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Get a feel for the resort

Things to do

Planning your visit

Now a charming little harbour town, Paphos was once the capital of Cyprus under the ancient Greeks and Romans. Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the town is like an open museum – and it’s well worth a visit if you’re interested in history. Even if you’re not, the chances are that you’ll fall in love with this picturesque area and unspoiled mountain villages – after all, it was also the birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. Although the upper town (Ktima) retains its traditional charm, Kato Paphos (the lower town) has plenty of good restaurants, trendy cafés, friendly pubs and lively clubs.

The harbour has lots of tavernas where you can sit and watch the colourful fishing boats, or book one of the relaxing boat cruises on offer. While you’re by the harbour, don’t miss the Paphos Mosaics – the mosaic floors in the Roman noblemen’s villas here are very well preserved and are said to be among the finest in the Mediterranean. Most of them show scenes from Greek mythology. The site is open every day from 8am to 7.30pm in summer and 8am to 5pm in the winter.

Birthplace of Aphrodite, Cyprus has a fascinating heritage from Roman and British influence and offers a glorious combination of sunshine and sightseeing. Behind the cosmopolitan resorts of the south coast rise the Troodos Mountains, punctuated by Byzantine monasteries and ancient villages where a more traditional way of life can still be found. Whether you are staying in a Cyprus hotel for the first time or are a Cyprus connoisseur, Paphos is a great destination offering all year round activities, excellent Cypriot cuisine and friendly service.