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LOCAL ATTRACTIONS...
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The Blue Flag sandy beaches of Sodap, Mbania and
Alexander are within walking distance (300 metres),
and here you will find a wide array of water sports.
A short 200 metres stroll, and you will find other
amenities such as, restaurants, tavernas, bars,
cafes, banks and shops.
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The apartments are situated 1km from the picturesque fishing harbour of
Paphos, the mosaics and Tombs of the Kings.
The Paphos 'Go-Kart' racing track, Paint Ball
centre, Crazy Golf and Water Park are about (2km) a
5 minute drive from the Apollonia Apartments, and
there is a children's amusement (Luna park) further down the
coastal road. (8 minutes drive).
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A five minute walk will take
you to
coastal road and
"Bar Street", a
long street of bars, a few clubs, restaurants and a bowling centre.
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A large cosmic bowling centre and the local cinema
are a 5 minute drive away, towards Paphos town.
THINGS TO DO & SEE IN PAPHOS:
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MUSEUMS
Leventis Municipal Museum
of Nicosia
Department of Antiquities
Paphos Ethnographic Museum
* GOLF COURSES
Aphrodite Hills golf club:
www.aphroditehills.com
Minthis Hills golf club:
www.cyprusgolf.com/tsada.htm
Secret valley golf club:
www.cyprusgolf.com/sv_about_us.htm
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WATER PARKS
Paphos Aphrodite water park:
www.aphroditewaterpark.com
Limassol Fasouri water park:
www.fasouri-watermania.com
Waterworld Agia Napa:
www.waterworldwaterpark.com
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AQUARIUM
The Paphos Aquarium:
www.tsiolisgroup.com/en_aquarium.htm
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BIRD PARKS
Paphos bird and animal park:
www.pafosbirdpark.com
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DIVING CENTRES & SCHOOLS
Cydive:
www.cydive.com
Dive-In:
www.dive-in.com.cy
PW Marine Divers:
www.pwmarinedivers.com
* ONE & HALF DAY COASTLINE CRUISES
Sea cruises:
www.water-activities.com
*
PHOTOGRAPHIC AND VIDEO SERVICES
Skarvelis: email
info@skarvelisweddings.com
Heather Morgan: e-mail
heathviv@cytanet.com.cy
*
WEDDING PLANNERS
Wedding arrangement :
www.dontforgetthewedding.com
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*
PAPHOS: Town of Aphrodite
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The charming west coast town of
Pafos
focusses around an attractive little harbour whose
picturesque open air fish restaurants line a
quayside of bright fishing boats and pleasure craft.
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With a population of just 28.000 Pafos nestles In
the lee of the Western Troodos Mountains,
which add another dimension to this area of scenic
beauty. The recent addition of its own international
airport nearby has opened up the Pafos area, and the
resort is graced with some luxury hotels along the
coastline.
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Pafos has an air of holiday charm combined with
history, and olden-day elegance is lent to the town
by its classical style buildings in the upper part
of town which leads to the shopping area. The lower
part of the town - known as Kato Pafos has a
life of its own albeit so close by, down near the
sea -home of the harbour, the fish tavernas,
souvenir shops and several beautiful hotels with
important archaeological sites around them.
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Pafos is entwined with Greek mythology, and the
legendary birth of Afrodite on her shores
brought fame and worshippers there to follow the
cult of the Goddess. Landmarks associated with
Afrodite are the chunky, rugged rocks of her
beautiful birthshore known as the Afrodite Rocks
or "Petra tou Romiou", the evocative
sanctuary of Afrodite at Kouklia Village,
one-time shrine and scene of pagan festivals for
thousands, the Baths of Afrodite at Polis,
supposed source of fertility and the Fountain of
Love, or Fontana Amorosa, a few miles
further into the Akamas Peninsula.
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Even the town's name is linked to the Goddess, for
Pafos was the name of the mythological daughter of
Venus and Pygmalion.
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Pafos became the capital of Cyprus under the
successors of Alexander the Great - the
Ptolemies and in those days its harbour was a busy,
thriving port. It continued as the island's first
city for more than seven centuries, retaining its
importance under Roman rule Its most famous Governor
Sergius Paulus, was converted to Christianity
by St Paul in 45 AD. Pafos history dates back a great deal further.
In fact the whole area abounds in historical and
archaeological treasures.
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*
For complete information, videos and photographs of
Cyprus please visit the following website:
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Please
click on the photos to enlarge
Tombs of the Kings
Theoskepasti Church - Kato Paphos
Secret Valley golf course
Aphrodite water park
Funbuggy safari
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Find information and links about places to
visit museums, government departments, Golf
courses, water parks, aquarium, bird parks,
diving centres and schools, coastline cruises,
funbuggy, quad safaris, limousines, car rental
services and much, more... |
Zorba Music
Useful phone numbers
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Emergency services, Police, Fire brigade, or
Ambulance
122 or 199
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Paphos divisional Police HQ
26806060
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24 hr chemists/pharmacies
90901416
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Registered Nurse
99153616
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Paphos General hospital
26803100
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Private doctors on call
90901436
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Paphos / Larnaca airport
77778833
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Directory enquiries
11892
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Overseas enquiries
11894
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For more information please don't hesitate to
contact us
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* PLACES OF INTEREST
1. PAPHOS DISTRICT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Digenis street Tel: (26)240215
Attractive collection of Cypriot antiquities from
the Papho area, dating from the Neolithic Age to
1700 AD.
2. BYZANTINE MUSEUM
In the premises of the Bichopric
an interesting collection of objects from the
Byzantine period, including Byzantine icons from the
12th to 18th century.
3. ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM
Exo Vrisi Tel: (26) 232010
Interesting private collection of objects from the
Neolithic Age to the present day.
4. TOMBS OF THE KINGS
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Wide area containing underground tombs carved out of
solid rock dating to 4th century BC, many decorated
with Doric pillars. Whether Kings were buried here
or not, the magnificence of the tombs gave the
locality its name.
5. THE MOSAICS OF PAPHOS
House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and the recently
excavated House of Aion.
Kato Paphos near the harbour Tel: (26)240217
The amazing mosaic floors, of these 3rd century AD
noblemen's villas, are considered among the finest
in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mostly depict
scenes from Greek mythology and are beautifully
executed.
6. AYIA SOLOMONI CHURCH
Kato Paphos, St. Paul street.
Originally a Christian catacomb. A sacred tree
stands at the top, which, according to tradition,
cures the disease of those who hang a personal
offering on its branches.
7. PAPHOS ODEON
A small 2nd century Odeon entirely built of
well-hewn limestone blocks. It was uncovered by the
Cyprus Department of Antiqulties in 1973-4 and is
now regularly used for musical and theatrical
performances.
8. SARANTA KOLONES
Kato Paphos, near the harbour.
This castle was built in the first years of the rule
of the Lusignans (beginning of 12th century) maybe
on the site of a previous Byzantine Castle. It was
destroyed in the earthquake of 1222.
9. PAPHOS CASTLE
Kato Paphos
Originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the
harbour, it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th
century, then dismantled by the Venetians in 1570,
who found themselves unable to defend it against the
Ottomans, who in their turn restored and
strengthened it after they captured the island.
10. Kykkos Monastery
The Holy Monastery of the Virgin of
Kykkos was founded around the end of the 11th
century by the Byzantine emperor Alexios Komnenos
(1081 - 1118). The monastery lies at an altitude of
1318 meters on the north west face of Troodos
Mountains. There are no remains of the original
monastery as it was burned down many times. The
first president of Cyprus Archibishop Makarios III
started his ecclesiastical career there as a monk in
1926. He remained fond of the place and returned
there many times. His request to be buried there
materialised after his death in 1977. His tomb lies
3 km west of Kykkos monastery and remains a popular
visitor destination.
11. PANAYIA CHRYSOPOLITISSA CHURCH AND BYZANTINE
BASILICA
Kato Paphos
Built in the 1 3th century, over the ruins of the
largest early Byzantine basilica on the island.
Within the compound, one can see the so called St.
Paul's Pillar, where according to tradition Saint
Paul was flogged at some time before the Roman
Governor Sergius Paulus was converted to
Christianity. Excavations are still going on.
12. THEOSKEPASTI CHURCH
Kato Paphos, facing the harbour.
Theoskepasti means 'Veiled by God' and according to
tradition, God sent down a fog to protect the
original church during the Arab raids. The modern
church was built in 1923.
PAPHOS AREA
1. YEROSKIPOU FOLK ART MUSEUM
Yeroskipou village, 3km east of Paphos.
Tel: (26) 240216
The name of the village comes from the Greek word "Hieroskepos",
the sacred Garden of Aphrodite. Fascinating
collection of Cyprus folk arts and crafts gathered
together in the house known as Hadjismith.
2. AYIA PARASKEVI CHURCH
Yeroskipou village, 3 km east of Paphos.
One of the most interesting and attractive Byzantine
Churches on the island, dating to the 10th century,
with a vaulted basilica, a nave and two aisles
surmounted by five domes, with later frescoes dating
to the 15th century.
3. TEMPLE OF APHRODITE
Kouklia village, 14 km
east of Paphos.
This is Palaepaphos, Old Paphos, one of the most
celebrated places of pilgrimage of the ancient Greek
world, and once an ancient city kingdom of Cyprus.
Here are the ruins of the famous Temple of
Aphrodite, the most ancient remains, go back to the
12th century B.C. The temple was one of the most
important places of cult and pilgrimage of the
ancient world, till the 3rd-4th century A.D. The
Museum, housed in the Lusignan Manor, is small but
impressive with many finds from the area.
4. PETRA TOU ROMIOU (Birthplace of Aphrodite)
25 km east of Paphos.
According to legend, Aphrodite, goddess of love and
beauty, rose from the waves in this strikingly
beautiful spot. The Greek name, Petra tou Romiou
(The Rock of the Greek), is associated with the
legendary frontier-guard of Byzantine times,
Dighenis Akritas, who kept the marauding Saracens at
bay with amazing strength. It is said in one such
fight he heaved a large rock (Petra), at his enemy.
5. PANAYIA CHRYSELEOUSA
3 km north of Paphos, Emba village.
A 12th century church standing in the centre of the
village. A series of icons and two panels with the
12 Apostles date to the middle of the 16th century.
6. PEYIA
 Ayios Georghios Basilica and the picturesque
fountains.
Peyia village, 19 km north-west of Paphos. In Peyia,
do not forget to quench your thirst at the
picturesque fountains which can be found in the
beautiful stone-paved village square. 41/2 km from
the village, near the fishing refuge, are the ruins
of two early Christian basilicas with some very
interesting mosaic floors depicting animals. This
site must have been an important establishment in
Early Christian times. There are also rock-hewn
tombs of the Roman period above the sea.
7. AYIOS NEOPHYTOS MONASTERY
9 km north of Paphos.
Founded around 1200 by the Cypriot hermit and writer
Neophytos. The Encleistra or Enclosure carved out of
the mountain by the hermit contains some of the
finest Byzantine frescoes dating from the 12th to
15th century. In the Monastery's church there is an
interesting collection of icons and remains of 16th
century frescoes.
8. CHRYSOROYIATISSA MONASTERY
 40 km north-east of Paphos, turn right before
Stroumbi village. The monastery is also reached from
Kykko (forest road).
Set in beautiful surroundings, this monastery,
dedicated to Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate, was
originally founded in the 12th century but the
present building dates to 1770. The monastery has a
collection of important icons and treasures. An
impressive religious ceremony and celebrations are
held on 15th August. Recently the old winery of the
monastery was reopened and produces some of the best
vintage wine available in Cyprus.
9. PANO PANAYIA
On the west of Troodos 1 1/2 km from
Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery.
The birthplace of President Makarios. The house,
where he was born, has been turned in a museum.
10. POLIS (known in ancient times as Marion)
37 km north of Paphos
One of the ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus, it
became an important commercial centre in Classical
and Hellenistic times, with close relations with
Athens. Some beautiful houses, dating to the
beginning of this century, can still be seen here.
Polis, with its excellent climate and beautiful
beaches and scenery, is now developing into a
popular resort.
11. BATHS OF APHRODITE (Akamas Peninsula, Lara
Bay)
48 km north of Paphos
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An area of breath taking beauty associated with
Aphrodite. According to legend, the goddess
Aphrodite used to bathe in the pool of the nearby
natural grotto, which is shaded by a fig tree. A
trail from the Baths takes you to Fontana Amorosa (8
km from the Baths, at the end of the Akamas
Peninsula). Walking along this trail, one can enjoy
an incomparable view and unspoilt nature (especially
in Sing).
(Source:
www.kypros.org )
12. TRADITIONAL CYPRIOT FOOD AND DRINK
 
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TRADITIONAL |
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Palouzes/soutzoukos
The palouzes and the soutzoukos are two of
the most popular sweets of Cyprus. You will
usually find them in villages that produce
grapes.
Let see how they are made:
After the pressing of the grapes, the
producers take the must and put it in the
“chartzin” (large bronze vessel) in a low
fire. Then, they add a special earth, called
“asproi”. The “asproi” is added in small
proportions because after the boiling it
will start to rise. With the addition of
“asproi” the must cleans and gets a darker
shade. During the boiling of the must, the
impurities, which come at the surface, are
taken away. When it is completely clean, the
boiling stops and the must is left to cold
in another cauldron.
Thereafter, the must and the flour are
mixed. The proportion in “okades” (1 oka is
almost 1 kg) is 8:1. The mix is put in a low
fire and it is stirred until is cooked. This
is how palouzes is made.
The next step is the manufacture of
soutzoukos. Firstly, the nuts are
shelled and dipped into water in order to
become softer and easily put on the sticks
(threads about 2-3 meters long). Thereafter,
the sticks are dipped in the “moustalevria”
(mix of must and flour) until the nuts are
completely covered. This is repeated three
times. When this is finished, the sticks are
hanged for 5-6 days until the soutzoukos
becomes completely dry. Some people prefer
it hot so they eat it right after the
dipping.
Soutzoukos (Greek: σουτζούκος) is a popular
tradional sweet of
Cyprus. The main ingredients used to
make soutzoukos are grape must, almonds or
in some cases walnuts and flour.
Preparation
The process of making soutzoukos involves
basically two steps. The first step is to
make the must jelly. First, must is
extracted from good quality grapes. As soon
as the must is extracted, it is placed in a
large bronze container (called chartzin or
kazani) which resemble a big cauldron. The
must is then heated slowly. A special kind
of white soil, called asproi is then added
to the boiling must to assist in the removal
of impurities from the must. A very small
amount of asproi is added in the boiling
must, causing the impurities to rise on the
surface where they are collected and
removed. Once the cleansing process is
complete the must is left to cool down.
Next, the flour is added to the must while
stirring and heating the mixture. When the
mixture gets the right consistency, judging
from the rate of steam bubbles and the
fluency of the mixture, is removed from the
heat. The mix, called palouzes, is now ready
for dipping the almond strings and make
soutzoukos.
The next step is the making of soutzoukos
involves the creation of strings of almonds
(or walnuts), which are dipped in the
palouzes mixture and are then left to dry.
Firstly, the nuts are shelled and dipped
into water in order to become softer. Once
soft enough they are stringed using threads
of about 2-3 meters length. The strings are
dipped in the palouzes mixture until
completely covered. This process is repeated
several times (usually three times) until
soutzoukos has the desired thickness.
Soutzoukos strings are then left to dry for
5-6 days. It then ready for consumption or
storage, eventhough some people like to eat
soutzoukos fresh.
Halloumi
The women of the village make the
traditional cheese of Cyprus, “halloumi”
(made of goat and sheep’s milk) until now.
Unfortunately young people don’t seem
willing to continue the tradition, which
will be probably lost in some decades.
Lets see how halloumi is made in Letymbou:
Firstly, the milk is heated at a low
temperature inside “chartzi” (traditional
large copper caldron). Thereafter, the
producer adds “pithkia” which is a special
powder/enzyme that thickens the milk. An
hour later, the milk is set and then the
halloumi is cut and put in the “talaria”
(special wicker-baskets). Later on, the
halloumi is being pressed on hand so that
all the liquids are removed.
After the “pressing”, it is placed in the
“tiroskamni” (traditional tool) and it is
cut into pieces (approximately 200gr each).
The rest of the liquid, which have remained
in the caldron, is reheated at a high
temperature thus producing “anari” (white
soft cheese).
The halloumi pieces are then placed back
into the caldron, inside the “norros”
(whey), and are heated in a low flame until
they are completely cooked. The cooking
procedure lasts for about 60 to 90 minutes
during which the small pieces of halloumi
must be occasionally stirred with a special
dipper. After being cooked they are again
placed in the “tiroskamni”(cheesemaker’s
stool) to cool down. Afterwards they are
salted and various aromatic elements (such
as mint) are added. When the halloumi is
cold, it is placed into plastic or glass
vessels with “noro”.
The halloumi and the anari have a white
color, unlike the majority of the other
cheeses.
Trachanas
The “trachanas” is a very popular soup in
Cyprus. It is delicious and very nutritious.
Its main ingredients are sour milk and
coarse wheat. Below, we will explain briefly
how is made.
The wheat is washed and then it is grinded
on a quern. The grinding is done by inverse
rotation so that the seeds are shelled and
broken. When the procedure is completed, the
sour milk is poured in the “chartzin” (large
bronze vessel) with the coarse wheat. The
mixture is heated and mixed until it becomes
thick and creamy. When it cools down, it is
cut in balls and put in the “tsestous” (dish
made of straw) until it becomes dry. These
dried pieces are kept in a cool place and
they are preserved for a very long period.
Every time that someone wants to cook
trachanas, they take some of these small
pieces and put them in the water for some
hours. Thereafter, they boil it in broth.
While boiling, you can add a little bit of
milk or small pieces of halloumi. The
trachanas is served hot with salt, pepper
and lemon.
In older times this soup was very popular,
especially for the cold winter nights. The
villagers also used to eat it before they
left for work at dawn. It is still the
favorite soup of the Cypriots. Nowadays, you
can find it in supermarkets.
Resi
The “resi” was actually wheat. Young women
accompanied with violins usually did the
preparation of this food. They carried it in
the old taps of the village and cleaned it
the previous of the wedding day as it was
one of the main wedding dishes.
It is actually a pilaf of lamb and coarse
wheat cooked in the broth of chicken, pork
and beef. The pieces of lamb were put in
large cauldrons and they were braised in low
heat. Later on, the coarse wheat was added.
When the food was ready, it was served to
the guests. It was very popular in Limassol
and Paphos.
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