Discover Paphos
Paphos (Greek: Pafos) on the west coast of Cyprus has been a place of mythical significance since antiquity. Here, on the coast between rocks and foam, the goddess Aphrodite is said to have emerged from the sea. The Romans made Paphos the capital of their province of Cyprus and left behind world-class floor mosaics.
Today, Paphos is a relaxed coastal town with about 35,000 inhabitants, clearly divided into two parts: Kato Paphos (Lower Paphos) by the harbor with the Archaeological Park and tourist hotels, and Ktima (Upper Paphos), the authentic old town on the hill above, where locals live, shop, and sit in the kafenions.
The Paphos region is also the gateway to the Akamas Peninsula, the last undeveloped coastal stretch of Cyprus — with the legendary Blue Lagoon, turtle beaches, and wild gorges.
Orientation
Paphos is easy to navigate and explore:
- Kato Paphos (Lower Paphos): The tourist area around the harbor, the castle, and the Archaeological Park. Hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops are concentrated here. All within walking distance.
- Archaeological Park: Directly north of the harbor, the centerpiece of Paphos. UNESCO World Heritage Site with the famous mosaics.
- Ktima (Upper Paphos): 2 km uphill. The real city with the market, the Ethnographic Museum, charming alleys, and authentic taverns. This is where the "real" Paphos lives.
- Coral Bay: 12 km north. The most popular sandy beach in the region with resorts and water sports.
- Akamas Peninsula: 30–40 km north. Nature reserve with the Blue Lagoon, Lara Beach, and the Avakas Gorge.
- Petra tou Romiou: 25 km southeast towards Limassol. The Aphrodite Rock.
