Cyprus: Picture-perfect Paphos region

Paphos (Pafos) in western Cyprus is home to great beaches, rocky coastlines, ancient sites and monuments, and gorgeous sunsets. Paphos town once was the capital of Cyprus, and today the entire town is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Paphos sees fair amount of visitors yearly and can be considered as touristy at least in summer, but those preferring more remote destinations can easily find peace and quietness in tranquil villages and mountainous inland regions.

Must see sights in Paphos

According to legends, Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of Love and Beauty, rose from the seas not that far away from Paphos, and worship of the goddess flourished in Paphos region. The area is rich with archaeological sites and there are also several museums in Paphos city. Paphos also was one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2017, and with that nomination several renovation projects were completed and new restaurants and boutiques were opened. Kato Pafos Archaeological Park includes mostly Roman ruins but also monuments and sites from other eras, from prehistoric times until Middle Ages. It is most famous for well-preserved mosaics and the Tombs of the Kings, underground tombs that are carved in solid rock.

Paphos city consists of two quite separate parts; the Ktima up the hill and inland, and the coastal Kato Paphos next to the harbor. Kato Paphos is the main tourist area with waterfront avenue and plenty of restaurants, while Ktima is home to colonial buildings, museums and a small old town area with narrow, winding streets and art boutiques.

Next to Paphos harbor stands the small Paphos Castle, originally a Byzantine fort, but more than once rebuilt. From the castle to the north runs the Coastal Broadwalk, a popular walkaway along the coastline past the Archaeological Park, beaches, a lighthouse, the Tombs of the Kings and countless holiday resorts. Further north, more and more hotels and beach side villas are built, and the walkaway continues towards Coral Bay, another popular beach holiday destination. South from Paphos, just of the shore stands the famous rock formation called Aphrodite’s Rock.

Villages around Paphos

The city of Paphos is situated right on the coast, and it’s surrounded with gentle hills, climbing higher towards Paphos Forest and Troodos Mountains. There are are several small villages on the hills, overlooking Paphos. Paphos area has been for years popular especially among British, and there in fact is quite large community of expats living both in the city and in the villages.

During our trips in Cyprus we once stayed for a few days in beautiful Emba (Empa) village, close to the city and still within walking distance from the coast. It was a nice base for making runs and walks along the coast and through smaller villages. Later we stayed in tiny Vikla village, higher up on the hills roughly 11 kilometers north from Paphos. The area is lovely, mostly inhabited by expats, and the views to the coast and the Mediterranean Sea are amazing. 

Other gems of western Cyprus

Cyprus may have a reputation as a baggage holiday destination, but it’s actually a very varied inland, with a lot to offer for independent travelers. Outside Paphos, the western part of the islands hods quite some gems. If you are interested in hiking and mountains, Troodos Mountains are home to a  network of trails, as well as handsome monasteries that you can visit. Akamas Peninsula in northwestern corner of Cyprus is pretty much off the beaten bath, and mostly uninhabited. It is home to valleys, forests, gorges and beautiful coastline with secluded beaches, caves and islets. Best way to explore Akamas is to head to the hiking trails that lead up to the rocky hills and offer great views over the peninsula.

Read more: Hiking in Akamas Peninsula

How to get there?

Paphos city is easy to reach, since there is an international airport, and it’s also well connected with other bigger cities on the island. For example from capital Nicosia it’s easy to jump in an intercity bus; the ride takes around two hours mainly along motorways, and costs 7 euros per person. Public transportation in Paphos and between the villages is taken care with city buses. There are two main bus stations; one in Kato Paphos next to the harbor and another in Ktima next to Paphos old town.

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