Vacations to Paphos
Paphos vacation 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 vacation 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 86°F. Park yourself beneath a beach umbrella and stay hydrated.
October – November: Fall weather stays warm, and so does the water temperature. This is the time for swimming, cycling and horseback riding. Showers are more common later in the season.
December – February: Winter 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 traveling into the mountains.
Events in Paphos
Paphos Carnival (February to March): See Paphos at its most colorful 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 honors 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, theater 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 neighborhoods in Paphos
Kato Paphos
The palm-fronted promenade of the harbor is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner stroll during your trip to Paphos. 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, archeological 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
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 savory dishes) showcasing a riot of flavors. 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 jewelry, 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 colorful 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 trip to Paphos
Budget
From lazy days on the glittering Mediterranean to exploring the peaks of the Troodos, cheap trips 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 archeological sites and Coral Bay. Just bring cash for the fare. To see more of the island, rent 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.
