Likes & Dislikes

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Paphos is more suitable for couples, and families with children. Those looking for dense nightlife should rather go to Ayia Napa.

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“Paphos is the best part of the island, where those who do not want massive parties but are looking for more to do than just lying on the beach, can relax and unwind. This place has everything, though of course in the usual slightly run-down Cypriot way, of course. There are no endless sandy beaches or even a fantastic natural environment, but there is peace and tranquility, in both spring and summer.

Prices are not at all crazy here, and Cypriots in this area, like pretty much everywhere on the island, are friendly and speak good English. Which actually didn’t matter so much to me, a Hungarian, since there are also quite a few Hungarians here, including several bus drivers, shopkeepers, and restauranteurs in the city.

Arriving at the airport, you can get to the city quite pleasantly. The local bus is never crowded, and the ticket to the city center costs just 1.5 euros.

If you don't just want to swim, within the city and the surrounding area you can also visit a small castle, ancient ruins, royal tombs, and a botanical garden. Also, it's worth just walking around: try hanging out on the seafront promenades, or experience the traditional Cypriot lifestyle in the upper town. There’s no need to rent a car, you can get everywhere by bus, and a day pass is just 5 euros. You may want your own vehicle for a maximum of a day or two if you want to venture further afield. Troodos is the highest mountain on the island, and the Mediterranean pine forest there is worth going out of your way to see. This island is left-hand drive, though, so be prepared for that.” (2017)

Practicals

Transport

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Paphos - local bus - Krista photo

Paphos - In Cyprus, they drive on the left-hand side of the road like in the UK, so as a (non-British) pedestrian be careful when crossing the road. - Krista photo

Paphos - Local car drivers often offend the parking rules - Krista photo

Paphos - The Harbour - Krista photo

Food

"There are plenty of restaurants in Paphos (Japanese, Italian, Greek, etc.). I suggest opting for a quiet tavern next to the harbor promenade instead of down at the beach, because the food is much tastier, and there’s a big difference in service quality – not to mention price. There are a lot of British tourists, so many pubs and restaurants have been designed to suit their needs and tastes. (Fish & chips and English Breakfast are a must in most pubs.) I wouldn’t recommend eating in a pub, as the food is generally cooked from frozen, alongside all the ‘fast food’ from the menu – (hamburger, pizza, chips, fish & chips). If you want a good halloumi sandwich, I recommend the small restaurant Tea for Two. The kebabs from Cyprus Pitta are also worth trying (their pita bread is much larger than normal). You can order with either lamb or chicken. Those who want to see a real local market will find it outside the tourist area, but it is worth a visit as they sell a lot of fish, octopus, crab, and other sea creatures unknown to us. By the way, you can taste many local specialties.” (2017)

Paphos - Seafood platter for one - 17 EUR - Looks better than the actual (mediocre) quality - Krista photo

Fun

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Paphos - the local Flatley - Krista photo

Paphos - Old Town - one of the popular touristy cafes - Krista photo

Others

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Paphos - Old Town - Solitude - Krista photo

Paphos - Promenade - Krista photo

Paphos - Harbour - Krista photo

Background

Paphos - Sea view from the hilltop city center - Krista photo

Destination in brief

Paphos is located in the southwestern part of Cyprus.

Population (in 2021): about 36,000

Paphos is the 4th largest city in Cyprus. The city's importance has increased due to the increasing traffic at its international airport.

The city of Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Paphos consists of several areas. The most visited tourist area is Kato Paphos (port area with the castle) and Coral Bay.

Coral Bay is a bit like Ayia Napa in the eastern part of Cyprus. The coastal part of Coral Bay is somewhat overcrowded in summer. The sea is turquoise and crystal clear like in Nissi Bay.

According to mythology, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was born here. She emerged from the white foam of the sea. The site where Aphrodite was seen to rise out of the sea is traditionally called Aphrodite's Rock. .

Climate

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Paphos - 24C (75F) late November - Krista photo

Paphos - Kato Paphos - beach in late November - Krista

Paphos - Winds&waves - Krista photo

Nowadays

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Paphos - Old Town - one of the bankrupted cafes (mostly COVID-victims) - Krista photo

Tourist etiquette

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Paphos - Maybe she shouldn't elbow the antiquity - Krista photo

Attractions

Old Town

Kato Paphos

Paphos - Kato Paphos - water quality - Krista photo

Beaches

"Pros: Anyone who chooses a beachfront hotel or a hotel that has its own beach area will not be disappointed. The beach at Coral Bay is the most beautiful in the area, and though it’s less than a kilometer long, the sea is clear and does not shelve off too quickly.
Cons: In Kato Paphos, the beaches are strangely shaped and not the cleanest, and the water soon deepens. In some places, the shore is pebbly or rocky, and there can be larger rocks in the water, meaning it’s easy to injure your feet.”


Paphos - Kato Paphos - beach - Krista photo

Beaches 2

Coral Bay

Kato Paphos archeological park (Archaeological site of Nea Paphos)

Paphos - Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos - The value of the experience is greatly improved by the sea view - Krista photo

Paphos - Kato Paphos Archeological Park - Krista photo

Paphos - Archeological park - Krista photo

Paphos - Archeological park - Krista photo

Paphos - Archeological park - Krista photo


Paphos Castle

Paphos - Paphos Castle - great for the view - Krista photo

Paphos - Paphos Castle - Not very exciting inside - Krista photo

Paphos - Paphos Castle entry - Krista photo

Paphos - The marina photographed from the top of the castle - Krista photo

Paphos - Girl sculpture next to the Castle - Her butt is shiny because touching it is supposed to bring luck. - Krista photo

Aphrodite's Rock

Aphrodite's Rock (Petra Tou Romiou) is easily reached from Paphos by bus 631 or by car (approximately 30 minutes).


Churches

Paphos - Agioi Anargyroi church - Krista photo

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