Date:
26 February 2010
When it comes to taking a holiday in Cyprus there is plenty for you to do know matter what age you are. For the younger people the nightlife is great whilst for those who just want to spend their holiday chilling out on some really spectacular beaches that surround its coastline.
For those who are looking for a holiday that gets them away from the hustle and bustle then the resort to consider staying at is Paphos (Pafos). Located on Cyprus’s southwest coast it is also protected from the north by the Troodos Mountains so the climate through the year is very temperate and considered to be one of the healthiest throughout the Mediterranean.
It does not matter what time of year you choose to visit Paphos you will find that there is sunshine all year round. But it isn’t just the weather that provides you with a warm welcome so do the people. On your first day in this beautiful part of Cyprus why not spend some time exploring the towns harbour along with the medieval fort. Then over the next few days of your holiday there are plenty of other places to explore in the surrounding area.
The castle (medieval fort) you now see standing in Paphos was built by the Ottomans in the 16th Century after they captured the island. But before this 3 other castles had stood. The first was built by the Byzantines then it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th Century and then rebuilt by the Venetians in 1570. The main aim of this castle like the ruins of the original Saranta Kolones fort whose ruins are just some hundred meters from this one to the north was to protect the harbour.
Today you have the opportunity to explore this magnificent edifice but there are plenty of events that take place in front of it throughout the year. If you have the opportunity to visit Paphos in September then this is when the Paphos Aphrodite Festival takes place. Every year various operas are staged by world renowned artists in front of it and many actually use this structure as part of the scenery.
When it comes to exploring the region then why not take a trip to Petra tou Romiou and take a dip in the warm Mediterranean sea by the rocks where it is believed that Aphrodite (Greek Goddess of Love) appeared. Then following this travel on to Kouklia which is where her sanctuary was believed to be. Then finally on another day take a trip to Polis which is situated to the north of Paphos as here you will find a grotto that Aphrodite was supposed to have used to bathe in.
After spending so much time exploring the region and the town of Paphos, Cyprus then why not spend some time relaxing on Alykes Beach. This beach is not only very beautiful but also very clean every day the beachfront is cleaned and the water is regularly tested. To help you feel more comfortable there are sun loungers and umbrellas you can hire. But if you do get a little bored of just lying on the beach then there are plenty of water sports you can get involved in as well.
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