Paphos
Paphos is the gateway to Akamas Peninsula, a conservation wilderness of natural beauty with impressive gorges, spectacular coastlines and enjoyable nature trails.
Much of the land around Paphos, which is strewn with banana plantations and backed by the gentle foothills of the western Troodos range, has retained its natural ruggedness making the countryside a great discovery for the walker and naturist.
Brought to the world’s stage with the manifestation of the Goddess Aphrodite spawned from its shoreline, Paphos became a place of pilgrimage and worship from neighbouring nations that lasted for several centuries. With remarkable history and inherited treasures such as the mosaics in the House of Dionysos, the Tombs of the Kings and, of course, Aphrodite’s Sanctuary, Paphos is nothing less than an open-air museum!
The modern Paphos which boasts its own airport, magnificent hotels, restaurants and cafes for the benefit of its visitors, has embraced change with open arms but its heart will always be shrouded in the magical mystery and legend of the Goddess of Love and Beauty.
The whole town is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the nearby Akamas Peninsula and inland region there are beautiful monasteries, such as Agios Neophytos and Chrysorrogiatissa, picturesque villages and nature trails.
Further north near the Akamas peninsula and the Baths of Aphrodite is the resort-town of Polis, overlooking the beautiful Chrysochou Bay with its charming fishing refuge of Latsi. The relatively unspoilt state of the countryside and villages make the area a real delight for the walker and naturalist. East of Polis you come across such villages as Pomos and Pyrgos that lie on beautiful rocky cliffs and rocky beaches.
For further information about the Paphos and Polis regions, you may visit the following websites:
http://www.pafos.org.cy
http://www.polis-municipality-cyprus.com