A place in the sun 326 days a year…

Paphos truly is a place of contrasts, where bars, clubs and beachwear-clad tourists are juxtaposed with historical sites. In ancient times Paphos was the capital of Cyprus and this legacy lives on in the numerous attractions that are located there: the medieval fortress, Paphos Archaeological Park, and the fourth-century Unesco World Heritage site and the Tombs of the Kings, to name but a few. The town is split into two distinct areas, Kato Pafos and Ktima - the former playing host to the neon nightlife, while the latter gives the visitor a taste of the ‘real’ Paphos. There are plenty of sandy and pebbly beaches in Paphos but a short bus ride will take you to Coral Bay which is arguably the best beach in the area and a glorious place to while away the hours under the radiant sun.

Why Go?
Sunshine, beaches, history and a plethora of things to do. A morning spent taking in the rays can be combined with an afternoon visiting some of the important historical sites that adorn the island. Beach-lovers, historians, night-owls, families - there’s something for everyone.

When to Go?
Paphos is a year-round destination. Don’t expect to wander around in swimwear in the winter months, but pack t-shirts and a light jacket, and you should be fine. Spring and autumn are great times to visit when it’s warm but the majority of tourists are yet to arrive. Summer is wonderfully hot but be prepared to share the beaches, restaurants, bars and sights with swathes of people.

How to get there?
Paphos International Airport is 8km southeast of the town. Direct flights from the UK take between 4 and 5 hours and are available from most UK international airports. Another option is to fly to Larnaca but then you’ll have to do a 2-hour land transfer to Paphos.

Must see
Head to Ktima where you’ll find Paphos’ best restaurants, along with the majority of the town’s museums and some delightful colonial buildings. Take time out to visit Paphos Archaeological Park to feast your eyes on some of the best-preserved mosaics in the world.  Aphrodite Water Park will make a real splash if you’re travelling with kids. And, if you fancy getting out of Paphos and exploring the island a little, hire a car and head inland to the cool, fresh Troodos Mountains or along the coast to Aphrodite’s birthplace.