Paphos is one of those places that is difficult to describe in just a few words. Yes, there are beautiful beaches. Yes, there is a harbour. Yes, There are ancient ruins and Roman mosaics. yes, there are plenty of restaurants and hotels.
But Paphos is much more than that.
Head inland and you’ll find traditional villages, vineyards and winding mountain roads. Follow the coast and you’ll discover quiet bays, dramatic scenery and some wonderful places to stop for lunch. And then there are those little discoveries that aren’t necessarily in every guidebook.
We visited Cyprus for more than 10 years as tourists and made the island our home in 2016. Paphos Region is where we live – and an area we’ve explored extensivel. So here we will share the places we’ve visited, the things we’ve enjoyed and the experiences we think are worth knowing about. As well as some hidden gems and off the beaten path options too!.
The best things to do in Paphos include exploring the ancient archaeological sites, visiting Paphos Harbour, relaxing on the area’s beaches, enjoying traditional Cypriot food, discovering local villages and taking trips into the surrounding countryside. Paphos is also a great base for exploring western Cyprus, including the Akamas region and nearby coastal areas.
Paphos has a surprisingly varied coastline.
You’ll find organised beaches with sunbeds and facilities, quieter stretches of coast, rocky swimming spots and beautiful bays surrounded by countryside.
Coral Bay & Corallia Beach are two of the area’s best-known sandy beaches and are particularly popular with families.
And then there are the smaller beaches and coastal spots that you may never have heard of.
We’ve been exploring them for years and will tell you what they’re actually like.
If there’s one thing you shouldn’t underestimate about Cyprus, it’s the food. Paphos has everything from traditional Cypriot tavernas to modern restaurants, beachfront dining and casual places for a quick bite.
And we think you should try as many as possible!
Order a meze. Try some local seafood. Have halloumi. Find a village taverna. Try something you’ve never ordered before.
Some of our favourite meals have been in places that don’t necessarily look impressive from the outside. That’s part of the fun.
Quite a lot!
Spend the morning exploring an archaeological site. Take a boat trip in the afternoon. Have dinner overlooking the sea. Or head into the countryside and discover somewhere completely different.
And you don’t have to fill every minute. Sometimes the best Paphos experience is simply finding a nice restaurant, taverna or coffee shop and staying there longer than you intended. Just watching the world go by is a great option on a sunny day.
There is a huge choice of accommodation around Paphos. You can stay beside the harbour, close to the beach, in a large resort or somewhere quieter outside the main tourist areas.
But the best hotel for you depends on the type of holiday you’re planning.
A family holiday? A romantic break? A luxury resort? A beachfront location?
We will tell you what we know about hotels in Paphos and will share our experiences, photographs and practical information to help you decide.
Paphos has a remarkable history. The region has been influenced by ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and other civilisations, leaving behind archaeological sites, tombs, churches and other reminders of its past.
One of the area’s highlights. The site is particularly famous for its Roman mosaics.
A fascinating ancient necropolis carved into the rock.
A great place to wander, particularly around sunset.
Standing at the harbour, it has become one of the most recognisable landmarks in Paphos.
But don’t stop at the obvious attractions. There are churches, monasteries, museums, villages and historic sites scattered throughout the district. We will help guide you to the best.
This is where we’ll put some of the less obvious Paphos content.
Because Paphos isn’t just beaches, hotels and archaeological sites.
Paphos is best known for its ancient archaeological sites, Roman mosaics, harbour, beaches and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. The wider region also offers traditional villages, nature, wineries and scenic coastal and mountain areas.
Yes. Paphos offers a mixture of beaches, history, food, nature and attractions, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors. It is also a good base for exploring western Cyprus.
Three or four days gives you enough time to experience the main attractions, beaches and restaurants, but a week or longer allows you to explore more of the wider Paphos region at a relaxed pace.
Popular activities include visiting Paphos Archaeological Park and the Tombs of the Kings, exploring the harbour, spending time at the beaches, discovering local restaurants, visiting villages and taking trips into the surrounding countryside.
Coral Bay is one of the best-known beaches in the area, while there are many other beaches and coastal spots to explore around the wider Paphos region. The right choice depends on whether you want facilities, family-friendly swimming, watersports or somewhere quieter.
Yes. Paphos has family-friendly beaches, hotels, attractions and activities. The relaxed atmosphere also makes it a popular choice for family holidays.
Yes. Couples can enjoy beaches, restaurants, archaeological sites, coastal walks, boat trips, wineries and scenic drives. Paphos is a beautiful place for a destination wedding in a hotel, chapel or dedicated venue.
You can explore the main town and harbour without a car, but having your own transport makes it much easier to visit villages, beaches and attractions outside central Paphos.
