Top 10 places to visit in and near Paphos!

Even though your ideal holiday might be purely for relaxation and less for sightseeing, the Elysium is located strategically near the city’s most famous landmarks and monuments.

Below are our Top 10 recommendations, for places to visit in and near Paphos:

1)    Tombs of the Kings

Location:  5-minute walk

A large area that has underground tombs built out of solid rock dating to 4^th century BC, many decorated with Doric pillars. Whether Kings were buried here or not, the brilliance of the tombs gave the area its name.

2)    The Mosaics – Paphos Archeological Park

Location:  At the harbor area, 45-minute walk from the hotel or 5 minute drive or by Bus No. 615

House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and the recently excavated House of Aion. The amazing mosaic floors, of these 3^rd century AD noblemen’s villas, are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mostly show story scenes from Greek mythology and are wonderfully executed.

3)    The Paphos Castle

Location: At the harbour area, adjacent to the Mosaics-Paphos Archaelogical Park (see above)

Originaly built as a Byzantine fortress to protect the harbor from any kind of invasion, and then it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13^th century. It then was dismantled by the Venetians in 1570, who failed in defending it against the Ottomans, who in their turn restored and strengthened it after they captured the island

4)    St. Solomon’s Church / Catacombs

Location:  Near the harbor area, 45-minute walk from the hotel or 5 minute drive or by Bus No. 615

The church was originally a Christian catacomb. A sacred tree stands at the top, which is said to heal the disease of those who hang a personal item as an offering on its branches.

5)    Ayia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa Church & St. Paul’s Pillar

Location:  Near the harbor area, 45-minute walk from the hotel or 5 minute drive or by Bus No. 615

This Church was built around 1500 AD as a Latin Church on the site of a small church which was destroyed in 59 AD by an earthquake. About 100 years after its construction and following the Turkish invasion of 1570, it became the Byzantine Cathedral of Kato (Lower) Paphos. Tradition has it that St. Paul was scourged in Paphos at the pillar near this church. This church is, therefore, often known as “The Church by St. Paul’s Pillar”.

6)    The Temple of Aphrodite

Location:  Kouklia village, 14 km East from Paphos, 15-minute drive

Here are the most ancient remains, going back to the 12^th century B.C. The temple was one of the most important places of cult and pilgrimage of the ancient world, till the 3^rd – 4^th century A.D. The Museum, housed in the Lusignan Manor, is small but impressive with many finds from the area.

7)    Petra Tou Romiou, The Birthplace of Aphrodite

Location: 25 km East from Paphos, 25-minute drive by car

Originally built as a Byzantine fortress to protect the harbour from any kind of invasion, and then it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13^th century. It then was dismantled by the Venetians in 1570, who failed in defending it against the Ottomans, who in their turn restored and strengthened

8)    Bath of Aphrodite

Location:  In the Akamas Peninsula, near Polis, 40 km North from Paphos. 40-minute drive by car.

 An area of breath taking beauty associated with Aphrodite. According to legend, the goddess Aphrodite used to bathe in the pool of the nearby natural grotto, which is shaded by a fig tree. A trail from the Baths takes you to Fontana Amorosa (8 km from the Baths, at the end of the Akamas Peninsula). Walking along this trail, one can enjoy an incomparable view and unspoilt nature.

9)    Kourion

Location:  50 km East from Paphos, 50-minute drive

Looking out over the Mediterranean from its cliff top, Kourion is the most spectacularly located ancient site in Cyprus. First settled by the fierce Mycenaeans, the city reached its apogee in Roman times, as evidenced by remnants of the empire such as its great stadium, theatre and lavish public baths. As in many of Cyprus’s greatest ancient cities, the cults of Aphrodite and Apollo thrived here, and both of these Hellenistic deities have shrines here. Wandering through Kourion’s ruins, it is not hard to imagine the city as it must once have been: one of the jewels of Rome’s eastern possessions, until its destruction by an earthquake in 365

10) Wine Routes:  Tour, taste and enjoy!

Wine is not a new story for Cyprus. Recent archeological excavations which have been undertaken on the island have confirmed the thinking that this small tranche of earth has been producing wine for almost 5000 years. The discoveries testify that Cyprus may well be the cradle of wine development in the entire Mediterranean basin, from Greece to Italy and France.

The historic panorama of continous wine history that the island possesses is just one of the reasons that make a trip to the wine villages such a fascinating prospect. The best reason is the wine you will sample during your journeys along the ‘Wine routes’ of Cyprus…

From the traditional indigenous varieties of Mavro (for red and rosé wines) and the white grape Xynisteri, plus the globally unique Koumandaria to well-known golbal varieties, such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

For more information in regards to the Top 10 things we recommend to do in and near Paphos and more sightseeing suggestions, please consult our Guest Relations team (tel. 00357 26844 444 – guestrelations@elysium.com.cy)

Source www.visitcyprus.com

Le Beaujolais Nouveau 2011 est arrivé!

Famous for its exquisite wines, the historical Beaujolais province of France introduces the highly-acclaimed Beaujolais Nouveau wine every year on the third Thursday of November.

On Friday, November 18, and in collaboration with La Maison du Vin, the Elysium hosted the annual Beaujolais Nouveau Oeno-gastronomic Dinner. This exceptional event, which has been taking place at the hotel for five consecutive years, celebrated the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau 2011 with traditional French culinary specialities, an extravagant dinner and the live music of our exceptional duo.

Mediterranean Beach: 20 Years of Excellence

On October 21, 2011 the Mediterranean Beach celebrated 20 years of presence in the tourism industry of Cyprus.

Twenty candles blown out with wishes for all the beautiful and unforgettable moments offered by the management and staff, providing our guests with excellence in service.

Probably the best sunset in the world…

This is the view from our Occidental Terrace, probably the best sunset in the world…

We would like to thank David Cunningham for taking this lovely picture.

Winter Newsletter

The latest edition of our Pleasures newsletter for Winter 2011/12  is out, with lots of exciting news from both Elysium and Med Beach usually this is posted out to everyone wo has visited us, but now we can also bring you an online version.

On this edition you can read all about our Elysium Chocolate Festival and also newly introduced Baborganic Snowflake Body Treatment at Med Beach, and many more things for you to enjoy on your Cyprus Winter Holiday.

To download the latest issue of our Pleasures Newsletter please visit our hotel’s websites at www.elysium.com.cy or www.medbeach.com.

Three Greek Singers

The Elysium Hotel was delighted to play host to the press conference to announce the music concert held at the local Paphos Stadium on the 22nd July 2011.   The headline acts for this event were, Yiannis Kotsiras, Dimitris Mitropanos & Dimitris Basis.

The concert was organised in conjunction with Pafos Municipality and was extremely well recieved by almost 11,000 citizens and visitors.

Summer Newsletter

The latest edition of our summer newsletter is out, with lots of exciting news from both Elysium and Med Beach usually this is posted out to everyone wo has visited us, but now we can also bring you an online version.

This month you can read all about our Martini Nights at Elysium and also our fantastic early dinner discounts at Med Beach, and many more things for you to enjoy on your Cyprus Holiday.

Indian Summer at Elysium

This summer you are invited to embark on a culinary trip to the land of spices and flavours.   Under the guidance of the experienced Indian Chef Shankar Gauri, a wide variety of authentic Indian specialties have been immaculately prepared, and an extravagant buffet invites you once a week (on Thursday) to taste the unique flavours of India.

We have included a link to a recent review of the Indian Night including some menus.  We hope you enjoy this culinary experience with us during your Cyprus Holiday.

Paphos Events – June 2011

Summer is now underway in Cyprus and there are many many events happening in Paphos, please take a moment to have a look, we hope this helps you plan for your Cyprus Holiday.

SAT, 3 – MON, 13 JUN
KATAKLYSMOS (FLOOD FAIR)
Celebrations include a music concert, various games, folk dances, swimming competitions and boat races. Organised by the Pafos Municipality.

Venue: Pafos Medieval Castle.
For further information please contact 26932014.

THU, 2 – SUN, 26 JUN
CYPRUS – SAINT PETERSBURG

• SAT, 4 – Military Wind Philharmonic – Venue: Pafos Castle Square

• FRI, 10 – Terem Quartet – Venue: Pafos Castle Square – Free Entrance

For further information please contact 25372855.

FRI, 10 JUN
CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT
“Emerging Romanticism”. The programme includes works by L. V. Beethoven, J. Brahms and F. Mendelssohn. Soloists: Alina Komisarova (violin), Roberto Trainini (cello) Conductor: Kypros Markou
Organised by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra.

Venue: Markideion Theatre
Time: 20:30
Entrance: €12, €7 (free for students and soldiers)
For further information please contact 22463144, 26932014 or www.cyso.org.cy

FRI, 17 JUN
“TO APHRODITE”
An event which includes poetry, music, chorus from ancient hymns dedicated to the ancient Goddess Aphrodite as well as traditional songs of love with Giorgos Dalaras, Aspasia Stratigou, Diastasis vocal group and the Ossipov Balalaika Orchestra. Organised by the Geroskipou Municipality and the Kouklia Community Board.

Venue: Aphroditi Sanctuary, Palaipafos – Kouklia.
Entrance: €25, €20.
For further information please contact 26960857, 26960867, 7000-9303.

FRI, 24 JUN- SUN, 3 JUL
7TH COCKATOOS PAFOS OPEN 2011
Organised by the Cockatoos Bowling and Entertainment Centre Ltd.

Venue: Cockatoos Bowling Centre.
For further information please contact 26822004.

PAFOS WALK
Every Thursday
STROLLING AROUND PAFOS TOWN CENTRE (KTIMA)
In an effort to get visitors acquainted with Pafos Town Centre (Ktima), which is the newest part of the city of Pafos as opposed to New Pafos, the ancient Hellenistic and Roman Capital of Cyprus, the Municipality of Pafos would like to invite everyone to visit Pafos Town Centre (Ktima) and get to know this part of Pafos, incorrectly considered as merely a shopping area.
The walking tour Strolling around Pafos Town Centre (Ktima) aims to provide an overall picture of Pafos and how Pafos Town Centre evolved and developed from the late Byzantine and Medieval times to what as it was called until recently Κtima. The Pafos Town Centre (Ktima) is associated with the local everyday life of the population. For the Pafians though, Pafos Town Centre (Ktima) has so much more to it….
Through historic references, linked with some very important historic phases including Medieval, Ottoman, British and modern times; one will ‘walk’ into the past but will also get better acquainted with the commercial centre of Pafos.
The walk is led by a licensed CTO qualified guide. It lasts about two and a half hours, including a half-hour break for refreshments.
Starting point: CTO Information Office, 3 Gladstonos Str. Time 10:00.

You can download the full programme of June events for the island by clicking here.

Limassol Events – June 2011

June will be a very busy month in Limassol with lots of interesting events for everyone visiting Cyprus.

THU, 2
MILITARY WIND PHILARMONIC
Venue: Administration’s Office Square,Limassol

WED, 8
TEREM QUARTET
Venue: Limassol Castle Square

MON, 20
PAVEL SMIRNOV ACCORDEON ORCHESTRA
Venue: Reclamation eastern side opposite St. Catherine’s Catholic Church

WED, 22
SMOLNI CATHEDRAL CHOIR
Venue: Agia Napa Church.

THU, 23 – SUN, 26 JUN
Exhibitions of Photographs of Saint Petersburg.
Venue: Panos Solomonides Cultural Centre.
Free Entrance (for all performances)
For further information please contact 25372855.

THU, 2 – WED, 29 JUN
14TH EUROPEAN DANCE FESTIVAL

• THU, 2 JUN – Compagnie Linga group, Switzerland.

• SAT, 4 JUN – Helsinki Dance Company, Finland.

• WED, 8 JUN – Paradise company Super, Romania.

• FRI, 10 JUN – Liquid Loft / Chris Haring dance group, Austria

• SAT, 18 JUN – Tok Art dance group, Portugal

• TUE, 21 JUN – DOT504 dance group, Czech Republic.

• WED, 29 JUN – Walter Bickman dance company, Germany.

Organised by the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture and Rialto Theatre. In collaboration with the Embassies and the Cultural Centers of the participant countries

Venue: Rialto Theatre.
Time: 20:30
Entrance: €5, €20 for all the performances.
For further information please contact 77777745.

THU, 9 JUN
CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT
“Emerging Romanticism”. The programme includes works by L. V. Beethoven, J. Brahms and F. Mendelssohn. Soloists: Alina Komisarova (violin), Roberto Trainini (cello) Conductor: Kypros Markou
Organised by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra.

Venue: Rialto Theatre.
Time: 20:30
Entrance: € 12, €7
For further information please contact 77777745.

SAT, 11 – MON, 13 JUN
KATAKLYSMOS (FLOOD FAIR)
Celebrations include various games, folk dances, swimming competitions and boat races. Organised by the Limassol Municipality.

Venue: Limassol Seafront Promenade (West of Municipal Gardens).
For further information please contact 25745919.

TUE, 14 JUN
CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT
Classical music concert with the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. The programme includes works by G. F. Handel, W. A. Mozart, L. van Beethoven, J. Brahms, P. I. Tchaikovsky, I. Albeniz and Y. Hadjiloizou. Conductor: Y. Hadjiloizou. Organised by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra.

Venue: Onesilos Seaside Theatre
Time: 20:00
Free Entrance
For further information please contact 22463144, 26932014, or www.cyso.org.cy

THU, 23 JUN
CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT
“Viva Verdi”. Popular arias, duets and chorals of the great Italian composer from such operas as Nabucco, La Traviata, Rigoletto, Aida, I Vespri Siciliani, Il Trovatore. With the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Marco Balderi Soloists: Danillo Formaggia (tenor), Serena Daolio (soprano). “Leandros Sitaros” Choir of the Nicosia Pnevmatiki Stegi Conducted by Maro Skordi
Organised by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra In collaboration with the Embassy of Italy.

Venue: Rialto Theatre.
Time: 20:30
Entrance: €12, €7
For further information please contact 77777745.

FRI, 24 – SAT, 25 JUN
THE GREAT BALLET COMPANIES
“Chopiniana”, Carmen Suite” and “Simple Things” with the Mariinsky Theatre Kirov Ballet. Organised by the Limassol Municipality.

Venue: Limassol Municipal Gardens Theatre
Time: 21:00
Entrance: €35, €30, €25.
For further information please contact 25878744

FRI, 24 – SUN, 26 JUN
SHAKESPEARE AT KOURION
THEATRE (in English)
This year’s play is “Romeo and Juliet”. Organised by the Performing Arts for Cyprus Charities Society.

Venue: Kourion Theatre
Time : 20 :00
Entrance: €20, €10 students
For further information please contact 99990535.

LIMASSOL WALK
Every Monday.
A stroll in Neapolis, Nemesos, Limassol….Lemesos
See the best of Lemesos in a Walking Tour organised by the Municipality of Lemesos in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation and the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association. The tour aims to giving you the opportunity to get to know the historical centre of Lemesos by walking through its narrow streets which visually “narrate” its long history. Monuments of the past, traditional workshops, unique architectural features, the bustling life of the old market and traditional shops all reflect the city´s atmoshpere, the main element of this tour.
Starting point: CTO Information Office. Spyrou Araouzou 115A. Time: 10:00. Free guiding and participation. Tel: 25362756.
Organised by the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.

You can download the entire Event Calendar for June by clicking here.