Sun-kissed Cyprus is the third largest of the Mediterranean islands and one of the most beautiful. The small port city of Paphos feels more like a laid-back village compared to its rowdier neighbours. Expect your holiday to Paphos to include Hellenistic-Roman ruins, powdery sand, traditional cuisine and a thick dollop of Greek mythology.

Paphos holiday highlights

Ancient wonders

While no royalty was laid to rest at the Tombs of the Kings, the movers and shakers of ancient Paphos did expect to be buried in elaborate digs which resembled the homes of the living. These tombs are part of the Paphos Archeological Park, where you’ll also find some of the world’s best preserved mosaics illustrating tales from Greek mythology.

Lagoon swims

No holiday to Paphos is complete without a dip in the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon. The atmosphere becomes lively when cruises drop anchor, so opt for the shoulder season if crowds aren’t your thing. The Zenobia Wreck is consistently voted one of the best shipwreck dives in the world. Be on the watch for turtles.

Hiking trails

The rugged terrain of the Akamas Peninsula offers a variety of hiking trails taking in the island’s natural beauty. The most unique is the Avakas Gorge trail, located within the Pegeia State Forest and following the path of the Avgas River between towering limestone walls. Take a classic Paphos holiday selfie with the giant boulder suspended between each side.

Paphos: Know before you go

Language

Greek, Turkish

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST)

High season

April – August

Low season

November – March

Find the best time to go to Paphos

Weather in Paphos

March – May: Mild temperatures and blue skies make spring perfect for exploring ancient ruins. Don’t be surprised by the occasional cool spell.

June – September: Summer is hot and dry, with temperatures soaring beyond 30°C. Park yourself beneath a beach umbrella and stay hydrated.

October – November: Autumn weather stays warm, and so does the water temperature. This is the time for swimming, cycling and horse riding. Showers are more common later in the season.

December – February: Winter here is mild compared to much of Europe, but it can still feel chilly. Pack for both rain and shine. Snow is rare unless you’re travelling into the mountains.

Events in Paphos

Paphos Carnival (February to March): See Paphos at its most colourful in the lead-up to Lent. Decorated floats and performers take over the streets, and locals fuel up on ‘loukoumades’ — fried dough balls drenched in honey and cinnamon.

Anthestiria Flower Festival (May): Inspired by ancient Greek traditions, this popular celebration honours spring and nature with a vibrant floral parade. Wear a flower crown and march along with the locals.

Dionysia Festival (August or September): The Greek God of wine, theatre and festivity gets a proper party at this fun event in the nearby town of Stroumbi. Sample the region’s best wines, and try traditional Cypriot dancing.

The best neighbourhoods in Paphos

Kato Paphos

The palm-fronted promenade of Paphos Harbour is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner stroll during your Paphos holiday. When you’ve worked up an appetite, take your pick from the many fish tavernas while weighing your options for tomorrow’s boat trip. The medieval castle is beautifully illuminated at night, and other archeological sites are easy to access from the seafront.

Good for: Fish tavernas, boat trips, archaeological sites

Coral Bay

Coral Bay is where to stay near Paphos if you are dreaming of sunny days at the beach. As well as powdery sand and clear, shallow waters, the Blue Flag resort also features lifeguards, water sports and restaurants to ensure the whole family is taken care of. Access Paphos by short bus ride or cycle along the coastal path.

Good for: Bike paths, restaurants, water sports

Tala

The hillside village of Tala offers a slower pace of life within easy reach of the city. With its slightly elevated location, Tala is also the best area to stay near Paphos if you want a cool change from the city’s humidity. Summer sees the village tavernas come alive, while views of the Mediterranean are a year-round treat.

Good for: Views, tavernas, village life

Things to do in Paphos

Paphos

Beaches

A 20-minute drive from Paphos to Petra tou Romiou — otherwise known as Aphrodite’s Rock — could bring you everlasting love. Circle this sea stack three times and with any luck the goddess of love will grant you this blessing. No wonder this stunning beach is a popular pick for wedding photos. It’s a pretty sweet spot for a quiet day of sunbathing too.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Paphos is low-key. Do as the locals do and head inland to the old town for your fill of trendy bars and authentic Greek music. Nearby Limassol is the spot to be if you intend on dancing ʼtil dawn, while Ayia Napa remains the island’s party capital.

Places to eat

Tavernas are traditional restaurants typically found inside Cypriot homes. And the food served is heavily influenced by the Greek, with the iconic ‘meze’ (small savoury dishes) showcasing a riot of flavours. Think meats like spicy Cypriot sausage, pita, crispy potatoes, salted cheeses, hummus, spinach pie and salads. Enjoy ‘siga, siga’ (slowly, slowly) with loved ones.

Shopping

The women of Cyprus have been communally weaving Lefkaritika lace since at least the 14th century. If time permits, visit Lefkara village itself to buy handmade tablecloths, handkerchiefs and umbrellas. Cyprus also has a long tradition of producing gold and silver jewellery, much of which depicts the island’s nature and Greek mythology.

Take in the culture

The Agios Neophytos Monastery came into being when a hermit began carving a cave into the rockface in 1159. Intent on this being his ‘forever home’, he even went so far as to prepare his own grave. Subsequent generations improved the decor with colourful frescoes. Today the monastery remains inhabited by a handful of monks and hundreds of cats.

Family-friendly things to do

Thousands of endangered green and loggerhead turtles descend on the shores of Cyprus from May to August to lay their eggs. The prime spot to see them nesting or hatching with your family is Lara Beach. Keep the noise down and avoid flash photography so as not to disturb the newborns.

Plan your holiday to Paphos

Budget

From lazy days on the glittering Mediterranean to exploring the peaks of the Troodos, cheap holidays to Paphos are more than doable. Find a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for around 15 euros (€). Feeling thirsty? Wash it down with a beer for less than €4. A short taxi ride starts at around €7.

Day trips from Paphos

The pretty hilltop village of Pissouri is less than 30 minutes from Paphos. Wander its narrow lanes in search of the perfect taverna. Or grab your passport — a two-hour drive brings you to Famagusta in Turkish-controlled Cyprus. Explore the town’s medieval architecture and check out traditional coffee houses as you go.

Getting around Paphos

You can walk around Paphos, but buses are handy for reaching archaeological sites and Coral Bay. Just bring cash for the fare. To see more of the island, hire a car or a 4x4. Roads can be tricky. If you’re not a confident driver, a taxi is a safer option. Taxis are affordable, but check that the meter is on before you start your ride.

FAQs about Paphos holidays

The locals mostly speak in Greek or Turkish here. Every city has its own unique lingo, so consider picking up some common expressions to use during your city break in Paphos.
You can generally count on your holiday to Paphos to be a safe and enjoyable experience, especially if you're staying within the main tourist spots. That said, it's always wise to take some precautions so your trip goes off without a hitch. For example, keep valuables like your phone and credit cards secure, be mindful of your surroundings, and stick to well-lit areas after dark.
With around 8 cm of rainfall, January is the wettest month. If you're taking your Paphos holiday then, you might want to have a few indoor activities lined up. Grab a bite at one of the city's best restaurants, chill at a cosy cafe, or treat yourself to a shopping spree.
With temperatures peaking at 32ºC (90ºF), August is the warmest month in Paphos.
The euro (EUR) is what you'll be spending on everyday purchases and entertainment during your trip to Paphos.
Cyprus is a midrange destination, with flight and accommodation prices soaring as the summer visitors descend. Find cheap holidays to Paphos by swapping the crowds and searing heat for shoulder season travel.
If you’re looking for an island break that combines ancient ruins, traditional tavernas and those all-important golden sands and clear waters, then a holiday to Paphos is for you.
The ideal length of a trip to Paphos varies based on your starting point and what you want to do. Travelling a short distance? Three to five days is perfect if you want a break from your routine. If you're making a longer journey, consider booking for a week or longer. This will give you enough time to visit places outside the city or just explore at a more relaxed pace.
February brings the coolest weather. Organise your Paphos trip then and you can expect lows of 9ºC (48ºF).
Find great holiday deals to Paphos during the shoulder seasons, when it’s still warm enough to hit the beach and most tourist businesses remain open. Mild winters make for great hiking and a short ski season on the Troodos Mountains.

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