The best things to do in Paphos, Cyprus, reputed birthplace of Aphrodite, ancient Greek goddess of love
- With Unesco-listed site of ancient Greek city, ruins of Aphrodite temple, and some of the world’s best preserved mosaics, Paphos is paradise for history buffs
- There are modern-day relics in the form of two well preserved shipwrecks, beaches where turtles nest, wineries, and a pool the goddess of love reputedly swam in
Paphos in Cyprus – declared a European Capital of Culture in 2017 and a European Capital of Smart Tourism in 2023 – attracts archaeology enthusiasts, wine lovers, nature fans and shipwreck enthusiasts.
It is in a region rumoured to have been the birthplace of Aphrodite, whose son Paphos gave his name to the city, and was once a place of worship for devotees of the Greek goddess of love.
As early as the 12th century BC, a temple dedicated to Aphrodite was established in the village of Kouklia, which was once known as Old Paphos and is around 16km (10 miles) to the east of present-day Paphos. The ruins of the Sanctuary of Aphrodite Paphia, as it is known, are also Unesco listed.
A second Greek deity, Dionysus, has a strong presence around the city, especially at Nea Paphos, where an extraordinary collection of mosaics featuring the god of wine and orchards, madness and debauchery, can be seen.