Paphos holidays

Paphos has been attracting visitors for thousands of years. Once considered as the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite, the remains of her temple in nearby Kouklia are just one of many world-class archaeological sites you’ll find dotted in and around the town.

However, visitors don’t just come here for the history or the romance. Its location on the rockier south west coast of Cyprus means you’ll find secluded coves for swimming, and fragrant pine forests all within easy reach. And there’s plenty of fun for all the family at the Aphrodite Waterpark, the biggest waterpark on the island. Paphos holidays offer the perfect combination of laid-back and lively, from days spent along the easy-going coastline to party nights on Bar Street.

Things to do

Whether you’re here to party or to take in some sights, Paphos holidays don’t disappoint. Plus trips here won’t break the bank either! There are plenty of ways to keep the cost down, head for popular sites such as Aphrodite’s Rock and the Ancient Fabrica Hill, which are both free to visit.

The same goes for eating out, if you’re prepared to wander away from the tourist trail, you’ll find cheap eateries serving local dishes at affordable prices. Or, you can always tuck into a chicken souvlaki for as little as 3€.

During the evening, the clubs keep everyone dancing until dawn, and for something more laid-back you can head out to some of the region’s most important archaeological sites, or take in the sheer natural beauty of Cyprus. Trying the local food should also be high on your agenda. Although it’s hard to narrow down the best restaurants in Paphos (there’s a lot of them), Kiniras Traditional Restaurant comes highly recommended for its traditional flavours with recipes being handed down through the generations.

But nothing beats an afternoon spent shopping in Paphos, and this resort is packed with choices. For local one-off items, head to the Old Town’s market. Here, you’ll find stalls selling everything from ornamental pottery right down to the finest Cypriot wine. If big designer stores are more your thing, Kings Avenue Mall has over 100 shops - and it’s open until 8pm!

History and culture

When it comes to cultural holiday destinations, Paphos is about as good as it gets. The whole resort is an ancient wonder that draws thousands of holidaymakers year after year. The famous castle on the harbour, the Tombs of the Kings and the breathtaking birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite are just some of the places that everyone should take the opportunity to see. Not to mention the vast archaeological park, brimming with prehistoric remains.

Nightlife and dining

Paphos is definitely not lacking in bars and restaurants. You’ll find an excellent selection of places to eat and drink around the harbour. Enjoy a walk along the promenade and take your pick out of the many waterfront cafés and bars where you can enjoy a bite to eat or a refreshing KEO.

But if you’re looking for a big night out, head to Agiou Antoniou Street, otherwise known as ‘Nightlife Street’ or ‘Bar Street’. It’s here that you’ll find the highest concentration of bars in the city.

Excellent activities

There’s more to Paphos than just history and nightlife. It’s also a great holiday destination for families, as there’s plenty around to keep everyone entertained. Make your way to Coral Bay to enjoy its excellent beach and water sport activities or check out the Paphos Karting Centre for a fast paced thrill ride. Or for the ultimate action packed day, head to the Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark and be prepared for non-stop family fun.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Ayia Napa | Larnarca | Limassol | Nissi Bay | Protaras