Traditions of Paphos
A coastal town in the myth of Aphrodite, where the old rite of the Flood and the lace of Lefkara are still honoured.
Paphos, on the southwest coast of Cyprus, has been the island's sacred place of Aphrodite since ancient times, and its mosaics and tombs are a World Heritage site. Cypriot village traditions of lace, pottery, wine and halloumi continue in the hills behind.
Aphrodite and the villages
In legend, Aphrodite rose from the sea near Paphos, and the Rock of Aphrodite is the setting for local stories. Lace, lefkaritika, is embroidered in the nearby village of Lefkara and has been made for centuries, and the craft is listed by UNESCO. The wine festival is held each September.
At the table
Commandaria, a sweet dessert wine, is among the oldest named wines in the world. Village tables serve afelia, pork stewed in red wine with coriander, and kleftiko, lamb baked in a sealed clay oven. Zivania, a clear grape spirit, and palouze, a grape pudding, appear in the autumn.
Signature traditions of Paphos
Also part of it, and being written: Commandaria (The sweet wine.), Kleftiko (The slow-baked lamb.).
A trail idea for Paphos
- Paphos Mosaics See floor scenes from Roman villas.
- Rock of Aphrodite Visit at sunset.
- Omodos A wine village in the hills.
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, markets and festival dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.