Paphos Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Aphrodite\'s Rock featuring a pebble beach
Paphos Archaeological Park featuring heritage architecture as well as a couple
Paphos Castle featuring building ruins and château or palace
Old Town of Limassol showing street scenes and a house
Paphos Archaeological Park which includes a ruin

The mythical birthplace of Aphrodite blends remnants of ancient history with the sun-soaked, Mediterranean beach lifestyle of Cyprus.

From the harbour to the castle and vineyard-dotted mountains, Paphos delivers picture-perfect scenes at every turn. Considered to be the cultural capital of Cyprus, the city overflows with historical sites and magical stories of myth. It’s also a buzzing town for holidays enjoying fantastic resorts and charming restaurants.

Visit Paphos year round, with mild temperatures in winter and a sizzling summer season for beach hopping. In September, the Paphos Aphrodite Festival enlivens the medieval Castle Square with classical music. Celebrate spring, flowers and rebirth in May with the festivities and parades of the Anthestiria Festival.

Things to do in Paphos

Start your exploration of Paphos with a swim near Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra Tou Romiou) along the Aphrodite Cultural Route that crosses Cyprus. In the heart of Kato Paphos near lively Paphos Harbour, cool down at the Municipal Baths Beach. You’ll find taverns serving fresh fish just steps from your sunbed along the picturesque coastal promenade.

A short drive from the centre of Paphos is Coral Bay, a family-friendly favourite where hotels line golden sand and water sports thrill adventure seekers. Cruise at sunset on a catamaran and take a boat tour to the dazzling Blue Lagoon in Akamas National Park. The park also features hiking trails and the natural grotto of the Baths of Aphrodite, along with Lara Beach to spot protected breeding turtles.

When it’s time to shop and dine, you’re spoilt for choice across the old and new towns of Paphos. Browse for souvenirs at Paphos Old Town Market and find an array of shops on Poseidonos Avenue.

History and culture in Paphos

Take a photo with Paphos Castle overlooking the harbour. Originally a Byzantine fort, what you see today is a 16th century restoration. Step back in time at the Archaeological Park of Paphos with monuments from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages. Admire the mosaic floors of Roman villas and see the underground Tombs of the Kings carved out of rock. Discover more ancient treasures at the Archaeological Museum of Paphos.

Built in the 13th century, the ruined Roman Catholic Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church is an important pilgrimage site and features preserved mosaics. Learn about folk art and history at the Ethnographic Museum. Housed in an 1894 building and surrounded by lovely gardens, it showcases rural costumes and traditional carved furniture.

Dining and nightlife in Paphos

From fresh and flavourful tomatoes to fried halloumi and stuffed vine leaves, Cypriot cuisine is the star of the show on many menus in Paphos. You can’t make a wrong turn along Apostolou Pavlou Street, which connects the city centre with the coast via a tempting array of restaurants and shops.

Stroll around charming Paphos Old Town and choose a restaurant or bar near Kennedy Square. At Paphos Harbour, dine alfresco with waterfront views and wander down the promenade to pick a seat at a lively bar. Known as “Bar Street”, Agiou Antoniou Street is where you’ll find ready-made parties at neon-lit clubs and pubs.

Getting around Paphos

Fly into Paphos Airport and rent a car or take a taxi or bus for a trip of about 30 minutes into the city centre. With the coastal promenade and compact old town, Paphos is a walker’s paradise. An efficient bus system links all major towns on a daily basis to explore further afield. Paphos is a popular destination for cycling holidays, so rent a bike to explore quaint villages and forests nearby.

Where to stay in Paphos

Paphos

Paphos City Center

Paphos City Center is a destination visitors seek out for its great bars, beautiful seaside views and luxurious spas. You might also want to check out attractions like Paphos Municipal Park or Byzantine Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Paphos City Center
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Universal

4/5(14 area reviews)

Though Universal may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Paphos Harbour and Alykes Beach.

Universal
Old Town of Limassol which includes street scenes

Old Town Paphos

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Old Town Paphos, Paphos Archaeological Museum and Paphos Municipal Park are top sights worth seeing.

Old Town Paphos
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Vasiliko

While Vasiliko isn't home to many top sights, Saint George Private Hospital and Paphos Archaeological Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Vasiliko
Venus Beach Hotel
Venus Beach Hotel
5 out of 5
Tombs of The King Road, Paphos
The price is £73 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
£73
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Paphos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (296 reviews)
Great stay
"It was a weekend bday surprise for my wife and we had an incredible time. Very good service clean rooms , good food. recommended"

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2025

Venus Beach Hotel
Elysium
Elysium
5 out of 5
Queen Verenikis Street, Paphos
The price is £182 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
£182
includes taxes & fees
19 Mar - 20 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Paphos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (854 reviews)
"Very good hotel"

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2025

Elysium
Artemis Cynthia Complex
Artemis Cynthia Complex
3 out of 5
Agiou Fotiou 2, Paphos
The price is £74 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
£74
includes taxes & fees
19 Mar - 20 Mar
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Paphos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (207 reviews)
"There’s not much to say. It was clean, spacious, necessities provided, within a mile of the seafront, bakeries and grocers. Accessible accommodation, pool areas, and services."

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2025

Artemis Cynthia Complex
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Artemis Cynthia Complex
Artemis Cynthia Complex
3 out of 5
Agiou Fotiou 2, Paphos
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Paphos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (207 reviews)
"There’s not much to say. It was clean, spacious, necessities provided, within a mile of the seafront, bakeries and grocers. Accessible accommodation, pool areas, and services."

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2025

Artemis Cynthia Complex
Elysia Park
Elysia Park
4 out of 5
22 Sotiraki Markidi Street, Kato Paphos, Paphos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Paphos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (230 reviews)
"Excellent. Lovely modern apartment"

Reviewed on 16 Dec 2024

Elysia Park
Basilica Holiday Resort
Basilica Holiday Resort
3 out of 5
Ledas Street, Paphos
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Paphos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Paphos Harbour ...
7.4/10 Good! (118 reviews)
"Was very bright & noisy outside at night - our maid took some money off the side which wasn’t meant for her - she came in & started cleaning before I had even departed & there were people living there closed season, one of them providing constant out of tune banjo playing & singing while we were ..."

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2025

Basilica Holiday Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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