2019-01-16 East of Paphos

2023 Revision: The walk starts from Kato Paphos Harbour Bus Station.

Following the track clockwise, you'll pass the archaeology at Saint Paul's Pillar (check out the Hondros Tavern). The route follows residential streets with fairly light traffic. Cross the main coast road and continue roughly east past a couple of shops and a nice taverna. There's a shortcut through woodland, passing children's play equipment.

Cross the main road north either at the traffic lights or it might be safer a bit further north along the road where the traffic is only coming from one direction. Here you can divert through pleasant wooded parkland to the right of the road. Look out for some sculptures and perhaps photograph the cupid for your next Valentine's card. Also look for the Maclura pomifera, Osage orange trees with strange monkey brain fruits. Cross the footbridge when you find one in good repair and head up the slope. At the top, head right, south.

Kink right and left to pass the Seven Saint Georges taverna on your left. Follow the road, south. This soon becomes a footpath half way down the cliff side. There are caves kitted out with icons and religious paraphernalia. There are unusual formations in the rocks. An archaeologist might know what they were. On the cliff top is a huge, slightly masculine, statue of Aphrodite. There are fine views towards the sea and airport.

The path drops down to a road. Head northeast uphill again to the Aphrodite Gardens. This would be a good place for a break if you time it right. Optionally divert north of the parkland, to see a fine Byzantine church, a museum, toilets, a pleasant square and NW along the main road a loukoumi (Cyprus Delight) factory and shop. There is a lovely atmospheric cafe called Rebetis ( Ρεμπετις ) where we got Cyprus coffee for one euro. The owner speaks English and has an English wife. Recommended!

Back at the parkland, head down hill passing a school. Then follow the fenced off irrigation canal. The route can be shortened here by turning back on earlier side roads.

Head back towards Paphos. The route on the map carries the least traffic and is mostly agricultural. Eventually you have to suffer 200 metres of the main coast road. The track than zig zags back to the harbour.

If you stay in a place long enough, you get to know all the crooks and nannies. The SatNav track takes advantage of narrow alleyways and patches of wooded parkland. Without the SatNav, just head west and roughly downhill to get back home.