Paphos Holidays

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Where traditional meets trendy

Paphos is a town that’s managed to hold on to its traditional roots while embracing all that comes with modern life. Kato Paphos – the newest part of town – comes with a pretty harbour that’s packed with bars and restaurants that are perfect for taking in sweeping sea views and stunning Cyprus sunsets. There’s a sandy beach here, too, as well as an archaeological park filled with crumbling ruins of Roman places and villas.

Head to the old town – known as Ktima – and you’ll be met with cutesy cobbled streets, pavement cafes and pocket-sized boutiques selling handmade jewellery, lace and pottery. It’s where you’ll find the authentic Cypriot food, too. You’ll know the taverna is highly-rated if it’s full of locals at lunch and dinnertime.

Paphos is within day tripping distance of some of the region’s best sights, too. Everything from sleepy mountain villages and off-the-beaten-track beaches to ancient amphitheaters and Aphrodite’s baths is within easy reach.

Best things to do Beaches

Get a snapshot of Paphos’ past
Visit the Tomb of the Kings – here you’ll find Egyptian catacombs carved from soft sandstone. You can also ogle intricate mosaics at the House of Dionysos.
Bask in the sun on the beach
Paphos’ in-town beach is the definition of small but perfectly formed. This sandy patch is only 150-metres long but means you can go from shops to sand in minutes.
Take a tour of the Medieval castle
This castle was once a Byzantine fortress that protected the city. Nowadays it sits pretty, using Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop.

Explore our map of Paphos

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Your Paphos questions, answered

What’s the weather like?

Paphos serves up the perfect weather mix that is dry, warm summers and mild winters. Seeking wall-to-wall sunshine? Head to Paphos between June and October.

Does Paphos have historic sites?

Home to some of the finest archaeological sites on the island, Paphos is a veritable treasure trove of history. There’s the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Tombs of the Kings, with the tombs individually carved out from solid rock deep underground. The Roman mosaics are considered to be some of the finest and best-preserved in the world. Monuments dating back to prehistoric times can be found in Kath Pafos, and there’s a mediaeval castle by the harbour. A Roman theatre and a 13th-century church are just some of the many other possibilities.

Who will enjoy this resort?

Paphos really does have something for everyone – think ancient ruins sitting shoulder to shoulder with postcard-pretty beaches and modern shops, bars and restaurants.

Is Paphos good for shopping?

Paphos has everything from malls to markets. The main shops run parallel to the beach promenade, with souvenir shops tucked alongside large international department stores. Paphos Market is an indoor bazaar with local handicrafts. The Sunday open-air market is another good opportunity to find unusual souvenirs. Look out for leather goods, sugar-dusted sweets, sugared almonds and bespoke gold jewellery.

Where should I eat?

Paphos harbour is stacked with a great selection of restaurants offering all sorts of cuisines. Looking for something authentic? Tuck into meze dishes at a tavern in the old town.

What’s the nightlife like in Paphos?

Less developed and certainly less crazy than other corners of Cyprus, the nightlife in Paphos is nonetheless growing in reputation. Cosy tavernas and bars have local wines and dishes while the live music scene is drawing more international artists. Head down to Kato Paphos and the strip, locally known as Bar Street, for the busiest bars, clubs and karaoke scene. It really gets going after nine, with colourful cocktails and local beers keeping the party going.

Which part of Paphos is best for families?

You’re never far from a safe swimming beach in Paphos and, with its long boardwalk along the coastline, everything is very accessible. Many of the larger hotels have excellent facilities for children, including multiple swimming pools, creches and kids’ clubs. Choose a hotel in the heart of town with direct beach access to give yourself an easy, relaxing holiday.

Is Paphos good for snorkelling?

There is some excellent snorkelling directly from Paphos – and some unique opportunities, too. The area known as the Municipal Baths, right along the seafront in the heart of town, includes some spectacular underwater sculptures: giant, oversized shells placed on the seabed. Lucky visitors will spot turtles drifting through the warm waters. Head north up the coast for even better snorkelling opportunities or along the east coast to play with parrotfish and rainbow wrasse.

Is Paphos a good place for hiking?

Stretching for seven kilometres, the Paphos coastal boardwalk is a good starting point for hikes in the area. Head inland for trails for all levels of ability along clearly marked routes that take you past archaeological sites and up into the mountains. Discover the Aphrodite Nature Trail or the Avakas Gorge Natural Trail, or drive up into the Troodos mountains for far-reaching views. Many of the island’s top trails are tucked away in this southwest corner, so keen hikers will find Paphos makes an excellent base.