Founded in the 4th century BC, Pafos was the capital of Cyprus for nearly eight hundred years. Pafos, situated on the south west coast of the island, the home of Aphrodite - goddess of love and beauty, offers a wonderful combination of romance, relaxation and history. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, spectacular scenery and a wealth of archaeological sites, Pafos became a UNESCO World Heritage Town in 1980.

Spread over a vast area, these impressive underground tombs date back to the 4th century BC. Carved into sheer rock the vaults held high officials rather than kings, but the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name.

The first traces of civilisation in Cyprus date back more than 9000 years to the Neolithic period. Treasures from the remarkable history of the island can be seen in several museums, including the Pafos District Archaeological Museum and The Byzantine Museum housing large collections of Cypriot antiquities.

North of Pafos lies the resort town of Polis overlooking the beautiful Chrysochou Bay with its charming fishing refuge of Latchi. The relatively unspoilt countryside and villages make the area truly delightful.

Legend dictates that Petra Tou Romiou or Aphrodite's Rock is the birthplace of Aphrodite (Venus) - the Greek goddess of love and beauty, who rose from the waves in this magnificent spot.

The Akamas Peninsula, situated to the north west of Paphos is a unique and unspoilt area of outstanding natural beauty. Featuring a spectacular array of Mediterranean flora, fauna, geology and picturesque landscapes, this area boasts two nature trails, the Aphrodite and the Akamas, which start from the famous Baths of Aphrodite.