Paphos

[LostSheep]

I'm heading to Paphos in Cyprus during the summer and I was wondering if anybody would kind enough to give me a quick review on the place itself, the people, beaches, restaurants, nightlife, things to do, things to miss out. Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

[sammd]

I went there a few years ago so i can't remember much about beaches, restaurants, etc. The one thing that stands out though was a 4x4 trip up into the mountains - it's brilliant fun and highly recommended. I can't remember the name of the company who run them but we booked them through the Thomson reps. The guys are hilarious and make it an unforgettable day. Sorry i can't be of help in other areas!

[nickmo]

Got to see the mosaics; harbour is nice - pay to go in the fort if you want a view, otherwise just loiter; Tombs of the Kings at Coral Bay - don't fall in one - all open to the sky so a bit dodgy; beaches near but a slog to them; nice ampitheatre; Pauls Pillar where apostle was whipped. fenced off ruins. Also catacombs with votive tree. Gold jewelery at good prices.

New town has handy shopping. Nice sea front restaurants - all reasonable so take your pick when you are there. Old town shops inc.a Woolworths! Lots of new building going on still, but heart of the place still nice.

You have got to hire a jeep and get to the Akamas Peninsular. The Baths of Aphrodite are there - yeah right trap, that one, but the walks and views are stunning. The road - more like a tank track with serious ruts and drops - across the top and back pass the turtle hatchery at Lara Beach (taverna, accom.) is incredible. Polis, north of Paphos on the opposite coast is a good place to aim at as well. South side, Petra Tou Rominou is where Aphrodite (again) came out of the sea pleasant enough.

Warning re jeep hire - dont bother with a small car as the roads are pretty rough out of the towns, especially the forest drives - check the damn thing has a jack and wheel brace. In the Cedar Forest - where Cyprus Rally is held - 1 big puncture, 5 miles from ranger station, 15 miles from village staying in at Pano Panagia. Big problem..and 5.00 pm. as well. For some reason, 1 other car - the first seen for an hour - came by, and saved the day!

All in all, very pleased with the location friendly, clean, and a good experience. English spoken a lot except for up in the hills. A little effort at Greek is certainly welcomed. And watch out for the zivania - home distilled spirit that can be 90% proof!

Have a good break. (And rec. the guide by the AA 'Essential Cyprus'. Small book but good info.)

[NORMANTHEDOG]

wE HAVE A HOUSE IN PAPHOS,AND GO QUITE A BIT. VISIT BAR STREET, ACES BAR,HARRYOs,red lion,all great bars,rainbow niteclub,club escape,2 good discos,lots of good restaurants,all ranging in prices,most bars and cafes do full english breakfast for �2.the harbour area very nice,boat trips etc,lots of history.people are very friendly,nearly all speak english,money very easy to get on with,coral bay beach area lovely,troodos mountains worth a visit,3 good golf courses,water park,go kart track,very hot ,be carefull of sun.paphos old town has a market most days in summer,prices very cheap,fags cheaper,booze cheaper,all together a nice place.

[Narolines]

Just a couple of minor corrections to nickmo's post - Woolies in Cyprus has been bought up by Ermes, but the two shops in Pafos haven't changed much and the coffee bar in the one by the harbour has good coffee, low prices and a good view. The Tombs of the Kings (visit highly recommended, but allow plenty of time and wear strong(ish) shoes) is on the Coral Bay Road, but on the edge of Pafos - if you go to Coral Bay you'll have gone about 6 miles too far! Local buses are fairly frequent - flat fare of 50c (about 60p) regardless of where you get on/off.