Limassol Shore Excursion

This half-day Limassol shore trip will show you the classical side of the region beginning with the birthplace of Aphrodite and then a leisurely finish in the old city center of Paphos including the Agora marketplace.

Paphos is the birthplace of the Goddess of Love and Beauty, a place where myths and legends are still alive, an area where most of the traditions are still kept alive for you to enjoy today.

Your first stop is the birthplace of Aphrodite, also called Petra tou Romiou. While you are there you will learn some of the myths associated with this beautiful location before visiting the village of Kouklia and a visit to an area known as Palaepafos, or Old Paphos. This was one of the most celebrated pilgrimage centers of the ancient Greek world, and once a city-kingdom of Cyprus. In the area of the museum was the famous Sanctuary of Aphrodite, the most ancient remains, which date back to the 12th century BC.

Having started the day with a journey back in ancient times and the legend of Aphrodite perhaps it is appropriate to visit a location that has a more modern association with the Goddess. The Geroskipou area, known as the Sacred Garden is said to have been one of Aphrodites favorite places, hence the name. There is a thriving industry here which produces the well-known confectionery desserts called Cyprus Delights. These were the first Cypriot product awarded with the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) by the European Union and features the Goddess Aphrodite on the packaging. You simply cannot escape mythology in Cyprus! Your tour includes a visit to one of the local Cyprus Delights maker so you can see how this sweet treat is made.

Next you stop in the villages main square where you will visit the small but beautiful Ayia Paraskevi church. The church, filled with some of the oldest known frescoes in Cyprus, dates from the 9th century AD and is considered an important example of Byzantine architecture.

The next stop of your tour will be in Paphos for a drive among the neoclassical buildings of the city center. The area surrounding the town hall has some of the most beautiful classical architecture in the city. You will see the neoclassical school buildings with their Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns as well as the town hall, city library and the Eros fountain square.

Later you continue to visit some of the older neighborhoods of Paphos on our way to the Agora or Marketplace area and the final stop of our tour. The Agora area is filled with small traditional shops, coffee shops and tavernas. Here you will be able to visit vendors selling various kinds of local products, experience some of the local arts and crafts on offer, perhaps drop in a local kafenio for some Cyprus coffee - but be careful not to drink the dregs! There is also a local farmers market where you can see some of the best produce of the region on display.

Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)