Paphos
Visited in 2013 and 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Cyprus
- Region
- Paphos District
- Population
- 35,961
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to November
- Main airport
- Paphos (PFO)
- Coordinates
- 34.76°N, 32.41°E
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Overview
Paphos is a small harbour town with an outsized history. The whole town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its Roman villas, rock-cut tombs and the legend that Aphrodite rose from the sea nearby.
The lower town, Kato Paphos, is built for holidaymakers, while the upper town, Ktima, feels more Cypriot. Beyond lie the wild Akamas peninsula and quiet mountain villages.
Things to see
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Photo: Sergey Galyonkin from Kyiv, Ukraine, CC BY-SA 2.0 Paphos Archaeological Park
Some of the finest Roman floor mosaics anywhere, showing gods, hunts and myths in vivid detail.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Mgiganteus1 at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 Tombs of the Kings
Underground tombs carved from rock beside the sea, some with Doric columns and courtyards.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Unknown photographer, CC BY-SA 2.5 Paphos Castle
A small fort guarding the harbour, the town's best-known landmark.
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Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 Aphrodite's Rock
The sea stack where the goddess is said to have been born, along the coast road towards Limassol.
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Photo: Joostik, CC BY-SA 4.0 Chrysopolitissa church and St Paul's Pillar
A Byzantine church amid ancient columns, where St Paul is said to have been whipped.
Things to do
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Photo: Michal Klajban, CC BY-SA 4.0 Explore the Akamas peninsula
Rugged trails, empty coves and the Blue Lagoon, reached by boat trip or four-wheel drive.
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Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 Walk the Avakas Gorge
A narrow limestone gorge with towering walls, an easy and memorable hike.
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Photo: Gerda Arendt, CC0 Swim at Coral Bay
A sheltered sandy bay north of town, popular with families.
Where to stay
Kato Paphos
The harbour area, close to the sights, seafront and most hotels.
Hotels in Kato PaphosKtima
The old upper town, with a market, local cafés and a more everyday feel.
Hotels in KtimaCoral Bay
Beach resort north of town, best with a car.
Hotels in Coral Bay
Getting around
Local buses link the harbour, Ktima and Coral Bay. Hire a car for Akamas and the villages.
The airport is about 15 km southeast of town, roughly 25 minutes by bus or taxi.
When to go
Spring and autumn bring warm days and wildflowers or warm seas. July and August are hot, and winter is mild and green with some rain.
Plan your trip to Paphos
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.