Paphos, a small charming harbour town, on the west of the island, which has been, during certain times in antiquity, the capital of Cyprus, has a history which goes back literally thousands of years, and has always attracted visitors from the rest of the island and abroad.
The local people are very welcoming, and most speak good English. As well as the traditional tavernas and specialist fish restaurants, the town has modern European shops and facilities, including a Marks & Spencer store!
Paphos is a great place to go shopping, for souvenirs or traditional crafts and folk art. There is a street market, where you can pick up bargains. There is also 'The Cyprus Handicraft Service', which is a government run organisation specialising in local craft work. Cyprus is well known for its fine craftsmenship in pottery, woodwork, leather, jewellery & metal work, lace & fabric. You are sure to find some interesting gifts to take back home!
From the modern town centre to the picturesque harbour and, stretching across the coastline, lie innumerable ancient sites which not surprisingly have now been included in UNESCO's list of World Cultural Heritage sites. After all, this is the birthplace and centre of worship of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty and the whole area retains some of this magic. Bordered by a lovely coastline, the Paphos area has charming villages in its mountains, here life has gone unchanged over the years, where the customs and traditions of the country have been kept alivc because that is ow it has always been. And in the heartland, are famous monasteries such as Ayios Neophytos and Chrysoroyiatissa with modern day pilgrims.
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