Natural sunshine from both people and the temperature is why Cyprus’s coastal hot spot is a popular all year-round destination.
But Paphos is a city which is also bursting with history and culture, making it the ideal place for a well-earned break.
The 5-star Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel is just yards away from the sands of Kato Paphos and a short 15 minute stroll from the beautiful harbour, archaeological sites, shops and restaurants.
Just 15 km from Paphos airport and close to the area’s four top of the range golf courses, it really is a sanctuary of luxury.
It’s the friendly, professional staff, who can’t do enough for the guest, making the stay an extra special one, allowing full relaxation in very special surroundings.
Check in is simple and quick and those who sign up to the Elite Class package can enjoy a personal welcome while enjoying a glass of fizz and a cold towel to wipe away the travelling stresses.
The hotel has undergone a massive facelift, and it shows. With pastel coloured decorations in the inviting lounge area and a lively bar with night time entertainment, everything spells “take it easy”.
With 520 modern and lightly decorated rooms and suites, there is accommodation to suit all, from rooms with ensuite baths or walk-in showers, with plant based toiletries, to interconnections for families or superior swim up rooms which give direct access from the terrace to a shared pool and private verandas.
There are spacious balconies looking across the Mediterranean Sea and the hotel’s well-kept colourful gardens and all the rooms have to die for comfy beds, safes, Wi-Fi, satellite television, bathrobes and slippers, as well as tea and coffee making facilities and mineral water on arrival.
Hospitality is the key at the hotel, with a choice of five restaurants and a beach bar, ranging from local produce to spicy Far Eastern delights, Italian food and the best of the Mediterranean.
The Elite Class package gives the opportunity to try out all the cuisine, giving great choices from beautifully prepared buffets for breakfast and dinner to al fresco à la carte enjoying the outdoor area, to barbecue themed nights held over the summer months.
Snacks and a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available at the bars by the pool and included in the Elite Class package, along with complimentary access to the steam and sauna facilities and transport to and from Paphos airport.
An extra perk for the Elite Class is a bottle of champagne the night before departure and if availability allows, a late check out of up to 6:00pm, meaning that you can enjoy the hotel for as long as possible.
There’s adult only facilities, which feature a separate pool, sunbathing area and swim-up adult pool bar and the Elite Class guests in the summer can enjoy spectacular views and sunsets from the St Andrew’s rooftop bar.
Children can enjoy a kids club and the sporty take advantage of a floodlit tennis court, 24 hour indoor rink and bowls green, along with four outdoor freshwater swimming pools, two for paddling and an indoor heated pool with a jacuzzi.
Children can enjoy an oasis splash area with two waterslides which land in separate pools and a colourful splash pad with spray toys.
Massage, aromatherapy and body treatments or chilling out can be enjoyed in the Elixir spa, along with its heated pool, two saunas and steam baths, a fully equipped gym and a hairdressing salon.
Handily there is a bus and taxi stop just outside the hotel and so it’s easy to reach the main tourist attractions as an option instead of walking along the promenade.
The old town of Paphos is ideal for seeing the traditional way of life the Cypriots enjoy, including fine and fresh Mediterranean foods. Two of the best restaurants are Ta Mpania, slap bang by the water and a great place to be to sample the best of Cypriot food, from platters of hummus, olives, flatbreads and taramasalata to tasty meats and kebabs and freshly caught delights such as squid and octopus.
In the old town, the very popular Christos Grill and Seafood Restaurant has al fresco dining to allow gorgeous views of the city, while feasting on the finest of local dishes including beautiful Greek salads, vegetarian and meat platters, pizzas and pastas, all served up by dedicated owners, Christos and Chrystalla Paraskeva.
The old town is also home to The Place, a converted warehouse where craftsmen continue to use ancient methods to create wonderful arts and handicrafts. This oasis of joy is full of talented people selling their work and also providing valuable classes to allow others to learn the same skills.
Visitors can try their hand at everything from pottery painting to creating mosaic magnets and The Place also has a lovely café to enjoy at the same time.
Full of history, Paphos is officially a UNESCO World Heritage site, with The Archaeological Park one of the most important in Cyprus. It dates back to the 4th century BC when the King Nicocles moved the site to its current home by the harbour.
It features sites and monuments from that time up to the Middle Ages, with most of the remains dating back to the Roman times, the most impressive being the intricate mosaic floors of four Roman villas, the houses of Dionysos, Theseus, Aion and Orpheus, which show various scenes from Greek mythology. Other important monuments including the Asklepieion, Odeon, Agora, Limeniotissa ruins of an Early Christian Basilica and the Tomb of the Kings are also in this fascinating and huge park.
Sitting grandly at the west end of the city’s harbour, Paphos Castle was originally a Byzantine fort, which was built to protect the water and renovated by the Lusignans in the 13th century, only to be dismantled by the Venetians. What survives today, was restored by the Ottomans in the 16th century and features a big square tower and central hall.
The castle was handed over to the British in 1878 and it was used as a salt store until 1935, when it was declared an ancient monument.
It really makes the harbour look impressive, alongside the rows of fishing boats and yachts which moor and enjoy this lively and all year-round destination.
The Details
Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel, Poseidonos Avenue, Paphos, 8101, Cyprus.
Tel +357 2688 4300
Website: www.athena-cbh.com
Email: reservations@athena-cbh.com
The hotel is in 20 minutes from Paphos Airport and bus 612 stops outside the hotel. Larnaca Airport is around 90 minutes away by car.
Type of Hotel: 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Number of Rooms: 520 bedrooms, including complimentary Wi-Fi.
Price Band: Medium, with the hotel offers a variety of packages which cater for the season and guest preference. Special deals are available for honeymoons and special occasions.
Insider Tip: The hotel has plenty of sunbeds and towels readily available, meaning there is no need for an early morning rush to the pool or beach!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9/10
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
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