Travel Guide Geroskipou

This small town on the outskirts of Paphos is well worth a visit for its culture, food and seaside activities. Set back from the shore, along Makarios-III Avenue leading to the airport and the archaeological site of Palaipaphos, it owes its name of "sacred garden" to mythology: according to legend, Aphrodite's sacred garden was located here. Until the 4th century, pilgrims from Nea Paphos stopped here on their way to the goddess' "birthplace" at Palaipaphos. Concrete has replaced the greenery, but the central square retains the superb domes of the Agia Paraskevi church. Right next door are two other must-sees: the small but rich Ecclesiastical Museum of the Metropolis of Paphos and the Aphrodite Delights confectionery, where the island's best loukoums are sold. Geroskipou loukoum" is the oldest protected geographical indication in the European Union for a sugar factory. Around the square, you'll also find cafés, restaurants and the Folk Art Museum. Finally, 4 km to the south, Geroskipou boasts the largest beach in the area, two amusement parks (Paphos Waterpark and Pafos Luna Park) and a huge nightclub.