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Nature and Museums

Akamas

The Akamas peninsula situated to the north west of Paphos is a unique area with outstanding varied vegetation, wildlife, landscapes and coasts. The number of plant species found here are up to 600, 35 of which are endermic, there are also 168 species of bird, 20 reptiles and butterfly species and 12 mammals.

Akamas also has a rich historical and cultural heritage, according to Greek mythology the area took its name from heroic Akamas, son of Theseus, this is also where Aphrodite and Adonis had their love trysts. The unspoilt countryside, variety of landscape and vegetation make Akamas a real joy for walkers and naturalists.

Adonis Baths

Adonis baths, at a two level waterfall, is a beautiful little paradise which is well worth visiting. This is where Adonis the lover of Aphrodite used to bathe, according to Greek mythology. Here you will have the opportunity of swimming and swing from a rope into the refreshing mountain waters.

Aphrodite's Rock
(Petra tou Romiou)

On the south coast of the island, on one of the most beautiful beaches, lies "Petra tou Romiou" as it's known in Cyprus, the location where Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love, was said to have emerged from the sea. Aphrodite's Rock is a massive chunk of stone that marks the spot, her birthplace was a place of pilgrimage for the entire Hellenic world.

Paphos Castle

Paphos Castle was originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect its famous picturesque harbour, in the 13th century it was rebuilt by the Lusignans and then dismantled by the Venetians in 1570, who were unable to defend it against the Ottomans, who then restored and strengthened it after capturing the island. Since 1935 it has been declared an ancient monument and is now considered as one of the hallmarks of the Paphos region. Just in front of the Castle, on the square, many cultural events take place, and during September each year the Paphos Aphrodite Festival takes place, which presents a different opera each year by famous artists who use the building as scenery.

Saranta Kolones

This destroyed castle is located near the harbour. Its name "Saranta Kolones" means 40 columns, because 40 columns from the nearby were used to build the castle. Saranta Kolones was built by the Lusignans in 1192 but thirty years later the castle was destroyed by an earthquake.

Byzantine Museum

The Byzantine museum has a fascinating collection of objects, including captivating Byzantine icons from the Byzantine period from the 12th to the 18th century.

Paphos District Museum

At the Paphos District museum you will find and interesting and attractive collection of antiquities from the Paphos region dating back from the Neolithic Age to 700 Ad.

Ethnographical Museum

The ethnographical museum offers an interesting and sensational private collection of objects dating from the Neolithic age to the present day.

Tombs of the Kings

The Tombs of the Kings is spread over a vast area containing impressive underground tombs that date back to the 4th century BC. The Tombs are carved out of solid rock, some being decorated with Doric pillars. Although being tombs of high officials rather than Kings, it was named Tombs of the Kings for the magnificence of the tombs.

Paphos Mosaics

One of the most historic sites on the island are the Mosaics of Paphos, located near the harbour in Kato Paphos, they are considered among the finest mosaics in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mainly show scenes from Greek mythology, dating from the 2nd to the 5th century AD, they are still in excellent condition.

House of Dionysus
The House of Dionysus was a roman villa dating back to the 2nd century AD. The characteristics of this restored roman villa are the mosaic decorations and the mythological compositions mainly depicting scenes from Greek mythology. Its name "House of Dionysus" is due to the many representations of Dionysus, the god of wine. It was a private house with over 40 rooms, believed to have belonged to a member of the Roman class or a wealthy Paphos citizen.

The House of Theseus
The House of Theseus mosaics can be found close to the House of Dionysus and also date back to the 2nd century AD. Interesting geometrical decorations and mythological representations make it a worthy place to visit, especially for the "Theseus killing the Minotaur" mosaic and the "Achilles birth". The House of Orpheus The mosaics of the House of Orpheus date back to the 3rd century AD and are located to the west of the House of Theseus. There are three mythological representations worth seeing, the "Hercules and the Lion of Nemea", the "Amazon" and the "Orpheus and his lyre", where the mythical poet is featured playing his lyre surrounded by birds and animals.

Paphos Odeon

This small 2nd century Odeon was entirely built of well-hewn limestone blocks, with seats for about 1200 spectators it is now used for musical and theatrical performances. Nearby are the remains of the Roman Agora (an ancient marketplace), the remains of the ancient city walls and a building dedicated to the ancient god of medicine, Asklipeios.

Folk Art Museum

Situated in the traditional Yeroskipou village, the folk art museum can be found in a 19th century traditional house of historical and architectural importance. The house of Hadjismith, as it's also known in Cyprus, has been greatly enriched and the conservation of exhibits is a continuous task, the intention of the museum is to inform the visitors of the values of the recent past.

Paphos Aquarium

The aquarium is located in the heart of down town Paphos gives visitors the chance to admire the impressive array of colourful fish from oceans, seas and rivers around the world and provides an extraordinary undersea setting. The fish are divide into 72 spacious environmentally friendly tanks, which even includes a tank with crocodiles. The Paphos aquarium is a great outing for all the family, with an excellent restaurant that has a picturesque view and all the exquisite of fish on show, visitors are assured of a good time.