03/07/2017
#1 from travel bucket list 2017
Paphos, Cyprus
It's time to rethink Paphos. Cyprus's seaside city is set to remind us how it was once a star of the Mediterranean, before it became overrun with package-holiday crowds - it is, after all, a UNESCO World Heritage City, with a rich history and humbling Roman remains. Right now it is gearing up for a year of more considered diversions as it becomes one of Europe's Capitals of Culture in 2017. The idea is to transform the city into the Open Air Factory - a living museum of vibrant, dynamic art, with dance recitals on street corners, independent film screenings on the golden-sand beaches, makeshift contemporary art exhibitions popping up among the quite extraordinary mosaics.
Our tips: Go out of season to avoid the holiday crowds and get a dose of culture in Paphos (stay at The Almyra, a fabulous Design Hotel on the seafront which is hosting archaeology workshops and art happenings throughout the year), then head off and explore Cyprus - to the beaches or the hills. Cyprus has just about the sunniest climate in Europe, warm even in winter; and it's super-good value, too.
