Ayios Neophytos Monastery is believed to have been founded by the Cypriot hermit and writer Neophytos in 1159. He carved his home out of the mountain rock, which has become a monastery in his name. Here you will find some beautiful frescoes dating back to Byzantine Empire. Today, only a few monks stay in the monastery which has a museum featuring many religious reminiscent like manuscripts, holy utensils, and old books, priestly garments, jewellery and a collection of Cypriot pottery and maps on display.  Every year in January the monastery holds a two-day religious fair where you can find Cypriot crafts, art pieces and monastic goods for sale.

Baths of Aphrodite
Located in the Akamas Peninsula, near the little fishing village of Latchi, is the famous mythological site ‘Baths of Aphrodite’. It is believed that on this romantic site, Aphrodite used to take her baths in the natural pool grotto, surrounded by fig trees, sweet smelling wild flowers and beautiful natural wildlife. Legends say that it is here where Aphrodite met her lover, the handsome Adonis, when he stopped at the pool for a drink. There are many myths about the pools and one of them says that bathing in the pool would bestow fertility. However, nowadays nobody is allowed to enter the pools. The site can be reached by the nature trails of Akamas.

Paphos Castle
The Paphos Castle is located at the Kato Paphos harbour. It was originally a Byzantine fort, but was modernized by the Lusignans. Though the Venetians destroyed it in 1570, the Ottoman’s expanded, reinforced and restored the castle to its old glory. Built of strong and large stones, the castle is connected to the harbour via an arched bridge. There are very few windows but the view from the top of castle is superb. The fort is noted in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites and is fully protected.

Petra Tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock)
Petra Tou Romiou or Aphrodite’s Rock is not something to be missed. Supposed to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, Goddess of love, it is believed that she emerged from the sea at this bay. Aphrodite herself chose the famous rock to begin her life as a human. It is said that Aphrodite first travelled to the island of Cythera, but she found it too small and therefore reached Paphos and settled here. The name Petra Tou Romiou which means ‘Rock of the Greek’, comes from the story of the Byzantine frontier guard who used to throw these ‘petras’ in the sea to destroy Arab ships during a raid by the Saracens on Cyprus.

The Mosaics of Paphos
Situated near the Paphos harbour are some superbly preserved mosaic remains dating back to third to fifth century A.D. These mosaic floors seen in the Villa of Dionysos, Orpheus and Aion, and the Villa of Theseus depict compositions from Greek mythology. A farmer accidentally discovered these mosaics while he was ploughing his field. They are made from small cubes of marble and stone called tesserae. Additionally, glass paste was used to develop the range of colours. The wide variety of these beautiful designs can be seen in the Villa of Dionysos where nearly 5,985 sq.ft. area consisting of 14 rooms is decorated with the mosaics.

There is never a wrong time to visit Paphos as the city is blessed with sunshine all year round. Surrounded by some of the best beaches, mountain terrains and golf courses in Cyprus, it is an ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities of all kinds. Whether you want to spend your days relaxing on the beaches, go horse riding or enjoy sports like golf or football, Paphos has something for everybody!

This undiscovered gem in the Eastern Mediterranean belt has so much to offer to its visitors that all you need to do is ‘make the right choice’.

Bowling
If you are in the mood to knock down a few pins, Paphos offer a variety a bowling centres to suit all tastes. Along with 10 pin bowling, these centres boast of facilities like a business centres, restaurants & bars, internet cafes, children’s playroom, video games, pool tables and arrangements for birthday parties. In fact, a day at the bowling centre is sure to be fun for the whole family. Some of the bowling centres in Paphos are:  Cosmic Bowling Centre and Cockatoos Bowling Center

Golf
Set among the mythological figures left behind by ancient cultures, Paphos has four top class golf courses with a few others under construction. The course facilities are at par with the beautiful, natural surroundings of Paphos, providing all the necessary amenities for golf lovers. Here are the most famous golf courses in Paphos; a place where the game can be played all year round.

Aphrodites Hills
This is an award winning 18-hole championship standard golf course. It has a double ended 350m practise range, 4 target greens with bunkers, short game practise facilities, 3 academy holes, two PGA certified residential professional golf instructors and a large clubhouse with bar and restaurant.

Tsada Golf Course
Founded in 1994, the Tsada Golf Course is located in the midst of beautiful vineyards and orchards. It has a classic Donald Steele design, which plays to a par 72 and measures 6060m.

Secret Valley Golf Course
Located 18 km east of Paphos and 49 km from Limassol, near the birthplace of Aphrodite, this golf course plays to a par 71 and measures 5904m.

Go Karting
Go Karting is a great fun family experience for both children and adults! An exciting activity for some adrenaline fuelled fun, Paphos has a number of good karting centres in the Coral Bay area and Geroskipou. Along with biggest and best circuit’s karts in Europe, there are other facilities available like game centres, playgrounds, kiddies’ karts, snacks bars, kiosks and even party and corporate event arrangements. Some of the best karting centres in and around Paphos are Paphos Karting Centre ( Visit Site ) and Coral Bay Karting

Horse Riding
Unmask the equestrian sport of horse riding to enjoy the beautiful countryside and coastal areas of Paphos. The island of Cyprus and the Paphos Forest near the village of Lysos provides a fantastic climate for some great horse riding all year round. The horse riding centres in Paphos are highly regarded as some of the best stables in Cyprus. These centres are well equipped and have a long experience in imparting training to amateur riders. If you are an experienced horse rider, then you can rent horses from the stable. Some of the best ranches in Paphos are Santa Fe Ranch at Yeroskipou, Paddocks Equestrian Centre at Kissonerga and George’s Ranch at Coral Bay.

Fishing
Fishing is an old sport in Paphos and is becoming even more popular with time. It is an activity that can be enjoyed all year around no matter the season. Paphos offers excellent fresh water fishing opportunities to anglers. A license is required to fish in dams, but no license is needed for salt-water fishing. There are facilities to rent boats, rods, nets and baits for fishing.  Department of Fisheries and The Angler

Diving
Paphos’s mythology lets off a luminance that attracts divers to explore the crystal clear waters, underwater ruins and wrecks and the abundant marine life fed by the Eastern Mediterranean sea. Also, the water temperature ranges between 16 to 27 degree Celsius, which is perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. Paphos is located nearby Coral Bay and St. George’s Island where there are various diving spots, sea caves and grottoes. The divers love to visit these sights as there are no strong currents and one can get to see coral colonies, sea anemones and sponges, fish and sea-shells in exotic colours and ship wrecks. There are a number of diving centres and schools that offer training sessions for beginners and the inexperienced. Advanced divers can extend their diving skills before they take to exploring the waters around Paphos.  Dive Point Limited, Coral Bay Divers and Cydive – Cyprus Scuba Diving Center

Hiking & Biking
Hiking and biking is a great way to test your fitness as well get outdoors and explore the beautiful landscape Paphos has to offer. There are various mountain biking and hiking organizations in Paphos that will help you discover breathtaking countryside, trails and valleys along the Akamas Peninsula and Gravel Mountain routes, Aphrodite’s trails, Paphos’ forests and Avakas George. So, go hiking or biking to smell the fresh air, enjoy the spectacular views and be as much close to nature as you can.   Mountain Bike Cyprus and  Wheelie Cyprus

Kayaking and Boat Safari
The calm waters around Paphos provide an excellent opportunity for you to explore the sea caves, deserted coves, rock bridges and stacks in a safe situation. Kayak surfing is for the adventurous people who love to take a risk. Experience the thrill of pursuing the oceans waves on a kayak, to visit places that are unusual yet exceptional. For that you need to learn the anatomy and mechanics of ocean waves.  You can also choose the somewhat safer choice of boat safaris which includes cruising along Paphos coast, Coral Bay, Akamas Bay, Lara Bay, Cape Arnaui, Kionos Island and finally Blue Lagoon.  Hire a yacht, snorkeling equipment, buy some snacks and sail into the bay along with your group of friends!

Parks

Pafos Zoo
Situated near Agios Georgios/Coral Bay Pafos Zoo is set in a natural setting with lakes, ponds and gardens. It is unique in Cyprus that it houses the third largest bird collection in Europe. The zoo is open to the public and has a tremendous variety of birds and animals from around the world. From ponies, giraffes, monkeys, tortoises and exotic parrots to emus, ostriches and swans, this park also have a children’s farm where children can interact with cute bunny rabbits, guinea pigs, chicks and goats. The amphitheatre of the zoo daily arranges acrobatic owl and parrot shows with educational programs in the intervals. Children’s birthday parties can be arranged at this park, as it is open all year round from 9 am until the sunset, including Christmas day.

Aphrodite Water Park
Set within 35,000 square meters of natural landscaped grounds, the park is situated at the far eastern end of the Kato Paphos coastal road. A day out at the Aphrodite Water Park is a great way to spend quality time as a family. The place offers entertainment and appeal to every generation. Packed with variety of attractions, the park has a snacks bar and a varied selection of rides among which the rafting ride is the biggest family rafting ride in Europe. Its location is ideal for tourists as it is situated about 300 meters inland from the Cypria Maris, Paphian, and Pioneer and Phaethon hotels. A large free car park in front of the water park adds up to the visitors’ convenience. Ideal months to visit are between May and October.

BOAT TRIP LINKS

https://www.viator.com/tours/Paphos/Nafsika-II-Half-Day-Cruise/d5629-75528P1

https://www.viator.com/tours/Paphos/Wave-Dancer-Fireworks-Night-Cruise/d5629-31828P4

https://www.viator.com/tours/Paphos/Blue-Lagoon-Akamas-tour-from-Paphos/d5629-157802P3

https://www.viator.com/tours/Paphos/Excursion-Blue-Lagoon-from-Paphos/d5629-129623P1