From Aphrodite’s legendary shores to Roman mosaics, medieval castles and charming harbour towns, this sun-soaked region of Cyprus blends natural beauty with rich cultural heritage.
Paphos Castle, sitting at the edge of the harbour and reflected in the water that surrounds it, offers excellent views across the bay to the distant low hills to the north.
Housed in an archaeological park north-west of the harbour, Paphos’s Roman mosaics are one of the glories of Cyprus and simply unmissable.
In Ktima Paphos, the narrow lanes of the Turkish Quarter have been turned into a bustling covered market, whose southern edge offers fine views south towards the harbour.
The coasts north and south of Paphos offer several of the island’s most luxurious resorts, as well as many fine beaches and Aphrodite’s Rock, where the goddess is said to have risen from the sea.
Inland stretch sunny uplands, carpeted in vineyards and dotted with wineries, monasteries and pretty villages.
Paphos district, which takes up the whole of the western end of Cyprus, is probably the most varied and attractive region on the island. Most visitors gravitate towards the gorgeous sweep of coast south of Paphos town and south-east towards Pissouri, close to Aphrodite’s Rock, where legend has it the goddess of love and beauty first rose from the sea to make Cyprus her home.
Paphos town itself is split into two parts. In Kato Paphos (Lower Paphos), among the hotels, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops, are a number of fascinating historical sites, including the 16th-century castle, frequently used as a backdrop for concerts, plays and operas, and an unmissable archaeological park, home to a series of Roman mosaics, each more impressive than the next. Ktima Paphos (Upper Paphos), three kilometres north, is more sedate and atmospheric, with its old Turkish Quarter and fine views towards the harbour.
Rarely does a destination so effortlessly capture the essence of its surroundings as Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort. It’s not just the commanding Mediterranean Sea views or the centuries-old olive trees dotting its gardens that give this place an unmistakable magic — it’s the way the entire resort feels like a celebration of all things Cyprus.
Situated in the peaceful Bay of Pissouri, Columbia Beach Resort radiates the charm and character of traditional Cypriot architecture, with low-rise buildings, honey-coloured stone walls and quaint archways leading to vibrant grounds and a Blue Flag sand and shingle beach.
Encased by tropical gardens and palm trees, this luxury adults-only boutique hotel is contemporary yet warm and welcoming. It boasts a beautiful sandy beach, lagoon-style outdoor pools and a heavenly Elixir Spa, all while in reach of popular Paphos harbour.
A Grande Dame on the Paphos hotel scene, the Annabelle has been delighting guests for decades. Captivating for its chic style, coastal backdrop and proximity to the harbour, the hotel offers guests the perfect combination of understated glamour and near-endless facilities, including stunning pools and fabulous restaurants.
It may take its name from Greek mythology but there’s something almost Byzantine about the arches, columns and honey-coloured stonework of beautiful Elysium. The landmark hotel sits just along the seafront from Paphos Harbour, though is sheltered from the bustle by its gates, walls and spectacular gardens.