Paphos

Paphos (Greek: Πάφος; Turkish: Baf) is a coastal city situated at the southwestern tip of Cyprus, nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. Known globally as the legendary birthplace of the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, the city is steeped in ancient history and has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its outstanding archaeological remains. In 2017, Paphos served as the European Capital of Culture alongside Aarhus in Denmark.

The modern city is distinctly divided into two main areas. High on the hill lies the upper section, known as Ktima, which serves as the commercial and administrative center of the town. Below it, along the coast, is Kato Paphos (Lower Paphos). Kato Paphos is the primary hub for tourists, containing the major archaeological sites, the harbor and marina, and the vast majority of the city's hotels, tavernas, and nightlife.

The local government has extensively regenerated the Kato Paphos seafront. A scenic coastal path stretching several kilometers offers panoramic sea views, connecting the hotel strip with the historic harbor. The climate is Mediterranean, characterized by hot, humid summers from late June through early September (frequently reaching 33°C with high humidity), and mild winters, with January and February being the coolest months.

By Plane

Paphos International Airport (IATA: PFO) is located approximately 6.5 km (4 miles) southeast of the city center. The airport primarily handles charter flights from across Europe and the United Kingdom, alongside scheduled services by British Airways and low-cost carrier Ryanair, which connects Paphos to cities such as Budapest, Thessaloniki, and Kaunas. The airport is relatively small and can become highly congested, particularly on Wednesdays when multiple flights depart around the same time.

To travel from the airport to the city:

• Bus: Local bus routes 612 and 613 run regularly between the airport and the city for €2. Route 612 travels along the coastal road to the Tomb of the Kings area in Kato Paphos, while Route 613 connects the airport directly to the Karavella Bus Station in the Old Town (Ktima).
• Taxi: A taxi kiosk is located immediately outside the arrivals hall. The minimum fare for a taxi ride to Paphos city is approximately €45.
• Shared Taxis: Shared taxi services operate to Limassol (about 68 km away) and other major cities, with fares ranging between €5 and €10.

By Train

Cyprus does not have an active passenger railway network.

By Car / Road

Paphos is well-connected to the rest of Cyprus via the A6 highway, which runs east towards Limassol (approximately 68 km / 45 minutes) and connects further to Larnaca and Nicosia. The roads are of high quality and well-signposted.

Intercity buses (operated by Intercity Buses) connect Paphos to Limassol, Nicosia, and Larnaca daily. The main terminal for intercity and regional buses is the Karavella Bus Station in the upper town.

Paphos town itself is compact enough to navigate on foot, particularly within the historic Kato Paphos harbor area and the archaeological sites. However, exploring the wider Paphos district and surrounding villages requires motorized transport.

• Public Buses: Local buses run frequently between Kato Paphos and the upper town, as well as to Coral Bay. Fares are typically €1.50 for a single journey. The Karavella Bus Station serves as the central hub for regional routes.
• Vehicle Rental: Car, bicycle, and quad bike rentals are widely available and highly popular for visiting off-the-beaten-track destinations like the Akamas Peninsula or the Troodos foothills. Driving is on the left side of the road.

• Paphos Archaeological Park, Kato Paphos (near the harbor), ☏ +357 26 306217. A vast archaeological site containing the ruins of ancient Nea Paphos. The park is famous for its exceptionally preserved Roman mosaic floors housed in the ruins of large villas, most notably the House of Dionysos and the House of Theseus.

• The Tombs of the Kings, Tombs of the Kings Ave, ☏ +357 26 306295. A large necropolis dating back to the 4th century BC. Despite the name, no royalty was buried here; instead, it served as the final resting place for high-ranking administrative officers and wealthy residents. The tombs are carved directly out of solid rock, featuring impressive Doric columns and subterranean peristyle courtyards.

• Paphos Fort, Kato Paphos Harbour. Open daily until 18:00 in summer. Originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbor, this squat stone structure was rebuilt by the Lusignans, dismantled by the Venetians, and rebuilt by the Ottomans in 1592. It has served as a fortress, a prison, and a salt store under various administrations. Entry: €1.70.

• Paphos Zoo, Pegeia (north-west of Paphos). A large animal park featuring a wide variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals, as well as educational wildlife presentations. Entry: Adult €16.50, child (over 2 years) €8.50.

• The Odeon, Paphos Archaeological Park. A semi-circular 2nd-century Roman amphitheater constructed from well-hewn limestone blocks. It is still used occasionally today for outdoor theatrical and musical performances.

• Aphrodite Waterpark, Off Poseidonos Ave, Kato Paphos, ☏ +357 26 913638. A large, themed water park featuring high-speed water slides, a lazy river, wave pools, and dedicated play areas for children. Entry: Adult €31, child €18.

• Cyprus Taste Tours, Various locations in Paphos. Guided culinary tours that introduce visitors to traditional Cypriot food, wine, and local delicacies through visits to traditional tavernas and producers. Price: €100.

Paphos has a diverse dining scene, ranging from international fast-food chains like McDonald's and KFC to upscale dining. Traditional Cypriot meze—a multi-course feast of small dishes including halloumi, sheftalia, souvla, and dips—is highly recommended. For the most authentic dining experiences, head to the surrounding villages, such as Kathikas to the north, which is famous for its traditional stone-built tavernas.

• Il Classico, Paphos. An upscale restaurant offering fine international and Mediterranean dining.
• Colosseum, Kato Paphos. A premium dining venue known for its Italian cuisine and regular tribute act entertainment.
• Lighthouse Beach Snack Bar, Lighthouse Beach. Located directly on the beach with views of the sea and the lighthouse. Serves simple snacks, burgers, and a highly rated halloumi sandwich. Cocktails and food cost around €5.
• Ben's Bar, Tombs of the Kings Ave. A popular expat pub offering a traditional English breakfast and a friendly social atmosphere.
• The Three Little Pigs Grill House, Tombs of the Kings Ave. A casual eatery specializing in local souvlaki, kebabs, and grilled meats served in generous portions.
• Thomas's Jungle Pub, Tombs of the Kings Ave. A lively, jungle-themed pub popular with mature travelers and expats, offering a large cocktail menu and pub food.
• To Kalamaki Tis Polis Pitta, Pafou Chrysanthou 20 (City Center). An authentic local grill house serving souvlaki skewers, gyros, and grilled halloumi in pita bread. Highly popular with locals.
• Tea for Two, Poseidonos Ave 6 (Alykes Beach). A seafront cafe known for its large breakfast portions, sea views, and friendly service. Vegetarian options are available.
• Friends Bar, Constantias St (Alykes Beach). A welcoming pub serving British and local dishes, including fresh mussels, sea bream, and chicken curry.
• Viva Cyprus Restaurant, Poseidonos Ave. A long-running family restaurant offering fresh seafood, traditional moussaka for €10, and plentiful meze platters.
• Burger Kato Pafos, 4 Dionysos St. A casual spot serving high-quality burgers, chicken wings, and glazed ribs.
• Tramps Bar, 52 Tombs of the Kings Ave. A friendly pub-restaurant serving steaks, moussaka, and pub classics.
• Kings Road Cafe Pub Sports Bar, 51 Tombs of the Kings Ave. A British-style pub offering bar snacks and live sports broadcasts.
• Alfie T's, Tombs of the Kings Ave. An open-spaced cafe highly regarded for its freshly prepared English breakfasts.
• Chef's Garden, 4 Filoktitou St. A mid-range, family-run restaurant serving fresh English breakfasts and burgers cooked to order.
• Mar Bianco, Poseidonos Ave. A mid-range restaurant situated on the harbor promenade, offering seaside views and a wide menu of international dishes.

Paphos has a vibrant nightlife centered around Bar Street (Agiou Antoniou) in Kato Paphos, as well as numerous seaside lounge bars along Poseidonos Avenue. Local beers include Keo and Leon, both brewed on the island. Cyprus is also famous for its wines, particularly Commandaria, a sweet dessert wine with ancient origins. Tap water is generally safe to drink in hotels and tourist areas, though bottled mineral water is widely preferred for taste.

Accommodation in Paphos ranges from basic self-catering apartments to five-star luxury resorts, with the majority concentrated in Kato Paphos and along the coast towards Coral Bay.

Paphos offers a diverse shopping experience, ranging from independent souvenir stalls along the harbor to modern retail outlets.

• Local Specialties: Popular items to purchase include handcrafted leather goods, traditional Lefkara lace, and loukoumia (locally known as Yeroskipou delights).
• Supermarkets: For groceries and everyday goods, the town is served by several major supermarkets, including Papantoniou (with locations in both the upper and lower town), Lidl (offering discounted products on Tombs of the Kings Ave), Carrefour (formerly known as Chris Cash & Carry), and Orphanides.
• Caution: Be cautious when purchasing cheap DVDs or electronics from tourist shops, as they may be of poor quality, and many shops do not offer refunds or exchanges on faulty goods.

• Geroskipou: Located immediately east of Paphos, famous for its five-domed Byzantine Church of Agia Paraskevi and traditional Loukoumi sweets.
• Peyia (Pegeia): A hillside town 14 km north-west of Paphos, overlooking Coral Bay and home to the Paphos Zoo.
• Polis Chrysochous: A quiet town 37 km north of Paphos, situated near the Akamas Peninsula and the Baths of Aphrodite.
• Akamas Peninsula: A protected national park on the western tip of the island, ideal for hiking, off-road driving, and visiting the Blue Lagoon.
• Troodos Mountains: A pine-clad mountain range offering hiking trails, picturesque stone villages, and historic painted Byzantine monasteries.
• Limassol: The second-largest city in Cyprus, located 68 km east of Paphos, featuring a modern marina, a medieval castle, and archaeological sites like Kourion.