Home to the second international airport in Cyprus and deemed to be the capital of the west, Paphos is one of the most popular holiday resorts in the Mediterranean, and a city steeped in history. Paphos consists of two separate areas: the coastal region called Kato Paphos and the actual town itself known as Ktima. The focal point of Kato Paphos is its charming fishing harbour dominated by the Medieval Fort which was built by the Lusignans in the 13th century A.D. to replace the ruined, byzantine castle. This idyllic harbour is a pole of attraction for locals and tourists alike as it offers a splendid view to the sea and the fishing and pleasure boats on the move. There is also a wide range of fish tavernas where you will usually enjoy the catch of the day. You may also wish to have a relaxing drink while watching the sunset and later the moonlight shining on the waters.
Coral Bay
Paphos Harbour
Alkis and I are seduced by the allure of this rapidly developing yet romantic town which has been our favourite getaway destination in the last 20 years. Paphos brings back happy memories, romantic sunsets and great food! Last week, we spent a couple of days in the magical birthplace of Aphrodite - the Greek goddess of beauty and love. Legend has it that she rose from the foamy waves at Petra tou Romiou - the Rock of the Greeks, also known as the Rock of Aphrodite - at about 10km from the town of Paphos.
Petra tou Romiou - Rock of Aphrodite
At this time of year, we were lucky to find a room at Coral Bay Beach Hotel and Resort - our favourite hotel in the area and spent time lying on the beach, which is only a few steps away from the hotel grounds. I even enjoyed the waves and foamy waters - we hardly get any in Larnaca's quiet and shallow sea. We also enjoyed after-dinner drinks and entertainment at the lounge bar. The home band was simply wonderful!
Entertainment at Coral Bay Beach Hotel and Resort - The Lounge Bar
Coral Bay Beach
Coral Bay Beach
Coral Bay Beach
Coral Bay Beach Hotel and Resort
Although we had been to Paphos many times before, we had never visited the sea caves and Edro III Shipwreck at about 3 km from our hotel. The Albanian-owned cargo vessel, built in the late 1960s, was leaving Limassol port in early December 2011, bound for Rhodes. Her engine encountered technical problems during stormy weather, and the ship was forced onto rocks off the coast of Paphos, where it has remained stranded ever since.
Edro III Shipwreck
Edro III Shipwreck
The sea caves
Having enjoyed our drinks at Oniro by the Sea, we had lunch at Yalos by the Sea - a nearby taverna where I truly loved the special treats on the house and my grilled tsipoura (sea bream). Alkis is allergic to fish, so he had chicken which he also loved.
Enjoying ice-cold drinks at Oniro by the Sea - a mojito for me and a beer for Alkis.
Grilled tsipoura (sea bream) at Yalos by the Sea
Dining at Othello's Restaurant at Coral Bay, Peyia was yet another great gastronomic experience. The service was impeccable, we loved the attention to detail and the food was delicious!
Othello's Restaurant - Coral Bay - Peyia
Grilled King Prawns at Othello's Restaurant
I greatly appreciated the rinse-doigts - the finger bowl.
Whenever I visit Paphos, I am overwhelmed by the compelling aura of this magical place.