car hire Paphos

Paphos owns the auspicious distinction of being the mythical birthplace of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. During Greco-Roman times, this city on the southwest coast of Cyprus served as its capital. But when the city of Nicosia was founded and built up, Paphos lost some of its swagger, and eventually a sizable portion of its population. Residents began migrating to Limassol and Nicosia, and soon after Nicosia assumed its place as the capital of Cyprus. While other regions of the island enjoyed a period of expansion and growth, Paphos treaded water, and as of late last century, it was the most underdeveloped section of the island. But around 1975, Paphos's population began to increase on account of a burgeoning economy linked to the fledgling tourism industry.

Paphos is full of historical treasures. Much of the city is a virtual open-air museum, which prompted UNESCO to add the entire town to its World Cultural Heritage List. The amazing mosaics in the remains of the Roman governor's palace are a top draw, as are the incredibly well-preserved mosaics of the Houses of Dionysus, Theseus, and Aion. The city's abundant catacomb sites from the early Christian era are also alluring to travellers, particularly the Saint Solomoni Church.

After you've retrieved your hire car, you might want to explore one of the several compelling destinations in the surrounding area. The pine forests of the Troodos mountain range are an idyllic spot for a hike in the warmer seasons, and in the winter these mountains are a haven for skiers and snowboarders. Limassol, one of the larger cities on the island, is also worth a drive, particularly for festival enthusiasts. Limassol's Carnival festival is renowned across the island. Taking place near the end of February, it's a 10-day affair founded on unbridled entertainment and effervescent goodwill. There's a massive parade and crowd-pleasing masquerading. After nightfall the festival offers lavish parties. In September, Limassol plays host to the Wine Festival of Cyprus, where travellers can sip some of the standout wines of the region.