Area guide
Kato Paphos
Short answer
Kato Paphos is the lower, seafront half of Paphos town. The harbour, Paphos Castle, the Archaeological Park and the Tombs of the Kings are all here or close by, along with the densest cluster of hotels, restaurants and bars. If you are not renting a car, this is the base that makes the most sense.
What Kato Paphos is like
Think of Kato Paphos as two strips. The first runs along the harbour and the seafront promenade, where the ancient sites, Paphos Castle and the busiest restaurants are. The second runs north-west along Tombs of the Kings Avenue towards the Tombs of the Kings, lined with larger resort hotels. Both are flat and connected by the coastal promenade, which is the single most useful thing about staying here.
What you can walk to
- Kato Paphos Archaeological Park and its mosaics — right by the harbour
- Paphos Castle and the harbour promenade
- Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and St Paul's Pillar
- Tombs of the Kings — roughly 2 km from the harbour; walkable in cooler months, a short bus or taxi ride in summer heat
- Small town beaches such as Vrysoudia and Alykes
What you will still need transport for
Paphos Old Town is uphill, roughly 3 km away — a bus or taxi is easier than walking in summer. For Coral Bay, Petra tou Romiou, the Akamas or the wine villages you will need a car, a bus connection or a tour.
Good for
- Walking to the main ancient sites
- First-time visitors on short trips
- Evenings out without needing a taxi
- Travellers without a car
Not ideal for
- A quiet village atmosphere
- Long sandy beaches right outside the hotel — the coast here is mostly rocky with small beaches
In and around Kato Paphos
Attraction
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
Roman villas with some of the finest mosaics in the Mediterranean, an odeon and a ruined castle, by the harbour.
- Kato Paphos
- 2–3 hours
- €
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
- €
Attraction
Paphos Castle
Small harbour fort with roof-top views — a 20-minute stop rather than a destination.
- Kato Paphos
- 20–30 minutes
- €
Attraction
Paphos Harbour & Seafront Promenade
The harbour, castle and coastal promenade — Paphos' evening walk and boat-trip departure point.
- Kato Paphos
- 1–2 hours
- Free
Attraction
Paphos Mosaics
The Roman floor mosaics of Nea Paphos — what they show and where to see the best ones.
- Kato Paphos
- 1–1.5 hours
- €
Attraction
Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa & St Paul's Pillar
A medieval church set among the ruins of an early Christian basilica, with the pillar linked to St Paul.
- Kato Paphos
- 20–30 minutes
Attraction
Kato Paphos nightlife (Bar Street)
The concentrated strip of bars and clubs in Kato Paphos — loud, late and seasonal.
- Kato Paphos
- An evening
Beach
Alykes Beach
Organised beach on the eastern Kato Paphos seafront, popular with nearby hotels.
- Kato Paphos
Beach
Faros (Lighthouse) Beach
Sandy, less-organised stretch below the Paphos lighthouse, next to the Archaeological Park.
- Kato Paphos
Experience
Paphos Boat Trips
Harbour cruises, Blue Lagoon trips from Latchi, sunset sails and private charters — which one to pick.
- Kato Paphos
- 2–6 hours
- €€
Experience
Scuba Diving in Paphos
Try-dives and certified dives along the Paphos coast, from caves and reefs to wrecks.
- Kato Paphos
- Half day
- €€€
Experience
Family Activities in Paphos
Beaches, the zoo, the waterpark, boat trips and the ancient sites that children actually enjoy.
- Kato Paphos
- Varies
Frequently asked questions
Is Kato Paphos the same as Paphos?
Kato Paphos is the lower, coastal part of Paphos town. The upper part is Ktima, usually called Paphos Old Town. Most visitors stay in Kato Paphos.
Can you get around Kato Paphos without a car?
Yes. The harbour, castle, archaeological park and seafront are all walkable from each other, and local buses connect Kato Paphos with the Old Town and Coral Bay.
Plan around it
Planning
Where to Stay in Paphos
Where to stay in Paphos by trip type: Kato Paphos for first-timers, Coral Bay for beaches, the Old Town for local life, Polis for quiet — and without a car.
Transport
Paphos Without a Car
Can you do Paphos without a car? Where to stay, what is walkable, what the buses cover, and which tours replace a car for the Akamas and day trips.
Attraction
Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa & St Paul's Pillar
A medieval church set among the ruins of an early Christian basilica, with the pillar linked to St Paul.
- Kato Paphos
- 20–30 minutes
Attraction
Paphos Harbour & Seafront Promenade
The harbour, castle and coastal promenade — Paphos' evening walk and boat-trip departure point.
- Kato Paphos
- 1–2 hours
- Free
Attraction
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
Roman villas with some of the finest mosaics in the Mediterranean, an odeon and a ruined castle, by the harbour.
- Kato Paphos
- 2–3 hours
- €
Experience
Scuba Diving in Paphos
Try-dives and certified dives along the Paphos coast, from caves and reefs to wrecks.
- Kato Paphos
- Half day
- €€€