S p e c i a l I n t e r e s t T o u r i s m

Pafos Chamber of Commerce & Industry Pafos Tourism Committee, P.O.Box 60082, 8100 Pafos, Cyprus, Tel:+357 26935115, Fax:+357 26944602

Email:info@visitpafos.org.cy, Web site:www.visitpafos.org.cy

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Indulge in your passions and special interests while at the same time relaxing and enjoying all that a Mediterranean island can offer you. From golfing to photography, Pafos can cater for your needs. With its

mild climate, modern telecommunications and tourist facilities, this is a corner of Cyprus that combines beautiful countryside, a cosmopolitan resort, historic sights and every kind of sporting activity under the sun.

Pafos is only a short flight away from most European and Middle Eastern cities, and there is a wide range of top class accommodation to choose from five-star luxury resorts to traditional village houses. And what’s more,its reasonable prices make it excellent value for money.

Pafos For The Alternative Travel Lover

Pafos has something for everyone, whetheryou are a sunseeker, explorer, or someonelooking for a relaxing holiday with greatscenery. There are so many reasons to visitthis beautiful part of Cyprus.

This region offers much to suit your special interests, whether they are cultural, historical, culinary, nature-loving, or sporting.

Pafos is one of the most inspiring places for appreciating nature. The variety of plant and animal life and the beautiful unspoiltscenery make it a delight. If you’re a nature lover, or into photography

or painting, the Akamas peninsula will enchant you. With its rugged coastline, alternating between rocky shores, promontories and sandy bays, itis an area of breathtaking beauty exuding an aura of ancient peacefulness.While inland there are picturesque little villages nestling in the hills.

For a birdwatcher with a 'world list' of birds to see, Cyprus is a must-visit to spot the endemic Cyprus warbler and wheatear. The island is on the migration path between Europe, Asia and Africa. In the spring you mightsee flocks of storks and demoiselle cranes riding thermals over the sea, hoopoes, larks and wagtails flying in, and various bee-eaters and swallows low overhead, while in the autumn huge numbers of raptors sail by.

Rare endemic plants, such as the Cyprus orchid, tulip and crocus, grow hereand in the spring wild anemones can be seen, making it a botanist’s paradise.

The sandy beaches of the Akamas are important breeding grounds for thegreen and loggerhead turtles, whose numbers have greatly been increasedthanks to a successful conservation project at Lara.

The Akamas peninsula is a paradise for nature-lovers, birdwatchers and botanists.

The island’s capital for six centuries in antiquity, Pafos is an areawith a unique archaeological legacy, large parts of which have been put on UNESCO’s world heritage list. Visit the sanctuary of

Aphrodite where in ancient times pilgrims attended festivals in the goddess’honour and admire the exquisite floor mosaics of Roman villas and the impressive underground Tombs of the Kings carved out of solid rock.

Cyprus was the first country in the world to come under Christian adminis-tration when the Apostles Paul and Barnabas visited it in their mission to spread Christianity. See the stone column in Pafos where, legend has it, St Paul was flogged in AD 45 before converting the Roman governor. Byzantine art survived and flourished here, as the island escaped the iconoclastic decrees. Marvel at the vivid wall paintings in the apses of many medieval churches and admire many beautiful religious artefacts.

In Pafos Cypriot culture remains strong with many traditions handed downthrough the ages. Discover remote villages where customs have been kept alive down the generations and where age-old crafts, such as lace-making,basket-weaving and pottery, continue to be practised.

Immerse yourself in the archaeology, history and culture of Pafos and experience at first hand one of the oldest civilisations of the world.

Blessed with an abundance of sunshine and warm year-round temperatures, Pafos is an ideal location for sports. These conditions,combined with the excellent facilities available, have prompted many

north European football teams and other sporting professionals to comehere for their winter training.

Pafos is the latest destination for golfers with three top-class golf courses tochoose from complete with amenities and facilities of an international standard. Other popular activities include hiking, biking and even horse-riding as a great way to explore the region as well as to keep fit.

Of course being an island, there’s every variety of water sports, such as paragliding, jet skiing, water-skiing, banana boat riding and canoeing, available from most of the large hotels. Windsurfing, sailing, coastal cruisingand deep-water fishing can be enjoyed all the year round thanks to the steadywinds and mild weather. With warm crystal clear seas, no tides or dangerouscurrents, Pafos is perfect for discovering the magic of the underwater world by snorkelling or diving.

And after the exertions of the day are done, allow yourself to be pampered atthe health spa and wellness centre of one of Pafos’ luxury hotels where friendlyand attentive staff will ease any muscle tension and revitalise and energise you.

Whether you are looking for an activity or total relaxation, Pafos has everything you need.

Go on a wine tour of the Pafos district and visit the many regionalwineries in picturesque hillside villages. Here you can taste theproduce from a tradition that goes back 4,000 years. Cyprus’ sweet

wines were famous in antiquity with writers, priests, explorers, soldiers andrulers all praising what were known as Cyprus "sweeties". One such dark, sweet, treacly wine, Commandaria, is acknowledged to be the oldest namedwine in the world and probably the first ever to be given an ‘Appellation of Origin’.

Everywhere you go you can find local tavernas serving typical Cypriot specialties. Enjoy the many different tastes in a selection of ‘mezedes’, which can include up to 20 or 30 dishes of various delicacies. Or do as thelocals do by trying the local bread made of homegrown wheat, cracked greenolives and a village salad with fresh rocket and coriander leaves.

In the summer a plate of refreshing watermelon with halloumi makes an enticing combination of flavours.You will be made to feel welcome everywhereyou go and get a taste of the true spirit of Cypriot hospitality.

Savour wine from Dionysos’ vineyards and food that is filled with bold,fresh flavours presented in a simple style.