Paphos: First Day of Touring

Tombs of the Kings

two men walking through an archeological site of old tombs

Due to jet lag, we don’t get moving until 9:45am. The day is sunny and warm. Warm enough for shorts, but not too hot to tour.

We pile into the car. John continues to turn on the windshield wipers instead of the turn signals.
Ancient archeological site with pillars and an arched entrance to a tomb

Ancient archeological site with pillars and an arched entrance to a tomb

First stop is The Tombs of the Kings. Ironically, no kings were buried here, just the very wealthy from Helenistic to Roman times. The archeological site is right beside the sea and a beach.

looking down into an old tomb entrance

I notice a very large animal swimming through the water. I can’t make out what it is. “John! Look at that large animal swimming in the water.” I run to the fence that separates the archeological site from the beach. I squint and still can’t make it out. I call to ladies on the beach, “Do you know what animal that is in the water?”
“A very fat human” one answers with a strong British accent.

After a laugh, They ask where I’m from and if I know Justin Bieber. We have another laugh and I continue touring the tombs.

Harbourfront

A harbourfront lined with palm trees

The day is getting hot. We get into the car and head to the harbourfront. I let Graham sit up front to navigate so that I can sit in the back and take in the sights.

Paphos is a typical Greek looking town. We make a few wrong turns but eventually end up at the harbour which is bordered by restaurants, shops and hotels in the beach area. The beach is supposed to have turtles but I only see people swimming, especially men who should not be wearing Speedos.

Paphos Castle Area

A sand coloured square castle Picture of a orange striped Lionfish A small castle guards the harbour. We walk towards the castle and have lunch at a waterfront restaurant called Theo’s which I read about. John and I have a delicious seafood platter and Graham has a fresh fish sandwich.

Sign that says Entrance is Strictly Prohibited to Unnecessary People We explore further down the harbourfront to the castle. I get a chuckle over a sign about an invasive lion fish with venomous anal spikes and another sign that says “Entrance is strictly prohibited to unnecessary people.”

Paphos Archeological Park

man looking at camera with archeological ruins in the background

five pillars in an archeological site A UNESCO Heritage site; Pafos Archeological Park is close by. The site is large and filled with Greek ruins. Most notable are the amazing floor mosaics but it is a whole ancient town with ruins of houses, mansions, an agora and an theatre. Very cool.

As the sun gets lower in the sky, we head back to the apartment for sunset drinks.

An ancient greek mosaic of Pyramus and Thisby

Paphos Old Town

A lit up greek inspired building with columns

two men at night looking at their phones Refreshed, we decide to walk to the old town. Both John and Graham have maps to get there downloaded on their phones. Being directionally challenged, I am happy to blindly follow. We continue walking only to realize they are going to different places. We pass some lovely buildings but still no typical old town. I offer to ask directions but am adamantly instructed not to. They continue to consult their separate maps. Is there even an old town centre (besides the harbourfront) in Paphos? We never find it.

Returning to home base, we throw together a quick supper. I find the Old Town on the map. It appears that we just skimmed the edge and then turned in the wrong direction. Oh well, there is always tomorrow. Time for an early night.

Entrance to Tombs of the Kings 2.50€ per adult and students free

Entrance to Archeological Park 4.50 for adult and students free