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Holidays in Paphos

A holiday to Paphos offers more than just great beaches. Along with year-round sun, sea and sand, you’ll discover that an endlessly romantic coastal city that is steeped in history, brimming with culture and never short of Cypriot charm.

Of course, the sandy beaches are one of Paphos’ most alluring features. Lining the coast, luxury hotels, all-inclusive resorts, family-friendly hotels and self-catering apartments put you in the perfect spot to snorkel in shallow waters, go paragliding or stretch out on a sun-lounger.

The ancient port town is surrounded by history and culture, too. A visit to Kato Paphos Archaeological Park packs in a lot of fascinating sites into one day (don’t miss the impressive mosaics), and the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, the mythical goddess’s birthplace, is a short drive away.

Beyond the archaeological sites, this picturesque harbour town has museums, galleries, churches and more to explore. There are also plenty of souvenir shops, galleries and artists workshops selling locally made gifts. You can pick up fine Cypriot handicrafts, jewellery, baskets and pottery or seek out the local honey and wine – they’re worth making extra space in your suitcase for.

The food in the local markets and restaurants is a lively mix of Mediterranean influences, with plenty of fish on the menu. And sharing a mezze overflowing with hummus, tzatziki and feta as you sit overlooking Paphos Castle from a restaurant in the harbour is one of life’s little pleasures.

After your meal, enjoy a cocktail or watch the sunset over the Med from a wine bar serving local red, mavro, or a cold glass of xynisteri white wine. If you’re up for an all-night party, head to the lively pubs, karaoke bars and nightclubs on Bar Street.

When to go to Paphos

It’s sunny most of the year in Cyprus, making Paphos a fabulous year-round destination.

Summer is popular with families snapping up deals for the school holidays. In July and August, temperatures reach highs of 30C; ideal weather for sunbathing, it can feel a bit too hot for sightseeing.

Late spring and autumn are spot on for more active holidays, with average temperatures around 17C in April and 22C in October. The weather then stays lovely and warm until December, when it dips to around 15C. The majority of the island’s annual rain falls from November to February, so do pack a brolly.

If you can go in the off-season (summer’s shoulder months or early spring), you can find some good cheap deals to Paphos. It’s the ideal time to get in some cycling and hiking in the sun when the weather is dreary back home.

What to do in Paphos

Many visitors holiday in Paphos to enjoy the beaches and the nightlife in the harbour town. Of course, that's a big part of the appeal, but there's much more to keep you busy. Explore the charming old town and visit ancient ruins and fresco-filled churches in the nearby Troodos Mountains.

Kato Paphos Archaeological Park

Paphos’s main historical attraction is an essential stop. You could easily spend half a day taking it all in – there’s a lot to see, such as the second-century Odeon (amphitheatre), the Roman Forum and the Asklepieion (healing centre).

The House of Dionysus has floor mosaics depicting Greek myths – look out for the tale of Phaedra and Hippolytus – and the mosaic at the House of Theseus tells the story of Theseus’s battle with the Minotaur.

Tomb of the Kings

Also technically part of the Archaeological Park but a couple of miles further west is the Tomb of the Kings. This fascinating ancient burial ground is in remarkably good condition.

Mostly carved out of the soft sandstone rock, the tombs were made for local nobility rather than royalty, but their grand presentation and Doric columns certainly seem fit for kings.

Aphrodite's Rock

Believed to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, where the goddess of love and beauty landed as she rose from the sea, Aphrodite’s Rock is in a romantic coastal spot. Spend the day on the pebble beach, then head up to the viewing point for sunset.

From Paphos, the rock takes about 20 minutes to drive to, and the road passes the Sanctuary of Aphrodite on the way – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a museum and ancient Roman ruins.

Beaches

You’ll no doubt want to spend some time on the lovely sandy beaches of Paphos. Alykes Beach is great for families; it’s close to the harbour and has shallow waters. It does get crowded in summer, though, so head north up the coast for more tranquil options.

Lara Beach is unspoiled perfection (and a protected area for a turtle conservation centre), and Coral Bay is sublime with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Troodos Mountains

For a different perspective of Cyprus, take a road trip inland to the Troodos Mountains. Driving through the pine forest and past waterfalls to the viewpoints, you’ll find the temperature cools.

The wild natural landscape occasionally makes way for pretty little villages where you can stop for an authentic Cypriot lunch. There’s prime hiking, cycling and birdwatching, plus beautifully painted Byzantine churches to visit, several of which have World Heritage status.

Where to stay in Paphos

For families

Staying in Kato (lower Paphos) and close to the coast is convenient if you’re travelling with toddlers or young children. Alykes Beach has shallow waters and several family-friendly hotels nearby – many with family rooms, swimming pools and kids’ clubs onsite.

Head south towards Pachyammos Beach to be closer to Paphos Waterpark and the mini golf course. Watersports and snorkelling will keep teens busy here, too, and you’re still within walking distance of the harbour. Accommodation runs along the seafront in Paphos and ranges from self-catering apartments to luxury resorts.

For food and drink

As well as the touristy all-day breakfasts and burgers, many Paphos restaurants serve Cypriot cuisine. The old town has more tavernas with classic local dishes, such as mezze, baked feta and lamb kleftiko. And the traditional restaurants closer to the coast are the best if you’re after seafood.

Wherever you stay in Paphos, consider hiring a car to explore the excellent tavernas in nearby rural villages. Head also towards the foot of the Troodos Mountains to try Commandaria – a sweet dessert wine – or leave the car behind and join a wine tour to explore the local vineyards.

For nightlife

Around Kato, many of the lounge bars, British-style pubs and nightclubs stay open late with live music and DJs. Ayiou Antoniou (also called Bar Street) is the place to be for the liveliest parties. There are plenty of hotels nearby if you want to keep your holiday party focused.

In the old town, the nightlife has a slightly slower pace with more traditional restaurants, wine bars and late-night cafes. Being further from the beach, this area has some excellent value accommodation too, often with lovely views of the town below.

For culture

Kato is walking distance of the Paphos Archaeological Park, so you can be at the ancient ruins early to beat the crowds. You’ll also be close to the Ottoman Baths, the Hrysopolitissa Basilica and Paphos Castle. The International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama in June and July hosts performances in the Odeon amphitheatre, and in September, opera outside the castle for the Aphrodite Festival is a cultural highlight.

Choose Ktima Paphos (the old town) for galleries, museums and traditional tavernas. This area is more laid-back and residential, with an undercover market and plenty of accommodation.