Paphos Archaeological Park
UNESCO-listed Roman-era complex of villas, the Odeon, Agora, Asklepieion and the Saranta Kolones fortress, with some of the finest mosaics in the Mediterranean.
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About Paphos
Paphos sits on the south-west coast of Cyprus, about 150 km from Larnaca airport and 70 km from Limassol. Its two parts are Kato Paphos, the harbour with UNESCO sites, hotels and beaches, and Ktima, the upper old town with museums and tavernas. Day trips reach Aphrodite's Rock, the Akamas Peninsula and the Troodos Mountains.
- Capital
- Nicosia (national capital); Paphos is the capital of Paphos District
- Largest city
- Paphos
- Population
- About 35,000 in the municipality; roughly 90,000 in the wider urban area (approximate)
- Languages
- Greek, English (widely spoken)
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Time zone
- EET/EEST (UTC+2/+3)
Explore Paphos by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Paphos
The 16 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
House of Dionysos
Second-century Roman villa with about 2,000 square metres of mosaic floors showing Dionysos, Theseus and the Minotaur, and hunting scenes.
Saranta Kolones Fortress
Ruined Byzantine fortress named for its forty granite columns, built in the 7th century and destroyed by an earthquake in 1222.
Tombs of the Kings
Monumental rock-cut tombs of Hellenistic and Roman officials by the sea, with Doric columns carved into the stone and a courtyard around each burial chamber.
Paphos Harbour
Working fishing harbour and promenade beneath the medieval fort, lined with cafes, tavernas and tour-boat ticket kiosks.
Paphos Castle (Medieval Fort)
Small fort at the harbour mouth, rebuilt by the Ottomans in 1592 on a Byzantine and Lusignan base; the roof gives views over the harbour and coast.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Paphos Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Paphos, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Paphos
- Days 1-2Paphos city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Paphos
- Days 1-3Paphos comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Paphos, departure
Where to stay in Paphos
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget EUR 65 (about USD 75)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range EUR 140 (about USD 161)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury EUR 320 (about USD 368)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Almyra Hotel
Design-led 5-star beachfront hotel with a Mosaics restaurant and spa, a short walk from the harbour.
Check rates on Booking.comAnnabelle Hotel
Long-established 5-star resort hotel with gardens, a seawater pool and beach access on Poseidonos Avenue.
Check rates on Booking.comAmavi Hotel
Adults-only 5-star resort with sea-view rooms and a private beach area near the harbour.
Check rates on Booking.comElysium Beach Resort
Large 5-star beach resort in castle-style buildings with pools, spa and several restaurants.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Paphos
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
7 St. George's Tavern
Set-style meze in a family tavern: dishes keep arriving without a menu.
Demokritos Tavern
Tavern with nightly Cypriot dance and bouzouki shows at dinner.
Agora Tavern
Chef's tapas plates, meat or vegetarian, in the old town.
Laona Restaurant
Home-style lunch place with daily-changing Cypriot casseroles.
Hondros Tavern
Long-running tavern near the harbour, known for slow-cooked lamb and grills.
Koutourou
Inexpensive sharing plates in an old townhouse, with outdoor seating.
Book a food tour in Paphos We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Paphos
Paphos International Airport (PFO) is about 12 km east of Kato Paphos with direct flights from Europe. Larnaca Airport (LCA) is about 150 km away. Bus 612 links the airport and Kato Paphos; Karavella station on the harbour hosts intercity buses. A rental car is useful for Akamas, Kouklia and the Troodos.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR (USD at 1 EUR = about 1.15), broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | EUR 30 (about USD 34) | EUR 80 (about USD 92) | EUR 220 (about USD 253) |
| Food (per day) | EUR 20 (about USD 23) | EUR 40 (about USD 46) | EUR 60 (about USD 69) |
| Transportation | EUR 5 (about USD 5.75) | EUR 10 (about USD 12) | EUR 20 (about USD 23) |
| Activities | EUR 10 (about USD 12) | EUR 10 (about USD 12) | EUR 20 (about USD 23) |
| Daily total | EUR 65 (about USD 75) | EUR 140 (about USD 161) | EUR 320 (about USD 368) |
Best time to visit Paphos
Weather through the year in Paphos
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Paphos.
Spring and autumn give warm days, warm sea and fewer crowds.
Many resorts close from November to March; Troodos trails may have snow in January-February.
Essential travel tips
- Visit the Archaeological Park at opening time.
- Eat in Ktima for lower prices than the harbour.
- Rent a car for a day to see Aphrodite's Rock and Akamas.
- Carry cash for small tavernas and buses.
- Book Easter and July-August stays 2 to 3 months ahead.
Safety information
Paphos is safe for visitors; violent crime is rare. Keep valuables out of sight on beaches and in rental cars.
Drive on the left; take care at junctions and on mountain roads.
Use the sea-flag colours at beaches and avoid swimming alone in rough water.
Carry water and a hat in July and August when temperatures reach 35 C.
Do not enter the UN buffer zone except at designated crossings.
Tap water is safe but bottled water is common; carry photo ID.
Check the government travel advice for your country before travel, as regional tension can change flight schedules.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Paphos?
Cyprus is in the EU but not currently in Schengen. EU citizens need a passport or ID; US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens can generally stay up to 90 days without a visa. Check current rules before travel.
What is the best time to visit Paphos?
April to early June and September to November offer 20-30 C and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy.
How do I get from Paphos airport to the harbour?
Bus 612 takes about 30 minutes and costs about EUR 1.50-2 (USD 1.75-2.30); a taxi costs about EUR 25-45 (USD 29-52). Confirm the fare.
How much is Paphos Archaeological Park?
About EUR 4.50 (USD 5.18), with the Tombs of the Kings at EUR 2.50 (USD 2.88) (confirm at mcw.gov.cy).
How many days do I need in Paphos?
Three days cover Kato Paphos and Ktima; add two days for Akamas and the Troodos.
Is Paphos safe for tourists?
Yes. Violent crime is rare; watch for petty theft, heat and road traffic. Emergency number 112 works across the EU.
Can I reach Aphrodite's Rock from Paphos?
Yes. It is about 25 km east; take the Paphos-Limassol bus, a taxi (about EUR 35-50) or a rental car.
Explore Paphos by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.