Holidays to Paphos
Paphos holidays serve up heaps of historical sites, resort-style relaxation and enough sun to make all your beachy dreams come true. So why not head to this ancient, beautiful city for a scintillating Cypriot getaway?
Archaeology and Aphrodite
Beyond the divine beaches, take a meander along the Paphos coastal path from Geroskipou Beach, past the Archaeological Park to the Tombs of the Kings. The sea is always there as your guide.
Check out Aphrodite’s Rock, a sea stack between Paphos and Limassol. Legend says this was the birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty (ooh la la!). Paphos is an absolute dream for a sunset too – peachy, purply, perfect.
Soak in the aura of Old Paphos
Ktima (Old Paphos) has attracted travellers and revellers since 10,000 BC. Nowadays, it’s a medley of intricate street art and markets – like arty community The Place – selling local handicrafts and pottery.
After exploring Old Paphos, take a moment with the sweeping views over the countryside, or jump on an ATV safari to explore more of the island’s historic villages.
Explore the tourist hotspot of New Paphos
Kato Paphos is the lively resort zone, but it isn’t all new. Tombs, fortresses and the Archaeological Park showcase its rich history, contrasting with the area’s modern harbour and shimmering hotels. It’s a real best-of-both-worlds bonanza.
Boat trips and titbits around Paphos Harbour
Head to Paphos harbour to discover dreamy waterside restaurants, fun souvenir shops and unforgettable boat trips. From the harbour you can cruise the Mediterranean, snorkel, canoe and dip in and out of echoey sea caves.
Keep your eyes peeled for the picturesque spots along Akamas Peninsula, with the dazzling Blue Lagoon a true highlight. Heaps of day tours head here, so check it out! Elsewhere, consider a trip to the pretty Latchi Harbour for a long lazy lunch.
Full-whack family fun
Paphos Zoo is near Coral Bay and it’s deffo worth a visit to see its majestic giraffes and chilled-out giant tortoises. Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark has something for all ages and all levels of thrill-seeking, but the kiddos will go wild for the Waves Surge Pool.
Sneak Peek
Best for... Switching between banging beaches, local eateries and ancient ruins 🇨🇾
Go... During September for sweet-spot heat and the famous Aphrodite Festival 🎉
You have to... Spend a day exploring the remarkable Kato Paphos Archaeological Park 🔍
Paphos holiday deals
Ivi Mare - Designed for adults by Louis Hotels
4.8
Excellent
- 1 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Manchester
Prices from
Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris Beach Hotel & Spa
4.6
Excellent
- 1 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Manchester
Prices from
Aliathon Resort
- 1 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Manchester
Prices from
Anemi Hotel & Suites Paphos
4.4
Excellent
- 1 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Manchester
Prices from
Details
Currency
Euro
Language
Greek, Turkish
Time difference
GMT +2
Cost of a beer
€3
3-course meal
€23 - €30
Flight time
4 hours
Beaches are a family-friendly affair
Hurrah for crystal-clear water, pedestrian walkways and dazzling diving spots! In Paphos, you can bask on over a dozen Blue Flag beaches, or stick to the Main Municipal Beach, slap-bang in front of Kato Paphos. Alykes Beach is lively too, packed with sun-seekers, bars, shops and eateries, while popular Coral Bay has shimmering shallow waters perfect for snorkelling. Sodap Beach, just east of Paphos harbour, is perfect for a family day spent relaxing on sun-loungers.
Greek myths and UNESCO gems
The UNESCO-crowned Kato Paphos Archaeological Park places acres of history at your feet – and it’s still being excavated for hidden treasures! Explore ancient city remnants and the Paphos Mosaics, which reveal ancient Greek myths. The Tombs of the Kings are another UNESCO gem. Here you can hop between underground chambers used by residents over 2,000 years ago. Elsewhere, cross the moat and climb to Paphos Castle – the views across the Med are pretty staggering.
Dreamy spots pre- and post-dusk
Mezze is a magical thing. Rich dips, sizzling kebabs, roasted veggies and other dishes continue to arrive until your table’s stacked. Sharing is caring – and here, that means you can try a bit of it all. For a whole dinner and live music session, try Konia Tavern, a hotspot with delightful Cypriot classics. Paphos has plenty of stylish hangouts and bouncing clubs too, especially in Agiou Antoniou. Flintstones Bar is a long-time tourist fav, so yabba-dabba-do pop along!
When to go to Paphos
Paphos gets pretty busy in July and August, so it can be more enjoyable to visit in the shoulder seasons, between April and early June, or September and late October.
These shoulder seasons swerve the peak summer crowds but are still balmy enough for days pottering around the ruins and dipping in the sea. In September, the Aphrodite Festival unfolds across Paphos, with an epic opera up by Paphos Castle.
November through February is still pretty sunny but a fair bit cooler. Maybe that suits you to a tee – it’s great for sightseeing, after all. You’ll definitely find it far easier to bag the best restaurant reservations too.
