Cyprus is an island of breathtaking scenery, with beautiful beaches set against a landscape of rugged cliffs, dense pine forests, field after field of vines, citrus and banana trees, and 127 flower varieties found nowhere else in the world. Steeped in mythology and widely believed to be Anthony's gift to Cleopatra and the birthplace of Aphrodite, this island, with its high standard of modern-day living, still retains a strong sense of the historic.

Recognised as the most sun-sure spot in the eastern mediterranean, Cyprus enjoys an average of 340 sunny days per year and low annual rainfall. Wherever you go, you will find that the local people are friendly and welcoming, and that English is widely spoken throughout the island. The currency is in pounds and cents in the same denominations as the British pounds and pence, driving is on the left, electricity is 240v using 3-pin plugs and telecommunication services are good. No vaccinations are required and both public and private healthcare services are of a high standard.

The Paphos Region
Head off in any direction from the main towns and, within a few kilometres, you are in an area of dramatic hillsides and rolling countryside or long stretches of sandy beaches.The Pafos Region, which spans the whole western area beginning just a short distance east of Pafos 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 Pafos, 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 Pafos. The Troodos Mountain resorts of Omodos, Platres and Kakopetria are just one or two hours away.

Paphos
Once divided into two geographically-separate areas, Kato (lower) Paphos and Ktima or Pano (upper) Pafos 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 retail and commercial area.

Kato Paphos
Under Roman rule, Kato Pafos 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 what you like.

The picturesque pedestrianised harbour is the focal point of Kato Pafos and, from here, you can also take local cruises or glass-bottomed boat trips which run several times daily in the long summer season. Or, if you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, an ideal place to just relax and enjoy the view from one of the harbour-side fish restaurants or cafes.

Places of interest/activities in the area include: The mosaics of Pafos; The Tombs of the Kings; The Medieval Fort; local cruises; glass-bottom boat trips; beaches and watersports; Aphrodite Waterpark; and Pafos Aquarium.

Ktima
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.