2 - Paphos, Cyprus

7 nights Manchester-Paphos from £223 Compare all offers

Paphos has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. It was a centre of the cult of Aphrodite and of pre-Hellenic fertility deities. Aphrodite's legendary birthplace was on this island, where her temple was erected by the Myceneans in the 12th century B.C. The remains of villas, palaces, theatres, fortresses and tombs mean that the site is of exceptional architectural and historic value. The mosaics of Nea Paphos are among the most beautiful in the world. Paphos has become a well-known tourist destination due to its ideal location between the sea and the Troodos Mountains. Unfortunately most tourists tend to do a day or two of some of the most popular excursions including the Paphos Archeological Park, the Tomb of the Kings, and the Paphos Fort. If ruins are your thing, then Paphos should be on your list of places to see. If what you prefer is the beach, then you're in luck because Paphos has lots of those too! If you can bare to tear yourself away from the beach and the ruins, then head to the Akamas Peninsula in the far west of Cyprus; an area of outstanding natural beauty full of gorges and sandy bays. A day is a bit tight to explore the area, so we recommend you take at least two days and spend the night onsite. Most tour operators organise the trip, so you shouldn't find it difficult to find out more information once in Cyprus.

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