Strike out in any direction from the main towns and, within a few kilometres, you are in an area of rugged hills and rolling countryside or long stretches of sandy beaches.The Paphos Region, which spans the whole western area beginning just a short distance east of Paphos International Airport, includes monasteries, mosaics, nature reserves, gorges, pine forests, vine-yards and wineries, small mountain villages and golf courses, as well as the beaches, shops, bars and restaurants in and around the main resorts of Paphos, Coral Bay, Polis and Latchi.
Well-connected to the rest of the island by scenic routes or motorway, the furthest-most resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras are reachable within three hours, Larnaca and Nicosia within two hours and Limassol within 45 minutes of Paphos. The Troodos Mountain resorts of Omodos, Platres and Kakopetria are just one or two hours away.
Once divided into two geographically-separate areas, Kato (lower) Paphos and Ktima or Pano (upper) Paphos have gradually expanded and joined to form one large town. There are so many historical and archaelogical sites within upper and lower Paphos that UNESCO decided against listing them all separately and simply added the whole town to it's world Cultural Heritage List. Characteristically, however, Kato Paphos and Ktima remain very distinct from each other. Both have their own historic and cultural sites and attractions but Kato Paphos is the beach, harbour and tourist resort, whilst Ktima is the residential, retail and commercial area.
Under Roman rule, Kato Paphos was the capital of Cyprus. With the decline of the Roman Empire, the capital moved to and remains at Nicosia. Nowadays, Kato Paphos is the 'Western Cyprus Riviera' and most hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs etc, in the Region are situated along this coastal strip. Many Cypriot, as well as international tourists, choose to spend their holidays here and there can be no better recommendation than local recommendation.
The most lively bars and clubs with late-night licences are based mainly in or around the 'Bar Street' area – so are easy to find, or avoid, depending on your point of view.
The picturesque pedestrianised harbour is where we moor our fleet and is just a short walk away from the Cydive centre. From here you can also take local cruises which run several times daily in the long summer season, or just relax and enjoy the view from one of the harbour-side fish restaurants or cafes.
Places of interest/activities in Kato include: The mosaics of Paphos; The Tombs of the Kings; The Medieval Fort; local cruises; glass-bottom boat trips; beaches and watersports; The Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark; and Paphos Aquarium.
Cydive sites in the Kato Paphos area are: The Roman Wall; Lighthouse Wreck; Pascal’s Reef; Monty’s Reef; the Valley; Janchor Reef; 100 Foot Reef; Wall Street; Bream Bay; Stan’s Dilemma; Bubbles; Anzac; Amphorae Caves; the Wreck of Vera K; The Shoals; Achileas Wreck; Mismaloya Reef; Lofos; Red Rose Rocks; and Airport Reef.
Built on an elevated, rocky escarpment, the central town area of Ktima was perfectly designed to make itself virtually impenetrable from attack. Apart from the panoramic views you can enjoy from this height, you will find that the cobbled-street market area has many cafes and tavernas offering more traditional Cypriot food at very low prices, intricately-designed jewellery and silverware, and a variety of local crafts and ceramics.
Places of interest/activities include: Archaeological museum; Neo-classical architecture; central market; the Hammam and, of course, plenty of retail therapy
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