Paphos, once the capital of Cyprus, is on the southwestern edge of the island, and well placed for excursions to all the main sights. Dubbed the ‘Western Cyprus Riviera’, it’s quieter than the southern resorts of Larnaca and Limassol, but still offers plenty for sun-seekers, families, cultural types and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
A wide selection of accommodation options ranges from luxurious properties such as the five-star Coral Beach, family-run hotels, and self-catering villas. The Annabelle Hotel, with its secluded garden suites, is a good choice for couples, and the Thalassa Boutique Hotel is home to Anagenisis, the island’s first holistic spa.
History and culture are two of the island’s big selling points, and you don’t have to venture far to find them in Paphos, where the whole town is UNESCO listed. The island’s most visited site is the Tomb of the Kings, a stone’s throw from the city centre, dating back to 4 BC. High dignitaries and officials, rather than kings, were buried here, but the underground houses for the dead, with their imposing entrance columns and wells, are worthy of their royal tag.
As well as being the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, Paphos is famous for having been visited by the apostle Paul. The town is packed with churches and ecclesiastical monuments and visitors can follow in the saint’s footsteps on a religious sightseeing route.
Close to Paphos harbour is the house of Dionysos, a villa containing some of the best preserved mosaics in the Mediterranean region. Mainly depicting scenes from Greek mythology, they were accidentally discovered by a farmer ploughing his field. It’s worth recommending that clients go on a guided tour to bring the mosaics to life.
A ‘must see’ site outside the town is the ancient city kingdom of Kourion, on the inland road between Limassol and Paphos. Arguably the island’s most spectacular archaeological treasure, it is dominated by a magnificent Greco-Roman theatre.
With water temperatures ranging from 16C-27C, and virtually year-round sunshine, Paphos is a paradise for water sports fans. Sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, parascending, jet skiing and surfing are among the attractions on offer, and all the big resort hotels have water sports centres.
Below the surface, Cyprus boasts one of the longest diving seasons in the Mediterranean, from March until November, with exceptional conditions and crystal-clear water. Some of the best dive sites can be found off Paphos, including the remains of sunken shipwrecks.
Back on dry land, the stunning stretch of coast between Paphos and Limassol is where visitors can take the classic shot of Aphrodite’s Rock, said to mark the spot where the goddess emerged from the sea.
The Baths of Aphrodite, where she relaxed after entertaining her lovers, can be found on the Akamas peninsular further west. Anyone who bathes there will supposedly be blessed with eternal youth, but it’s strictly forbidden to jump in to find out if the legend has any truth in it.
Paphos is at its liveliest at night, when the bars, restaurants and clubs bring together tourists and locals of all ages. The heart of the nightlife scene is Agiou Antoniou, aka Bar Street. Popular haunts include Woodyz Music Bar, the late-night Hollywood Music Bar, the Keg and Barrel sports bar and the retro Starsky and Hutch Disco Bar.
Strike out in any direction from Paphos and, within a few miles, you’ll find long stretches of sandy beaches, rugged hills and rolling countryside. This varied terrain lends itself to a variety of outdoor activities, although to avoid working up a real sweat, it’s best to avoid the hottest months of July and August.
Some of the most popular hiking trails can be found in the Troodos Mountains, an hour’s drive from Paphos, including several easy marked paths and circular routes. The Troodos also provide some of the most spectacular scenery for cyclists, but you need plenty of gears and energy to get up the long hills. For a less tiring option, mountain bikes can be hired at visitor centres.
People are often surprised to discover they can ski in Cyprus. The Troodos slopes are normally open from the beginning of January to the end of March, and it’s a novel experience to ski in the morning and sunbathe in the afternoon. Cyprus is also gaining popularity as a golfing destination. Tsada, the island’s first course, is 15 minutes from Paphos, and Secret Valley is 25 minutes from the town.
Cyprus is one of the world’s oldest wine-producing countries with a winemaking history dating back to at least 2,000 BC. The vine-growing co-operative SODAP has a base in Paphos, offering morning tours and tastings. Wine lovers who want to venture further afield can visit wineries in picturesque villages around Paphos, including Salamiou, Pretori and the monastery winery at Panagia Chrysorrogiatissa.
Sample packages
Cyplon Holidays offers seven nights’ half-board in June at the four-star Louis Imperial Beach Hotel, from £802 per person, including flights and transfers. (020 8340 7612 Cyplon Holidays agent site)
Classic Collection Holidays offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast this summer at the Azia Resort and Spa, from £916 per person with flights and transfers. (0800 008 7288, online booking enquiry form)
Agent reviews from gazetteers.com
Agent reviews from gazetteers.comPaphos ‘The Resort’
Fantastic resort – ideal for everyone. I have just returned and the weather was brilliant, even at the end of the season. There is lots to do. We visited the water park and the shops, which are cheap for leather, perfume and so on.
It’s good for all ages, as you have ‘Bar Street’, which is full of bars and clubs, and is heaving in peak season. For a more relaxed holiday, you can visit the beaches, and the harbour is lovely. It was a great holiday and I would return right now.”
Gazetteers user from Thomson
Coral Beach Hotel
I stayed at this hotel in May for a wedding. The hotel has a relaxed atmosphere – the main reception and bar area are very chilled out. The grounds are beautiful and there were always enough sunloungers available. I also found the food of a great standard – although a little on the pricey side.
You can walk to a few small bars and restaurants within a couple of minutes, and the main strip of Coral Bay is only about a 10-minute uphill walk away, where there is plenty of restaurant choice. Buses run every 15 minutes into Paphos (which takes about 30 minutes) and costs €1.50 per person.
The hotel seems popular with wedding groups. The ceremony we attended was beautiful, and we were all more than happy with this hotel.”
Gazetteers user from Thomas Cook, Harrow
Louis Imperial Beach
We stayed here for a four-night break. The hotel check-in staff were efficient and friendly when we arrived, tired, at 11.30pm.
We stayed in a seaview room, which I would recommend, as the views were lovely. The food was lovely and they had a good range on offer.
The hotel grounds were fantastic, with lovely grassy areas, plenty of sunloungers, and the beach only a step away.
Facilities at the hotel were excellent, and would cater for almost everybody.”
Gazetteers user from Thomson, Chippenham
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