7 Best Sights in Paphos, Cyprus

Don't miss the elaborate 3rd- to 5th-century AD Roman mosaics in the Roman Villa of Theseus, the House of Dionysos, and the House of Aion—all part of a UNESCO World Heritage protected site. The impressive mosaics are an easy walk from the harbor.

In 1159 the hermit and scholar Neophytos settled at what's now referred to as the Ayios 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 known for what became a series of grottoes hewn from the hillside rock and the evocative religious frescoes—some actually painted by Neophytos—they contain. The monastery itself, with no more than a half-dozen or so monks, is situated below the grottoes.

The 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. Though it's on the small side, the museum provides a good introduction to the rich Byzantine history of the Paphos region and is well worth a stop.

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

The Paphos District Archaeological Museum displays pottery, jewelry, and statuettes in five exhibition rooms and one penthouse in the museum's yard. They represent all the prehistoric and historic periods through which the region passed.

The 16th-century Paphos Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, guards the entrance to the harbor and through history has served as a castle, 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 Tombs of the Kings, an early necropolis, date from 300 BC. The coffin niches are empty, but a powerful sense of mystery remains. There are lovely views over the Mediterranean sea.