Paphos travel guide
Located on the southwestern tip of the island of Cyprus, Paphos is by far the most popular resort on the island with UK tourists. Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, this purpose-built resort of Kato Pafos stretches east from the small port and Ktima Pafos is the ‘old town’, where you’ll find neoclassical buildings and bustling markets. Paphos holidays are ideal for people of all ages and all interests. Paphos offers a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets, but it’s worth noting that most accommodation along the Kato Paphos tourist area is closed from January to the end of March. The beachfront hotels are separated from the sea by a pedestrian and cycle path.
Most of the resort’s coastline is rocky with several sandy and gravel coves. For better beaches, you’ll have to travel further (about 2 miles) to Yeroskipou Beach, which although it has a pebbly shoreline, has a sandy base underwater. You’ll find a couple of beach bars and cafes here, but watch out for nighttime nude sunbathers (mainly gay sunbathers) in the summer, especially when there’s a full moon! There is a path for pedestrians and cyclists that runs from the port of Kato Pafos to the edge of Yeroskipou, providing easy access to the entire coast.
The pebble and coarse sand beach at Petra tou Romiou is located near Latsi, about 15 miles from Paphos and is popular as a sunset-watching beach and photo spot. According to legend, the rock monoliths jutting out of the sea are missiles launched at the invading pirates by the Byzantine folk hero Dhiyenis ‘Romios’ Akritas.
For pristine sandy beaches, you’ll need to travel about 18 miles north of Paphos towards Lara, just inside the Akamas Peninsula. Here you will find a cape that separates two sandy coves. The north cove has low sand dunes and is a protected nesting area for sea turtles. You are not allowed to visit this beach after dark during the summer and you are not allowed to take sunbeds and umbrellas at any time.
Six of Paphos’ beaches have European Blue Flag status, making them ideal for families with young children.
There are a variety of sports offered on the beaches, including diving, snorkeling, surfing, and volleyball. Paphos waters are perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike with around thirty dive sites offering varying degrees of difficulty. Two of the most popular dive sites are the Valley of the Caves and the Achilleas Shipwreck.
Away from the beach, there is plenty to see and do, including the UNESCO Roman mosaics in the House of Dionysus, which is located near the harbor, and the 3rd century BC Hellenistic Tombs of the Kings. C., which are less than 2 miles from the city. The spooky Tombs of the Kings is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area and gives you the opportunity to explore the maze of underground chambers and tombs, reminiscent of the ancient tombs of Egypt. A short drive from the resort, you will find the hilltop monastery of Ayios Neofytos and its 12th-century frescoed cave. Other popular attractions worth visiting include the Baths of Aphrodite, Adonis Falls near the town of Kamares, and Paphos Castle, which is steeped in history and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the more active there are plenty of activities including diving, bowling, golf and a water park.
Paphos is very popular with golfers looking for first class courses in beautiful surroundings. The Secret Valley Golf Course is located near the birthplace of Aphrodite and is surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of olive and carob trees. The 18-hole Tsada Golf Course is located on the grounds of a 12th-century monastery, 550m above sea level and offers a driving range and putting green.
Paphos offers some night life on the only ‘bar street’ in Kato Paphos.
Due to gentle sea breezes, Paphos is cooler than the more inland parts of the island. The summer months see temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees with night temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. Spring and fall are considered to have the best weather conditions and therefore the best time to visit. In the winter months, temperatures drop to around 17°C and night temperatures drop into the single figures. Sea temperatures are usually too cold for most people in early spring, but by early May they have warmed up enough for most people to take a dip.