Paphos: the mosaics, the Tombs of the Kings and the west coast of Cyprus

Paphos: a whole town on the World Heritage list

You stand in a glass-walled shelter, and beneath your feet lies a floor laid by the Romans 1,800 years ago. Dionysus, god of wine, drives a chariot pulled by panthers, in thousands of tiny stones. The mosaics of Paphos are among the finest in the Mediterranean, and they are a short walk from the harbour.

Paphos is the westernmost town in Cyprus, and its whole old quarter, Kato Paphos, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was European Capital of Culture in 2017 and has its own airport. For the rest of the island, see our Cyprus travel guide.

Things to do in Paphos

• The Archaeological Park: the mosaic floors in the Houses of Dionysus, Theseus and Aion, a small theatre and the ruins of a Roman town centre by the sea.

• The Tombs of the Kings: tombs carved out of the limestone north of the harbour. No kings were buried here, but the name comes from how grand they are.

• The harbour and fort: the small medieval fort at the end of the harbour wall, with fish restaurants along the quay.

• Aphrodite's Rock: Petra tou Romiou lies about 25 kilometres east of town. According to myth, Aphrodite rose from the sea here.

• Coral Bay: the most popular sandy beach, a fifteen-minute drive north of the centre.

• Avakas Gorge: a narrow gorge with sheer walls on the Akamas Peninsula. Go in the morning and bring water.

Where to stay in Paphos

• Kato Paphos: close to the harbour, the mosaics and the restaurants. Best without a car.

• The beach hotels along Poseidonos Avenue: a row of hotels between the harbour and Coral Bay, with pools and a seafront promenade.

• Coral Bay and Peyia: closer to the best beaches and Akamas, but a car is almost essential.

• Polis and Latchi: an hour north, quiet and close to nature. A good choice for walkers.

When to go to Paphos

Paphos has one of the longest seasons in Europe. April to June and September to November are best, with 25 to 30°C and a warm sea. July and August are hot, but the sea breeze makes Paphos a little more comfortable than inland towns. In winter it is around 17 to 19°C during the day, good for sightseeing. See where is hot in October.

Good to know

• Cyprus drives on the left, and a hire car makes it easy to see Akamas and the Troodos Mountains.

• Town buses run between the harbour, the centre and Coral Bay.

• The beaches in Paphos itself are often rocks and pebbles. For sand, head to Coral Bay or Lara.

• More of the island's best beaches are in the best beaches in Cyprus.

Frequently asked questions about Paphos

Is Paphos worth visiting?

Yes. Paphos has the best ancient sites in Cyprus, a pleasant harbour and a short drive to the beaches of Coral Bay and the nature of the Akamas Peninsula.

How long do you need in Paphos?

Two days cover the mosaics, the Tombs of the Kings and the harbour. With a week you can add Akamas, Aphrodite's Rock and a day in the Troodos Mountains.

Does Paphos have sandy beaches?

The beaches in town are mostly rocks and pebbles. Coral Bay, fifteen minutes north, is the most popular sandy beach.

Is Paphos warm in November?

Yes, it is often around 22 to 24°C during the day in November, and the sea stays at about 22°C. Many people still swim.