Paphos

Understand

Paphos is renowned as the birthplace of Greek goddess Aphrodite. Modern-day Paphos is divided in two, with the upper section up the hill being the commercial center, and lower Kato Paphos containing the main archaeological points of interest, as well as most hotels and tavernas. The local government has improved the lower Kato Paphos area which combines hotels, bars and restaurants along a coastal strip a few km long. There is a front leading round to the marina and a long coastal path with amazing views - perfect for a morning or evening stroll. Paphos was the European Capital of Culture for 2017, together with Aarhus in Denmark.

Visit Paphos tourist information

Getting there

By plane

1 Paphos Airport (PFO IATA). The small airport serves mostly charter flights. Flights to Paphos are widely available from charter flight companies from many of the UK's regional airports, from Exeter in the South-west to Glasgow and Edinburgh in the North. Many tour operators fly regularly. Flights to Paphos are also available using the scheduled services from British Airways. This can be one busy airport, particularly departures on Wednesdays. The airport is relatively small and can have 6 or 7 flights taking off around the same time, it can get crowded. Once you have managed to check in and make your way into the departure lounge, you will need to keep your eyes and ears open to listen to the rather 'muted' announcements. If the thought of a busy Paphos airport puts you off then why not head off to Larnaca — and have the same problems on a bigger scale — really though the problems appear no worse than any other airport in the world on a busy day! A highway connects to Limassol (68 km) and from there onward to the rest of Cyprus, and shared taxis (€5-10) run reasonably often. Ryanair also has flights to Paphos from many European airports, for example Budapest, Thessaloniki, and Kaunas.There is a taxi kiosk just outside arrivals, advising that a fare to Paphos city was a minimum of €45 (September 2024). The 612 and 613 buses also run to Paphos and cost €2. The 612 goes along the coast road to the Tomb of the Kings and not into the Old Town like the 613.

Getting around

Paphos town is small enough to navigate on foot however the travelling around the region of Paphos will require motorised assistance! Local bus services are available however hiring a vehicle (bike, quad, car) is common place and allows for going off the beaten track to find small villages in the hills. It gets hot and humid in summer (33 °C and 90% humidity) from between late June through to early September. The rest of the year is relatively mild, with colder spells in January & February. Karavella Bus Station open. There is no need to head to the Municipal Market bus station if the Paphos website bus site states that a bus route starts at Karavella.

See

1 Paphos Archaeological Park, ☏ +357 26 306217. Houses a number of attractions, including the House of Dionysos and the House of Theseus, both ruins of large Roman villas famous for their mosaics. (updated May 2017) 2 The Tombs of the Kings, ☏ +357 26 306295. Whilst not the burial place of ancient royalty, is worthy of the name nonetheless. Within this vast expanse of land, instead of the kings, would have instead been other high officials and rich citizens. Although all of the tombs have been plundered, what is left is still a very impressive impression of life (after-life?), back in the fourth century. The larger tombs in this "complex" are awesome, carved out of solid rock and with a view for the inhabitants that would make anyone among the living jealous! (updated May 2017) 3 Paphos Fort. open daily to 18:00 (in summer). At the tip of the marina, is a squat box with a colourful history as a fort and prison under many administrators. The present incarnation was built by the Turks in 1586 and was last actively used by the British. entry €1.70. (updated May 2017)

Do

1 Paphos Zoo. A large animal park in Pegeia (Πέγεια), north-west of Paphos. Adult €16.50, child older than 2 €8.50 (April 2022). 2 The Odeon. A classic Greek amphitheatre within the archaeological park, occasionally holds plays and musical performances. (updated May 2017) 3 Aphrodite Water Park, ☏ +357 26 913638. A large, impressive, and very nicely themed, water park. Plenty of slides to keep all ages amused, as well as lazy river rides, wave machines, and everything else you've come to expect from the best water parks. Adult €31 Child €18. (updated Aug 2021) Cyprus Taste Tours. Several food tours available. €100. (updated Nov 2022)

Shopping

Leather goods, Lace, Yeroskipou delights, Beware of stores selling copy DVDs these appear a bargain but are often poor quality and a waste of money. Also check the store's 'returns policy'. Some do not offer refunds or exchanges on faulty goods! Overall shopping in Paphos is a pleasurable experience, with its shops spread out from the numerous quality furniture stores on the road to Polis to the small independent tourist shops on the harbourside. There are several supermarkets in Paphos:

Orphanides. (updated May 2017) Papantoniou. (updated May 2017) Carrefour (formerly Chris Cash & Carry). (updated May 2017) Lidl. Discounted products. (updated Sep 2018)

Eat

Paphos offers a wealth of choices to eat from world known Western KFC & McDonalds to five-star dining at Il Classico and Colosseum, and at many of the hotel restaurants. There are limitless choices from Chinese to Mexican and from traditional Cypriot meze to pizza and pasta. You must try traditional Cypriot fare, but if at all possible venture out a little into one of the villages surrounding Paphos town for not just authentic food but great atmosphere, either NE towards the mountains or should you want to travel a little further West call into Kathikas village where there are a multitude of traditional tavernas.

Near the historical centre

1 Lighthouse Beach Snack Bar. Right on the beach, amazing sea and lighthouse view, quite good cocktails and snacks. About €5 (Nov 2022) for a burger or common foods. The halloumi sandwich is really delicious. Quite secluded and beautiful beach. Ideal for a nice relaxing place to unwind. Fast service. (updated Jan 2023) 2 Ben's Bar, Tombs of the Kings Ave. Full of expats. Does a decent English breakfast. Friendly service. Small and nice place. Meal to be enjoyed. Very friendly people and nice atmosphere. It’s worth going, grabbing a drink and socialise with cool people. (updated Jan 2023) 3 The Three Little Pigs Grill House, Tombs of the Kings Ave. Very good food. If you are looking for a place to eat local food on the go, you have come to the right place. Good quality. The portions are big. Food is fresh and well prepared. Delicious meat, lots of variety, very fast. (updated Jan 2023) 4 Thomas's Jungle Pub, Tombs of the Kings Ave. Great, friendly service, delicious food, a very large selection of cocktails. This little bar is to be loved. A pleasant place to sit, a large selection of local drinks with a decent alcohol content. Average age 50+ and great fun. (updated Jan 2023)

City center

5 To Kalamaki Tis Polis Pitta, Πάφου Χρυσάνθου 20. Very delicious food, nicely arranged. Very authentic and friendly owner. Super helpful and friendly staff who explain the menu and variety of options - you get skewers, different sizes of pita or a meal with fries and salad. There are options for vegetarians too (grilled haloumi)! You can see locals eat here too. (updated Jan 2023)

Drink

Accompany any traditional Cypriot dish with wine from the Nelion Winery, Vasilias Nikoklis inn offers a variety of local wines starting from Cyprus aperitif zivania, the Refreshing rose, the dry white wine the medium sweet white and red, the ofthalmo and the shiraz.

Sleep

1 Palm Tree Oriental House & Homestay, 7 Agiou Georgiou, 8728 Skoulli, ☏ +357 9676 1124, info@villapoliscyprus.com. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. Stone and marble villa built in the 1680s. Available for long-stay, too. Starting from €24/night. (updated May 2018) Elysium Hotel, 6 Queen Verenikis Street, 8045, info@elysium.com.cy. (updated Nov 2022)

Go next

Tala Village: found high up north west of Paphos, Tala is a pretty traditional village, now with a large expat population but with beautiful Agios Neophytos Monastery nearby and a good range of popular restaurants. Tsada Village: located high in the hills northeast of Paphos, Tsada is a charming and traditional Cypriot village set amid vineyards and olive groves. Although quieter than neighboring Tala, Tsada offers an authentic village experience with stunning panoramic views over the Paphos coast and the Ezousa Valley. The nearby Minthis Hills Golf Resort combines sport with heritage, built around the 12th-century Stavros tis Minthis Monastery. The area is also known for nature trails, stone fountains such as the historic Fountain of Gerolakkos, and local tavernas serving traditional meze and wines. Popular with hikers, wine-lovers, and those seeking a peaceful base near Paphos, Tsada retains much of its original character while slowly welcoming a modest international community. The Akamas Peninsula: in the far west of Cyprus. Paphos is the closest major city to this area of outstanding natural beauty. A day may not be enough to explore the deep gorges the wild landscape and the sandy bays. This is an area of great biodiversity and ecological significance. Home to 530 plant species, a third of the total for Cyprus, 126 of which are endemic to Cyprus. It remains largely unspoilt to date mainly thanks to its inaccessibility. The Diarizos river valley an unspoiled paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Drive through Nikoklia village towards Troodos mountains and enjoy the views. Scenic little villages, family-run inns and wineries.

More pictures of Paphos

From this destination's category on Wikimedia Commons. Each photograph is credited to its own author under its own licence.