Kato Paphos: The Jewel of Cyprus

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Ya sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [An-dio]
• YesΝαι
  [Nai]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Para-ka-lo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Ef-ha-ris-to]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγγνώμη
  [Sig-no-mi]
• How are you?Πώς είσαι;
  [Pos e-se;]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσύ;
  [Ka-la. E-si;]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε αγγλικά;
  [Mi-la-te an-gli-ka;]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den ka-ta-la-ve-no]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha i-the-la na do to me-noo, para-ka-lo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den tro-o kre-as]
• Cheers!ΥΓΕΙΑ!
  [Yi-ia!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha i-the-la na pli-ro-so, para-ka-lo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Vo-i-thi-a!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fi-ge!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Ka-le-ste tin As-ti-no-mi-a!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε γιατρό!
  [Ka-le-ste ya-tro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [E-ho xa-thi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [E-mi a-ro-stos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha i-the-la na a-gho-ra-so...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [A-pla ki-ta-o]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Po-so kos-ti-zi;]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Af-to e-ne po-li ak-ri-vo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να χαμηλώσετε την τιμή;
  [Bo-ri-te na xa-mi-lo-se-te tin ti-mi;]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti o-ra e-ne;]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [E-ne mia o-ra]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Mi-si (10)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Pro-i]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [A-po-gef-ma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vra-di]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Si-me-ra]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Av-rio]
• 1Ένα
  [E-na]
• 2Δύο
  [Thi-o]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tes-se-ra]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pen-de]
• 6Έξι
  [E-xi]
• 7Επτά
  [Ep-ta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Ok-to]
• 9Εννιά
  [En-nia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Thi-ka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou e-ne e-na/to...;]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia e-ne i di-ef-thin-si;]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Bo-ri-te na mu di-xe-te (sto har-ti);]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Po-te e-ne to e-po-me-no (le-o-fo-re-o);]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για το ....)
  [E-na e-si-ti-rio (ya to ....)]

Paphos, known as Kato Paphos in its lower part, traces its origins back to the Neolithic period. According to legend, Paphos was founded by Pygmalion, the mythical king of Cyprus, and named after his daughter, Paphos. The city later developed under the influence of the Mycenaean Greeks during the 12th century BC, who brought with them their culture and traditions.

Kato Paphos is intrinsically linked to the worship of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. According to mythology, Aphrodite was born from the sea foam near Paphos, and the city became a major center for her cult. The Sanctuary of Aphrodite, located in nearby Kouklia, was one of the most important religious sites in the ancient world, attracting pilgrims from across the Mediterranean.

During the Hellenistic period, Paphos became the capital of Cyprus under the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. This era saw significant urban development, including the construction of impressive public buildings and infrastructure. The city continued to flourish under Roman rule, becoming a major administrative center. Notable Roman-era landmarks include the House of Dionysos and the House of Theseus, renowned for their intricate mosaics.

Kato Paphos played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity. Saint Paul is said to have visited the city around 45 AD, converting the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus to Christianity. The city boasts several early Christian basilicas, such as the Panagia Chrysopolitissa Basilica, which was built in the 4th century. During the Byzantine period, Paphos remained an important religious and cultural hub.

Following the Byzantine era, Paphos fell under the control of the Crusaders, the Lusignans, and later the Venetians. The medieval period saw the construction of fortifications and castles, such as the Paphos Castle, which still stands today. In 1570, the city was captured by the Ottoman Empire, marking the beginning of a new era. Under Ottoman rule, Paphos experienced a decline in its strategic and economic importance.

In 1878, Cyprus came under British administration, leading to significant infrastructural and administrative changes. Paphos was modernized with new roads, schools, and public buildings. Following Cyprus’s independence in 1960, Kato Paphos transformed into a popular tourist destination, celebrated for its rich historical heritage and archaeological sites. The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.

Kato Paphos is located on the southwestern coast of Cyprus. The nearest airport is Paphos International Airport, just about 15 kilometers away. Many international flights, especially from Europe, land here. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to reach Kato Paphos. Alternatively, you can fly into Larnaca International Airport, which is around 130 kilometers away, and then take a bus or rent a car for the drive to Kato Paphos.

Kato Paphos is well-connected with an efficient public transport system. The local bus service is reliable and covers most tourist attractions and neighboring areas. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Renting a car is another convenient option, giving you the freedom to explore the surrounding countryside at your own pace. Bicycles and scooters can be rented for short trips within the town.

The official currency in Cyprus is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, and currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange bureaus. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit more remote areas where card payments may not be accepted.

Kato Paphos is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any popular tourist spot, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur. Be cautious with your belongings, especially in crowded areas like the harbor and markets. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and always use registered taxis. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The General Hospital of Paphos is well-equipped to handle medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head and shoulders when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don’t eat or drink while on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Kalimera' (good morning) or 'Kalispera' (good evening). A handshake is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and wines. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings from locals, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Kato Paphos like a local, visit the local markets for fresh produce and traditional Cypriot goods. Engage with locals as they are friendly and often willing to share stories about their town. Don’t miss the archaeological sites like the Paphos Archaeological Park and the Tombs of the Kings. For a unique experience, take a leisurely stroll along the harbor, enjoying the local seafood at one of the many seaside tavernas.