Paphos Harbour, Cyprus

PAPHOS HARBOUR

I keep returning to Cyprus for my main holiday as, for myself and my husband it ticks almost all of the boxes. The only trouble we find is it’s just too hot to do much during the day, if holidaying during the summer, but then again you are more or less guaranteed sunshine every day and with the English summers we are having lately, that’s got to mean one big tick, I suppose.

In a few weeks’ time myself and my husband will be going again to Cyprus and staying in the region of Paphos, quite near to the harbour. We have already said that during our holiday we will, as is usual for us, spend some time at the harbour.

The harbour area has a bus depot close by and so we may find ourselves having a wander around during the day on our way to or from visiting the market high up above the harbour but as it is so hot in Cyprus it’s more likely that we will spend more time here in the cooler, although still hot, evenings.

Paphos is a very popular holiday resort on the west coast of the island of Cyprus. There's something here for everyone, whether you are interested in its architectural heritage, history, the shopping, or the many bars and restaurants, or if you feel adventurous enough to try water sports or a boat trip from the harbour then this is a place you will enjoy.

I would recommend visiting the harbour to any holidaymakers staying on this side of the island.

In the previous two years we have stayed in the Poseidon Avenue area which leads to the harbour. From this area it is possible to walk there by way of a purpose built pedestrianized pathway which can cope well with push chairs. It is also lit at night. It is worth considering though, especially if pushing wheelchairs that this is a very hot trek in August. I usually choose to take a bus or taxi due to the heat but many holiday makers walk along this coastal pathway. For holidays taken outside of the summer months when Cyprus is at its hottest then this would prove a very pleasant walk, especially in the evening. On one side the many hotels’ grounds can be seen and on the other is the blue Mediterranean Sea.

Last year as indeed this year, we stayed (will stay) on the outskirts of Paphos and so we used the local busses to travel to the harbour. The bus service in Cyprus is quite good and reasonably priced. Most journeys cost 1.50 Euros, some are less.

Paphos Harbour is a lively, bustling area and well worth a visit. It is busy during the day and really comes to life in the evening.

BOAT TRIPS

The harbour is a great place for all sorts of water activities. Along the harbour just before the start of the many restaurants one will see and hear the boat owners vying for trade and competing with each other to entice the holidaymakers by offering the best prices. It’s well worth haggling here. You can try scuba diving, take out a speedboat or, do as we did and hire the boat AND the driver. When we had some of our family with us we decided on a half hour speedboat trip and it was a terrific experience. The driver allowed passengers to take a turn at the wheel.

Boats leave from here to take you on trips around the harbour or further out. All types of vessels- a pirate ship or why not try a glass bottomed boat? There are half day trips, full day or shorter trips which I tend to choose.

SHOPPING

There is an abundance of gift shops and mini marts to be found in this area as well as a Debenhams department store and a Peacocks. Most shops, even the smaller ones tend to be comfortably air conditioned and if they aren’t they are usually well equipped with fans. In the very hot summer months it’s worth having a look around inside the shops purely for the sake of being able to enjoy the cool air blowing through them.

They sell everything here, with gift shops displaying souvenirs, postcards, swimwear, and beach shoes, supermarkets and much more. There are sweet shops, leather shops, and a good choice of jewellers. Many shops sell fake sunglasses and mock designer bags, purses and hats. The stores are varied with the usual gift shop paraphernalia to the more smart and upmarket. I always think the Cypriot people seen walking around here look incredibly smart.

RESTAURANTS

Paphos is a place of contrast; not only is the shopping varied but so are its eateries. Many are chic modern boutique cafes and restaurants, while others remain more traditionally Cypriot. You can try Greek fare, Italian, British, Chinese or Indian. There is, though not necessarily a good thing in my opinion, a Macdonald's and a pizza hut, but they are not right on the harbour, thank goodness!

The owners of the many restaurants along the harbour will vie for your custom, offering free carafes of wine or a discount. One is really spoilt for choice. Many restaurateurs are so keen to entice you into their restaurant, or to one of their outside tables, that they will often create something for you. Most have vegetarian options such as veggie moussaka or risottos, pizzas and omelettes. The meat dishes are wide in choice and if you like sea food well, as this is the harbour you really are spoilt for choice. Service is good as the competition is fierce, although everything, and everyone, seems to be in good humour. I will say though that I feel the restaurants in prime position, with the tables set out alongside the sea, are expensive, more so than those found more inland and I haven’t found he food as good either as in restaurants further from the harbour. Perhaps I’ll be luckier this year.

But never the less this is a wonderful place to dine of an evening with the lights reflecting from the boats which are moored here and glimmer brightly onto the sea. Sometimes a cruise ship can be seen and heard entering the harbour. The busses seem to stop around 11.30 p.m. but taxis are easy to obtain either by hailing, or they will see you and stop or from the taxi rank near to the harbour. I would advise agreeing on a price first.

HISTORY/CASTLE

As well as restaurants and shops the area has much history and if you are interested in this then you will enjoy a walk around the harbour. Romans, Byzantines, Greeks all have their place in the history of the island of Cyprus.

The castle is worth visiting; it was built in the Byzantine times for the purpose of protecting Paphos Harbour. The castle was reconstructed in the thirteenth century and then dismantled in 1570 by the Venetians, when the Ottoman Turks invaded the island. Part of the castle was restored in 1592. The castle has been used not only to keep invaders out but to keep prisoners in, when it was used as a prison. It has also been used as a salt store. The building is protected. It suffered some damage with the earthquake of 1953. The castle is still a popular attraction for visitors to Paphos.

And if you are interested then why not take a look at the Roman mosaics? You can look at an ancient Roman villa with a real mosaic floor.

The harbour area has a lighthouse and also an amphitheatre, which can hold over one thousand people, at its events. I think it's wonderful that this amphitheatre is still in use as well as it being a historical site.

If you visit the Paphos area then I would definitely recommend a trip to the harbour.

I love the harbour area but especially like to visit in the evening.