Paphos and its Mosaics

Paphos, on the sunny southwest coast, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, steeped in the myth of Aphrodite, the goddess of love said to have been born from the sea nearby. Its Archaeological Park holds the region's greatest treasure: a series of Roman villas whose floors are paved with astonishingly vivid and well-preserved mosaics depicting scenes from Greek mythology. Nearby lie the atmospheric rock-cut Tombs of the Kings, a medieval harbour castle and layers of ancient history.

What you actually see

• The Roman mosaics - the vivid, preserved villa floor mosaics.
• The Tombs of the Kings - the grand rock-cut ancient tombs.
• The harbour and castle - the medieval fort and waterfront.
• Aphrodite's Rock - the legendary birthplace of the goddess nearby.

When to go

April to June and September to October, for warm but comfortable weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer heat; the exposed sites are hot and shadeless in July and August. The mosaics and tombs are best explored in the cooler morning hours, and the harbour is lovely in the evening.

Honest expectations

The archaeological sites are open and shadeless, so summer visits are hot and best done early, and the modern resort strip of Paphos, geared to package tourism, is less charming than the ancient sites and old town. But the quality and preservation of the Roman mosaics are genuinely world-class, and combined with the Tombs of the Kings and the Aphrodite legend, Paphos is a rich and rewarding destination.

Nearby

Aphrodite's Rock, the Akamas peninsula and the Troodos mountains are close.