Our complete Paphos travel guide

Welcome to our complete Paphos travel guide! After spending some time exploring this beautiful corner of Cyprus, we’ve assembled a list of travel tips and advice to help you make the most out of your sray. We cover everything from getting around and transport tips to cost guides, a list of the best things to do, nightlife recommendations and more.

Why Paphos is a great place to stay and visit

We visited Cyprus expecting a relaxing beach holiday destination with a handful of things to do. We left thinking so much more and it was honestly one of the best trips we’ve had! On the surface, Paphos appears to be a traditional beach holiday retreat popular with Brits, and attractive for its year-round sunshine. Sure, it’s all of that, but it also has rich history to rival any of the Greek islands. You have some spectacular day trips to the villages and wineries inland and a coastline of caves, lagoons and viewpoints.

We highly recommend a visit to Paphos for anyone looking for a relaxing holiday with plenty of things to do when you fancy a break from the sun.

When’s the best time to visit Paphos? What’s the weather like?

If weather is your only factor, you can honestly visit Paphos year-round and expect a warm climate. In our opinion, the best time to visit is between September and October or May to June. These months provide excellent weather in the high 20’s/early 30’s and you avoid the crowds of the peak summer season.

July and August are the hottest months of the year and also the busiest. Expect slightly uncomfortable temperatures in the high 30’s and higher accommodation costs.

Whilst Sep to Oct and May to Jun are our recommended months to travel, you can visit year round and expect warmer temperatures than the rest of Europe. It’s one of the most popular winter sun destinations! It also experiences very little rainfall.

How to get to / from Paphos airport

Paphos International Airport is only a 15-minute drive from the centre off Paphos town. You can easily reach your hotel or return to the airport using any of the transport options below:

Car hire

This was our preferred option during our stay. Simply pick up the car outside the main terminal and drive to your hotel. The whole collection process took less than 10 minutes on arrival. We highly recommend Elephant Rent a Car.

Airport taxi

Taxis are located just outside the main entrance and it’s a hassle-free way of reaching your hotel after a long flight. Expect to pay around 30 euros one-way for the journey.

Catch the Airport bus

The cheapest way of reaching Paphos town is by catching the 612 or 613 bus outside the main terminal. The journey costs 1.50 euros per person and it takes around 30 minutes to get to Paphos Town. The bus has multiple stops along the way. Find more information on the Paphos airport bus here.

Private or shared transfer

Usually we highly recommend private or shared transfers for getting to and from the airport. After researching ourselves and hearing from other travellers, it seems that the demand for this transport option is a lot lower in Paphos and it’s often cheaper and easier to book a standard taxi. If you do wish to compare pre-booked transfer options, check out Holiday Extras here.

Getting around

As Paphos is a fairly compact town and most hotels are in the nearby area, getting around is easy! For any attraction, bar or restaurant that isn’t within walking distance, the following transport methods are all good options:

Hire a car

This is our recommended option as it really gives you the chance to explore Cyprus and travel at your own convenience. Just like the UK, driving is on the left-hand side of the road and most road signs, traffic lights and rules are the exact same as the UK. Hire a standard car for around 100 – 150 euros per week. This option is a must if you plan on renting a villa or staying somewhere outside of town.

Paphos taxis

Taxis are a good transport option for short journeys and when you want to go out to drink on an evening. You’ll find metered taxi’s throughout town and by the marina. Alternatively, call a local taxi company to book a car in advance or reserve a cab at your hotel. Taxis are one of the more expensive transport methods but are highly convenient. Expect to pay around 10 euros for a short A to B journey in town. We don’t recommend taxi’s for longer distances.

Recommended taxi companies:

Anthos Taxi Paphos – Website: www.anthostaxicyprus.com Phone number: 00357 99 586 218

Sam’s Taxi Paphos – Website: www.samstaxicyprus.com Phone number: +357 99 477 168

Local bus transport

The cheapest method of travel within Paphos and onward to the other towns in Cyprus is the local bus. Journeys cost as little as 1.50 euros. The only downside to the bus is that it’s a somewhat unreliable nature of public transport in Cyprus and your journey will take longer. Check out the Cyprus by Bus website here for journey information, prices and timetables.

Organised tour buses

If you plan on venturing to other areas of Cyprus such as Limmasol, The Blue Lagoon, Troodos Mountains or the capital of Nicosia, an organised tour is a great way to explore. You’ll travel with a group of other tourists and often with a guide.

Find a list of pre-bookable Cyprus tours on the Viator website here.

Is Paphos expensive? Our PAPHOS TRAVEL ‘costs’ guide

Compared to destinations such as Greece, Turkey and Spain, Paphos is a little more expensive. However, it’s still very reasonable and you’ll pay less for accommodation, eating out and drinking compared to many other European destinations, including the UK. Check out a list of sample costs below to give you an idea of how much you’ll pay.

Hotels – As cheap as ~€30 per night, ranging up to ~ €300 per night. It all depends on where you stay and seasonality. July and August are the most expensive months. You can grab a great hotel deal in October and November.

Water: ~€2 for 6 x large bottles at a mini market

A pint of beer: ~€3

A glass of wine: ~ €7 for imported brands ~ €3 for local varieties

Supermarkets/groceries: We found these to be a little more expensive than other European destinations. Some products were comparable to the UK or more expensive.

Toiletries: International brands of toiletries such as sun cream, lotions and make-up are more expensive in Cyprus. Buy them in advance of arrival.

Main course and a glass of wine in a restaurant: ~€15 pp for pasta or pizza. ~ €20 pp for a steak or fish meal.

Transport: Basic car hire costs around ~€150 per week in busier months and ~€100 or less out of season. The local bus is as little as ~ €1.50 per journey.

The top things to do in Paphos

You might be browsing our Paphos travel guide and wondering what to do when you’re not relaxing on the beach or sipping cocktails by the pool. Paphos and the surrounding area have a countless number of cool places to visit and activities for every interest. See a sample of the best things to do in Paphos below.

Visit the ancient ruins of Kato Paphos Archaeological Park

Right in the heart of Paphos town by the marina, the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Kato Archaeological Park remains. The site dates back to the 4^th century BC and is made up of a collection of Roman and Middle Ages ruins. Visit the remains of the homes of ancient scholars, step into a Roman arena or gaze out at the sea with stunning lighthouse views. This archaeological site is one of the oldest in Cyprus!

Visit Tomb of the Kings

The Tomb of the Kings is one of the top-rated attractions in Cyprus and another historic place to visit whilst you’re in Paphos. Walk through a complex of ancient burial chambers dating back 2000 years. The site is vast and spectacular to see!

Explore Paphos Marina and promenade

One of our favourite things to do in Paphos is to go for a long walk by the marina and the coastal promenade that stretches south to a variety of luxury hotels. Capture luxury yachts arriving in port, stop for lunch with a view or wander past the many 4 and 5-star hotels by the beach. The scenery is breath-taking!

Cool down at Paphos Aphrodite Water Park

It’s no secret that the weather in Cyprus can be scorching hot. What better way to cool down than relax on a lazy river or whiz down a dozen slides? Paphos water park is action packed and great for all ages – not just kids!

The best Paphos day trips

The above list of attractions is all within a short walk of Paphos town. If you fancy venturing a little further afield, there are some excellent towns, beaches and places to visit. Check out a few of our favourites below.

The Blue Lagoon at Akamas National Park

The Blue Lagoon is a must-see cove that’s situated on the north of the island. Catch a bus to Latchi harbour and board a boat for a day (or half day) of sightseeing on the coastline; swimming in the lagoon and enjoying life at sea. We boarded a yacht for a morning visit to the Blue Lagoon and it was a highlight of our trip! Drinks and food are usually included in the price of the boat trip.

Petra tou Romiou

Said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, Petra tou Romiou is a pebble beach a 15-minute drive from Paphos Town. This cool formation of rock stacks has formed alongside the beach, creating an epic site to see. This historic natural attraction is a must-do on any visit to Paphos, also serving as a nice place to relax in the sun.

Coral Bay Beach

Paphos itself has a handful of nice golden sand beaches, but they’re simply not as nice as some of the other beaches that Cyprus has to offer. Drive 20-minutes north to the beach-town of Coral Bay for a much larger and picturesque beach. Spend a full day chilling out in the sun, trying some water sports and swimming in the sea.

Wine tasting

Unknown to many, Cyprus is home to many vineyards. Its home-grown specialities are both delicious and inexpensive! Take a day trip to one of the wineries surrounding Paphos and spend an afternoon sampling the red’s and white’s on offer. You’ll also learn about the wine making process and have excellent views of the countryside. We recommend the Tsangarides Winery tour.

The above is just a small sample of the best things to do in Paphos and there are countless more places to visit. Check out our Things to do in Paphos guide here for more inspiration.

Paphos nightlife

The nightlife scene in Paphos has become ever so slightly more sophisticated over the years. Neighbouring Ayia Napa on the south-east of the island is the place to go for all-night-long parties and a wild club scene, whereas Paphos is more laid back. Bars here range from lively sports pubs to lavish cocktail lounges and everything in between. The centre of town near the marina is the place to go for a night out and it has options to suit different vibes.

Experience a lively atmosphere and loud music with friends in ‘dance-floor’ style bars open ‘til 2am+. Alternatively, enjoy a romantic evening out with your partner, sipping a cocktail with a view.

Nightlife is busiest in the months of June, July and August but you’re always sure to find somewhere with good atmosphere. Paphos is a year-round destination with lots of ex-pats.

The best Paphos bars

See a sample of our favourite bars in Paphos below.

Flintstones Bar

Located in the heart of Paphos Town, Flintstones bar can’t be missed! Its bare rock walls give you the impression you’re in a cave – just like the Flintstones! The entire theme is based on the cartoon characters, as are the drinks. Staff are friendly, the atmosphere is upbeat and it’s a great place to sit and soak in the buzz of Paphos.

The Rose Pub Cyprus

There’s a traditional Irish or British Pub in every holiday destination and this is the Paphos answer. Cosy up with your favourite beer in the fun and close-knit Rose Pub in the centre of town. You’ll find live music and sport every day of the week. A no frills but fun place to grab a drink.

The Dome Cocktail & Sushi Bar

For those looking for a classier evening out with great cocktails, the rooftop bar ‘The Dome’ is the place to go. Located on the main road of hotels leading into town, The Dome is lit up with fairy lights and is open air – perfect for a warm summer’s eve. Have an intimate drink with your partner or relax with friends to the sound of laid-back Ibiza lounge beats.

Flairs Cocktail Bar

Flairs is one of the livelier bars in Paphos and great for a night out until the early hours. It has an outdoor seating area; booming house music and good drinks offers all day long. Expect the typical holiday party atmosphere and a younger crowd.

The Wooden Pub

Enjoy a drink with a view of Paphos Marina at The Wooden Pub. This small bar has outdoor seating and is a beer lovers paradise. Sample craft brews from around the world and people watch those going for an evening stroll on the promenade. The Wooden Pub is a nice place for a casual drink at any time of the day.

Shopping options in Paphos

For those that like a bit of retail therapy on holiday, Kings Avenue Mall is full of popular International brands such as Zara, H&M, and many more stores. It’s a great evening out and is packed full of activities and dining options. The shopping mall is huge!

In addition to King Avenue Mall, you also have a number of gift shops and local fashion boutiques spread out throughout Paphos main town and the marina area. It’s a fairly large working town and you’ll find everything you need for a spot of personal shopping, gifts or holiday essentials.

There’s also a LIDL supermarket near the Tomb of the Kings attraction. You can drive here from town in 5-minutes, catch a local bus or take a taxi. View LIDL on Google Maps.

Where to stay in Paphos – The best hotels

Choosing the best place to stay in Paphos can be a difficult task. Being such a popular tourist destination, you’ll find hundreds of hotels, apartment and villa options. We personally spent weeks researching the perfect hotel before booking.

(If you’re curious of some of the places we’ve stayed in Paphos, read our hotel reviews and guides here – King Jason Adults Only Hotel & Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris.)

Check out our Paphos accommodation guide for information on each area and our top hotel recommendations. We’ve included Paphos hotel ideas for every budget and they all have excellent Tripadvisor reviews!

Should I go all inclusive, half board or self-catering in Paphos?

That’s the golden question! We couldn’t decide this either and have visited Paphos on both self-catering and all-inclusive holidays. Here’s our thoughts:

• If you’re staying in a top-rated four- or five-star hotel and can get a good deal on a half board or all-inclusive, by all means go for it! We found food quality and variety to be very good.
• Check the Tripadvisor reviews for the hotel you’re looking to stay in. If it’s 3-star or less and has poor reviews regarding the buffet food, try to choose another restaurant or choose a B&B package.
• If prices are looking expensive for meal-included options and it’s significantly more than eating out prices, it may be best to go bed and breakfast and eat out. Expect to pay around 35 – 50 euros for a main meal for two with a glass of wine.
• Consider whether you like the comfort of going downstairs in your hotel for dinner or enjoy eating out in a new restaurant every evening. There’s positive and negatives of both.
• Self-catering is by far the cheapest option. Staying in an Airbnb offers you the flexibility and space to cook your own meals and save money. You can then treat yourself to an occasional meal out. This is a great option for those on a budget!

It really all comes down to personal preference, the quality of food (and price) at the hotel and your budget.

The best places to eat out in Paphos

Rather than give you a few dining options in our Paphos travel guide, we’ve assembled an entirely separate guide to eating out in Paphos. Check it out here. We’ve personally tried each and every restaurant on our list and have only included the extra special dining options. You’re in for a treat!

Our top tips for visiting Paphos

• Choose accommodation carefully and decide whether you want to be based in the main town near many attractions, bars and restaurants, or the more scenic and quieter beach area.
• Put together a rough holiday plan and a list of places you want to visit before arriving. It’s tempting to spend all your days relaxing by the pool. The holiday will pass by slower and you’ll feel more accomplished if you included a few day trips into your holiday.
• Save bars, restaurants and attractions onto your Google Maps mobile app before arrival. It’ll save you time searching where to go when you get there. We swear by this!
• Shop around and compare prices before booking. Check out our holiday booking guide here for tips on finding great deals.
• Take time to explore other areas of Cyprus. It’s a small island so it’s easy to get around and there are some amazing places to be explored within a short drive of town.

Thanks for reading our Paphos travel guide! We hope you found the information useful and can now visit the beautiful island of Cyprus with an arsenal of cool places to eat, drink and visit. If you have any more questions, be sure to send us a message or comment below.

Looking for more travel tips and recommendations for Cyprus? Visit our Cyprus destination page.

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