· CY

Páfos

Páfos, Cyprus

Journey Back in Time to Sun-Drenched Páfos, Cyprus Bathed in Mediterranean sunshine and steeped in ancient history, Páfos, Cyprus, is more than just a beach destination – it's a captivating journey through time. Imagine …

#Páfos#Cyprus#Mediterranean Sea#Historic sites#Archaeological treasures

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Páfos.

Top Hotels in Páfos

Top Flights to Páfos

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Páfos.

Tours

Explore Paphos Archaeological Park

Visit the world-renowned archaeological park, known for its ancient ruins and well-preserved mosaics.

Visit Paphos Castle

Discover the history and architecture of Paphos Castle, located at the harbor.

Visit the Tombs of the Kings

Explore the underground tombs dating back to the 4th century BC, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discover Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station

Learn about and watch turtles in their natural habitat at Lara Bay.

Shopping

Shopping at Kings Avenue Mall

Indulge in retail therapy at one of the largest shopping centers in Paphos.

Shop at Old Town Paphos

Stroll through the charming streets of Old Town and visit local boutiques.

Outdoor

Hike in Akamas Peninsula

Enjoy scenic walks and nature trails in the Akamas Peninsula, a natural reserve full of diverse flora and fauna.

Dive at Coral Bay

Experience an underwater adventure by diving at Coral Bay, famous for its marine life.

Nature Trip to Avagas Gorge

Hike through the stunning Avagas Gorge, known for its magnificent rock formations and flora.

Enjoy Aphrodite's Waterpark

Have fun with family or friends at the largest waterpark in Paphos.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Páfos.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Páfos, Cyprus, is 36,000.

Languages

Greek, Greek, English

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Páfos.

What people love

Páfos, located in Cyprus, offers a variety of attractions and experiences that make it a popular travel destination. Here are some pros of traveling to Páfos:

Historical and Archaeological Sites: Páfos is known for its rich history and archaeological sites. The Paphos Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes impressive ruins such as Roman villas with beautiful mosaics, ancient theaters, and temples.
Beautiful Beaches: Páfos boasts stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters and golden sands. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim, or try water sports activities like snorkeling and diving.
Cultural Heritage: The town of Páfos is steeped in culture and tradition. Visitors can explore charming old streets, traditional villages, and local markets to experience the authentic Cypriot way of life.
Delicious Cypriot Cuisine: Páfos offers a variety of dining options where visitors can savor delicious Cypriot cuisine. From fresh seafood dishes to traditional meze platters, there is something to satisfy every palate.
Natural Beauty: The surrounding countryside of Páfos is characterized by picturesque landscapes, including rugged coastlines, vineyards, and citrus orchards. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and exploring the Akamas Peninsula National Park.
Mild Climate: Páfos enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, making it an ideal destination for year-round travel.
Hospitality and Friendliness: Visitors to Páfos often praise the warm hospitality and friendliness of the locals, making it a welcoming destination for travelers.

Overall, traveling to Páfos in Cyprus offers a blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and relaxation, making it a compelling destination for a memorable vacation.

What to know

Traveling to Paphos, Cyprus may have the following cons:

Weather: During the summer months, Paphos can experience extremely high temperatures, which may be uncomfortable for some travelers, especially those not accustomed to hot weather. Additionally, the summer months can also bring strong winds and dust storms.
Tourist Crowds: Paphos is a popular tourist destination, especially during the peak season. This means that popular attractions, restaurants, and beaches can be crowded, making it challenging to find a peaceful spot to relax.
Higher Prices: Due to its popularity among tourists, prices in Paphos, especially during the peak season, can be higher compared to other destinations in Cyprus. Accommodation, dining, and activities may cost more than in less touristy areas.
Limited Public Transportation: While Paphos does have a bus system, it may not be as extensive or reliable as in larger cities. Renting a car may be necessary to explore the area comfortably, which can add to the overall cost of the trip.
Lack of Nightlife: While Paphos does have some bars and clubs, it may not offer as vibrant a nightlife scene as other destinations in Cyprus such as Ayia Napa or Limassol. If you are looking for a lively nightlife, Paphos may not be the best choice.
Language Barrier: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, you may encounter some language barriers when interacting with locals, especially in more rural or less touristy areas.
Limited Activities: While Paphos does offer a range of activities such as historical sites, beaches, and water sports, the overall range of activities may be more limited compared to larger cities or more developed tourist destinations.

These cons should be considered when planning a trip to Paphos, Cyprus.

Páfos, located on the southwestern coast of Cyprus, is a city steeped in history and mythology, known for its rich archaeological heritage and its connection to the goddess Aphrodite. Over the centuries, Páfos has been a significant cultural and religious center, experiencing various periods of prosperity and decline.

Ancient History

Mythological Origins: According to Greek mythology, Páfos is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. The city has long been associated with her worship, and the Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Kouklia (ancient Palaepaphos) was one of the most important religious sites in the ancient world.
Founding and Early Development: Palaepaphos (Old Páfos) was established around the end of the Bronze Age, around the 12th century BCE. The city became a major center for the cult of Aphrodite. Nea Paphos (New Páfos) was founded in the late 4th century BCE by Nicocles, the last king of Palaepaphos, due to its more strategic location.
Hellenistic Period: During the Hellenistic era, Páfos flourished under the Ptolemaic Kingdom, becoming the administrative capital of Cyprus. This period saw the construction of many important buildings and the expansion of the cult of Aphrodite.
Roman Era: In 58 BCE, Cyprus was annexed by the Romans, and Páfos continued to thrive as the island's capital. Significant Roman architecture, such as the Roman villas with intricate mosaics depicting mythological scenes, remains a highlight. The House of Dionysos, the House of Theseus, and the House of Aion are important archaeological sites from this period.
Christianization: Páfos played a role in the early spread of Christianity. According to the Acts of the Apostles, the Apostle Paul visited the city around 45 CE, where he converted the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus to Christianity, making Páfos one of the first places in the world to have a Christian ruler.

Medieval Period

Byzantine Rule: After the division of the Roman Empire, Páfos became part of the Byzantine Empire. It continued to be an important religious center, although its political significance waned compared to other Cypriot cities.
Arab Raids and Decline: From the 7th century onwards, Páfos suffered from Arab raids, which led to a decline in its prosperity. The population moved inland to escape the raids, and many of the coastal cities, including Páfos, diminished in importance.
Lusignan and Venetian Periods: During the Lusignan and Venetian periods, Páfos was a secondary town but remained significant for its strategic port and agricultural output.

Ottoman and British Periods

Ottoman Rule: Under Ottoman rule (1571-1878), Páfos was a quieter provincial town. The Ottomans built the Paphos Castle at the harbor to protect the port.
British Administration: In 1878, Cyprus came under British administration. Páfos experienced infrastructural developments, including roads and public buildings, revitalizing the local economy and connectivity.

Modern Era

Independence and Growth: After Cyprus gained independence in 1960, Páfos experienced rapid development, especially in tourism, due to its rich historical and archaeological sites.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1980, the archaeological park of Páfos, which includes many of its ancient sites, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition helped boost international interest and tourism.
European Capital of Culture: In 2017, Páfos was named a European Capital of Culture, further enhancing its cultural profile and attracting visitors from around the world.

Important Landmarks

Paphos Archaeological Park: Home to the city's famous mosaics, ancient theaters, and villas.
Tombs of the Kings: A large necropolis dating back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Sanctuary of Aphrodite: Located in Kouklia, it is one of the most important ancient religious sites in Cyprus.
Paphos Castle: A medieval fort located at the harbor, originally built by the Byzantines and later rebuilt by the Ottomans.
Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church: Built in the 13th century, featuring the Pillar of St. Paul, where according to tradition, the apostle was flogged.

Páfos' rich tapestry of history, mythology, and culture continues to draw scholars and tourists alike, confirming its status as a key site of historical and cultural significance in the Mediterranean.