Situated on the southwestern tip of the island of Cyprus, Paphos is by far the most popular resort on the island with UK tourists. Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, this purpose-built complex of Kato Pafos stretches east from the small harbor and Ktima Pafos is the “old town” where you’ll find neoclassical buildings and lively markets. Holidays in Paphos are ideal for people of all ages and all interests. Paphos offers a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets, but it is worth noting that most accommodation along the Kato Paphos tourist area is 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 coves of sand and gravel. For better beaches, you’ll have to travel further (about 2 miles) to Yeroskipou Beach, which although it has a pebble shore, has a sandy bottom underwater. You’ll find a couple of beach bars and cafes here, but beware of nighttime nude bathers (mainly gay bathers) in the summer, especially when there’s a full moon! There is a pedestrian and cycle path that runs from the port of Kato Pafos to the edge of Yeroskipou, giving easy access to the entire coastline.

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 photo spot. According to legend, the rock monoliths jutting out of the sea are missiles launched at the invading pirates by the Byzantine folk hero Dhiyenis ‘Romios’ Akritas.

For unspoiled sandy beaches, you’ll need to travel about 18 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 nesting area for sea turtles. It is not allowed to visit this beach after dark during the summer and it is not allowed to take sunbeds and umbrellas at any time.

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

There are a variety of sports on offer at the beaches, including scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and volleyball. Paphos waters are perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike with around thirty dive sites offering varying degrees of difficulty. Two of the most popular dive sites are the Valley of the Caves and the Achilleas Shipwreck.

Away from the beach, there’s plenty to see and do, including the UNESCO-listed Roman mosaics in the House of Dionysus, which sits near the port, and the 3rd-century BC Hellenistic Tombs of the Kings. C., which are less than 2 miles from the city. The eerie Tombs of the Kings is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area and gives you the chance to explore the labyrinth of underground chambers and tombs, reminiscent of ancient Egyptian tombs. A short drive from the resort, you’ll find the hilltop monastery of Ayios Neofytos and its cave with 12th-century frescoes. Other popular attractions worth visiting include the Baths of Aphrodite, the Adonis Falls near the village of Kamares, and Paphos Castle, which is steeped in history and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the more active, there are plenty of activities, including scuba diving, bowling, golf, and a water park.

Paphos is very popular with golfers looking for first-class courses in beautiful surroundings. The Secret Valley Golf Course is located near the birthplace of Aphrodite and is surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of olive and carob trees. The 18-hole Tsada Golf Course is located on the grounds of a 12th-century monastery, 550m 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 breezes, Paphos is cooler than the more inland areas of the island. The summer months see temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees with night temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. Spring and fall are considered to have the best weather conditions and therefore the best time to 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.