Perfect Paphos

Beaches, shopping, wine and sunshine– what more could you want?!

Why go?

With 326 days of sunshine through the year, eclectic villages, gorgeous beaches, and plenty to do and see, there’s a reason so many people choose to visit Cyprus each year.

The ancient city of Paphos, with direct flights from the UK, is one of your best options, whether you are looking for fine dining, history and culture or simply some sunshine and sand. The mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, its charming old town and unique UNESCO World Heritage sites gives you a touch of traditional Cypriot and Mediterranean culture, but much of the island is within easy reach whatever you are interested in doing.

See the sights

First, you’ll want to get yourself oriented in Paphos. The beach – and more touristy area – is near the harbour. Jam-packed full of lovely quaint restaurants, popular bars and hotels, it may be popular, but what it has compared to most other sunny destinations is a huge dash of history. The archaeological site is just metres from the harbour, but you feel like you’re in a different world, with ancient mosaics at the House of Dionysus and the amazing Agora and mini amphitheatre are stunning. Paphos Castle and the lighthouse are well worth a look too.

The old town is a gorgeous collection of small streets, packed with cute shops offering local produce, and some a little further up from the beaches are ideal for souvenirs. We thoroughly recommend The Place, which sells everything from traditional olive oils to sweets and pottery all at very reasonable prices.

For those keen to see more of the small-town country, the village of Omodos is well worth hiring a car or taking a tour to see. Nestled in the Troodos Mountains, the tiny hamlet offers a look into a more traditional Cypriot way of life away from the hustle and bustle. The charming buildings and cobbled streets are beautiful, but it’s also home to the Monastery of the Holy Cross, the island’s oldest religious sight which is worth exploring – even if it’s just for the peace and quiet. For lunch, check out the Stou Kyr Yiann local tavern, which offers a huge variety of traditional meats, salads and local wines at great prices – with friendly and welcoming staff.

If you’re interested in the vino, the local Oenou Yi winery is an absolute must-see. Set in an incredible location with views around the valley, you can sit and soak up the sun while enjoying local wines (or spirits if you’re up for it!) or take a tour and find out more about the tradition of wine making in the region and its importance to local culture. We picked up a couple of bottles for less than 10 euros to enjoy at home – providing you’ve got check-in luggage!

Beach scene

There’s an abundance of gorgeous beaches in Paphos, with Coral Bay’s golden sands one of the most popular. Its calm shallow waters are ideal for families and it’s surrounded by many restaurants and bars. Faros Beach is a slice of sandy heaven with stunning views and warm shallow waters. It’s a great location as it’s near the medieval castle, harbour, and archeological site Tomb of the Kings. We also love Lara Bay, a picturesque sunbathing hot spot as well as a turtle conservation site.

Where to stay

On our four-day trip, we stayed at the adults-only, five-star Asimina Suites Hotel. It offers a range of options for your budget, from B&B to full board, and has its own private beach, three restaurants and a gorgeous outdoor pool. We loved spending an afternoon on the grass outside, close to the bar – where they serve gorgeous local tipples and classics like beer and prosecco – and soaking up the Mediterranean sun. Every evening there is live music in the restaurants, and you can take a complimentary gin tasting class or even learn how to make a cocktail should you fancy it. It truly is a slice of luxury, a short cab ride or 30-minute walk away from the centre of Paphos – which was the European Capital of Culture in 2017 – meaning it is peaceful in the evenings and relaxing in the days. It also has tennis courts, a gym, spa, yoga classes – really anything you can think of! It’s the perfect option for a romantic summer getaway, or to use as a base to explore the rest of the island.

Need to know

Words: Stephen Leng