Paphos

Birthplace of Aphrodite, with World Heritage Roman mosaics and the Tombs of the Kings, Aphrodite’s Rock and the Blue Lagoon—one of the sunniest resort towns in the Mediterranean.

Paphos lies on the southwest coast of Cyprus and is the capital of Paphos District, with a population of about 90,000. The entire ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and legend has it that Aphrodite was born from the sea nearby. The city has two parts: seaside Kato Paphos (the lower town) is home to the harbor, the castle, the Archaeological Park, the Tombs of the Kings and the hotels, while hillside Ktima (the upper town) holds the old town, the municipal market and the museums. Excursions follow three routes: southeast along the coast to the Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Palaepaphos, Aphrodite’s Rock and on to ancient Kourion; north via Coral Bay, the Sea Caves and the Edro III shipwreck to Avakas Gorge and Lara Bay; and northwest to Polis and Latchi, where boats head to the Blue Lagoon and trails cross the Akamas Peninsula. Inland, you can visit the Monastery of Agios Neophytos, wine villages and Kykkos Monastery on the western side of the Troodos Mountains. Climate: Mediterranean, with around 340 sunny days a year. Apr–Jun and Sep–Nov, at 20–28°C, are ideal for sightseeing; Jul–Aug often exceeds 33°C and suits beaches and boat trips; winter sits around 12–18°C with occasional rain, a good off-season window for the ruins. Getting there: Paphos International Airport (PFO) is about 15 km from town, with direct flights from many European cities; travelers from China usually connect via Dubai, Athens or elsewhere. Buses serve the town and surroundings (the harbor is the hub), but renting a car is recommended for exploring Akamas (right-hand drive, driving on the left). Chinese travelers need a Cyprus visa (the Pro-Visa can be applied for online); holders of a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa can enter visa-free—check the latest official rules before you go. Allow 3–5 days.

Top sights

• Paphos Archaeological Park – The UNESCO-listed ruins of ancient Nea Paphos, with some of the finest mosaic floors in the Mediterranean, including those in the House of…
• Tombs of the Kings – A necropolis of underground tombs carved into the coastal rock in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The courtyard tombs, lined with Doric…
• Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock) – A sea rock where, according to myth, Aphrodite rose from the foam. With its pebble beach and white sea stacks, it is Cyprus's most iconic s…
• Blue Lagoon, Akamas – A turquoise bay on the north coast of the Akamas Peninsula, with crystal-clear water. Boat trips for swimming and snorkeling are Paphos's m…
• Kourion – The ruins of an ancient Greek and Roman city on a clifftop coast. Its seaside theatre and the mosaics of the House of Eustolios make it one…
• Paphos Castle – A small medieval castle guarding the entrance to Paphos harbour. Built by the Byzantines and rebuilt by the Ottomans, its roof offers views…
• Baths of Aphrodite – A natural rock grotto and spring pool in the woods where legend says the goddess of love bathed and met Adonis. It is also the starting poi…
• Kato Paphos Harbour & Promenade – An old harbour with fishing boats and tour boats, framed by the castle. Seafood restaurants and bars line the waterfront promenade, making…
• Coral Bay – The most popular golden sandy beach north of Paphos, with shallow, calm water and good facilities for family swimming and water sports.
• Avakas Gorge – A narrow limestone gorge on the southern side of the Akamas Peninsula, where the walls nearly touch at the narrowest point. A light round-t…
• Lara Bay – An unspoiled wild beach on the west coast of the Akamas Peninsula, an important nesting site for loggerhead and green sea turtles, with cle…
• Agios Neophytos Monastery – A monastery containing cave cells carved into a cliff by a 12th-century hermit, preserving exquisite Byzantine frescoes. It is the most imp…
• Chrysopolitissa Basilica & St Paul's Pillar – The Church of Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa within the ruins of an early Christian cathedral, where tradition says the Apostle Paul was tied…
• Agia Solomoni Catacombs – A rock-cut tomb from the Hellenistic period, converted into an underground church. The entrance tree is hung with ribbons left as wishes, a…
• Palaepaphos (Sanctuary of Aphrodite) – The ruins of the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Paphos and a centre of Aphrodite worship. Part of a World Heritage Site, with a medieval…
• Paphos Zoo – Cyprus's largest zoo, which started as a private bird park. Parrot shows and feeding giraffes and kangaroos make it a good choice for famil…
• Adonis Baths – A privately run waterfall and natural pool in a valley, said to be where Adonis and Aphrodite met. Swimming and jumping into the water are…
• Paphos District Archaeological Museum – A collection of artifacts from the Paphos district, from the Neolithic to the medieval period, including a Roman marble statue of Aphrodite…
• Latchi Harbour – A small fishing harbour on Chrysochou Bay, lined with seafood restaurants. It is the main departure point for boat trips to the Blue Lagoon.
• Edro III Shipwreck – The wreck of a cargo ship that ran aground beneath sea cliffs in 2011. Its rust-red hull against blue water makes it a popular photo spot i…
• Sea Caves, Peyia – Caves and arches carved by waves into the white limestone coast. The clear water is ideal for snorkelling, diving and photography.
• Paphos Old Town (Ktima) & Municipal Market – The old quarter of the upper town, Ktima, with a restored municipal market, Kennedy Square and Turkish quarter lanes. This is where local l…
• Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark – A large water park on the eastern seafront of Paphos, with dozens of slides and a lazy river. A good choice for families in summer.
• Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery – A 12th-century monastery in the wine region of the Paphos hills, famous for its home-made wine. It can be combined with mountain villages a…
• Akamas Peninsula – A wild, undeveloped peninsula in the northwest corner of Cyprus, with gorges, bays, turtle beaches and hiking trails. Best explored by four…
• Agios Georgios Pegeias – A small seaside harbour and the ruins of an early Christian basilica on Cape Drepanon, facing a small island across the water. The fish res…
• Lighthouse Beach (Paphos) – A city beach at the foot of a lighthouse beside the archaeological park. The water is clear, and you can swim and then walk over to the rui…
• Smigies Nature Trail – An official loop trail in the interior of the Akamas Peninsula, with short and long routes and views over the bay and forest.

Where to eat

• Ta Pinakia Meze – A meze restaurant on the second floor of Kennedy Square in the Old Town, with a terrace overlooking the old town. It se…
• Seven St. George's Tavern – A family tavern in Yeroskipou with no fixed menu, serving some twenty seasonal meze dishes. It is recommended by Fodor'…
• Hondros Tavern – A long-established tavern near the harbour, known for generous portions, slow-roasted lamb and meze, and popular with l…
• Laona Family Restaurant – A family eatery beside the old town market, with a blackboard menu that changes daily, mainly serving lunch at good val…
• Theo’s Seafood Restaurant – A seafood restaurant on the Paphos harbour where you can choose fresh fish at the display counter. Seafood meze and gri…
• Muse Kitchen Bar – A hilltop restaurant in Mousallas overlooking Paphos and the sunset, drawing diners with cocktails and Mediterranean di…

Itineraries

• Classic Cyprus Loop: West to East – Enter via Paphos and exit via Larnaca, connecting mosaic ruins, the Blue Lagoon, Troodos mountain villages, and Nicosia.
• Southern Cyprus Panoramic Slow Loop – From Akamas in the west to Cape Greco in the east, with two nights in the mountains and a relaxed stay in Nicosia.
• Akamas Coast & Troodos Mountains Hiking – Stay in Polis for western coastal trails, then head up to the Marathasa Valley for ridge hikes and painted churches.