7 Best Sights in Paphos, Cyprus

Don't miss the elaborate 2nd- to 5th-century AD Roman mosaics in the Roman Villa of Theseus, and the Houses of Dionysos, Aion, and Orpheus—all part of a UNESCO World Heritage protected site. The impressive mosaics are an easy walk from the harbor and were unearthed in 1962 by a farmer plowing his fields. The larger archaeological site includes the theater and castle.

In 1159 the hermit and scholar Neophytos settled at what is now referred to as the Agios Neophytos Monastery, carving a home for himself out of the rock. Known in his time as the leading critic of Richard the Lionheart and the Byzantine tax collectors, today he is best remembered for what became a series of grottoes hewn from the hillside rock and the evocative religious frescoes they contain. The monastery itself, with no more than a half-dozen or so monks, is situated below the grottoes.

Relocated to an old school building in Yeroskipou, the former Byzantine Museum houses notable mosaics, icons, and sacred books and artifacts collected from churches and monasteries throughout Paphos and dating from the 7th through the 18th centuries. The collection includes one of the oldest icons discovered in Cyprus, the Agia Marina, thought to be from the 8th or 9th century. The 9th-century Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi is in the square nearby and is worth a detour.

In early September, the fort provides the backdrop for the popular Paphos Aphrodite Festival, a three-day festival that typically includes Italian opera.

The 16th-century Paphos Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, guards the entrance to the harbor and through history has served as a fortress, a prison, and even as a salt warehouse during the British occupation. Nowadays, it has great views from the top and often serves as a backdrop to dramatic works during festivals.

The Paphos District Archaeological Museum displays pottery, jewelry, and statuettes in five exhibition rooms. They represent all the prehistoric and historic periods through which the region passed, from the Neolithic Age to AD 1700.

The Tombs of the Kings, an early necropolis, date from 300 BC. Contrary to the name, no actual kings were buried here, rather aristocrats and high officials. The coffin niches are empty, but a powerful sense of mystery remains. The underground tombs are impressive with columnated atriums, but the site is large and exposed—remember to take a hat and water.