Three days excursion by the Pafos Regional Board of Tourism
Pafos is a combination of a cosmopolitan holiday resort with spectacular countryside, and many fascinating historical sites. The region offers the possibility of enjoying both sea and mountains, as well as giving a taste of the island’s cultural heritage with its many archaeological sites. You can feel the romance in the air as you walk where Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, once roamed. Pafos is also known of its long history in wine making and rich gastronomy.
1st Day Excursion – Wine and Saints
This day trip is an easy relaxing drive with lovely scenic views, it includes stunning spiritual
imagery, delicious wine tasting, a refreshing dip in the sea, followed by a leisurely lunch, you can
easily be back at your accommodation mid-afternoon. Through the main road of Pafos- Polis, drive
to the 11thcentury St.Neophytos monastery and Englistra (Place of Seclusion). The monastery as
one would expect is a veritable haven of peace and tranquillity. Drive through villages towards
Polis & Latchi to Kathikas village to reach the Vasilikon winery for a unique wine tasting
experience. After Vasilikon, you can enjoy a visit at the Marion Arsinoe Museum and the Baths of
Aphrodite, a place where according to the myth Aphrodite Goddess of love and beauty was bathing
with her lover, Adonis. Lunch in a nearby restaurant is recommended.
Return through the beautiful villages of Droushia, Inia Arodes, Kathikas while enjoying the breath-
taking scenery and have a short stop at the Agios Georgios Fishing Port to enjoy one of the most
mesmerising sunset of the Mediterranean Sea.
–Vasilikon Winery: Vasilikon Winery is one of the first local wineries of Cyprus, established in 1993. Its successful operation is based on the excellent quality grapes of Kathikas and the Akamas Laona areas of Paphos, which are mainly picked from the family’s vineyards. Furthemore, the knowledge, dedication and care exhibited by these winemakers, together with the technologically advanced special machinery used, make Vasilikon one of the most accomplished wineries in Cyprus.
2nd Day Excursion – Meet the locals
Drive to the Old town Pafos, through the neoclassical buildings, towards Mesoyi village. First stop is at the Fikardos Winery. Having enjoyed another great wine tasting, on your return you can explore the Pafos Old Town and enjoy a nice walk through the renovated area. Meet the locals, discover talented local craftsmen and shop exceptional hand-made and homemade products. Visit the Tombs of the Kings and St Paul Pillar which is believed that Paul was tied to a stone pillar and flogged, receiving forty but one lashes. The inhabitants of Pafos even today point to a certain pillar, near the ruins of the Gothic church, known as St. Paul’s pillar. Enjoy lunch at the harbour.
A must visit is to explore the UNESCO Archaeological Park by the harbour and the beautiful mosaics floors representing scenes from the mythology, representations of Greek Gods, activities of everyday life and beautiful scenes of wine making.
-Fikardos Winery: Founded in 1990, the Fikardos Winery in Mesogi gives great emphasis to the growth of indigenous Cypriot grape varieties like the rare red Maratheftiko, the white Xinisteri – one of the two grapes used to produce the legendary Commandaria – which produces fruity whites with delicate notes of citrus and the rare Spourtiko.
3rd Day Excursion – Myths and Legends
Take the route eastwards and visit the birthplace of Aphrodite the Goddess of love and beauty. If weather permitting, you can enjoy a nice swim in the area. Visit Kouklia archaeological site (Palepafos), a site that includes significant monuments such as the House of Leda, the site of Palepafos and its surrounding area are linked to an ancient cult associated with the “Great Goddess”, the goddess of fertility, who was worshiped in Cyprus since the Neolithic period. Then, having explored Palepafos you can visit Kolios winery, in Statos-Ayios Photios village for an exceptional wine tasting. On your return, drive through Yeroskipou- Pafos beach front to enjoy the beautiful coastline of the area. Excursion can be completed by visiting Pafos Medieval Castle by the harbour.
Kolios Winery: The winery is situated on a mountain peak about a kilometer on the outskirts of Statos Ayios Photios village towards the monastery of Chryssoroyiatissa, in the city of Pafos district. Kolios wines are produced without any chemicals and the vineyards are organic. In just 2 years, Kolios will receive the official approval for organic production.
The program is organised especially for Iter Vitis by the Pafos Regional Board of Tourism
Tel: +357 26 811500, email: [email protected]