If you’re still wanting to chase the sun while the UK settles into rain and storms, there’s a perfect escape just a few hours away, and it won’t break the bank. As the British weather turns grey, you can swap drizzle for dazzling sunshine and turquoise seas with a direct flight to Paphos, Cyprus, for as little as £25 this October. This seaside city located on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Cyprus offers a great mix of beaches, fascinating history, UNESCO World Heritage sites and delicious local cuisine.
Another plus is the weather. According to the Met Office, Cyprus still has an average temperature of 26.7C in October, making it the ideal place to escape to during the colder months and means you can still swim in the sea, relax on the beach and explore the ruins without having to pack a coat.
November still offers mild weather, and return flights are currently available from just £35, according to Skyscanner.
Paphos is world-renowned for its archaeological treasures and rich history. It’s home to Aphrodite’s Rock which is said to be the legendary birthplace of the Greek goddess of love and beauty, as well as the Tombs of the Kings, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
Many of the tombs date all the way back to the 4th century BC and are the burial sites of Paphian aristocrats and high officials, and some are remarkably well-preserved with frescoed walls and Doric columns and grand courtyards.
One must-see is the Kato Pafos Archaeological Park which is an incredible ancient city that used to be the capital of Cyprus from 2BC to 4AD. The site includes majestic Roman villas and intricate mosaics.
The Paphos Harbour has a stunning castle as well as a charming seafront with a variety of local restaurants, cafes and bars to choose from. Paphos also has an impressive 27 beaches to choose from. Some of the most visited include Paphos Municipal Beach, Venus Beach, and Vardas Beach, known for their crystal-clear waters and beautiful scenery.
After a day at the beach or exploring the many ruins the city has to offer, visitors can enjoy Cypriot foods and dishes like halloumi, kleftiko, sheftalia, loukoumades and souvlaki in one of the many taverns.
The island’s rich history also flows through its wine. Cyprus is home to Commandaria, a sweet, amber-hued dessert wine which holds the title of the world’s oldest continually produced wine and its origins go back to at least 800 BCE.
One TripAdvisor user from Ireland wrote about Kato Paphos Archaeological Park: “If you are in Cyprus, this place is a must-visit. From magnificent Roman mosaics to the Odeon, Agora, ancient villas and sanctuaries, every step here brings the island closer to history.
“We spent a few hours in the park, and it was like walking through a huge open-air museum. The mosaics are simply admirable – especially in the House of Dionysus, where the paints and details have survived for almost 1,700 years!”
Another person described Venus Beach as “the best beach in Paphos” and said it was “absolutely stunning.”
#beautiful #European #city #26C #October #flight #Travel #News #Travel
