Paphos is a Mediterranean haven in every sense of the word. Awash with history and cocooned by azure seas and a golden coastline fringed with towering palm trees, holidays in the seaside town are an idyllic affair. And in the balmy jasmine-scented summer months, it really is all about ‘joie de vivre’, as the town comes to life with extravagant performances and festivals to lift the spirits and ignite the senses.
With three stunning hotels in the vicinity to choose from, including the family-friendly Olympic Lagoon Resort Paphos, the sleek Alexander the Great Beach Hotel and the brand-new couples only Amavi Made For Two Hotel, there’s an ideal retreat for everyone after all is said and done, no matter what your personal holiday style. Read on to discover some of the best events to delight you in the coming months!
Shining a bright spotlight on the theatrical arts in Cyprus, this annual event is a real highlight of the annual culture calendar, breathing life into some of the best open-air amphitheatres on the island, including the magical Paphos Ancient Odeon (a 2nd-century Odeon built entirely out of limestone blocks located in the Paphos Archaeological Park). Lovers of a good bit of stage drama can look forward to a richly diverse selection of high-quality acts, with performances by theatre companies and groups from around the world staging The Trojan Women, Bacchae and Hippolytus by Euripides, Lysistrata by Aristophanes, and more.
End of June – end of July 2019. Paphos Ancient Odeon. Info: www.greekdramafest.com
Al fresco summer moments under starry skies are one thing, but when the experience is accentuated by the moon casting its reflection across the seas and a soprano voice piercing through the summer evening air, the affair is a positively overwhelming one. In this light, it’s hardly surprising that the annual Pafos Aphrodite Festival leaves visitors speechless, year in and year out. Opera and music lovers this year can look forward to a nail-biting rendition of Macbeth by Giuseppe Verdi, performed by the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus.
August 30, 31 and September 1st. Paphos Castle. Info: www.pafc.com.cy
Wave goodbye to the summer in traditional style in the Paphos village of Stroumbi where locals pay homage to the famed Greek god of wine, Dionysos! Enjoy plenty of merriment and joyful festivities in one of the largest winemaking villages on the island; the festival gives all guests the chance to get better acquainted with winemaking traditions, as well as plenty of dancing, games, and a taste of traditional produce.
Planned for the end of August or September, exact date for 2019 TBD. Stroumbi village, Paphos. Info: stroumbi.org