Apollonia Apartments

                

                  Paphos Odeon and Lighthouse            Paphos Municipal Beach                     Byzantine Museum

•  The apartments are situated 1km (10 minute walk) from the picturesque fishing harbour of Paphos, the mosaics and Tombs of the Kings.

•  The Blue Flag sandy beaches of Sodap, Mbania and Alexander are within walking distance (300 metres), and here you will find a wide array of water sports. A short 200 metres stroll, and you will find other amenities such as, restaurants, tavernas, bars, cafes, banks and shops.

• The Paphos 'Go-Kart' racing track, Paint Ball centre, Crazy Golf and Water Park are about (2km) a 5 minute drive from the Apollonia Apartments, and there is a children's amusement (Luna) park further down the coastal road (6 minute drive). Local buses service this area.

• A five minute walk will take you to the coastal road and promenade and  "Bar Street",  a long street of bars and clubs.

• A large cosmic bowling centre is a 5 minute drive away, towards Paphos town.

• There are two cinema complexes in Paphos, one in the tourist area (situated in the Kings Avenue shopping mall) and the other in the 'old town' (at Adventureland). Both show films in Greek and English.

• In the summer months 'Ancient Greek Tragedies' are performed in Greek and English at the Ancient Odeon, which is situated in the tourist area.

• Local performers are featured at the Markidion Theatre, which is located in the 'old town'

• The Aphrodite Festival is held each year in early September, and includes several performances of opera, in the castle square, by world renowned opera companies.

 

ACROPOLIS

                
                                       
Temple of Apollo                                               Paphos Odeon
Near the modern Paphos lighthouse there is a complex of ancient buildings, including a Roman Odeon, built in the 2nd century AD, which has been restored and is now used for summer orchestral, stage and ballet performances. The Odeon was the focus of the ancient city centre, of which some ruins still remain in the area. Close to the Odeon are the remnants of the Roman Temple of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, and south of the lighthouse are the ruins of the ancient town walls. The medieval castle, which overlooks Paphos harbour and is the romantic setting for numerous summer festivals. 

AYIA PARASKEVI CHURCH

 

Geroskipou village, 3 km east of Paphos. 
One of the most interesting and attractive Byzantine Churches on the island, dating from the 10th century, with a vaulted basilica, a nave and two aisles surmounted by five domes, with later frescoes dating from the 15th century. 

AYIOS NEOPHYTOS MONASTERY
      
9 km north of Paphos.
Founded around 1200 by the Cypriot hermit and writer Neophytos. The Encleistra or Enclosure carved out of the mountain by the hermit, contains some of the finest Byzantine frescoes dating from the 12th to 15th century. In the Monastery's church, there is an interesting collection of icons and remains of 16th century frescoes.

AYIA SOLOMONI CATACOMBS
            

Agios Pavlou Street
A large pistachio tree marks the entrance to the underground catacombs of Agia Solomoni in Kato Paphos. The tree is a strange sight, festooned as it usually is with pieces of cloth tied onto it by the faithful as offerings, in the hope that this sacred tree will cure various ailments. The catacombs themselves were carved into Fabrica Hill, below the ancient Roman city wall, of the 4th century BC, and later became chapels for the early Christians. The underground chapels feature some interesting frescoes and graffiti left by 13th century Crusaders, and there are numerous legends and stories attached to the patron saint Ayia Solomoni. Visitors are advised to take a torch along to explore the catacombs. 

BATHS OF APHRODITE (Akamas Peninsula)
 
48 km north of Paphos 
An area of breathtaking beauty associated with Aphrodite. According to legend, the goddess Aphrodite used to bathe in the pool of the nearby natural grotto, which is shaded by a fig tree. A trail from the Baths takes you to Fontana Amorosa (8 km from the Baths, at the end of the Akamas Peninsula). Walking along this trail, one can enjoy an incomparable view and unspoiled nature (especially in Spring). 
(Source: www.kypros.org)

BYZANTINE MUSEUM

In the premises of the Bishopric, an interesting collection of objects from the Byzantine period can be seen, including Byzantine icons from the 12th to 18th century. 
CHRYSOROYIATISSA MONASTERY

 40 km north-east of Paphos, turn right before Stroumbi village. The monastery is also reached from the Kykkos Monastery via the forest road. 
Set in beautiful surroundings, this monastery, dedicated to Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate, was originally founded in the 12th century, but the present building dates from 1770. The monastery has a collection of important icons and treasures. An impressive religious ceremony and celebrations are held here on 15th August. Recently the old winery of the monastery was reopened and produces some of the best vintage wine available in Cyprus.

GEROSKIPOU: The Sacred Garden
Not far from the mythological birthplace of Aphrodite, lies the Municipality of Geroskipou. The name comes from the ancient "Hieros Kipos", or Sacred Garden, dedicated to the goddess. Live the legend of the goddess at the hilltop spot where her temple once stood. One of the most celebrated places in the ancient Greek world for its association with the cult of Aphrodite.
Browse the many roadside stalls selling handicrafts such as basketry and pottery for which Geroskipou is known nowadays and visit the Folk Art Museum for a striking representation of traditional Cypriot life.
Cyprus Delight is also made in this village. Roadside stalls are piled high with brightly coloured boxes of these delicious sweets and the owners stand in the shop doorway and warmly invite you inside to watch the sweets being made. Cyprus Delights have been made in the village since 1895 and the little factories are all family concerns that have been handed down through the generations.
Each family closely guards their secret recipes! 
GEROSKIPOU FOLK ART MUSEUM
            
Geroskipou village, 3km east of Paphos. Tel: 26240216  
The fascinating collection of Cyprus folk arts and crafts are gathered together in the house known as Hadjismith.

KYKKOS MONASTERY 
          

The Holy Monastery of the Virgin of Kykkos was founded around the end of the 11th century by the Byzantine emperor Alexios Komnenos (1081 - 1118). The monastery lies at an altitude of 1318 metres, on the North-West face of the Troodos mountains. There are no remains of the original monastery as it was burned down many times. The first president of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios II, started his ecclesiastical career there as a monk in 1926. He remained fond of the place and returned there many times. His request to be buried there materialised after his death in 1977. His tomb lies 3 km west of Kykkos monastery and remains a popular visitor destination.

MOSAICS OF PAPHOS
               
The striking mosaic floors in a series of ancient Roman noblemen’s villas, dating from the third to fifth century AD, are a must-see for visitors to Paphos. The site where the villas are is still being excavated and can be found about 300 metres from the Paphos harbour. The mosaics featuring mythological scenes are visible in the houses of Dionysus, Orpheus and Aion, and the Villa of Theseus. All were made of small cubes of marble and stone, called tesserae, with glass paste added to widen the range of colour. In the House of Dionysus, for example, 5,985 square feet (556 sq metres) of floor space in 14 rooms are covered with the gorgeous mosaics. 
Address: Kyriakou Nikolaou Street
Telephone: 26 306 217
Opening time: Daily 08:30 - 17:00
Admission: €4.50

MUSEUMS
               
Given its illustrious history, it is no surprise that Paphos has a couple of fantastic museums, although many of the best artefacts have been whisked away to Athens. The highlight is the Paphos Archaeological Museum, which features hundreds of priceless artefacts dating from Neolithic times to the 18th century. Most of the artefacts here, are finds from local excavations, although some come from other archaeological digs across western Cyprus. One of the most popular exhibits is a tombstone from Mario, while the marble statues of Aphrodite and Asklepios also get their fair share of admirers. 
Address: Dighenis Street
Telephone: 26240215

                   
Next stop is the enthralling Byzantine Museum, with plenty of stunning artwork including rare icons and other religious artefacts of the era, collected from churches in and around Paphos. The highlight of this museum is the lovely Virgin Eleousa, an icon from the Monastery of St Savvas tis Karonos. 
Address: 1 Exo Vrisy
Telephone: 26232010
Fascinating insights into the culture and traditions of the local Cypriots is afforded by the acclaimed Ethnographical Museum, formerly known as the Folk Art Museum, which is a private collection of thousands of items documenting the local archaeology, history, folk art and literature. The collection was amassed by Mr George Eliades and is displayed at his house on Exo Vrysi street. The displays are a great primer for anyone intent on exploring the small villages that dot the coastline and mountain regions surrounding Paphos.

Cyprus Museum
Address: Mouseiou 1, Nicosia. Tel: 22865864
Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday 08:00 - 16:00
                      Saturday - 09:00 - 16:00
                      Sunday - 10:00 - 13:00
                      Monday - Closed
 Tickets 4.50

Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia
Address: Ippokratus 17, near Laiki Geitonia , Nicosia. Tel: 22661475
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10 00 - 16 30

Byzantine Museum and Art galleries
Address: Archbishop Makarios 111 Foundation Cultural Centre, with Archbishopric, Plateia Arch, Nicosia.
Tel; 22430008
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 09 00 - 16 30; Saturday 09 00 - 13 00.
Largest collection of icons on the island, covering the period from 9th to 18th century. The art galleries contain oil paintings, maps and lithographs.

Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus
Address: Plateia Arch, Kyprianou, Nicosia. Tel: 22432578
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 09 00 - 17 00; Saturday 10 00 - 13 00.
(Former Cypriot Folk art Museum). Founded by the society of Cypriot Studies. Wide collection of Cypriot folk art of the 19th and early 20th century, including wood-carved objects, tapestry, embroidery, pottery, national costumes and hand-woven materials.

National Struggle Museum
Address: Near Archbishopric, Plateia Arch, Kyprianou, Nicosia. Tel: 22304550
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 08 00 - 14 00 ; 15 00 - 17 00
Documents, photos and other memorabilia of the 1955 - 1959 National Liberation Struggle.

Cyprus Postal Museum
Address: Agiou Savva St 3B, Nicosia. Tel: 22304711
Opening hours:  Monday - Friday 10 00 - 17 00; Saturday 10 00 - 14 00.
Collection of Cyprus stamps from 1800 onwards. These stamps, classified internationally among the best, are of significant value in world philately.

Cyprus Jeweller's Museum
Address: Praxippou 7-9, Nicosia. Tel: 22667278
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 10 00 - 16 30
a display of traditional treasury from the end of the 19th Century, including ornaments, religious items, silver utensils and old tools.

Museum of the history of Cypriot coinage
Address: Stasinou 51, Agia Paraskevi, Bank of Cyprus Headquarters. Tel: 22677135
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 08:00 14:00
                        Thursday - 15:00 - 17:30 (no afternoon opening in July and August).
Permanent exhibition presenting the development of coinage from the 6th Century to the present.

OLEASTRO  OLIVE PARK
     
At Oleastro Olive Park, you can experience the thousands of years of the cultivation of the olive. Here you can see the extraction process over the years, a variety of farming activities related to the olive trees, professions related to the olive, the role of the olive and olive oil in the Cypriot home, and in the Cypriot diet, customs, traditions, history, mythology and more.
http://www.oleastro.com.cy/park.html
Tel: 99525093, 99565758
PANAYIA CHRYSELEOUSA
     
3 km north of Paphos, Emba village. 
A 12th century church standing in the centre of the village. A series of icons and two panels with the 12 Apostles, date from the middle of the 16th century. 

PANAYIA CHRYSOPOLITISSA CHURCH AND BYZANTINE BASILICA
Kato Paphos 
     

Also known as the church at Saint Paul's Pillar or Agia Kyriaki it was built in the 13th century, over the ruins of the largest early Byzantine basilica on the island. Within the compound, one can see the so called St. Paul's Pillar, where according to tradition Saint Paul was flogged, at some time before the Roman Governor Sergius Paulus was converted to Christianity. Excavations are still going on.

PANO PANAYIA
On the west of Troodos mountain range, 12 km from Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery. 
The birthplace of President Makarios. The house, where he was born, has been turned in a museum. 

PAPHOS CASTLE
Kato Paphos 
          

  

This ancient fortress was built by the Byzantines, to guard Paphos harbour and was restored and strengthened in the 13th century. The structure was destroyed by the Venetians in 1570, but rebuilt once again by the Turks. Together with the Saranta Kolones (the ruins of which lay nearby), the Medieval Castle provided a formidable obstacle to any sea invaders and is today, one of the most iconic symbols of Paphos. The ramparts offer spectacular views and the square in front of the castle is the venue of many traditional festivals.

PAPHOS ODEON 

 A small 2nd century Odeon entirely built of well-hewn limestone blocks. It was uncovered by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities in 1973-4 and is now regularly used for musical and theatrical performances.                                                                                 
                  

PETRA TOU ROMIOU (Birthplace of Aphrodite)
25 km east of Paphos. 
                   
According to legend, Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot. The Greek name, Petra tou Romiou (The Rock of the Greek), is associated with the legendary frontier-guard of Byzantine times, Dighenis Akritas, who kept the marauding Saracens at bay with amazing strength. It is said that in one such fight, he heaved a large rock (Petra), at his enemy.
PEGEIA

       

Pegeia village, 19 km north-west of Paphos. 
Pegeia is perched on a hillside overlooking the sea, and is known for the fountains in its picturesque village square, a beautiful construction with typical arches, where women used to meet in days gone by, in order to wash their clothes and fetch water. The village itself is renowned for its spectacular views, while the coastline below has one of the best sandy beaches of the Paphos region, at Coral Bay, which each year is awarded with a Blue Flag for its bathing water quality.
Perched on a hillside overlooking the sea, Pegeia's cultural treasures will stimulate the mind.
If you love culture and history, stop off at the church of Agios Georgios and admire some superb examples of Byzantine art in the form of a 6th century basilica complex with extensive panels of geometric and animal floor mosaics, rare in Christian iconography. Or visit Maa-Paleokastro, the site, on a peninsula near Coral Bay, where the Mycenaean Greeks first landed in Cyprus during the Bronze Age.

POLIS (known in ancient times as Marion)
37 km north of Paphos 
               
One of the ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus, it became an important commercial centre in Classical and Hellenistic times, with close relations to Athens. Polis, with its excellent climate and beautiful beaches and scenery, is now developing into a popular resort.
Polis: Nature at its Best
Experience the meaning of real relaxation in the Polis tis Chrysochous area, the least developed coastline of Cyprus. The Akamas National Park will appeal to nature lovers or those in search of peace and quiet. It is an area of exceptional beauty with rocky promontories, sandy coves and "The Baths of Aphrodite". This is where, according to mythology, the goddess Aphrodite frolicked with her lovers, bathing in a fresh-water grotto shaded by a wild fig tree.
Indulge in a peaceful rural life in harmony with nature in a region that is one of the best kept secrets of the Mediterranean.
Visit one of the last Mediterranean nesting grounds for the green loggerhead turtles, whose numbers have greatly been increased thanks to a successful conservation project on the sandy beaches of Lara. Follow one of the many beautiful nature trails and spot rare endemic plants, like the Cyprus orchid, tulip and crocus that grow there, or watch migrating birds fly by overhead.

 
SARANTA KOLONES
Kato Paphos, near the harbour. 
 

This castle was built in the first years of the rule of the Lusignans (beginning of 12th century) perhaps on the site of a previous Byzantine Castle. It was destroyed in the earthquake of 1222.

TEMPLE OF APHRODITE
Kouklia village, 14 km east of Paphos. 
     
Palaepaphos, Old Paphos, was one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimage of the ancient Greek world, and once an ancient city kingdom of Cyprus. The ruins of the famous Temple of Aphrodite, the most ancient remains, go back to the 12th century B.C. The temple was one of the most important places of cult and pilgrimage of the ancient world, till the 3rd-4th century A.D. The Museum, housed in the Lusignan Manor, is small but impressive with many finds from the area.

THEOSKEPASTI CHURCH
     
Kato Paphos, facing the harbour. 
Theoskepasti means 'Veiled by God' and according to tradition, God sent down fog to protect the original church during the Arab raids. The modern church was built in 1923.

TOMBS OF THE KINGS
           
There are actually no kings buried here. Rather the site known as the Tombs of the Kings, one mile (2km) northwest of Paphos harbour towards Coral Bay, was the final resting place of about 100 Ptolemaic aristocrats who lived and died in the city between 3 BC and 3 AD. The tombs are impressive, carved out of solid rock, some featuring Doric pillars and frescoed walls. Archaeological excavations are still ongoing at the site, which also features a church known as Paleoekklisia, which sports traces of Byzantine frescoes. 
Address: 1 mile (2 km) north-west of Paphos harbour towards Coral Bay, Kato Paphos
Telephone: 26306295
Transport: Bus 10 or 15 from Kato Paphos
Opening time: Daily  Winter:- Monday to Sunday 08:30 - 17:00
                         Summer:- Monday to Sunday 08:30 - 19:30
Admission: €2.50 

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