The Tombs of the Kings

We walked two kilometres north of Paphos to the Tombs of the Kings, wrongly named as in fact they were the final resting places of local aristocrats. Once again we had free entry. Getting old has its benefits!

It's a huge site and there weren't many people about.

In the middle distance you can spot a shipwreck, a victim of the off-shore reefs.

Being spring we had lots of colourful flowers to enjoy...

...especially this cyclamen, clinging to the rocks.

Some of the steps were a little tricky but I made a valiant effort most of the time.

The burial chambers were mainly series of niches

Tine being curious...

...and me being curious...

...not realising that access was available nearby.

Proof that I managed the steps...

...and Tine too.

Anyone good at Ancient Greek?

All with a vista over the Mediterranean. Wonderful!

Omodos & Zenon winery

To finish our excursion we visited the beautiful small town of Omodos.

It's a town of narrow streets...

...and at the centre the monastery of Timios Stavros (the Holy Cross)...

...in which there are many crosses on display.

This cross contains fragments of rope at the centre...

...which reputedly is part of the rope that bound Christ to the cross.

Of course we had to have a break for a glass of rosé...

...and a sample of halloumi bread. Delicious!

Omodos is in a wine-growing area and our final stop was at Zenon winery.

Our guide talking to the very friendly owner of this family business.

Just think, all these full of beautiful wine...

...and also these bottles.

I certainly don't disagree with this sentiment!

Kolossi Castle

Next stop, Kolossi Castle, a former Crusader stronghold.

The original castle was built in 1210, this version in 1454

Archaeologists would have lots of fun around the castle. That's the old sugar mill to the rear, sugar being a big export in previous times.

The keep was visitable, with old fireplaces... 

...and the coat of arms of Louis de Magnac, the commander of Kolossi. 

We made it to the top, an excellent defensive spot... 

...and to the cellar, beautifully cool in the heat.

Back outside, a couple of archways, 

Just by the castle we spotted the old aquaduct... 

...not easy to get good photos though.

The area is also renowned for Commandaria, a sweet wine and one of the world's oldest named wine still in production.

Aphrodite's Rock & Episkopi

Our second excursion took us to the south of the island.

First stop, Aphrodite's Rock with my very own Aphrodite 

The legend goes that this was Aphrodite's birthplace

Someone's been busy making stone stacks...

...and we saw these three braving the stony beach and the cold water.

Onto the House of Eustolios at Episkopi

Evidence of underfloor heating...

...and beautiful mosaics...

...with a view over the sea.

Once again there were walkways above the excavations so as not to spoil them.

Nearby, the ancient Kourion amphitheatre, still used today with its excellent acoustics.

Here's a link to more details on the House of Eustolios https://cyprusdiscovery.com/house-of-eustolios-cyprus-roman-villa-mosaics/