Paphos Holidays
"A Cypriot city, perched on the Mediterranean Sea, it is known for its captivating history and natural beauty, while also offering miles of beach and a vibrant nightlife. "
Paphos is a gorgeous Cypriot city, which is renowned for being the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty and has a host of historically significant, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as an amphitheatre and the opulent Tombs of the Kings. The main tourist area and many archaeological sites, can be found in Kato or lower Paphos, whilst the old town known as Ktima sits further inland, high up on a rocky plateau. The surrounding area is countryside, rich in vegetation with banana plantations, citrus groves and vineyards, which lead inland to the gentle foothills of the Western Troodos Mountains.
It has a rich font of beautiful sites, which include underwater treasures, abundant forests and high mountains, making it a versatile location for family holidays. It is also a vibrant and modern tourist city, providing a range of excellent activities, which the whole family is sure to enjoy, from exciting waterparks to zoos and fun busses, you name it, and Paphos probably has it. Its excellent local cuisine includes fine wines, delicious local dishes and the famous spirit ouzo, found at the many restaurants and bars that populate the city. This all serves to make Paphos the ideal holiday location with its beautiful Mediterranean weather, sparkling blue seas, and a plethora of other amazing things to excite and delight all of your senses.
Angela
Cyprus Holiday Specialist
Get in Touch
We love creating perfect holidays for our clients. Start planning your dream trip today by talking to one of our Destination Specialists.
020 8340 7612
Paphos Travel Guide
At A Glance:
Highlights:
Paphos inFocus
Location
Paphos is a city on the southwest coast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus; it has a range of superb features, including long stretches of pristine beaches, a picturesque harbour and a number of places of historical interest. It contains its own International Airport, meaning that it is easy to reach, and is relatively close to a variety of other interesting spots on the island, including Limassol, (67.3 km), the coastal town of Peyia (17.4 km) and the other coastal town of Pissouri (36 km)
Weather
Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, it has hot dry summers and mild winters, with temperatures ranging from 8°C in winter and highs of 30°C in summer. Hot weather comes to Paphos in April, with temperatures regularly rising over 18°C, though sun worshipers are best waiting until late May when the temperature averages over 20°C. As with many places, the hottest time of the year is from June to August when temperatures regularly sit in the mid-20's and rarely fall below 20°C. The wettest month of the year in Paphos is March, and the summer tends to end in late October early November.
History & Culture
The city has a rich and varied history having been a settlement since Neolithic times. It was first inhabited by the Myceneans, who built a temple in the name of the goddess Aphrodite there, during the 12th century BC. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty, was born there in Greek mythology, and the ancient author Homer refers to the city in his epic poem, the Odyssey. By Roman times, Paphos and Cyprus as a whole, had become a crucial naval base within the Mediterranean Sea, passing onto the Byzantines, once the empire fell. It was conquered by Richard the Lionheart landed, when he launched his famous crusade against Saladin, before passing to the Venetians and then the Ottomans, before the British took it back in 1860. This gives it an incredibly varied culture and history, which all visitors are sure to enjoy.
Cuisine
Its cuisine has been greatly influenced by the many cultures and inspirations that it has been exposed to. This means that it provides things like traditional Greek dips, such as hummus and tzatziki, along with succulent kebab style grilled meats, fresh salads, crumbling white cheeses and rich olive oil. Its coastal location means there is a bountiful range of fresh fish dishes available in the town, along with locally produced wine and Cyprus' favourite drink Ouzo. Simple homely, rustic and filling Cypriot food is delicious and sure to satisfy each and every taste. Paphos is also an international tourist hotspot, which means that you will find a vast array of Italian, Chinese, French and other cuisines there as well.
Family Activities
Featuring a vast array of exciting family activities, kids and parents are sure to enjoy experiences together, including exciting horse riding at the Eagle Mountain Ranch, Paphos, which offers spectacular nature and gorgeous views across the surrounding area; Paphos zoo, which has a range of species and educational activities; the Super Aphrodite waterpark, which comes with an array of fun aquatic activities; Looney Land, a kid focussed fun zone, with trampolines, ball parks and a whole lot more; and pristine white sandy beaches, which provide fun activities that all can enjoy on their family holiday.
Events & Festivities
Whilst in Paphos you can attend the many fun events and festivities throughout the year, including the Paphos Aphrodite Festival, an opera event, which takes place in September and provides a range of music, set to the backdrop of the city's medieval castle. The Cyprus Marathon, also takes place in March each year and begins at the birthplace of Aphrodite. The Dionysia Festival, which celebrates the wonderful wines, can be found in Cyprus, and takes place in Stroumbi a village not far from Paphos at the end of the summer.
Tours & Attractions
Some of the fun tours and attractions include the EcoTour Adventures Cyprus, which provides nature-based tours around the surrounding area; TrySegway Tours Paphos, who allow guests to explore the city using a Segway; various snorkelling and scuba diving tours, which allow guests to explore the underwater treasures that Paphos has to offer; along with sea cruises that leave the harbour each day; and a dedicated children's fun bus, which provides entertaining fun for younger members of the family.
Entertainment
With a rich and varied nightlife, it has something for everyone. From relaxed restaurants and tavernas, where people can eat, sit and drink into the small hours, to trendy nightclubs, there is a host of internationally recognised artists, cool bars and clubs, making Paphos have it all.
Cyprus Holiday Blogs
Special Offers in Paphos, Cyprus
A small collection of our Top Special Offers which have been hand-picked especially for you...