Paphos Holidays

Must-visit landmarks

Paphos keeps its biggest sights close together, making it easy to mix beach time with some sightseeing.

• Aphrodite’s Rock – A striking rock formation rising out of the sea, traditionally linked to the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.

• Paphos Archaeological Park – A large UNESCO-listed site close to the harbour, best known for its Roman floor mosaics showing scenes from mythology.

• Tombs of the Kings – An underground burial site carved into solid rock and dating back to the 4th century BC, with stone columns and open courtyards.

• Akamas Peninsula and the Blue Lagoon – A protected national park on the northwest coast, known for its rugged scenery and turquoise water. Roads into the peninsula are rough and unpaved, so many visitors choose a boat trip from Latchi harbour as the easiest way to reach the Blue Lagoon.

• Paphos Castle – A small fort at the harbour entrance that has been rebuilt several times under different rulers, from the Byzantines through to the Ottomans. You can climb to the roof for open views across the harbour.

History and art

Find out more about Paphos’ museums, churches and monasteries.

• Chrysopolitissa Church and St. Paul’s Pillar – The remains of an early Christian Basilica, traditionally linked to Saint Paul’s time in Paphos.

• Paphos Ethnographic Museum – A privately run museum inside a late 19th-century stone house, focusing on traditional Cypriot life through tools, costumes and everyday objects.

• Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery – A peaceful 12th-century monastery in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains.

Local experiences

Here are a few simple ways of seeing how life works beyond the busy resort areas,

• Turtle watching at Lara Bay – A protected stretch of beach that plays an important role in the breeding of green and loggerhead turtles.

• Halloumi making in the villages – Farms in the hills around Paphos offer workshops showing how Cyprus’ best-known cheese is made.

• The Kafeneio culture – Traditional village coffee houses where locals gather over strong Cypriot coffee and long games of backgammon.

Festivals and events

Paphos hosts a small but varied calendar of events through the year.

• Paphos Aphrodite Festival, September – An open-air opera festival staged in front of Paphos Castle.

• Anthestiria Flower Festival, May – A spring celebration inspired by ancient Greek traditions, with flower-covered floats and seafront parades.

• Kataklysmos, June – A coastal festival linked to Pentecost, featuring water games, boat races and a busy fair along the promenade.

Live like a local

Get to know local life a bit better with one of these popular activities.

• The Sunday souvla – Sundays centre around long, social meals. Souvla is made from large chunks of meat, usually pork or lamb, slow-cooked over charcoal on a rotating spit.

• Drinking frappé on the promenade – During hot afternoons, locals cool off with iced, frothy frappé coffee.

• The evening volta – As the heat eases, families head out for a relaxed stroll along the coastal path from the harbour to the lighthouse.

Daytrips

Make the most of your trip with Sundeals Experiences and get even more memories out of your holiday to Paphos.

• The Troodos Mountains and Omodos – Around an hour by car, this trip takes you into cooler, greener countryside. Omodos is a traditional wine-producing village with cobbled streets and small bakeries.

• Limassol – Around 50 minutes by car, Limassol blends a modern marina with a historic castle and a busy food scene.

• Polis and Latchi – About a 45-minute drive along the northwest coast, this area is quieter and more scenic. It’s a good option for seafood by the marina and visits to the Baths of Aphrodite.

Why couples love Paphos

Paphos suits couples who want a relaxed setting with a bit of atmosphere. You can watch the sun go down at Aphrodite’s Rock, book wine tastings in nearby stone villages or stay in adults-only hotels with spa facilities along the coast.

Why families love Paphos

Paphos works well for family trips thanks to its reliable setup. Coral Bay has soft sand and shallow water, there’s a large waterpark for full-day entertainment and English is widely spoken, which helps keep things straightforward when travelling with children.

Why groups love Paphos

Groups are well catered for just outside the main resort areas. It’s easy to plan shared activities like boat trips from Latchi, long meze dinners or off-road buggy tours in the Akamas Peninsula.

Why solo travellers love Paphos

Cyprus is considered one of the safer Mediterranean destinations, which makes Paphos a comfortable choice for solo travel. Public buses are easy to use; guided tours are widely available and local tavernas are welcoming if you’re eating on your own.

Local Buses (OSYPA)

Buses are the cheapest and easiest way to get around the main areas, including Coral Bay, the harbour and the Old Town. If you plan to use buses more than once a day, buying a daily or weekly pass from the driver is usually better value.

Car Hire

Hiring a car is the best option if you want more freedom to explore places like the Troodos Mountains or quieter beaches at your own pace. Driving’s on the left, like in the UK.

Taxis

Taxis are useful for airport transfers or getting back to your hotel after a late evening out. Meters are standard, but for longer trips it’s normal to agree a fixed price before you set off.

Quad Bikes and Buggies

Quad bikes and buggies are a popular option for exploring the rough tracks of the Akamas Peninsula. It’s important to check that insurance is included when booking.