Situated on the southwestern tip of the island of Cyprus, Paphos is by far the most popular resort on the island among UK tourists. Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, this purpose-built Kato Pafos resort stretches east from the small harbor and Ktima Pafos is the “old town” where you will find neoclassical buildings and lively markets. Paphos vacations are ideal for people of all ages and interests. Paphos offers a variety of accommodations for all budgets, but it is worth noting that most of the accommodations along the Kato Pafos tourist strip are closed from January to the end of March. The beachfront hotels are separated from the sea by a pedestrian and bicycle path.

Most of the resort’s coastline is rocky with several sandy and gravel coves. For better beaches, you will need to travel further (about 2 miles) to Yeroskipou Beach, which although it has a pebble shore, has a sandy base under the water. You will find a couple of beach bars and cafes here, but watch out for nighttime nude bathers (mostly gay bathers) in the summer, especially when there is a full moon! There is a pedestrian and cycle path that runs from the port of Kato Pafos to the edge of Yeroskipou, allowing easy access to the entire coast.

The pebble and coarse sand beach at Petra tou Romiou is located near Latsi, about 15 miles from Paphos, and is popular as a sunset-watching beach and location of photo opportunity. According to legend, the rock monoliths protruding from the sea are missiles launched against invading pirates by the Byzantine folk hero Dhiyenis ‘Romios’ Akritas.

For unspoiled sandy beaches, you will need to travel approximately 29 miles north of Paphos towards Lara, just inside the Akamas Peninsula. Here you will find a cape that separates two sandy coves. The north cove has low sand dunes and is a protected sea turtle nesting area. You are not allowed to visit this beach after dark during the summer and you are not allowed to bring sunbeds and umbrellas at any time.

Six of Paphos’s beaches have European Blue Flag status, making them ideal for families with young children.

Various sports can be practiced on the beaches, such as diving, snorkelling, surfing and volleyball. The waters of Paphos are perfect for beginners and experienced divers with around thirty dive sites offering varying degrees of difficulty. Two of the most popular dive sites are Valle de las Cuevas and Naufragio de las Achilleas.

Away from the beach there is plenty to see and do, including the UNESCO Roman mosaics at the House of Dionysus, which is located near the harbor, and the Tombs of the Hellenistic Kings from the 3rd century BC, which are less than 2 miles from town. The spooky Tombs of the Kings is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, giving you the opportunity to explore the maze of underground chambers and tombs, reminiscent of ancient Egyptian tombs. A short drive from the complex is the Ayios Neofytos Monastery, at the foot of the hills, and its 12th-century frescoed cave dwelling. Other popular attractions worth visiting include the Baths of Aphrodite, Adonis Falls near the village of Kamares, and Paphos Castle, which is steeped in history and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the more active, there are many activities including diving, bowling, golf and a water park.

Paphos is very popular with golfers looking for first-rate courses in beautiful surroundings. The Secret Valley Golf Course is located near Aphrodite’s birthplace and is surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of olive and carob trees. The 18-hole Tsada Golf Course is set on the grounds of a 12th-century monastery, 550 meters above sea level and offers a driving range and putting green.

Paphos offers some nightlife on the only ‘bar street’ in Kato Pafos.

Due to the gentle sea breeze, Paphos is cooler than the more inland areas of the island. In the summer months, temperatures range from 20 ° C to 30 ° C with night temperatures around 20 ° C. Spring and autumn are considered to have the best climatic conditions and therefore the best time for a visit. In the winter months, temperatures drop to around 17 ° C and nighttime temperatures drop to single figures. Sea temperatures are usually too cold for most people in early spring, but by early May they have warmed enough for most people to take a dip.