There are opera venues—and then there is Paphos Medieval Castle on a warm September evening.
On 4 and 5 September 2026, the castle square will once again be transformed into a spectacular open-air theatre for the 24th Pafos Aphrodite Festival. With the Mediterranean Sea on one side, centuries of history on the other and a live orchestra beneath the stars, it is difficult to imagine a more memorable setting.
This year’s production is Gaetano Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore Paphos 2026—The Elixir of Love—one of the world’s most popular comic operas.
Even if you are not a regular opera-goer, Outdoor opera at Paphos Castle is a lovely place to start.
A story of love, hope and a little supposed magic
First performed in 1832, The Elixir of Love has remained a firm audience favourite because the story is funny, romantic and surprisingly easy to connect with.
It follows Nemorino, a shy young man who is hopelessly in love with the confident and charming Adina. Convinced that she will never return his feelings, he buys what he believes is a magic love potion.
Naturally, things do not go quite as planned.
What follows is a lively mix of misunderstandings, comic twists and genuinely touching moments. Beneath all the fun, though, is a simple message that still feels relevant almost two centuries later: sincerity matters more than tricks, appearances or supposed miracles.
The opera also features Una Furtiva Lagrima, one of the most recognisable and moving arias ever written.
Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore comes to Paphos Castle Square on 4 and 5 September 2026, performed by the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre with the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra.
A fresh production, Pafos Aphrodite Festival opera, in an unforgettable setting
For this year’s festival, the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet Alexander Spendiaryan is joining forces with the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra.
The familiar story will be presented through a contemporary new staging set in a symbolic post-apocalyptic world. It is an intriguing choice—one that should give Donizetti’s classic opera a fresh visual identity without losing the humour, romance and emotion at its heart.
The international production brings together accomplished soloists, musicians and creative artists from Armenia and beyond, promising a performance of exceptional quality.
Then, of course, there is the setting.
Paphos Medieval Castle becomes part of the experience rather than simply a backdrop. As daylight fades and the stage lights reflect across the harbour, music, history and the Mediterranean atmosphere come together beautifully.
It is easy to see why the Pafos Aphrodite Festival attracts thousands of visitors from Cyprus and overseas—and why it has become one of the island’s most important cultural events.
The spectacular open-air venue beside Paphos Medieval Castle, ready to welcome audiences for the Pafos Aphrodite Festival.
Pafos Aphrodite Festival details, Outdoor opera at Paphos Castle
Production: L’Elisir d’Amore (The Elixir of Love) by Gaetano Donizetti
Dates: 4 and 5 September
Venue: Paphos Medieval Castle
Presented by: The Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster Cyprus and from all ACS Courier outlets.
A limited number of VIP tickets are also available for €150. These include access to a reception with food and drinks, along with an official festival programme.
If an evening of world-class opera beside the Mediterranean sounds like your kind of night, it is worth booking soon. The setting is remarkable, the production is ambitious and there are only two performances.
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