Paphos For A Perfect Eco Holiday

Cyprus is a land of myth and legend. The mythical birthplace of the Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Paphos has been inhabited since Neolithic times. With the remains of villas, palaces, sports stadiums, fortresses, and tombs of a variety of periods, including the Classical and Roman eras, Paphos is fantastically rich in culture and heritage, with some exceptional architectural and historical sights to visit.

The modern town of Paphos has been built in a newer location, different to the original town, where what is left of the vast temple of Aphrodite is still visible. Developed for tourism since the 1970s, the area is wonderfully laid out and remarkably in tune with its natural surroundings. There are a range of historical sites to visit in and around the city of Paphos, with the striking Paphos castle at the harbour, and a range of some world-renowned mosaics in the remarkable House of Dionysos.

The entire city of Paphos is often described as being like an open-air museum, with the area now a UNESCO world heritage site. A paradise for historians, it is possible to wander from landmark to landmark in Paphos, without the need to hire a car. In fact one of the best ways to explore Paphos and its surrounds is by bicycle. Those looking to explore the surrounding countryside could do worse than to hire a bicycle and take to the trails, and with a range of tours and expeditions for all levels and everyone in the family, you can make holidays in Paphos a cycle-based series of excursions.

Taking to a bicycle and seeing the region on two wheels is one alternative.

Sightseeing by bicycle can be a great way to slow the pace and see surroundings that would simply pass you by from a car or bus, and in Paphos this world is a place of colour, myth and intrigue. After an afternoon of a two wheeled adventure through the region's history and culture, what better way to quench a thirst and feed an appetite than to experience the culinary delights of an authentic Cypriot dish in one of the city's many tavernas and restaurants? Extensive menus often feature in Paphos' eateries, many of which are inspired by the varying cultural influences on the area, and with responsibly sourced local and often organic produce, the flavours can be as exotic as you like.

Moving out of Paphos and along the coast, there are a range of quiet fishing coves, with some excellent yet modestly presented seafood restaurants, with local fish and vegetable dishes often uniquely prepared from village to village.

Villas in Paphos offer an excellent way to explore the city, and with the freedom of self-catering, you and the family can relax and enjoy an authentic, ecologically balanced environment in the heart of a cultural and mythical paradise. The real centre of Paphos is Ktima, where lovely colonial buildings are home to cultural galleries and museums as well as municipal offices. As well as some excellent restaurants, this part of Paphos has a feel of being untouched by mass tourism, and has a calm and tranquil ambience.

The coastline of beaches and bays around Paphos is stunning, and particularly worthy of a visit is the Petra Tou Romiou, a sea stack of rock dedicated to Aphrodite's birthplace. With vineyards and farms in abundance in the Paphos area, there is tremendous rustic nature to the villages and landscape, and some excellent trekking and horse riding opportunities. Getting to Paphos is easy from the UK, and with plenty of fabulous places to stay including some superb luxury Paphos villas, this city offers a choice of environmentally friendly holidays.

Environmental considerations are becoming import and holidays in Paphos are one option that can deliver for those with an eco conscience. Mark has written much about the resort and many green-friendly travellers are now renting villas in Paphos.