Paphos
Cyprus
Why Paphos is a great destination
Paphos is a low-key, UNESCO-listed port city where extraordinary antiquity meets easygoing coastal life—without the squeeze.
- Culture & atmosphere: Layered history you can feel in the open air—from the Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Kouklia to Roman mosaics in the Houses of Dionysus and Theseus, early basilicas, and summer performances at the ancient Odeon.
- Why it’s a smart alternative: World-class ruins and sea views with space to breathe; think mosaic halls and the Tombs of the Kings without the tour-bus crush, plus excellent value via multi-site passes.
- Authenticity & everyday life: Join locals on the evening coastal volta by the harbour, visit the living church at Agia Kyriaki beside St Paul’s Pillar, and make a Sunday of it with lunch in Kouklia’s village square.
- Specific hooks: Wander Kato Paphos Archaeological Park and Fabrica Hill’s theatre, pair them with the Paphos District Archaeological Museum in Pano Paphos, then linger over traditional tavernas in Kouklia—all within easy bus or short-drive reach.
Who should go to Paphos?
Paphos is perfect for travellers who want rich history woven into a relaxed, sun‑kissed seaside break. From prehistoric villages to Roman villas with mosaics among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean, it’s a compact base for culture-led escapes. If you like your beach days balanced with UNESCO sites, folklore and great Cypriot food, you’ll feel right at home.
- History lovers: Walk a seamless timeline from Chalcolithic Lempa to the Roman villas and the Tombs of the Kings, with mosaics among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean.
- Culture vultures: See ancient drama at the Roman Odeon, explore the Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Kouklia, and use the District Museum for context before you roam.
- Scenery seekers: Climb Fabrica Hill for golden‑hour harbour views, then head to Maa‑Palaeokastro’s wild peninsula that feels a world away.
- Active travellers: Treat the vast UNESCO park like a hike—early starts, sturdy shoes, coastal trails—and descend into tombs and quarries for an adventurous twist.
- Foodies: Pair morning ruins with a long Sunday lunch in Kouklia’s village square—meze and local wines that feel a cut above the resort strip.
- Families: Big open sites and myths (Theseus, Orpheus, Aphrodite) keep kids engaged—bring hats and water in summer when the sun is no joke.
Who should go to Paphos?
Paphos is perfect for travellers who want rich history woven into a relaxed, sun‑kissed seaside break. From prehistoric villages to Roman villas with mosaics among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean, it’s a compact base for culture-led escapes. If you like your beach days balanced with UNESCO sites, folklore and great Cypriot food, you’ll feel right at home.
- History lovers: Walk a seamless timeline from Chalcolithic Lempa to the Roman villas and the Tombs of the Kings, with mosaics among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean.
- Culture vultures: See ancient drama at the Roman Odeon, explore the Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Kouklia, and use the District Museum for context before you roam.
- Scenery seekers: Climb Fabrica Hill for golden‑hour harbour views, then head to Maa‑Palaeokastro’s wild peninsula that feels a world away.
- Active travellers: Treat the vast UNESCO park like a hike—early starts, sturdy shoes, coastal trails—and descend into tombs and quarries for an adventurous twist.
- Foodies: Pair morning ruins with a long Sunday lunch in Kouklia’s village square—meze and local wines that feel a cut above the resort strip.
- Families: Big open sites and myths (Theseus, Orpheus, Aphrodite) keep kids engaged—bring hats and water in summer when the sun is no joke.
Top things to do in Paphos
These are the unmissable highlights of Paphos, distilling millennia of history into must-see stops. Use this shortlist to plan a memorable route through the island’s UNESCO-listed past.
- Walk among world-class Roman mosaics at Kato Paphos Archaeological Park—the Houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Aion and Orpheus.
- Explore the rock-cut Tombs of the Kings, descending into Doric-columned courtyards and atmospheric burial chambers.
- Visit Palaepaphos at Kouklia to see Aphrodite’s Sanctuary and the Lusignan Manor museum.
- Take a seat at the Roman Odeon for summer performances or sweeping views across the ancient city and harbour.
- Hike up Fabrica Hill to the Hellenistic–Roman theatre and quarries for sunset panoramas over Nea Paphos.
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Top things to do in Paphos
These are the unmissable highlights of Paphos, distilling millennia of history into must-see stops. Use this shortlist to plan a memorable route through the island’s UNESCO-listed past.
- Walk among world-class Roman mosaics at Kato Paphos Archaeological Park—the Houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Aion and Orpheus.
- Explore the rock-cut Tombs of the Kings, descending into Doric-columned courtyards and atmospheric burial chambers.
- Visit Palaepaphos at Kouklia to see Aphrodite’s Sanctuary and the Lusignan Manor museum.
- Take a seat at the Roman Odeon for summer performances or sweeping views across the ancient city and harbour.
- Hike up Fabrica Hill to the Hellenistic–Roman theatre and quarries for sunset panoramas over Nea Paphos.
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3-day Paphos itinerary
Day 1: The UNESCO heart of Paphos
Start early to beat the heat and crowds as you step into the ancient capital’s core. Today is about mosaics, theatres, medieval fortifications and layers of sacred history right in Kato Paphos by the harbour.
- Morning: Enter Kato Paphos Archaeological Park at opening (08:30). Prioritise the mosaics in the House of Dionysus, House of Aion, House of Orpheus and the Villa of Theseus; shade is limited, so bring at least 1.5 litres of water, a hat and sturdy shoes. Consider the multi-site day pass if you plan to visit several state-run sites.
- Midday: Take a shaded lunch break by the harbour (5 minutes’ walk from the park gate). In hot months (June–September), avoid the open areas between 12:00–15:30; if you stay inside the park, use the covered walkways around the mosaic shelters.
- Afternoon: Loop the park’s public monuments: Odeon (still used for performances), the ongoing Agora excavations, and the atmospheric Saranta Kolones castle ruins. Then stroll 10 minutes to Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and Saint Paul’s Pillar; dress modestly if you plan to enter the church.
- Evening: Watch sunset along the seafront path facing Paphos Castle; in July–August check for Ancient Greek Drama Festival performances at the Odeon and pre-book. If visiting off-season, enjoy the quieter harbour and warm evening light for photography of the ruins.
Day 2: Necropolis, coast and the city above
Explore the monumental rock-cut tombs at first light, then follow the coast to where the first Mycenaean settlers landed. You’ll finish in the upper town for museum context before golden-hour views over ancient quarries and theatre.
- Morning: Be at Tombs of the Kings for opening to explore tombs 3, 4 and 8 before the heat; steps can be steep and floors uneven after rain, so tread carefully and bring a small torch/phone light. Remember these are elite Ptolemaic/Roman tombs rather than royal burials—admire the Alexandrian-style courtyards and Doric columns.
- Midday: Ride bus 615 from the harbour to Coral Bay and walk the short path to Maa-Palaeokastro for the windswept promontory settlement and its excellent small museum. Have a casual seaside lunch nearby; reapply sunscreen as shade is scarce on the peninsula.
- Afternoon: Head to the Paphos District Archaeological Museum in Pano Paphos for Chalcolithic idols from Lempa, terracottas and Roman medical tools—ideal context before or after site visits; check closing times and arrive well before last entry. If you prefer to stay coastal in peak heat, swap this with a late-afternoon visit.
- Evening: Climb Fabrica Hill for the Hellenistic–Roman theatre and quarry chambers at golden hour; the view across the harbour and park is superb at sunset. Wear good-grip shoes and avoid stepping into cavities; in winter, arrive earlier as dusk falls quickly.
Day 3: Palaepaphos, prehistory and village life
Travel east to the island’s spiritual heart where Aphrodite’s sanctuary once drew pilgrims from across the Mediterranean. Return via prehistoric round houses and end with an easy coastal stroll back in town.
- Morning: Drive to Kouklia (best with a car; public buses are infrequent) for Palaepaphos: walk the Sanctuary of Aphrodite remains and the Lusignan Manor museum with finds spanning Bronze Age to medieval sugar production. Allow time to absorb the open-air temenos plan and the story of the aniconic baetyl.
- Midday: Do as locals do: a slow lunch in Kouklia’s village square; Sundays are especially convivial. In peak summer, book a shaded table and avoid the hottest early afternoon window.
- Afternoon: On the return, stop at the Lempa Prehistoric Village Reconstruction to step inside Chalcolithic circular houses and connect the museum objects to daily life. If energy allows, add a brief look at Panagia Limeniotissa by the sea for Early Christian layers amid sea breezes.
- Evening: Walk the coastal promenade from the lighthouse towards the harbour for sunset and a final glance back over the archaeological park. If you missed it earlier, check the Odeon schedule or opt for a quiet meze dinner in the old town; purchase e-tickets for any last sites the following morning to skip queues.
Notes for all days:
- Summer strategy: arrive at sites for 08:30; reserve indoor/museum time for midday; resume outdoor exploration after 16:00.
- Tickets: the Department of Antiquities’ one-, three- or seven-day passes offer value if visiting multiple sites; e-tickets reduce waiting time.
- Getting around: bus 611 serves the harbour; bus 615 runs the Tombs of the Kings–Coral Bay corridor; Kouklia is most efficient by car.
- Safety: paths are uneven at all sites; in wilder areas like Fabrica Hill, avoid putting hands/feet in crevices.
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Food and drink in Paphos
Paphos food is warm, generous and rooted in village tradition. Expect charcoal grills, market‑fresh seafood and long meze spreads, paired with crisp local wines from the hills. You’ll find it in breezy harbour tavernas, shady village squares and cosy cafés in the old town.
- Meze – A rolling feast of small plates: tzatziki, tahini, village salad, grilled halloumi, sheftalia and slow‑cooked kleftiko; designed for sharing. Best savoured over a long lunch in village tavernas around Kouklia or Pano Paphos.
- Fresh seafood & grilled octopus – Daily catch, sea bream, calamari and octopus charred over coals with lemon and oregano. Seek out seafront tavernas along the harbour for sunset views and salty breezes.
- Souvla & sheftalia – Thick skewers of pork or lamb turned slowly over charcoal, with juicy herb‑spiced sausages tucked into warm pitta. Perfect for casual grill‑houses and lively street‑side cafés.
- Xynisteri & Maratheftiko wines – Crisp white and aromatic red varietals from the Paphos hills; ideal with seafood or roast meats. Taste them at nearby wineries or in intimate wine bars in the old town.
Eat like a local: Discover Paphos top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Paphos
Paphos food is warm, generous and rooted in village tradition. Expect charcoal grills, market‑fresh seafood and long meze spreads, paired with crisp local wines from the hills. You’ll find it in breezy harbour tavernas, shady village squares and cosy cafés in the old town.
- Meze – A rolling feast of small plates: tzatziki, tahini, village salad, grilled halloumi, sheftalia and slow‑cooked kleftiko; designed for sharing. Best savoured over a long lunch in village tavernas around Kouklia or Pano Paphos.
- Fresh seafood & grilled octopus – Daily catch, sea bream, calamari and octopus charred over coals with lemon and oregano. Seek out seafront tavernas along the harbour for sunset views and salty breezes.
- Souvla & sheftalia – Thick skewers of pork or lamb turned slowly over charcoal, with juicy herb‑spiced sausages tucked into warm pitta. Perfect for casual grill‑houses and lively street‑side cafés.
- Xynisteri & Maratheftiko wines – Crisp white and aromatic red varietals from the Paphos hills; ideal with seafood or roast meats. Taste them at nearby wineries or in intimate wine bars in the old town.
Eat like a local: Discover Paphos top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Paphos
Choosing where to stay in Paphos is about matching the neighbourhood to your travel style—each area offers a distinct vibe. Think about how close you want to be to beaches, archaeology, nightlife and bus links before booking.
- Kato Paphos (Harbour) — Walkable to the UNESCO Archaeological Park and harbour promenade; lively bars, frequent buses, best for first‑timers and history lovers.
- Tombs of the Kings — Quieter hotel strip with rocky coves and coastal path; easy bus to the harbour, good value, suits couples and culture‑seekers who want calmer nights.
- Pano Paphos (Old Town) — Hilltop quarter with markets, street art and local tavernas; cooler evenings and views, great for foodies and travellers seeking a Cypriot feel.
- Coral Bay & Peyia — Sandy Blue Flag beach, family‑friendly amenities and sunset dining; car or Bus 615 to town, ideal for beach days and trips to the Akamas.
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Where to stay in Paphos
Choosing where to stay in Paphos is about matching the neighbourhood to your travel style—each area offers a distinct vibe. Think about how close you want to be to beaches, archaeology, nightlife and bus links before booking.
- Kato Paphos (Harbour) — Walkable to the UNESCO Archaeological Park and harbour promenade; lively bars, frequent buses, best for first‑timers and history lovers.
- Tombs of the Kings — Quieter hotel strip with rocky coves and coastal path; easy bus to the harbour, good value, suits couples and culture‑seekers who want calmer nights.
- Pano Paphos (Old Town) — Hilltop quarter with markets, street art and local tavernas; cooler evenings and views, great for foodies and travellers seeking a Cypriot feel.
- Coral Bay & Peyia — Sandy Blue Flag beach, family‑friendly amenities and sunset dining; car or Bus 615 to town, ideal for beach days and trips to the Akamas.
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Good to know before you go to Paphos
Travel to Paphos is straightforward: the town is compact, the main sights cluster around the harbour, and signage is clear. A few local tips will make visiting the archaeological sites and wider region smoother, especially in the summer heat.
- Affordability: Good value by Mediterranean standards; expect €10–15 for a casual meal, €45–70 for dinner for two with wine, coffee €3–4, mid‑range hotels €80–140 in summer (€60–100 off‑peak), and low‑cost site entry (e.g., €8.50 day pass for multiple state sites).
- Transport: The harbour, town centre and Kato Paphos Archaeological Park are walkable; local buses (611 for the harbour, 615 to Tombs of the Kings/Coral Bay) and intercity coaches work well, but a hire car is easiest for Kouklia, Maa‑Palaeokastro and flexible day trips, and there are no passenger ferries from Paphos.
- Language: Greek is the local language, but English is widely spoken and major sites use bilingual signage, so communication is easy.
- Safety & comfort: Very safe and family/solo‑friendly; main cautions are strong sun and uneven ground at sites (carry water, hat and sturdy shoes), occasional petty theft in crowded spots, and remember driving is on the left.
- Crowds: June–September is hottest and busiest (coach groups often arrive around midday), spring and autumn are ideal, winter is quiet, and visiting major sites at opening or late afternoon avoids both heat and crowds.
Good to know before you go to Paphos
Travel to Paphos is straightforward: the town is compact, the main sights cluster around the harbour, and signage is clear. A few local tips will make visiting the archaeological sites and wider region smoother, especially in the summer heat.
- Affordability: Good value by Mediterranean standards; expect €10–15 for a casual meal, €45–70 for dinner for two with wine, coffee €3–4, mid‑range hotels €80–140 in summer (€60–100 off‑peak), and low‑cost site entry (e.g., €8.50 day pass for multiple state sites).
- Transport: The harbour, town centre and Kato Paphos Archaeological Park are walkable; local buses (611 for the harbour, 615 to Tombs of the Kings/Coral Bay) and intercity coaches work well, but a hire car is easiest for Kouklia, Maa‑Palaeokastro and flexible day trips, and there are no passenger ferries from Paphos.
- Language: Greek is the local language, but English is widely spoken and major sites use bilingual signage, so communication is easy.
- Safety & comfort: Very safe and family/solo‑friendly; main cautions are strong sun and uneven ground at sites (carry water, hat and sturdy shoes), occasional petty theft in crowded spots, and remember driving is on the left.
- Crowds: June–September is hottest and busiest (coach groups often arrive around midday), spring and autumn are ideal, winter is quiet, and visiting major sites at opening or late afternoon avoids both heat and crowds.
Best time to go to Paphos
Seasonality in Paphos ranges from mild, quiet winters to scorching, busy summers. The sweet spot is spring and autumn, with comfortable temperatures for archaeology and great light; visit early or late in summer to avoid the heat.
- Spring (Mar–May): Pleasant 18–25°C, blooming landscapes; moderate crowds; relaxed, outdoorsy vibe ideal for site exploration and walks.
- High Summer (Jun–Sep): Very hot (often 30–38°C) and sunny; peak crowds and busiest events; lively atmosphere—tour sites at opening or near sunset.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild but changeable with occasional showers; minimal crowds and lower prices; calm, reflective feel—great for museums and unhurried visits.
Best time to go to Paphos
Seasonality in Paphos ranges from mild, quiet winters to scorching, busy summers. The sweet spot is spring and autumn, with comfortable temperatures for archaeology and great light; visit early or late in summer to avoid the heat.
- Spring (Mar–May): Pleasant 18–25°C, blooming landscapes; moderate crowds; relaxed, outdoorsy vibe ideal for site exploration and walks.
- High Summer (Jun–Sep): Very hot (often 30–38°C) and sunny; peak crowds and busiest events; lively atmosphere—tour sites at opening or near sunset.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild but changeable with occasional showers; minimal crowds and lower prices; calm, reflective feel—great for museums and unhurried visits.
Share Paphos with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to Paphos
By Air
- Paphos International Airport (PFO): ~14 km from the centre; 20–25 minutes by car. Bus 612 runs between the airport and the Harbour (Kato Paphos) in about 25–35 minutes; taxis and car hire available on site.
- Larnaca International Airport (LCA): ~135 km; 1 h 30–1 h 45 by car via A1/A6. Intercity buses connect Larnaca Airport/Larnaca city to Paphos (usually via Limassol) in about 2.5–3 hours; private transfers and car hire widely available.
By Train
- No passenger rail services operate in Cyprus.
By Bus
- Main Paphos hubs: Karavella Bus Station (upper town) for intercity/local routes; Harbour Main Station (Kato Paphos) for local routes and the airport bus.
- Intercity links:
- Limassol ↔ Paphos: frequent daily services; ~1 hour.
- Nicosia ↔ Paphos: typically via Limassol; ~2–2.5 hours.
- Larnaca ↔ Paphos: usually via Limassol; ~2.5–3 hours.
- Airport bus: Route 612 Paphos Airport ↔ Harbour; runs daily with regular intervals.
By Car
- From Limassol: A6 motorway; 45–60 minutes.
- From Larnaca: A1 to Limassol, then A6; 1 h 30–1 h 45.
- From Nicosia: A1 to Limassol, then A6; 1 h 45–2 hours.
- Practical notes: drive on the left; no motorway tolls; typical motorway speed limit 100 km/h. Parking is available near the harbour and at major archaeological sites.
By Sea
- No regular passenger ferries to Paphos. A seasonal car–passenger ferry typically operates between Greece (Piraeus) and Limassol; onward travel to Paphos is ~60–70 minutes by car via A6 or ~1 hour by intercity bus.
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