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.
Paphos is one of the safest tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, with low violent crime. Main risks are petty theft, heat, sea conditions and road traffic. As of October 2026, the US rates the Republic of Cyprus Level 1, and regional tension has affected flights in 2026.
Current safety advisory
Low
Last updated: 2026-10-21
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
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.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unmetered taxis may quote high fares from the airport.
How to avoid: Agree the fare or insist on the meter, or use the Bolt app.
Rental car damage claims
Small agencies may charge for existing scratches.
How to avoid: Photograph the car at pick-up and use full insurance.
Overpriced harbour menus
Some harbour restaurants charge tourist prices.
How to avoid: Check prices on the menu before sitting down; eat one block inland.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No special vaccinations are required.
- Water
- Tap water is safe but mineral-tasting.
- Food
- Food hygiene is good; eat in busy places.
- Facilities
- Paphos General Hospital, tel +357 26 803100 (Ministry of Health hospital information line 1400); pharmacies rotate for late-night opening.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 112 or 199
- Medical
- 112 or 199 (ambulance)
- Fire
- 112 or 199
- General Emergency
- 112 works from all phones with English-speaking operators
- Main Hospital
- Paphos General Hospital, tel +357 26 803100 (Ministry of Health information line 1400)
- Tourist Police
- No separate tourist-police line confirmed; call 112 (Cyprus Police) and ask for an English-speaking operator
- Embassy Us
- US Embassy Nicosia, Metochiou and Ploutarchou Streets, Engomi, +357 22 393939
- Embassy Uk
- British High Commission Nicosia, Alexander Pallis Street, +357 22 861100
- Tourist Info
- Cyprus Tourism Organisation Paphos office, Gladstonos Street, Kato Paphos (verify opening hours)