The enchanting city of Paphos, Cyprus, where you can explore the world of Greek mythology

Paphos, a city on the island of Cyprus floating in the Mediterranean Sea.

The charm of Cyprus' Paphos lies in its ruins and beaches! Today, the ancient Roman ruins have been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sea where the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite (Venus), is said to have been born sparkles in emerald green.

Paphos may still be unfamiliar to many Japanese people, but it is a popular tourist city that attracts many European visitors during the summer vacation season.

There are no direct flights from Japan to Paphos, so you’ll need to transfer via major European cities.
Paphos, full of Cyprus’ history and charm, is highly recommended for first-time visitors to Cyprus. With its Mediterranean climate, Paphos can be enjoyed all year round, both in summer and winter.

1. Paphos Archaeological Park

This park is packed with the highlights of Cyprus. It’s no exaggeration to say that Paphos Archaeological Park is a must-visit spot when touring Paphos, Cyprus.

The grounds are vast, and within them, you can explore ruins dating back to ancient times. Excavations are still ongoing, and you can view many of these ruins up close. The highlight of the park is undoubtedly the artistic mosaics that once adorned the floors of Roman-era villas. These stunning mosaics are truly moving. Don’t miss the mosaics in the House of Dionysus, the House of Theseus, the House of Aion, and the House of Orpheus.

From the top of the medieval castle, which reflects Turkish civilization, you’ll also get a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea! It’s an excellent photo spot, so be sure to capture some memories there. The Odeon (an open-air theater) built in Roman times is also impressive. Walking through Paphos Archaeological Park while imagining the lives of ancient people makes it a perfect place to start your sightseeing in Paphos.

2. Paphos Castle

Paphos Castle is a cozy fortress that serves as a relaxing spot for the local residents. Although it’s called a castle, it was originally built as a fortress to protect the port.

The highlight here is the view of Paphos Bay from the top of the castle. The peaceful scenery of Paphos offers a relaxing atmosphere for visitors.
The surrounding area is lined with cafes and restaurants, making it a great place to have dinner in Paphos. In the evening and morning, many tourists and locals gather to enjoy the beautiful sunset. There are also souvenir shops where you can purchase famous mosaic items.

An art festival is held here in autumn, so if you visit during that time, it’s highly recommended to check it out. How about spending a relaxing time at Paphos Castle, which is also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

3. Petra tou Romiou Beach

Petra tou Romiou means "Rock of the Greek." This is the place in Cyprus where Aphrodite (Venus), the goddess from Greek mythology, is said to have been born. As the sea where the goddess of love and beauty was born, it boasts breathtakingly clear, blue waters! During the summer season, many people come here to swim.

Unlike sandy beaches, this is a rocky coast, so the water feels refreshing and you don’t have to worry about sand sticking to you. Around the nearby rocks, colorful fish can be seen swimming.

You’ll also find many tourists walking around looking at the ground. Why? They’re searching for beautiful stones! On the beach, you’ll spot many hearts made of stones crafted by visitors. If you're hoping for love and beauty, which every girl dreams of, you might find luck if you visit this beach in Paphos and bring back a stone as a charm.

Nearby, there’s also a spring where Venus is said to have bathed, so be sure to visit that as well.

4. Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church

This is Cyprus’ largest basilica-style church, built in the early Byzantine period. The famous "St. Paul’s Pillar" is also here, and you can see it together with the church. St. Paul was an apostle of early Christianity. This pillar symbolizes the place where he was flogged 40 times when he came to Cyprus and Paphos to preach.

Inside the church, you can still see some mosaics, which are among the most beautiful representations of Paphos’ art! Don’t miss the wall paintings and the mosaics on the pillars either. The entire church has a solemn and sacred atmosphere.

Because the preservation is so good, you may feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. During summer, don’t forget to bring a shawl or something to cover your shoulders when entering the church. Located on the outskirts of Paphos town, it’s easy to visit along with other sightseeing spots.

5. Saint Neophytos Monastery

Saint Neophytos Monastery is located on the slopes of the mountains outside Paphos. It was said to have been built at the end of the 12th century by Neophytos himself, and its impressive structure makes it a highly recommended spot by the locals of Paphos.

The monastery’s exterior, carved from the mountainside, is simply overwhelming and leaves visitors in awe. Inside, there are beautiful Byzantine frescoes depicting the life of Christ—well worth a visit. On the opposite side stands a church where the relics of Neophytos are preserved. You can even touch them, so when you visit the monastery, make sure to stop by the church too.

◎ Summary

Paphos has seen many rulers throughout its history since ancient times due to its geographical location. In Paphos, you’ll find a variety of ancient ruins, from those registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites to smaller historical remains. Additionally, Paphos is known as the setting of Greek mythology, and its natural beauty will surely soothe and captivate any visitor!

During summer, there are plenty of activities and tours that make the most of its rich nature and beautiful sea, perfect for tourists. It’s a great option for first-time visitors to Cyprus! Even in winter, the climate doesn’t get too cold, making it a good time for travelers who want to focus on exploring the ruins without the crowds of the vacation season.

If you’re thinking about visiting Cyprus, be sure to explore Paphos, a place full of the island’s charm!

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The enchanting city of Paphos, Cyprus, where you can explore the world of Greek mythology