxurious it was during its operation. The house was built around the second century BC and destroyed during an earthquake in the fourth century AD. The building was discovered by chance during renovation work. It was assumed that this house once belonged to the Roman consul, but later his real estate was revealed. Scientists concluded that this kind of pomp was in fashion among the rich inhabitants of the island. There are forty rooms for various purposes. Each room is decorated with amazing mosaics, many of which represent the god of wine, Dionysus. That is why this house has such a name. The mosaics fascinate with their plausibility, the scenes tell about various myths. It is very interesting to see the works on the walls and floors, realizing that many centuries ago some person spent just as long looking at Narcissus admiring his reflection in the water.
- House of Theseus
The building is the largest representative of the Roman period in all of Cyprus. The house has one hundred rooms that surprise with their grandeur. Its name was chosen similarly. A mosaic with a scene depicting the moment of the defeat of the Minotaur by Theseus is located on the floor in one of the rooms. You can also see thermal baths here - ancient baths. In the main hall there is a mosaic depicting the birth of Achilles.
- House of Orpheus
The dwelling was built according to the type of the house of Dionysus, but has survived to this day worse. There are only three rooms left in which you can view ancient mosaics. One of them depicts the hero of many ancient Greek myths, Hercules, who fights the Nemean lion. The next mosaic depicts an Amazon holding the reins of a horse. The third mosaic gives the house its name and depicts Orpheus playing his lyre surrounded by forest animals.
- House of Eon
The architectural composition is completed by the dwelling of Eon. This building is the smallest among all, but the mosaics are not inferior in beauty to those listed above. Various scenes of ancient mythology are depicted here, and the authors masterfully managed to convey facial expressions and their volume.
2. Odeon
The ancient amphitheater, which was built in the second century BC, is located on the territory of the Kato Museum. The structure has been well preserved to this day and is located near the house of Dionysus. Of course, the earthquake slightly destroyed part of the building, but much of it was restored. In the summer, various festivals and performances are held here. If you climb the steps, you can find yourself at the top of the hill, which is decorated with a lighthouse. There are magnificent landscapes here, so I advise you to take your camera with you.
3. Tombs of the Kings
The necropolis is located in the west of Paphos. A visit to this place evokes mixed feelings - you experience both delight and horror at the same time. Majestic tombs in which noble people were buried were carved right into the rock. It is clear that everything has long been looted, but the looters were unable to take away the atmosphere of greatness. Looking at the architecture, the thought of the well-being and sophisticated life of the ancestors of the islanders easily arises. I advise people who are interested in such things to visit the tombs. For those who do not see much sense in this, there will clearly be nothing to do here. Therefore, it is better to spend time on more interesting entertainment.
4. Temple of Aphrodite
Much on the island is connected with the name of this ancient Greek goddess. What can we say about Paphos, which is considered the birthplace of Aphrodite. It was not far from the city that she was born from the foam of the sea, becoming the patroness of all lovers. In ancient times, this goddess was highly revered and treated with great respect. Proof of this is the large number of attractions on the island, one of which is the Temple of Aphrodite. In those distant times of worship of the gods, people built truly monumental structures in order to appease them and earn blessings. One can only imagine what beautiful building was on the site of the current ruins. In the temple, the symbol of the goddess was a conical stone that stood in the central part of the sanctuary. Aphrodite herself was not depicted, as they were afraid of her anger if the sculpture was not beautiful enough.
5. Monastery of Saint Neophytos
The monastery is located in the mountains ten kilometers from Paphos. Every Cypriot knows the history of its origin. Saint Neophytos was born and raised in Cyprus, in a family of believers. He had a large family, so his parents did not have the opportunity to teach their children to read and write. When Neophytos turned seventeen, he was betrothed to a girl, but six months later he decided to go to the monastery of St. Ioannis Chrysostomas. His parents were against this decision, but the young man managed to convince them of the correctness of his decision. He took monastic vows and began helping in the monastery, while learning to read and write. Science was easy for him, and after a few years he began reading psalms in church. Neophyte managed to visit the Holy Land, where he stayed for about six months. When he returned, he climbed the mountains and with his own hands built a cell for himself, in which he prayed tirelessly. Gradually he began to build a church around the cell, and for 11 years he was a recluse. His fame spread throughout the island, and followers appeared. A monastery was erected near the church, in which the relics of St. Neophytos are kept.
Today about the outskirts of Paphos, where we lived. Cyprus is a fairly small island, so if you have a car you can make radial trips from anywhere day trips anywhere in the country. The distance from Paphos even to Ayia Napa, which is located in the south-eastern corner of the island, is only a little more than 200 kilometers.
Today I will write about interesting places closest to Paphos.
Coral Bay
10 kilometers north of Paphos is the resort village of Coral Bay. It began to be developed in the early 80s. Several large development companies have begun to build hotels and other tourist infrastructure here. It turned out to be quite a separate resort village with a central street, shops, restaurants, nightclubs, etc. This place is famous sandy beaches. The village has two bays with beaches, around which there are hotels in a semicircle.
We went here to the beach several times. They are paid and well-equipped here, and most importantly they are sandy; in Paphos there are tensions with sandy beaches.
Along the coast north of Coral Bay there are many villas, large private houses with large grounds, usually with swimming pools.
And there are banana plantations around.
Despite the fact that bananas grow in Cyprus, in addition to small, tasty local bananas, stores sell giant bananas from Ecuador - exactly the same as in our stores.
Agios Georgios
Further west of Korl Bay is another resort town- Agios Georgios. The settlements themselves are practically continuous, with villas standing here and there.
Agios Georgios is the last village before the protected Akamas peninsula. This is where asphalt and civilization end.
In the middle of the village stands the Church of St. George.
A picturesque place with views of the islands and coastline.
Directly below the church there is a small marina and beach.
The beach is behind the breakwater, so it's a good place for bathing small children.
If you drive further along the coast, then after 500 meters the asphalt ends. The road descends into the river valley, which, like most Cypriot rivers, dries up in the summer. There is a small tourist tavern here, and at the mouth of the river there is a very nice beach; when we were there it was almost empty.
The monumental price tag announces the prices for sun loungers and umbrellas. But we stayed here for 3 hours, and during this time the payment collector never showed up.
Southern coast of the Akamas Peninsula
The Akamas Peninsula is the largest of the least developed protected areas in southern Cyprus. It is located at the northwestern end of the island. There are not many roads leading here and these roads do not have asphalt. And there is no human habitation here at all. Akamas - national park, and the Cypriots are not deliberately developing this territory - they are trying to preserve a piece of the island as it was before.
Along the southern coast of the peninsula there is a fairly broken dirt road.
But at the same time, quite a lot of cars with curious tourists drive around it.
Small, very poor roads go deeper into the peninsula. Along one of them you can get to the gorge and Avakas caves, which are located in the valley of the river of the same name. We didn’t go there, it’s difficult to walk there with a baby, this is what it looks like: http://uralpanda.livejournal.com/469429.html.
In theory, the most interesting object on this road is Lara beach. This is the place where sea turtles lay their eggs. There are only one or two such reserves left in the Mediterranean, and they are few and far between. Finding Lara Beach is quite difficult; there is no sign for it. Just 7 kilometers after the asphalt runs out, you need to check all the forks towards the sea. We planned to sunbathe and swim there, but then it turned out that you can’t use umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach, and you can’t put up tents. God bless them with sunbeds and tents, but for me and a small child it was impossible without an umbrella. But just then clouds rolled in and partially solved our problem.
There were very few people on the beach. Among others, a bronze-bodied nudist sat proudly in the corner of the beach, sticking an umbrella in the sand despite the ban.
There really were turtle clutches here. These places are fenced off with ropes. In the photo below you can see such a fence.
You can't be on the beach after sunset. In Paphos, I read in the tourist brochure that sometimes night excursions are organized to Lara Beach to look at the turtles. But now I haven’t come across any links to such events on the Internet.
Guidebooks write that the Akamas Peninsula is a wild place, where you shouldn’t go in simple cars, but it’s better to go with a tour. This is bullshit. By taking reasonable precautions such as not driving too fast on a rocky road or jumping off a cliff into the sea, nothing bad will happen to you.
Monastery of Agios Neophytos
North of Paphos is one of the main Orthodox shrines Cyprus - monastery of St. Neophytos. Neophytos lived in the 12th century and became famous as the author of numerous literary religious works, as well as historical chronicles. At the age of 25, he settled north of Paphos, carved three caves into the rock with his own hands and began to live as a hermit. Over time, a monastery was formed here.
The monastery is picturesquely located at the foot of the mountain. There is a lot of greenery inside.
There is a monastery in Cyprus (not far from Larnaca), which is popularly called the “cat monastery”; a huge number of cats live there. In Agios Neophytos, cats also feel good.
Empa
Empa is a nearby suburb of Paphos, located 6 kilometers north of the city. Not a particularly remarkable settlement, but it contains a famous and very beautiful church Panagia Chryseleous (Panaia Chryseleous). We got to the church by chance, wandering around looking for the turn to the Agios Neophytos monastery
Like all churches in Cyprus, it was built in a characteristic Byzantine style. But this is the original Byzantine style, and not a remake - the church was built in the 12th century. on the ruins of an early Christian basilica.
Baths of Adonis
The Baths of Adonis are one of the most popular attractions of local tourist offices. A small waterfall and lake in the vicinity of Paphos received the proud name “Adonis Bath”, and now crowds of tourists are transported here by bus.
If you remove tourists, or try to get here at some inopportune time, then the place is actually very nice; by the way, they ask for 9 euros for entry :)))
Adonis's bath looks like a tiny mountain lake, surrounded by greenery and flowers. The bottom of the lake is calcareous, so the water near the shores is a good green color. The water here, which is very pleasant after the sea, is fresh and icy, this was very important after long road in the heat.
On the road from the highway from Paphos to Coral Bay to the baths there is a reservoir.
Peyia - Kafikas - Druseia
From Paphos to Polis you can take different roads. One of them, the shorter one, goes straight north from Paphos, and the other turns inland from Coral Bay. Here on the hill is the large village of Peyia.
That's all about the surroundings of Paphos. Stay tuned! Three more posts are planned about the trip to Cyprus.