If you feel romantic during your holiday to Paphos, don’t be surprised. This small town at the southwestern tip of Cyprus is famous for being the birthplace of the Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Once you spend time roaming the hills of the town, you’ll see firsthand how much there is about Paphos to love.

 

For a relaxing holiday, Paphos fits the bill. It is large enough that it offers plenty to see and do, but it’s not overwhelming at all. You can easily walk to and from the main points of interest. One of those will be the Paphos Archaeological Park, a must-stop attraction that has many highlights, including the House of Dionysos and the House of Theseus. The large Roman villas has examples of exquisite mosaic work. Also put The Tombs of the Kings on your list of things to see. It provides a glimpse into the after-life of the rich and famous of the fourth century, with beautiful tombs carved out of solid rock. Make a quick visit to Paphos Fort, built in 1586 by the Turks. It has served as both a fort and a prison over its turbulent history. Do book tickets at the Odeon, a class Greek amphitheatre that occasionally hosts plays and live musical performances. It’s chilling to imagine that centuries of audiences sat in the very same seats.

 

You’ll also want to spend time roaming through the shops and stalls. Leather goods and lace are excellent buys. And when you’re in the mood to eat, skip the typical western fair and the fast-food chain restaurants. Many of the large hotels have excellent restaurants where you can get an authentic taste of Cyprus cuisine. Venture farther to small villages to drink and dine alongside local people.

 

Many restaurant menus include zivania, a delicious aperitif, and lovely, fruity rosé wines. They go well with typical dishes.

 

As a day trip (or longer), the Akamas Peninsula is worth a visit. It features dramatic landscapes, ranging from deep gorges to sandy bays, and is wonderfully lush.

 

It’s a difficult choice to make among the many luxury hotels on the island because each one is stunning and unique in its own way.