Paphos City
Coastal city in Pafos District, Cyprus
Ancient mosaics and seaside ruins anchor Paphos: the Archaeological Park, Tombs of the Kings and a medieval harbor where fish tavernas line the quay. Coastal walks and drives to the rock at Aphrodite’s traditional bathing spot keep visitors busy.
Why Visit Paphos?#
A UNESCO-listed archaeological legacy and coastal charm make Paphos one of Cyprus’s cultural highlights. Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, the Tombs of the Kings and the medieval harbour with its 13th‑century castle anchor a long history tied to the Aphrodite myth and intricate mosaics. Local tavernas serve halloumi and fresh seafood, and nearby beaches and wineries provide easy day‑trip options beyond the old town.
Best Things to Do in Paphos#
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Paphos Bucket List#
Paphos Archaeological Park - See Roman villa mosaics, Odeon and House of Dionysos within Paphos Archaeological Park.
Tombs of the Kings - Walk through underground Tombs of the Kings carved from solid rock near the coast.
Paphos Castle and harbour - Explore the medieval Paphos Castle, then enjoy seafront cafés and fishing boats in the harbour.
Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock) - Visit Petra tou Romiou-legendary birthplace of Aphrodite with coastal viewpoints and mythic appeal.
Agios Neophytos Monastery - Discover frescoed chapels and a hermit’s cave at Agios Neophytos Monastery near Tala.
Paphos Archaeological Museum - View Cypriot artefacts spanning prehistoric to Roman eras at the Paphos Archaeological Museum.
Agia Solomoni Catacomb - Explore the early-Christian Agia Solomoni catacomb carved into soft rock with fresco traces.
Akamas Peninsula and Lara Beach - Spend a day hiking Akamas trails and swim in secluded coves near Lara Beach.
Troodos Mountains (Omodos or Kakopetria) - Drive inland to Troodos villages like Omodos for monasteries, wine tasting and mountain scenery.
Best Time to Visit Paphos#
Paphos is best in late spring and early autumn for warm, pleasant weather and fewer crowds; summer delivers hot, busy beach conditions. Winters are mild and rainier, suited to low-season sightseeing.
June - August
24-34°C (75-93°F)
Hot, dry summers mean perfect beach days and busy coastal tavernas; expect crowds, strong sun, and lively evenings through August.
March - May & September - November
15-24°C (59-75°F)
Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes make sightseeing relaxed and enjoyable; fewer tourists and comfortable evenings for wine bars and ruins.
December - February
9-17°C (48-63°F)
Mild, wetter winters are quiet: good for archaeological sites without crowds, though some tourist services scale back and the sea is cool.
Paphos's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 31°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 91 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Paphos#
Paphos is served by its own international airport and by intercity buses from Larnaca and other towns. For most visitors, a combination of bus and taxi works well; renting a car is common if you want to explore the wider region.
Paphos International Airport (PFO): Paphos Airport is the closest airport to Paphos city. The public bus 612 (airport → Paphos town) takes about 20-30 minutes and costs around €1.50-2.00; taxis to the centre are about €18-25 and take 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.
Larnaca International Airport (LCA): Larnaca is the larger international gateway with more flight options; intercity buses to Paphos take approximately 1.25-1.75 hours (depending on route and stops) with fares commonly around €6-8. Private transfers or taxis from Larnaca are quicker but significantly more expensive (roughly €70-100+).
Train: Cyprus has no railway network for public passenger travel.
Bus: Paphos is served by local municipal buses and intercity services operated by Intercity Buses. Local fares within Paphos are low (about €1.50-2 per ride) and intercity buses to other major towns are in the €3-8 range depending on distance. Bus services are regular but can be less frequent on Sundays and public holidays.
How to Get Around Paphos#
Paphos is easy to navigate with short local bus rides and taxis for convenience; intercity buses link to Larnaca, Limassol and Nicosia. Renting a car gives the greatest flexibility for regional sightseeing.
- Taxi (€5-30) - Taxis provide convenient door-to-door travel - especially from the airport or for late-night movements. Airport-to-city fares are typically €18-25; for longer island transfers expect much higher prices. Use metered taxis or agree a price in advance for long trips.
- Intercity bus (€3-8) - Intercity Buses run between Paphos, Larnaca, Limassol and Nicosia; fares vary by route but are usually €3-8. Buses are economical and reasonably comfortable, though schedules are less frequent on Sundays and holidays.
- Local bus (€1.50-2) - Paphos town and the coastal suburbs are served by local buses with single fares commonly around €1.50-2. They are useful for short hops but check timetables as frequency drops in the off-season.
- Car rental (€25-60/day) - Hiring a car is popular for exploring the Paphos region, archaeological sites and the Troodos foothills. Expect daily rates from about €25-60 depending on season and car class; parking in town is usually available but can be busier in summer.
- Bicycle / e-bike (€8-20/day) - Biking is possible for short coastal stretches and around the harbour; e-bikes make hillier sections easier. Rentals are seasonal and best for fair-weather days; wear a helmet and be cautious on busier roads.
- Walking - Paphos’ harbour, archaeological park and old town are compact and best enjoyed on foot. Walking is the most pleasant way to explore the seafront and cafés.
Where to Stay in Paphos#
Kato Paphos / Harbour - $30-70/night
Old Harbour and Kato Paphos offer guesthouses and budget apartments; summer fills quickly so book ahead.
Paphos Gardens Holiday Resort (budget units) - Basic self-catering apartments available
Pension Voula - Small family-run guesthouse near harbour
Kato Paphos - $90-200/night
Paphos has many comfortable 3-4-star seafront hotels offering pools, restaurants and easy access to archaeological sites.
Almyra Hotel - Contemporary, family-friendly seafront hotel
Annabelle Hotel - Upscale boutique with good spa facilities
Capricorne Hotel - Modern mid-range option by the coast
Seafront / Kato Paphos - $220-500+/night
Luxury resorts and boutique five-star hotels line the coast; expect spa facilities, top restaurants and sea views.
Elysium Hotel - Luxury rooms near tombs of the kings
Anassa (nearby, Polis area) - High-end seaside resort, short drive away
Annabelle (luxury option) - Refined amenities with seafront views
Where to Eat in Paphos#
Paphos dining leans on Cypriot meze, fresh seafood and family tavernas that highlight local olive oil and cheeses.
- 7 St. Georges Tavern - Family-run taverna offering authentic meze.
- To Kafeneio - Traditional dishes in a cozy village atmosphere.
- Theo’s - Seafood and local wines by the harbour.
From harbour-side tavernas to contemporary seafood restaurants, Paphos offers coastal menus using fresh local catch.
- The Windmill - Seafood-focused dining with harbour views.
- Sea You Beach Bar - Beachfront plates and casual cocktails.
- Legend Seafood Restaurant - Contemporary seafood menu near the marina.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Paphos’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Paphos#
Shopping in Paphos mixes small seaside souvenir shops, boutiques in the Old Town and at least one major mall for international brands. Local markets sell Cypriot foods, crafts and souvenirs near the harbour and municipality areas. For a wider range of stores and longer opening hours, head to the mall or central shopping streets in Kato Paphos.
Nightlife in Paphos#
Paphos has a calmer evening scene than Cyprus’ party resorts: expect harbourfront bars, tavernas with live music and a few late-night venues during summer. Nightlife centers on dining and relaxed drinks rather than large clubs. If you want busier nightlife, many visitors travel east to Ayia Napa for late-night clubbing.
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