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getpaphos

Your independent guide to Paphos

Paphos, planned properly.

Ancient sites, beaches, wine villages, Akamas adventures and the places worth your time — with honest advice on what to skip, what needs a car and how to organise your days.

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Trip planner

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Tell us how long you have and what you like. We group each day geographically, so you spend time in places — not in the car.

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Paphos highlights

Looking down into a rock-cut peristyle tomb at the Tombs of the Kings, with Doric columns and a carved triglyph frieze around the sunken courtyard
Photo: Pexels

Attraction

Tombs of the Kings

Underground rock-cut tombs with columned courtyards, on the coast north of the harbour.

  • Tombs of the Kings area
  • 1.5–2 hours
  • €
Paphos Castle, a square stone fort at the end of the harbour breakwater, in late-afternoon light with the sea beyond and wildflowers on the shore
Photo: Pexels

Attraction

Paphos Castle

Small harbour fort with roof-top views — a 20-minute stop rather than a destination.

  • Kato Paphos
  • 20–30 minutes
  • €
The sandy crescent of Coral Bay with swimmers in turquoise water, low cliffs and villas along the headland
Photo: Pexels

Beach

Coral Bay

Sandy, sheltered and fully organised — the classic family beach of the Paphos area.

  • Coral Bay
Aerial view of the undeveloped Akamas coastline: jagged limestone rocks over clear turquoise water, with scrubland and a dirt track behind
Photo: Pexels

Day trip

Akamas Peninsula

Wild coast, gorges and turtle beaches at Cyprus' western tip — by jeep, boat, on foot or by 4x4.

  • Akamas Peninsula
  • Full day
Rows of low bush-trained grapevines on a hillside vineyard at Stroumbi, in the hills north of Paphos, with mountains on the horizon
Photo: Pexels

Wine

Wine Villages Near Paphos

The wine villages within reach of Paphos — Kathikas and the Laona plateau, the Ezousa valley and Panagia — with how to combine them into a half or full day.

Planning

Where to Stay in Paphos

Stay in Kato Paphos if it is your first visit or you will not have a car — the ancient sites, harbour and restaurants are walkable. Choose Coral Bay/Peyia for a sandy beach on your doorstep, the Old Town for a local feel, and Polis/Latchi for a quiet, nature-focused stay.

Getting here

Paphos Airport to Paphos Town

Paphos International Airport is roughly 15 km south-east of Paphos town — about 20–25 minutes by road to Kato Paphos. A taxi or pre-booked transfer is the simplest option; public buses run between the airport and Paphos and are the cheapest; picking up a hire car at the airport makes sense if you will explore beyond the town.

Planning

The Best Time to Visit Paphos

Late April to early June and late September to October are the sweet spots: warm enough to swim (the sea is warmest in August and September), comfortable for sightseeing and hiking, and less crowded than July–August. Winter is mild and good for sightseeing, but it is not beach weather.

Transport

Getting Around Paphos

Kato Paphos is walkable, and local buses link it with the Old Town, Coral Bay and the airport. To see the Akamas, the wine villages and most day-trip destinations on your own schedule, you will want a car for at least part of the trip — or book tours.

Practical

Paphos Practical Information

Cyprus uses the euro, UK-style three-pin plugs and drives on the left. English is widely spoken, and the EU emergency number 112 works. The biggest practical risk for visitors is the sun, so plan sightseeing early and carry water.

Family

Paphos With Kids

The family winners are Coral Bay (sandy, shallow, facilities), the Tombs of the Kings (kids love climbing into the tombs), a calm boat trip, Paphos Zoo and, in summer, the waterpark. The key is timing: outings at opening time, pool or beach through the afternoon, the harbour in the evening.

Explore Paphos by area

Experiences worth booking

View over the side of a wooden tour boat at sea, its wake churning white against deep blue water
Photo: Pexels

Boat trips

Paphos Boat Trips

Harbour cruises, Blue Lagoon trips from Latchi, sunset sails and private charters — which one to pick.

  • Kato Paphos
  • 2–6 hours

Jeep safaris

Akamas Jeep Safaris

Guided 4x4 days through the Akamas peninsula — the easiest way to reach Lara and the rough tracks.

  • Akamas Peninsula
  • Half to full day

Scuba diving

Scuba Diving in Paphos

Try-dives and certified dives along the Paphos coast, from caves and reefs to wrecks.

  • Kato Paphos
  • Half day

About Paphos

Paphos is a coastal town in south-west Cyprus and the capital of the Paphos district. Its ancient city — the Roman villas with their mosaics, the Tombs of the Kings and the sanctuary of Aphrodite at nearby Kouklia — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and according to legend Aphrodite rose from the sea at Petra tou Romiou, just along the coast.

The town has two halves: Kato Paphos around the harbour, where most visitors stay, and the Old Town on the ridge above. Beyond it, the Paphos region runs from Coral Bay and the wild Akamas peninsula to Polis and Latchi on the north coast and the wine villages in the hills.

About GetPaphos

GetPaphos is an independent guide for people planning a trip to Paphos. We cover 40 places in detail, from ancient sites and beaches to day trips and experiences, plus day-by-day itineraries and a trip planner.

We are not an official tourism body. We say when information is unverified, we never publish fake reviews, and some links may earn us a commission. Read how we work.