Framed by verdant hills, the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea meet the white-sand beaches of Cyprus at Paphos City. While the ancient ruins and museums of this city showcase its Greek heritage, the luxury villas and clubs display a more modern side.
One of the best ways to understand the history of Paphos City is by visiting its many ruin sites, churches and museums. Originally a Byzantine fortress, the Paphos Castle was built to protect the port. This castle has served as a fortress, a prison during the Turkish invasion and a salt storage later during British occupation. The advent of Christianity at Paphos City can be witnessed in Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. Founded by a Cypriot hermit in the 12th century, Agios Neophytos Monastery is another interesting site of religious value in the city. Paphos City honours its rich Greek heritage in the House of Dionysus, where some of the most magnificent collections of floor mosaics are present. At the Birthplace of Aphrodite, you can view Petra tou Romiou or Aphrodite's Rock, a giant sea stack. According to legend, it is the place from where Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, emerged from the sea.
The heart of Paphos City lies in its blue waters, sandy beaches and warm sun. Coral Bay is a popular destination to relax or participate in water sports. Vrysoudia beach is another famous hangout owing to its shallow waters and white-sand beaches.