Guides
Each guide answers one specific question properly. Start with things to do in Paphos if you are just beginning to plan.
Things to do
If you only do three things: see the Roman mosaics in the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, climb down into the Tombs of the Kings, and watch the sunset from the harbour or at Petra tou Romiou. With more time, add a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, a day in the Akamas, and an afternoon in the wine villages.
Planning
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 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
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
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
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
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.
Couples
Build the trip around sunsets and the sea: a small-boat morning to the Blue Lagoon, an afternoon in the Laona wine villages, sunset at Petra tou Romiou or the Peyia sea caves, and long dinners in the Old Town or at the harbour. Stay in Kato Paphos for evenings on foot, or Polis for quiet.
Transport
Yes, for a short trip. Stay in Kato Paphos and you can walk to the main ancient sites, the harbour and the seafront, take buses to the Old Town and Coral Bay, and book tours for the Akamas and Blue Lagoon. What you lose is flexibility for the wine villages, Petra tou Romiou at sunset and the mountains.
Comparisons
Choose Paphos for ancient history, nature (the Akamas) and a resort-town pace. Choose Limassol for a real city: a bigger restaurant and bar scene, the marina and a more urban feel. They are about an hour apart, so you can easily day-trip from one to the other.
Comparisons
Ayia Napa wins on sandy beaches and big-night-out nightlife. Paphos wins on history, nature, food and variety. They are at opposite ends of the island — around 2.5 hours apart — so pick one as your base.
Wine
The main clusters are on the Laona plateau around Kathikas (about 30 minutes north of Paphos) and higher up around Panagia and Statos–Agios Fotios (around 45–60 minutes). Smaller wineries often require booking ahead, so contact them before you drive up.
Wine
A guided or private tour is the best way to do Paphos wine — nobody has to drive mountain roads after tastings, and guides can get you into wineries that need appointments. Self-drive works if one person is happy not to drink.
Wine
For a half-day, head to Kathikas and the Laona plateau villages, about 30 minutes north of Paphos. For a full day, go higher to Panagia, on the edge of Paphos Forest. Both mix tastings with stone villages, tavernas and views back to the coast.