Paphos consists of two towns, and was during the Greek and Roman times the capital of Cyprus.
The whole town has been designated as a UNESCO’s official World Heritage Site. And wherever you go in Paphos you stumble upon ancient historical monuments.
Paphos is also known for the love goddess Aphrodite who stepped up from the foaming sea just outside the town.
The promenade, harbour and fort of Paphos.
Paphos has much to offer
Paphos attracts visitors with its pleasant harbour, its medieval forts, stunning countryside, historic sites and modern shopping malls. The mosaics “Dionysos house” are a major tourist attraction as well as the impressive Tombs of the Kings, which is carved out of rocks and decorated with Doric pillars.
There is so much to see in Paphos so you will want to return here several times. Paphos is also a popular tourist destination for the Cypriots in the summer because Paphos has always been regarded having a little higher status than the tourist resorts of Agia Napa and Protaras.
Lower Paphos
Lower Paphos which is sometimes also called the new Paphos is full of modern hotels, bars, lovely small beaches and everything that a tourist area is expected to have. There are also plenty of souvenir shops, opticians, pharmacies, fast food chains and many exclusive restaurants.
Debenhams department store is located right in the centre as well as a large well-stocked supermarket called “Papantonios” with cheaper prices than the smaller local supermarkets.
Although most people rely on tourism here, you get the feeling of being in a ordinary town, it is not just a made up scene.
A must when you are in Paphos is to walk down to the harbour and the fort. The seafront promenade is lined with fine restaurants and cafés. Inside the fortress you will find some sort of art exhibition with free admission.
Ktima – Upper Paphos
I you are looking for narrow streets and the hustle and bustle of a local market, then upper Paphos, called Ktima is the place to go. In Ktima you can find those little cosy neighbourhood restaurants you often see pictured in the travel magazines..
The market in Paphos offers not just fruit and vegetables, buy local handicrafts and great souvenirs too.
In Ktima you’ll also find museums and many other interesting things to see. Or just sit down outside the market and enjoy the stunning views.
There are local buses between the upper and lower Paphos – Ktima, the 3 kilometre long route takes about 10 minutes and costs about € 1.30.
Want to go to nearby villages or to the tourist area of Coral Bay? Alepa Paphos City buses run daily at reasonable prices.
Winter holiday in Paphos?
Paphos is a good choice for a winter holiday when daytime temperatures are often around +17 .
Although a lot of shops are closed for the season there are still many tourists in the area. Many German and British tour operators run charter flights to Paphos during the entire winter.
Weddings or honeymoon in Cyprus – Paphos
Paphos has become a popular destination for those who wish to get married in Cyprus. Most hotels offer wedding packages complete with a wedding co ordinator who will help you with the details.
There are generous discounts and offers, so do shop around and contact the hotels to get the best rate. There are also many wedding companies who will put together a wedding package to suit your needs.
Honeymoon couples also choose Cyprus for their holiday and a visit to the rock of Aphrodite is a must. A good choice for accommodation in Paphos if you are planning your honeymoon would be the 5 star Almyra hotel or the five star Anabelle hotel located near the romantic harbour in Pafos.
Pafos Weather
