About Paphos

Paphos, located on the southwestern coast of Cyprus, serves as the capital of Paphos District. In ancient times, there were two Paphos locations: Old Paphos, now known as Kouklia, and New Paphos.
The present-day city sits along the Mediterranean coast, approximately 50 km (30 mi) west of Limassol, the island's largest port. Paphos International Airport holds the distinction of being the country's second-largest airport. The city enjoys a subtropical-Mediterranean climate, boasting the mildest temperatures on the entire island. Recognising its rich history, ancient architecture, mosaics, and religious significance, Paphos earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. Furthermore, it shared the spotlight as a European Capital of Culture for 2017, alongside Aarhus.
Languages

Greek is the most widely spoken language on the island, and it is the native language of the majority of the population. English is also widely used and understood, particularly in urban areas and in business and tourism contexts.

Currency

Euro €

Plug Sockets

Type G

Climate

Mediterranean climate - average temperatures of 34°C (in summer) Warm and dry long summers.

Aphrodite and Paphos
The Greeks believed that Aphrodite emerged from the sea and landed at Paphos. According to Pausanias, even though her worship in Paphos was initially influenced by Syria, it was more likely of Phoenician origin. Initially, it was thought that Aphrodite's cult predated the time of Homer, around 700 BC, as the Odyssey mentioned the grove and altar of Aphrodite at Paphos (viii. 362). However, archaeological evidence revealed that Cypriots had a pre-existing cult venerating a fertility goddess with influences from both the Aegean and eastern mainland before the arrival of mainland Greeks. Female figurines and charms dating back to the early third millennium were found in the vicinity, indicating an established temenos even before the Late Bronze Age structures were built. Old Paphos served as the central hub for Aphrodite worship in the Aegean world. The Cinyradae, descendants of Cinyras, held prominent positions as chief priests, bearing Greek names but having Phoenician origins. Despite their considerable power, inscriptions suggest their control by a senate and assembly of the people. An oracle also operated in the region. Celebrated by poets, Old Paphos' ruins, including the vast sanctuary of Aphrodite, still stand with discernible features, marked by colossal foundation walls. Following its earthquake-induced destruction, Vespasian oversaw its reconstruction, depicted on coins, alongside representations on coins of earlier and later periods, including those of Septimius Severus. Architect Gustav Friedrich Hetsch of Copenhagen attempted a restoration based on these representations and existing ruins.
Travel Information

Cyprus is served by two International Airports; Larnaca International Airport, (LCA) and Paphos International Airport, (PFO). More than 50 International Airlines connect Cyprus to the whole world; for more details regarding flights to/from Cyprus, please visit the official website of both airports at www.hermesairports.com. Furthermore, domestic communication between both airports and all the major cities on the island is very quick and easy via an extensive highway system.

Please refer to the official page of Ministry of Foreign Affairs for open and closed points of entry to the Republic of Cyprus:

https://buff.ly/3wdg8Hc

Please note that participants have the following options for their transfers from / to the airport:

Airport Taxis

Participants may get an airport taxi on arrival at the airport. Service is generally very good, but at times one may have to wait and prices may vary depending on the time of arrival.

Car rentals

Participants may opt to hire a car during their stay, and thus use it for their airport transfers.

Note: On arrival please proceed to the booth of ‘Astra Car Rental’ company and the staff there (present 24/7) will be able to assist you. You do not need a voucher. Simply mention your name and provide them with your driving license.

The booth of ‘Astra Car Rental’ Company is located at:
i. Larnaca Airport: after the exit Custom Formalities, opposite you, slightly to the left.
ii. Paphos Airport: opposite you as soon as you exit Custom Formalities

Please note that the Car Hire Daily Rates are valid for 24 hours. Each daily rental period starts from the moment that the car is picked up and is valid for 24 hours after that. In case that a car is kept for a period exceeding 24 hours then the renter will be charged for an additional day.

Cars picked up from either Larnaca or Paphos airports in Cyprus are subject to an Airport Charge of 20 Euro to be paid locally.

Please note that Cyprus has a comprehensive public bus network, with extensive inner-city routes and also major city and airport connections. You can find more information at https://www.cyprusbybus.com/. If you require specific information, please click here and select your desired city.

Larnaca Airport to Venue

Please note that currently, there is no direct bus service from Larnaca Airport to Paphos. However, you may follow the next steps:

Step 1: From Larnaca Airport use the Limassol Airport Express coaches in order to reach Limassol city (last bus stop “Saint George Havouzas” – shuttle bus stop). Please visit their webpage for more information and timetable: http://enlimassolairportexpress.eu/.
Step 2: Afterwards, use the Intercity Buses (green buses) to get to Paphos city (first bus stop “Pervola – Karavela”). Kindly note that intercity bus service does not operate frequently. Please visit their webpage for more information and drop off points: https://intercity-buses.com/en/.
Step 3: Use public bus to reach Harbour (Main Station). Afterwards, use the Paphos public buses to reach the hotel venue. Please visit their webpage at: https://www.pafosbuses.com/ for routes and timetables.
Paphos Airport to Venue

Use the public bus route 612 from Paphos Airport to reach Harbour Station.
Use the public bus route 603 to reach the Annabelle hotel
Please visit https://www.pafosbuses.com/ for more information and the timetable.

Reminder: You should apply for a visa in good time, in case of any delays during processing.

If you require a visa invitation or confirmation letter, please email us at info@easyconferences.eu.

As Cyprus is a candidate country bound to join the Schengen Area, Residents of non-EU countries who hold valid multiple-entry Schengen visas must first pass through a full Schengen member territory in order to utilize the visa in Cyprus. The Schengen Visa holder is allowed to travel to Cyprus directly from a Schengen member country without applying for a National Cypriot visa and stay in the Republic of Cyprus for the duration of their Schengen visa.

The above arrangements do not apply for persons holding a Turkish or Azerbaijani passport. If you are affected, please visit the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs website on how to apply for a Cyprus Visa.

For further information, please check the European Commission website regarding Schengen Visas.

Where Visas are being issued, Visas will be issued by all the Diplomatic Missions (Embassies and General Consulates) of the Republic of Cyprus, and by all the Honorary Consulates of the Republic of Cyprus abroad in their respective countries. Additionally visas can also be issued by the British High Commissions / Embassies in the following countries:

ARGENTINE REPUBLIC, BAHREIN, HONG KONG, JAPAN, JORDAN, KAZAKHSTAN, KUWAIT, OMAN, SWITZERLAND, SUDAN, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (ABU DHABI, DUBAI) and UZBEKISTAN.

For the latest information please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

• The voltage on the island is 240 volts, socket outlets are of flat 3 pin-type (UK).
• English is the second language and is understood by almost everyone on the island. French, German,
• Russian, Spanish, Italian are also widely spoken.
• The currency of the Republic is the Euro.
• Banks in Cyprus open for the public from 08:30 to 13:30 midday, Monday to Friday. Certain banks in
• tourist areas open during the afternoon.
• All types of medication are available in well stocked pharmacies all over Cyprus.
• Telephone: Country code is +357. Cyprus automatic telephone dialing system reaches 206 countries.
• Telecards can be purchased from Post Offices, kiosks and souvenir shops.
• There are two international airports in Cyprus, at Larnaca and Pafos.
• The two main ports are in Limassol (Lemesos) and Larnaca.

Cyprus is a full member of the European Union.

Accommodation

Annabelle

This luxurious 5-star resort, situated overlooking the Port of Paphos, features tropical landscaped gardens surrounding a large pool with swim-in caves. The Annabelle offers fine dining and access to the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.

The Annabelle Hotel’s rooms include elegant marble features and deluxe amenities like bathrobes and slippers. They also provide minibars, satellite TVs, and free Wi-Fi.

Visitors can leisurely stroll through the landscaped gardens, admiring the waterfalls. For a relaxing experience, the Annabelle offers a rooftop indoor pool and the adults-only Ouranos Well-being Spa, which includes a sauna, steam room, gym, and various spa treatments.

Transport Information

Email: info@hermesairports.com

Local Call: 7777 8833 / Int. Call: +357 2512 3022

Visit Hermes Airports: https://www.hermesairports.com/

Email: info@publictransport.com.cy

Local Call: 1416

Ticket Fares: https://buff.ly/4bzttd5

Timetable: https://buff.ly/42DFolW

Visit Public Transport: https://www.publictransport.com.cy/

Email: info@intercity-buses.com

Local Call: 8000 7789

Timetable: https://intercity-buses.com/en/routes/

Visit Intercity Buses: https://intercity-buses.com/?wp=routes

More of Paphos.
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