Archive for May, 2010

Paphos is a town located at the southwestern tip of Cyprus. It is known as the birthplace of Greek goddess Aphrodite. The town of Paphos is included in the official UNESCO list of cultural and natural treasures of the world’s heritage. Paphos Town is steeped in culture and history. The Paphos Region, which spans the whole western area beginning just a short distance east of Paphos International Airport, includes monasteries, mosaics, nature reserves, gorges, pine forests, vine-yards and wineries, small mountain villages and golf courses, as well as the beaches, shops, bars and restaurants in and around the main resorts of Paphos, Coral Bay, Polis and Latchi. Once divided into two geographically-separate areas, Kato (lower) Paphos and Ktima or Pano (upper) Paphos have gradually expanded and joined to form one large town.

Climate

Paphos has a Mediterranean climate, with the greatest amounts of precipitation mainly occurring from mid-November to March. Most holidaymakers choose to visit Paphos during the summer months, particularly between late June and early September, when temperatures can fall anywhere between 25°C / 77°F and 34°C / 93°F, and rainy weather is virtually unheard of.

Places to visit

1. Paphos Harbor & Castle
2. Courion/Kolossi Castle
3. Larnaca Salt Lake & Hala Sultan Tekke
4. Ayia Napa and Protaras
5. Nicosia ‘within the walls’ and the House of Hadigeorgakis Kornesios
6. Cedar Valley
7. Panayia tou Araka
8. Choirokitia
9. Lefkara
10. The Paphos mosaics

Also, one can check out the Paphos archeological park, the tombs of the kings, the Paphos fort, the Bird Park, Odeon and Aphrodite Water Park.

Airport

Paphos International Airport is located 6.5 km (4.0 mi) southeast from the city of Paphos, Cyprus. Since 1982, air traffic of Paphos is served by Paphos International Airport located 10 km southeast of the city, near Timi. It serves approximately 1.75 million people every year. A new Terminal opened in late 2008 adjacent to the old one. Passenger facilities include 28 check-in desks, 7 gates, 22 aircraft stands, a bank, restaurants, cafeterias, bars, a duty free shop and a gift shop. Other facilities include a tourist help desk, car rental, first aid, a baby/parent room and disabled access facilities. Car hire facilities at the airport are provided by Petsas, Europcar, Astra, Avis, Sixt and Hertz.

Transport

Local buses run routes between all popular destinations within and outside Paphos. Operated by Alepa, the schedule is organized and dependable, except during popular festivals. Fares are very reasonable. The main bus station for local trips is located on the corner of Athinas and Thermopylon streets in the Ktima district.