In Cyprus, an ancient port still exists today – the Port of Paphos. According to historical records, in the 4th century BC, the Kingdom of Paphos, which occupied the west and northwestern part of Cyprus, established a new capital called Nea Paphos. The moving of the new capital was authored by King Nikoklis which included the construction of a large harbor.

King Nikoklis constructed two breakwaters from the beach to form an internal basin within the harbor’s already well-protected bay. Following that, Ptolemaios took over the project and had the port built and improved with fortifications on breakwaters.

The Port of Paphos was then improved and corrected during the Roman period, and according to historical sources, the inner basin of the harbor was divided into three anchorages to serve foreign trade, smaller vessels for local trade, and finally, the third anchorage is thought to have hosted the warships that visited the city’s harbor.

Did you know that the Apostle Paul sailed through the Port of Paphos to continue his missionary journey to spread Christianity? For centuries, the port has stood the test of time as it bore witness to history and how civilizations transitioned into what it is today.

As there is much to explore, surely you don’t want to miss visiting the Port of Paphos when you are in Cyprus. Aside from its historical significance, the lovely harbor is teeming with activities you can engage in throughout the day and into the night. Whether you’re going for a stroll, enjoying fresh fish and seafood in nearby restaurants and cafes, or simply basking in the sun, the charming Port of Paphos could be an excellent therapy to any weary traveler.

Getting to the Port of Paphos is easy. The port’s depths range from 2 to 4 meters and it is only accessible by foot. Within the harbor is also the majestic ancient Paphos Castle, one of the city’s most iconic structures and also a site you must visit.