Paris may be dubbed the city of love, but it’s actually Paphos in Cyprus that holds the title as the birthplace of love, being the reputed birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.
Despite Aphrodite hailing from Old Paphos, New Paphos is just a stone’s throw away and offers an idyllic winter retreat with average temperatures around 18C.
If you’re keen to experience an island winter, the temperature in Paphos is currently hovering in the mid twenties and the sun is shining – a far cry from London’s chilly 12C.
As the winter draws on, Paphos will experience a drop in temperature but this is nowhere near the plummeting temperatures of the UK. Even in the depths of winter, this Cypriot island will enjoy temperatures in the mid teens.
Not only does New Paphos boast stunning weather, but it’s also a modern city featuring beautiful beachesa UNESCO World Heritage Site and some of the Mediterranean’s most striking mosaics.
Several of its beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status, indicating their waters are safe and clean for swimming, including Sodap Beach, nestled east of the harbour.
If you’re more inclined towards cultural exploration than beach lounging, there are numerous historical sites to choose from.
Pafos Archaeological Park is one of the largest and most diverse, guiding visitors through the Stone Age, Hellenistic period, and Roman and Byzantine empires all within one location.
The park’s crowning glory is its intricate floor mosaics, renowned for their excellent preservation and vibrant colours, which depict various scenes from Greek mythology.
The park entrance fee is a nominal €4.50, granting access to all sites within, and operating hours are set from 8:30am to 5pm during the winter season.
Trippers to this haven have heaped praise on it via Tripadvisor, with one visitor declaring: “This should not be missed. The site is a large swathe of land near the port and has its entrance near some free car parks right next to the harbour.
“Entrance was just 4.5 Euros. There is a lot of walking, but there are two covered areas for some of the important mosaics. The sheer amount of excavated ruins is overwhelming. The floor mosaics are absolutely outstanding. Allow 2 hours.”
Another enthusiast exclaimed it was “absolutely excellent!” They advised that “The area is very extensive, and needs LOTS of time to go round and study what must be some of the most amazing mosaics outside Italy.”
If you’re keen to discover Paphos personally, Skyscanner is offering a deal with January flights available for a steal at £38 one-way.
With just a four and a half-hour flight duration, it’s an idyllic option for a winter weekend retreat.