Paphos is a coastal city in south-west Cyprus, legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, with UNESCO-listed Roman mosaics, a medieval harbour fort, rock-cut royal tombs and beaches.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Greet with a handshake and 'Yassou' (hello); Cypriots are friendly and formal at first.
Dress modestly in monasteries and churches: covered shoulders and knees.
Accept coffee or a sweet offered by a host; refusing can be rude.
Cyprus drives on the left; take care crossing roads.
Remove shoes when entering a home if the host does so.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Learn 'Efharisto' (thank you) and 'Parakalo' (please/you're welcome)
- Share meze dishes
- Tip 5 to 10% in restaurants
Don't
- Do not wear swimwear in towns or churches
- Do not photograph military zones or the UN buffer zone
- Do not discuss the Cyprus dispute in a dismissive tone
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshake and eye contact; two kisses among friends.
- Dining
- Meals are slow and shared; dinner starts about 20:00-21:00.
- Dress
- Casual but neat; cover shoulders and knees in churches.
- Gifts
- Bring sweets or flowers if invited to a home.
- Business
- Punctuality is relaxed; relationships come first.
- Tipping
- 5-10% in restaurants if service is not included; round up taxi fares.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Yassou
Hello
YAH-soo
Kalimera
Good morning
kah-lee-MEH-rah
Kalispera
Good evening
kah-lee-SPEH-rah
Efharisto
Thank you
ef-hah-rees-TOH
Parakalo
Please / You're welcome
pah-rah-kah-LOH
Ne
Yes
neh
Ochi
No
OH-hee
To logariasmo, parakalo
The bill, please
toh lo-gah-ree-ahz-MOH pah-rah-kah-LOH
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Paphos.
Main: Greek Orthodox Christianity
Sites: Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa, Agios Neophytos Monastery, Agia Paraskevi Church in Geroskipou
Holy Days: Orthodox Easter, Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood) 50 days after Easter, and the Dormition on 15 August
Conversations: Religion is part of daily life; behave respectfully in churches.