Exploring Paphos by Hire Car
Paphos, with a population of about 27,500, is a major port city in the southwest of the island republic of Cyprus.
It is thus the fourth largest town in the Greek-speaking part of the island in the eastern Mediterranean and is located about 15 kilometres from ancient Paphos.
At the same time, the island’s international airport is also located here.
Ancient Paphos finds first mentions already in the Bible, when the apostles Barnabas and Paul met here and were able to convert the then city ruler to Christianity.
However, the inhabitants of Paphos were also particularly engaged in the worship of the goddess Aphrodite, who is said to have landed here after her birth, and dedicated an important temple to Aphrodite Urania, a manifestation of the classical goddess.
Sights in Paphos
The landmark of Paphos, however, is the medieval fort, which the Turks rebuilt in the town’s harbour in 1592 and had been destroyed by the Venetians. From here you have a fantastic view of the town of Paphos and the azure Mediterranean Sea.
Not far away are also the ancient ruins of Roman houses from the second and third centuries, some with valuable floor mosaics. Also worth seeing are the royal tombs of Paphos, with the oldest even dating back to the third century BC.
Most of the town’s hotels are located east of the harbour on Poseidonos Avenue, where much of the nightlife also takes place. Some of the town’s beaches are sandy or covered with pebbles.
Exploring the surroundings of Paphos
However, with a hire car you have the option of reaching more secluded bays or the waterfalls some 40 kilometres away.
Since 2008, it has been possible to pay in euros in the Greek part of the island.