Paphos, Cyprus » City Info

General information on the ancient town of Paphos

The history of Paphos dates back to the Neolithic period and to the Greek Goddess Aphrodite who emerged from the sea at this very site. Many rulers have controlled Paphos, that include the Mycenaean’s, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians, Turkish and the British.

Once a major port, it lost its position during the British rule.

Today, however, Paphos is evolving as a major tourist centre with the help of government and private sector investment. Dams and proper roads have been built, and money has been spent on development of hotels, restaurants and luxury villas to attract tourists. Kato Pafos, is the main attraction of the city as all the hotels and villas are based there and it is also nearby the sea.

The architecture of Paphos is very rural, but extremely beautiful. Nature has remained undisturbed and one can find here a variety of astonishing gorges, long stretched beautiful coastlines and nature trails for outdoors activities.