Pathos
Picturesque Paphos, which has retained its unique beauty, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cyprus. It has the best climate on the island, in addition, the city is of particular interest for lovers of history and archeology. The population of Paphos is about 20 thousand people. In its suburbs is the second international airport of Cyprus.
History
According to INSIDEWATCH, Old Paphos was famous throughout the ancient world as the center of the cult of Aphrodite. Homer in the Odyssey tells that many powerful rulers of antiquity turned to the oracle of the goddess. Paphos was one of the cities that paid tribute to the Egyptian pharaohs for 300 years (from 1600 to 1300 BC). New Paphos was founded around 320 BC. e. The place was chosen taking into account the most convenient location of the harbor. The city developed rapidly, and Old Paphos soon became only a religious center. The Romans made New Paphos the residence of their proconsul. One of the proconsuls stationed in Paphos was Cicero .. It was here that the apostles Paul and Barnabas, in 45 AD, converted the Roman proconsul Sergius Paul to Christianity. The conversion was preceded by an episode described in the Bible, when the apostle Paul deprived the magician Elimas, a fierce opponent of Christian missionary work, of his sight.
Attractions
The most significant attraction of the city is the mosaics in the Villa of Dionysus, built in the 3rd century BC. n. er, and owned by wealthy Romans. Some of the mosaics are among the most beautiful of that have come down to us since antiquity. Many of them depict the god of winemaking Dionysus, after whom the villa is named, as well as hunting scenes, scenes from Greek mythology, and ornaments. Not far from the villa of Dionysus is the villa of Theseus, one of the mosaics of which depicts the fight between Theseus and the Minotaur, and the other – the first bath of Achilles. Paphos Fortress, located in the port, was built by the Turks in 1592 on the ruins of a medieval castle. The Great Hall of the castle now serves as an exhibition gallery. From the roof of the fortress, it is worth admiring the view of the port and the surrounding countryside. To the north of the Villa of Dionysus is a restored Roman theater of the llth century. In the summer, performances and concerts are staged here. In addition, noteworthy:Grotto of Saint Solomon. Royal tombs. Column of Saint Paul.
During excursions around the island, you will certainly be told that Cyprus is called the island of love, the birthplace of Aphrodite, who appeared here from sea foam.
If you are going on vacation with your children, we advise you to read some ancient Greek myths in advance. They are quite cruel and erotic, the guides tell them without cuts, plunging parents almost into shock.
Here, for example, what preceded the beautiful exit of Aphrodite from the sea foam. The earth mother Gaia and her husband Uranus-heaven were the parents of Zeus, the titans and titanides, including Kronos and Rhea. In addition to these children, Gaia and Uranus gave birth to three more cyclops and three hundred-armed ones, who, with their terrible appearance, aroused the hatred of their father, and he did not let them out of the mother’s womb. Gaia, suffering from the severity of the children hidden in her, solved the problem in a radical way: at her instigation, Kronos castrated his father. The blood of Uranus fell into the sea, forming foam, from this foam the goddess of love and beauty was born.
Ayia Napa
Golden sandy beaches, lively nightlife with a variety of entertainment… This lively and bustling resort attracts tourists primarily with its wonderful sandy beaches, a combination of golden sand and amazingly clear aquamarine and turquoise sea. On the famous beaches of Grecian Bay and Nissi Beach, you can not only lie lazily in the sun, but also enjoy various sports. Whichever hotel you stay in, you can easily get on foot, by bike or taxi to the beaches and romantic bays, one of which – Sandy Beach – is especially picturesque.
Around the picturesque fishing harbor there are many restaurants and taverns where you should definitely taste the famous Cypriot meze. In the shops located around the central square of Ayia Napa, you can make a variety of purchases, including wonderful souvenirs. As night falls, the resort comes alive. Here you will find extremely many opportunities for a fun holiday, you can dance all night long, until dawn. Ayia Napa is famous not only for the wealth of entertainment, but also for its ancient history. We advise you to visit the Venetian monastery of the 16th century, located in the center of Ayia Napa. Be sure to visit the village of Paralimni, famous for its pottery, as well as Liopetri where they skillfully weave baskets. 50 minutes by taxi and 1 hour. 15 minutes by bus to Larnaca airport.
Ayia Napa is a very popular resort among young people. There are magnificent beaches, lively nightlife and a large selection of shops and souvenir shops. Amazing sandy beaches and crystal clear sea have made this resort famous all over the world. Ayia Napa has the largest selection of water sports: windsurfing, water skiing and biking, jet skiing, scuba diving, motorboats, canoes, bungee, paragliding, banana boat rides, fishing, horseback riding and biking.
The resort’s nightlife is the busiest on the island. It is impossible to count the number of bars and discos in the central square of Ayia Napa and around it. Here, thousands of tourists from around the world dance and have fun until dawn. Restaurants and taverns – for every taste: from chic to inexpensive. We recommend trying the meze. The most popular excursions offered are Nicosia and Lefkara – full day, Troodos, Kykko monastery – full day * Boat trip – full day * Limassol – full day * Paphos, Curium – full day * Party on beach.
If you are a fan of nightlife, discos and neon lights – you have a direct road to Ayia Napa!
Her appearance is deceiving. At first glance, this is a quiet tourist town, located among vegetable and fruit plantations. In the center of the settlement there is a monastery of the 15th century, and hotels, restaurants, taverns lined up along the entire coast. But all this idyll exists only during the day. Wait until dusk – and everything around will blaze with neon. Discos, night clubs, pubs and restaurants full of young people – you will not find this anywhere else in Cyprus! Well, in the morning you can again enjoy the silence, beautiful beaches and prepare for the evening – physically and mentally!
