Blue Flag beaches with an ancient centre, holidays to Paphos attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Found on the south-west coast of Cyprus, the town has a subtropical Mediterranean climate and is known for sun, sand and the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Paphos holidays are popular with couples and families looking for a sun drenched location with plenty of activities on offer. What could be more romantic than the legend of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love, being born off this coast? And, what could be more fun for all the family than splashing around at the waterpark of the same name? Fringed by palm trees, limestone cliffs and a medieval castle, the soft sands of this region host the lively tourist scene.
The award-winning stretches of beach are a big pull to the charming location and a 10 minute drive will get you to Coral Bay; which is continuously described as one of the island’s best places for sun worshippers. Once you have had your fill of beach relaxation, you can head through the old town to see temples, forts and churches of times gone by in Cyprus. You can also get a glimpse at the authentic, traditional Cypriot lifestyle through the nearby villages and up the hill at the top of the resort. From the latter you can meander down to the transformed tourist centre with shops and restaurants as well as a scenic harbour and a pretty promenade.
The town is considered the cultural capital of the island and it is the mix of attractions that make holidays to Paphos so popular. Daytime can be spent on the beach or exploring the region, while the evenings lend themselves to walks at the harbour and enjoying the fine dining and entertainment offerings of the bars and clubs.
The climate in Cyprus is more or less countrywide, and this means that Paphos holidays are in peak season from June through September when temperatures of 40ºC will beat down on you. The winters are milder but you can still get 20ºC if you’re chasing that cheap deal for 2024 and 2025. Otherwise, there are bargains to be had in the shoulder season of late spring and early autumn when you can still expect temperatures of up to 25 degrees.
Whether you are a walker, a lover of history, a family or someone looking for a couple’s retreat, Cyprus is a popular European destination. Holidays to Paphos offer an extensive mix of unspoilt beauty, award-winning beaches and years of history. Here are some of the best activities in the region:
As with the majority of Cyprus, the beaches are enticing. The Blue Flag awards tell their own story for the soft sands that you can enjoy. While the main beach is a picture-perfect, if a little small, 150-metres, there are plenty of other swathes to use and the Coral Bay is easily one of the best in the whole country. For the adventurous, a trip to Aphrodite’s birthplace, the Petra tou Romiu (Rock of the Greeks), is a good trip and legend has it that if you swim around it three times you will find your true love; couples rejoice! The crystal waters in this region also lend themselves to water sports and anything from scuba diving to jet skiing to parasailing can be done from the coast of Paphos.
Paphos has its fair share of sights to see thanks to a rich history and is the culture capital of Cyprus. Head into tombs that are 1,000-year-old at the Tomb of the Kings and explore both the pre-Christian city of Salamis and the breath-taking ruins at Kurion city with the Roman amphitheatre. The castle, which overlooks the beach, was originally a fort during the Byzantine era and is stunning, but it isn’t just in the town where these wonders are to be found. Get out and visit the 11th century monastery at the top of the mountain of Kykkos and hike and bike around the Troodos Mountains as you discover the entire Paphos region which includes areas of mountains, plains and coast. Also, don’t forget to visit the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Petra tou Romiu.
Through its history, Cyprus has been an East-meets-West sort of place and there is an eclectic array of restaurants, bars and clubs to enjoy in the evening. Boutiques and shops line the city centre as you take it slow in the evening and try to grab yourself a bargain. After that, there are a plethora of options for dining, drinking and dancing so you can take your pick! If you want to head out of town for a night then Limassol is a more vibrant city with plenty going on and, if you time it right, a wine festival to enjoy! Cheap deals can be had for 2024 and 2025 by getting in early and booking a holiday to Paphos so don’t delay and book your perfect trip to this beautiful location!