Paphos

General Information

Paphos is proud of its epic past, captured in ancient myths. It was near its coast that the goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite was born from sea foam, and the sanctuary built in her honor served as the most important cult center for all carriers of Hellenic culture. In modern Paphos, a lot of the names of historical sights and tourist sites are associated with the name of Aphrodite.

In and around Paphos, more often than anywhere else in Cyprus, you will come across traces of the past, and there is no doubt that this land harbors many more interesting things for archaeologists. The monuments of the ancient capital of Cyprus will make an indelible impression even on those tourists who are not very interested in ancient ruins, because it is not for nothing that almost the entire coastal part of the city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and Paphos itself was chosen as the cultural capital of Europe in 2017.

The picturesque location, rich history, superbly developed tourist infrastructure attract travelers from all over the world here, but the main contingent of this elite resort is the British and the Germans. The atmosphere here is lively and cheerful, but you cannot call it riotous. City entertainment is decent, respectable and quite diverse: both children and young couples and older people will have a pleasant pastime.

The coastal area of ​​Paphos is cut by picturesque coves, where everyone can find a suitable place for themselves – a crowded noisy beach with sports fields and water attractions, or a secluded corner where you can be alone with nature.

Paphos has five magnificent golf courses, spectacularly inscribed in the island landscape, many tennis courts and diving centers. And those who like fishing should know that the local water area is one of the richest in marine life in all of Cyprus.

Streets of Paphos

Paphos history

It is believed that the city-state of Paphos, famous in the ancient world, was founded in the XII century BC. e. One of the versions connects its foundation with the mythical king of Cyprus, the Phoenician Kinyr, the other – with the king of Tegea Agapinor, a participant in the Trojan War. In those archaic times, a temple was erected here, dedicated to the goddess of love, beauty and fertility, Aphrodite. The place where the ruins of the sanctuary and the foundations of ancient dwellings are located is located 12 km from modern Paphos, near the village of Kouklia. It is usually called Palea Paphos, that is, Old Paphos.

Fragments of the sanctuary of Aphrodite in Paleo PaphosMosaics from Paleo Paphos

In the IV century BC. e. The ruler of Paphos, King Nicocles, founded on the coast, “captured” by a luxury resort today, a new city – Nea Paphos, which became the administrative, commercial and political center of the city-state. Paleo Paphos remained a sacred site for religious worship. Nicocles’ reign ended in 306 BC. e., when Cyprus came under the rule of the Hellenistic dynasty of the Ptolemies, who ruled in Egypt. Paphos, due to its proximity to Alexandria, became the outpost of the Ptolemies outside their Egyptian territories and the capital of Cyprus. The city did not lose its metropolitan status and came under the rule of the Romans in 58 BC. e., becoming the seat of the Roman proconsul. Archaeological excavations, constantly carried out in the historical part of Paphos, indicate that

Coins that were minted in Paphos during the reign of Nikokles

Historians have reason to believe that in 47 AD. e. In Paphos, an event of major importance for the entire Christian world took place – the conversion of the proconsul of Cyprus Sergius Paul to Christianity by the apostles Paul and Barnabas who arrived on the island. This date suggests that Cyprus became the first Roman territory to be ruled by a Christian. However, the Christian monuments discovered today in Paphos date back to the 4th century – the period when Paphos became part of the Byzantine Empire, and the bishop’s residence was located here.

In the second half of the 4th century, a powerful earthquake occurred in Cyprus, which destroyed many cities, including Paphos. After their restoration, for various reasons, the capital of the island was moved to the city of Salamis. Nevertheless, Paphos remained an authoritative city until the middle of the 7th century, when Cyprus, having become a formally neutral territory, began to be attacked by the Arabs. At this time, fleeing raids from the sea, away from the coast, on a mountain plateau, the inhabitants of Nea Paphos began to equip a new settlement. Today the upper part of the city is located here, known as Pano Paphos or Ktima.

Since 965, Paphos again became part of the Byzantine Empire, and at the end of the XII century. he came under the rule of the Lusignans – a feudal family of French knights-crusaders. Towards the end of their reign, the city began to decline, and in the subsequent (Venetian) period, it became even more impoverished. From the end of the 16th century, a three-century Turkish domination began here, and the situation of Nea Paphos deteriorated completely. People gradually left the former capital, the port was covered with sand, and the coast turned into a swampy place.

Since 1878, the administration of Cyprus was carried out by Great Britain, and in 1925 the island received the official status of its colony. In 1960, the independence of the Republic of Cyprus was proclaimed, and since then Paphos has been the administrative center of one of the regions of the country that are part of the so-called Greek zone. Many Greek Cypriots living here are immigrants from the northern part of the island, which is now part of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is not recognized by the UN.

Until the 80s of the last century, Paphos and its surroundings remained a poor, backward and sparsely populated region. However, everything here changed with the construction of the airport in 1984 and the development of tourism, which turned Paphos into a famous resort, one of the most popular in Cyprus.

Tourism seasons

Paphos and its surroundings are an amazingly picturesque place. Its incredibly attractive landscape is formed by the wide coastline and steep slopes of the Troodos Mountains, covered with dense pine forests and terraced vineyards. The mountains create a natural barrier between the vicinity of Paphos and the rest of the island, causing some of the peculiarities of its microclimate. It is always a little cooler here than in other parts of Cyprus, and bizarre clouds adorn the sky even in summer.

The beach season in Paphos lasts almost six months. You can sunbathe and swim here already in April, when the air temperature warms up to +22 ° С, and the water temperature – up to +18 ° С. In May, the temperature indicators are +25 ° С and +20 ° С, respectively.

Paphos waterfrontUrban developmentBeach in Paphos

The high season formally starts in mid-June and lasts until the end of September. At this time, during the day, it is usually from +27 ° C to +30 ° C, but it happens that the thermometer at noon approaches +37 ° C. Water temperature – from +23 to +26 ° С. In summer, the city hosts musical concerts, and in September, when the Aphrodite Festival is held on the square near the Paphos Castle, opera artists present their art.

Tourists who do not like the hustle and bustle of the summer months should visit this corner of Cyprus between the end of September and the beginning of November. The velvet season in Paphos pleases with a warm, but not scorching sun, an abundance of vegetables and fruits. In October, the daytime temperature drops to +26 ° С, at night +16 ° С on average, the sea remains warm: +24 ° С. In November it gets windy, during the day the air temperature is about +22 ° С, at night +12 ° С. Waves rise in the sea, sometimes it rains. Thunderstorms are also no exception for the end of autumn. However, in November the number of rainy days is no more than seven.

In winter, Paphos is also quite comfortable. During the day, when the sun is shining, usually from +16 ° С to +18 ° С, but by the evening it becomes noticeably cooler. It gets dark early at this time: twilight descends by 17:00. The wettest winter month is January, and the most fun is February, when the carnival takes place in Cyprus.

Paphos landmarks

Paphos is conventionally divided into two parts: Pano Paphos (Upper City) and Kato Paphos (Lower Paphos). Pano Paphos lies on an elevation, a few kilometers from the sea coast. The main municipal buildings, banks, educational institutions, offices are located here. Kato Paphos, stretching along the coastline, is a tourist center, where the main historical sights, hotels, shops, bars, restaurants, discos are located.

Pano Paphos

Lying away from the hustle and bustle of tourists, the Upper Town, also known as Ktima, is full of a distinctive Cypriot charm. Here, the usual life of a provincial town flows slowly and measuredly, and if you are interested in plunging into it, wander along its pretty streets, look into one of the cozy cafes and get to know the local sights.

Pano Paphos is settled in the area of ​​the settlement, where the inhabitants of the coastal Nea Paphos began to settle in the 7th century, fleeing the sea raids of the Arabs. However, the oldest surviving structure here dates back to the 16th century. This is the Jami Kebir mosque, built in 1584 on the ruins of a Christian temple. It is located in the Mutallos area, close to the ornate covered building of the Municipal Market.

There are Turkish baths to the south of it. For a long time they were used jointly by Greeks and Turks. After clashes broke out between Greek and Turkish nationalists on March 7, 1964, and the peaceful coexistence of the two peoples was disrupted, the building was empty for a long time. Not so long ago, it was restored and today it is one of the attractions of Paphos.

Street signs to the north and northwest of the market indicate that the Turks used to live here. Narrow streets with many back streets and dead ends have not lost their attractiveness, and illustrate how the cities of Cyprus looked in the early 60s of the last century, when Greeks and Turks lived in peace and harmony. In August 1975, 2,900 Turkish Cypriots were resettled from Paphos to the northern part of the island, and their homes were occupied by Greek refugees from the north.

Heading east from the covered market from here, you will find yourself on the main shopping street named after Archbishop Makarios III, who became the first president of independent Cyprus. Not far from it, on Georgios Grivas Street, there are several impressive structures. Particularly interesting are the buildings of the Gymnasium, a classical educational institution built in 1960, and the Academy of Economics, erected in 1928.

The school buildings – unusually large for a city like Paphos – testify to the importance Greek Cypriots still attach to classical education. And the fact that educational centers have traditionally been a hotbed of the struggle for the independence of Cyprus is reminiscent of the bas-reliefs in the courtyard of the Gymnasium. One of them depicts a schoolboy trying to kill a wild lion with a stone, symbolizing the heroic struggle of young Cypriots against the British colonialists in the late 1950s.

If you head towards the city park and the town hall, you will find yourself at the Bishop’s Palace, which was built in 1910. It was here, after the coup organized by Greek officers on July 15, 1974, that Archbishop Makarios III was hiding and from here, speaking on the radio, he denied rumors about his death. The palace, built in the Venetian style, today serves as the residence of the Bishop of Paphos. Part of it is occupied by the Byzantine Museum. Its exposition includes a collection of icons, including the oldest in Cyprus Aia Marina (IX century) and the famous Panagia Elussa (XII century), religious literature, priceless manuscripts. Among the exhibits are also old coins, traditional clothes, household items.

Paphos Byzantine Museum

The Ethnographic Museum is located near the Bishop’s Palace in a beautiful building of the century before last. His exposition presents items from the private collection of Professor Georgios Eliades, which he collected bit by bit in Cyprus all his life, traveling through the villages and villages. Nearby is the main working church of Paphos, Agios Theodorus (Cathedral of St. Tedor), erected in 1896.

Heading from the center of Ktima to the west, you will pass through a beautiful triumphal arch from the time of the rule of Turkey and find yourself on a rocky plateau with a magnificent view of Lower Paphos.

Like Paphos

The heart of the luxury resort beats in the coastal part of the city. It houses great hotels, restaurants and fish taverns, nightclubs and cabarets, souvenir shops and entertainment centers. Pleasure boats and yachts are moored at the embankment, as well as colorful fishing boats.

From the port of Paphos, an arched bridge will take you to the Paphos Castle – one of the main attractions of the island and a figure on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is located 600 meters from the Fort Saranta Kolones (Forty Candles Castle), built by the Byzantines at the beginning of the 7th century to protect against Arab attacks. Saranta Kolones itself, built from the rubble of ancient structures, was destroyed by an earthquake in 1222. The fort has not been restored and today it is a picturesque ruin.

Paphos castle

Paphos Castle stands in the place where the watchtower of the Byzantine fort stood. The Lusignans began to build a defensive stronghold and then strengthen it, but the next owners of the island, the Venetians, practically destroyed it so that the Turks who besieged Paphos did not get it. The latter, in turn, having captured the city, rebuilt the castle. On the first floor and in the basement, the Ottomans set up a prison, and on the second – a mosque.

This inaccessible square-shaped stone structure looks incredibly majestic, especially in the evening hours in the rays of the searchlights illuminating it. Its internal interiors are quite modest, but from the upper terrace a stunning panorama of Paphos, the sea and the mountains opens up.

The castle is open to tourists all year round. The cost of the entrance ticket is 1.7 €.

Inside the Paphos castle

The Archaeological Park is located near this monumental structure – the pride of Paphos and a testament to its glorious past. Excavations in this area began only in the 60s of the last century, when a local farmer, plowing the land, accidentally touched a mosaic tile with his plow, which turned out to be a fragment of the floor of a Roman villa.

During archaeological research, the ruins of buildings from the ancient city of Nea Paphos were discovered. It became known that the ancient city occupied an area of ​​almost 100 hectares and was surrounded by a fortress wall. In its southwestern part, archaeologists have found streets intersecting at right angles, outlining residential areas. This layout was retained with minor changes throughout the entire existence of the city.

The wealth of Nea Paphos is evidenced by the numerous public buildings and houses of the townspeople, decorated with emphatically luxurious, and unheard of wealth was found in the tombs found.

Of particular value among the architectural treasures exposed during excavations are the ruins of villas from the 3rd-5th centuries, where mosaic decor with scenes from ancient myths has been preserved. The most famous are the houses-villas of Dionysus, Eon, Theseus and Orpheus. These names were given to ancient buildings by archaeologists in accordance with the figures depicted in the mosaics.

The mosaic panels are supposedly made by craftsmen from Alexandria. After sketching, they made thousands of tiny stones of different colors, which were then shipped by sea to Paphos and assembled on site into paintings that amaze with their grace and cheerful mood.

Mosaics in Paphos Archaeological Park

To the owner of the house known as the Villa of Dionysus, the god of fun and wine was apparently the closest in spirit. His image is present on many of the surviving panels. The house itself consists of an atrium (patio), from which there are corridors leading to other buildings in four directions. To the left of today’s entrance you can see a mosaic depicting Scylla, a mythological monster: part woman, part fish and part dog. This is the oldest mosaic found in Cyprus. On the west side of the atrium, four mosaics represent scenes from Greek mythology. The building dates from the late 2nd or early 3rd century.

Excavations near the villa of Dionysus

Near the villa of Dionysus, archaeologists have discovered the villa of Theseus, which was supposedly the residence of the Roman governor. On the central round medallion we see Theseus, at the feet of which the Cretan Minotaur, defeated by him, is stretched out – a monster with the body of a man and the head of a bull.

To the west of Theseus’ villa is the house of Orpheus. Here, the panel depicts Orpheus, who tamed wild animals with his play on the cithara, and Hercules, the winner of the Nemean lion. The mosaic depicting the birth and bathing of Achilles was clearly made already under the influence of Christian teaching.

The plots of 342 mosaic paintings in the house of Eon are devoted mainly to the themes of the birth, youth and triumph of Dionysus. In terms of the luxurious depiction of naked bodies and their theme, they are, without a doubt, in the mainstream of ancient traditions.

To the north of the villas is the Odeon. It is believed that the theater was built in the Hellenic era, but its appearance was changed under the Romans. It is well preserved, and today half of its 25 rows of seats have been restored. The Odeon, which seats over 1,000 spectators, hosts concerts and open-air performances.

OdeonDuring a guided tour of the Archaeological Park

In the eastern part of the Archaeological Park, since the Middle Ages, there has been a modest graceful church of Ayia Kyriaki, also called Chrysopolitis. It is one of the centers of pilgrimage for Christians of different confessions.

At some distance from the main excavation site, which cannot be reached on foot, there is another famous landmark of Paphos – the Tombs of the Kings. In the tombs, probably made with great difficulty in the rocks, they buried, though not kings, high-ranking dignitaries of the times of the Ptolemies and the Roman Empire. Perhaps the last king of Cyprus, Ptolemy Cypriot, who committed suicide, was also buried here. Some tombs look like underground palaces, they even have courtyards with Doric columns, just like on the ground, and between the rich burials there are modest catacombs and simply dug graves in the ground. During the persecution of the first Christians, and then in the Middle Ages, people hid in these catacombs.

The archaeological park is open to the public all year round, although its opening hours vary depending on the season. The cost of the entrance ticket is 4.5 €.

Tombs of the kings

Beaches

Paphos is famous for its beaches. All of them are incredibly picturesque, especially wild ones, but the entrance to the sea is not always convenient. However, the crystal purity of the sea water more than compensates for this discomfort. All beaches here are municipal, so you have to pay only for the rental of beach equipment – from 3 to 5 €.

The city beach is located in the tourist area near Poseidon Street, not far from the Paphos Castle. It stretches for 150 m and is equipped with changing rooms, showers, toilets, umbrellas, sun loungers. Quad bikes and catamarans can be rented. The beach itself is sandy, but the entrance to the sea is rocky; algae often accumulate near the coast, despite the fact that they are removed all the time. To swim in clear water, you need to get off into the sea on concrete slabs or dive or go down the stairs from the pier.

Paphos city beach

From the city beach you can walk to the neighboring miniature beach of Faros. It is also sandy, fully equipped, the entrance to the sea is shallow and quite comfortable. There are restaurants and taverns nearby.

There are two more beaches near Poseidon Street: Vrisoudia A and Vrisoudia B. The sandy beach of Vrisoudia A is bordered by picturesque cliffs and is known for its excellent infrastructure. Vrisoudia B beach offers magnificent views of the Paphos castle. Both beaches are easily accessible by any means of transport.

The beach of St. George is also located within the city limits. It has a very lively atmosphere as there are several hotels nearby. Its “plus” is that the sand-and-pebble entrance to the sea is very convenient here. In addition, there are breakwaters in this zone, and there are no high waves.

In the vicinity of Paphos, near the village of Geroskipou, there is a popular beach of the same name. It is also called Atlantis Beach. This sandy and pebble beach has all the conditions for a comfortable stay and pleasant pastime: sun loungers and umbrellas, changing cabins, beach showers, sand grounds for sports games, water transport and attractions. There is a rescue station on the shore. Within walking distance are the courts of the local tennis club.

Atlantis Beach

The lovely sandy Coral Bay is likely to satisfy those who don’t like city beaches with their peculiar entrance to the sea. Here, 12 km from Paphos, is the Coral Bay beach, the most popular among tourists and locals. The sand is fine, clean, and the coast is gentle. The beach infrastructure meets all European standards, there are plenty of water activities.

Nearby is another lovely beach with soft white sand – Coralia. The atmosphere is less lively, with cozy fish taverns nearby, where you can taste great seafood dishes.

Coral Bay Beach

North of Paphos, in the protected area of ​​the Akamas peninsula, there is a wonderful corner – Lara beach. In this coastal zone, turtles of the rarest species – green and hawk – lay eggs. Not surprisingly, the beach is often called Turtle Beach. Lara occupies the coast of a bay formed by a promontory extending far into the sea, so waves are rare here. Due to its protected status, the beach lacks any infrastructure, but lying on the soft sand, you can enjoy the beauty of the local nature in peace and quiet.

On the opposite coast of the Akamas Peninsula, near the former fishing village of Latchi, is the beach of the same name. Stretching for 2 km, it seduces tourists with secluded corners where you can calmly sunbathe and swim away from the hustle and bustle. The infrastructure on this sandy pebble beach is on the level.

Latchi embankment

Excursions

Traveling through the incredibly picturesque and distinctive surroundings of Paphos, you will visit ancient villages and fishing villages, wander among ancient ruins and explore medieval monasteries. You can go on the road in a rented car, as part of an excursion group on a bus, or in the car of a private guide. The cost of an excursion tour, designed for 5-6 hours, will cost from 45 € per person. Collective off-road tours are organized from Paphos to the mountainous regions.

Immediately behind the last house in Paphos, you will see a sign for Yeroskipou, a town located 3 kilometers south of the resort. Its name means “sacred grove”. Today’s bustling suburb was once a quiet retreat for pilgrims on their way from the port of Nea Paphos to the Sanctuary of Aphrodite in Palea Paphos. Yeroskipu is also known as a center for the production of sweet delight, a delicacy made from grape syrup, and halloumi, a delicious cheese made from sheep’s milk. There are shops along the road through the village where you can buy these traditional Cypriot products.

The historical landmark of Yeroskipou is the Church of St. Paraskeva, one of the oldest in Cyprus. During the restoration work in the interior, under the frescoes of the 12th and 15th centuries, painting was found in a special style, and this allowed historians to assert that the church was built no later than the 9th century.

Traditional sweets in YeroskipuChurch of St. Paraskeva in Yeroskipu

The road heading south towards Limassol will take you to the village of Kouklia, where in ancient times was the city-state of Paleo Paphos. On the way, you will pass the most fertile region of Cyprus. On both sides of the road there are plantations of bananas, citrus fruits, avocados, grapes, sesame seeds, and walnuts.

Kouklia, a village steeped in history, is literally surrounded by palm trees, vineyards and orange trees. Its main attraction is the ruins of the sanctuary of Aphrodite, presumably erected in 1200 BC. e. and was the largest temple of the goddess in the Mediterranean. For centuries, Hellenes from all corners of the Mediterranean came here to participate in the mysteries dedicated to the goddess of love and fertility. At the end of the 4th century A.D. e., with the advent of Christianity, pagan cults were banned, the temple was closed, and it began to collapse, but some of the architectural fragments and the foundation have survived to this day.

Doll

Near the ruins of the sanctuary of Aphrodite, in the restored castle of the Lusignans, there is a museum, where artifacts found during excavations are presented. To the east is the 12th century Panagia Katholiki temple. During its construction, stone slabs of an ancient sanctuary were partially used, which symbolized the change of religion on the island. The church is located on a picturesque hill with a beautiful panorama of the sea.

Beyond Paleo Paphos, the fertile coastal plain ends. The road further runs along the desert rocky terrain, along the steep coastline. Below you can see many massive boulders, as if thrown out by the raging sea. It was here, according to legend, that the foam-born Aphrodite emerged from the waves.

This picturesque place is called Petra tou Romio after one of the rocks protruding from the sea. It is also known as the Rock of Aphrodite, the Stone of the Romans, the Greek Stone. Every tourist who rests in Paphos tries to visit this corner, so it is quite crowded here. It is better to come here in the late afternoon, when the sightseeing buses leave. The beach is pebbly, the bottom is rocky, so it is advisable to take beach slippers with you. It is not recommended to swim far into the sea, but everyone, even an inexperienced swimmer, can perform a ritual “swim” around the legendary rock – it is shallow here.

Petra-tu-Romio

Entertainment

In the vicinity of Paphos, the most popular entertainment complex in Cyprus is located – the Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark, or, as it is usually called, “Aphrodite”. There is a huge number of water attractions; there is a special mini-town for children. 15 adults and 8 childrens water slides are located right on the slopes. Most of the adult descents are extreme, there are some where you can feel zero gravity, staying in a state of weightlessness for some time. Children’s slides are lightweight copies of adults.

The water park has many cafes with a huge selection of food and drinks, shops where you can buy souvenirs and beach accessories.

The water park is open from May to October. Cost of admission: for adults – 30 € (1 day), 45 € (2 days), for children from 3 to 12 years old – 17 € and 26 €, respectively. For babies under 3 years old, admission is free.

Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark

North of Paphos, in the direction of Coral Bay beach, there is another popular place for adults and children – the Bird and Animal Park. This corner, buried in greenery and flowers, is successfully “built in” into the surrounding landscape and is very comfortable, not only for visitors, but also for its inhabitants, many of whom freely roam its territory. This, of course, does not apply to tigers, lions and elephants, they live in aviaries.

In the closed amphitheater, a very cute bird show is held every day, the main characters of which are parrots and owls. Entrance tickets will cost you 12 €. From the center of Paphos you can easily and quickly get here by bus or taxi.

Bird and animal park

Boat trip

One of the favorite pastimes of tourists is boat trips. On the embankment of the resort, near the fort, there are booths where you can buy all kinds of tours – on large and small ships; for a few hours, a whole day, or more. Children will be interested in going on a sea voyage on a “pirate” yacht, and a fishing cruise and visiting charming bays, where you can spend time alone with nature, will be of interest to everyone.

The lowest-budget excursion is an hour-long glass-bottom boat trip costing € 10 for adults, € 5 for children. Much more expensive is a yacht cruise accompanied by musicians, singers, dancers and acrobats. Here you will be treated to great food and excellent drinks, excellent service and entertainment. You can go on a trip during the day or after sunset. Evening cruises are accompanied by fireworks. Usually the walk lasts 4-5 hours, the cost is from 37 €.

For lovers of nightlife in Paphos, the doors of clubs and bars are open. Iconic Places: Huge Club, Stathmos Cabaret Club, Dark Legion MC Rock Bar.

Cafes and restaurants

The resort is famous for its fish taverns. They stretch along the entire coastal zone and are never empty during the season. Estimated prices here are about € 30 for two (grilled fish, seafood platter with fries or rice, fresh vegetable salad, sauce). Paphos has many luxurious restaurants, where a gourmet dinner with wine will cost no less than 110 € per person.

For atmospheric establishments styled as medieval taverns, head away from the tourist area. In such places, a three-course lunch or dinner, accompanied by homemade wine, will cost 25-35 € each. You can drink delicious strong coffee for 2.5 €, frappe – for 2 €.

There are many cafes in Paphos with Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Paphos promenade in the evening

What to buy

In Paphos, you can buy beautiful handmade silver jewelry, exquisite lace, leather goods. Popular souvenirs are models of ships, dolls in national decoration and, of course, statuettes of Aphrodite made of various materials.

As a gift to family and friends, buy Turkish delight, cheese, halva, olives and oil from them, local wine.

In a souvenir shopSilverware

Where to stay

Most of the hotels in the respectable resort are marked with four and five stars. Moreover, they are not necessarily located on the first line, since initially Paphos was aimed at tourists from the west of Europe who prefer to relax by the pools, and not on pebble beaches. Accommodation in such hotels will cost from 100 € per day (breakfast is included). There are also three-star hotels in the resort, where a room can be rented from 50 € per day.

Hotels on the first line from the sea

In Upper Paphos, villas are for rent, where you can comfortably accommodate the whole family or a large company. Prices vary depending on the season.

Budget guesthouses are located away from the tourist area, in cities neighboring Paphos, for example, Yeroskipou or Amargeti.

Booking.com

Transport

Lower and Upper Paphos can be easily hiked, but the resort has excellent bus connections. This transport runs quite often, especially during the season (every 10-20 minutes).

The most popular routes are those that connect the city with Coral Bay Beach and Tombs of the Kings (no. 615), with Petru tou Romani (no. 631) and route no. 610, which connects the coastal area of ​​Paphos with Ktima.

Double decker buses in Paphos

Fare: 1.5 € (from 6:00 to 23:00) and 2.5 € at night. Day pass – 5 €.

Among tourists, sightseeing double-decker buses of bright red color are popular. They run between all the attractions of Paphos and its surroundings – only 11 stops. The journey is accompanied by an audio guide broadcast in English. The ticket costs 12.5 € for adults and 5 € for children, and entitles you to enter and exit at any stop during the day.

Taxi services in Paphos are not cheap. A trip around the city at different times of the day can cost up to 20 €.

To travel independently and comfortably around the resort, you can rent a car. Cost – from 30 € per day. Please note that traffic is left-hand.

How to get there

The international airport is located 15 km from Paphos.

Paphos International Airport

You can get from the airport to the hotel in the center of Paphos by taxi (25-30 €) or by city bus (1.5 €).

Tourists often arrive at Larnaca airport, and from there they get to Paphos. If you are not met by hotel transport, you will have to get to the resort by taxi (from 110 €) or by public transport. The latter option is less expensive, but tiring: first you have to take a bus to Limassol (10 € and about an hour on the way), then change to a bus to Paphos (5 € and about an hour on the way). This transport will not take you directly to the hotel, so you will have to get from the stop to the place of residence either on foot, or by taxi, or again by bus.