Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
A UNESCO-listed spread of Roman Paphos beside the harbour, where four grand villas keep mosaic floors of Greek myths, alongside an Odeon, an agora, a sanctuary of the healing god and a ruined Byzantine castle.
Cyprus
Cyprus (Paphos & Limassol)
Cyprus’s south-west coast packs three thousand years of myth and history, pine-covered mountains and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean into an easy hour’s drive.
Paphos, the island’s Roman capital, sits on top of its own past: the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, holds Roman villas whose mosaic floors still show the gods of Greek mythology, and just up the coast the rock-cut Tombs of the Kings were carved for the city’s aristocrats. Along the shore road east, the sea stacks of Petra tou Romiou mark the spot where Aphrodite is said to have risen from the foam, and the clifftop ruins of Kourion look down over the bay. Limassol, the island’s lively second city, pairs a medieval castle and old port with a long seafront promenade, a smart marina and wine villages in the hills behind. From either base you can head into the Troodos mountains for stone villages, monasteries and wineries, or out to the wild Akamas peninsula, where jeep tracks lead to gorges and boats drop anchor in the turquoise Blue Lagoon. This guide shows what to book, what each experience is really like in the cooler months as well as summer, how to split your days between Paphos and Limassol, and where to stay, from a sea-view five-star to a family-run hotel in Paphos old town.
Don't miss
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
A UNESCO-listed spread of Roman Paphos beside the harbour, where four grand villas keep mosaic floors of Greek myths, alongside an Odeon, an agora, a sanctuary of the healing god and a ruined Byzantine castle.
Tombs of the Kings, Paphos
Monumental underground tombs cut from solid rock beside the sea north of Paphos harbour, some with Doric pillars and sunken courtyards built to look like the houses of the aristocrats buried inside.
Limassol Castle and the Cyprus Medieval Museum
A stout stone castle by Limassol’s old port, where legend says Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, now home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum with its armour, coins, pottery and Byzantine silver.
Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock)
The sea stacks on the coast between Paphos and Limassol where Aphrodite is said to have risen from the foam, a free and photogenic stop on one of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline in Cyprus.
Things to do in Cyprus (Paphos & Limassol)
Tombs of the Kings, Paphos
Monumental underground tombs cut from solid rock beside the sea north of Paphos harbour, some with Doric pillars and sunken courtyards built to look like the houses of the aristocrats buried inside.
Blue Lagoon and Baths of Aphrodite Day Trip from Paphos
A full day from Paphos to the wild Akamas peninsula, with a boat ride past sea caves and a shipwreck to swim in the turquoise Blue Lagoon, plus Latchi harbour, the Baths of Aphrodite and Polis.
Akamas Jeep Safari and Avakas Gorge Tour from Paphos
A full-day 4x4 trip from Paphos into the rugged Akamas peninsula, with a walk through the high limestone walls of Avakas Gorge, Lara Bay and its turtle station, lunch at Latchi and a winery stop.
Troodos Mountains Day Trip with Wine Tasting from Paphos
A small-group day from Paphos into the pine-clad Troodos range, with a medieval stone bridge, a waterfall trail, a mountain winery tasting and the cobbled wine village of Omodos.
Troodos Wine Villages Food and Wine Tour from Limassol
An all-inclusive small-group day from Limassol into the Troodos wine villages, with four or five food tastings, a winery tour, a long meze lunch with local wine and an afternoon in Omodos.
Kourion, Kolossi Castle and Limassol Day Trip from Paphos
The clifftop ruins of ancient Kourion, with a Greco-Roman theatre facing the sea and mosaic-floored houses, on a guided day from Paphos that adds Kolossi Castle, a wine museum, Limassol Marina and Aphrodite’s Rock.
Limassol Castle and the Cyprus Medieval Museum
A stout stone castle by Limassol’s old port, where legend says Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, now home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum with its armour, coins, pottery and Byzantine silver.
FreePetra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock)
The sea stacks on the coast between Paphos and Limassol where Aphrodite is said to have risen from the foam, a free and photogenic stop on one of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline in Cyprus.
30 minutes to 1 hourDetails →
Paradox Museum Limassol
A hands-on museum of optical illusions in Limassol, with more than fifty mind-bending exhibits, mirror mazes and photo-friendly rooms that play tricks on your eyes, for all ages and any weather.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Amara, Limassol
Agios Tychonas (east Limassol coast)
A five-star seafront hotel east of Limassol where every one of its 207 rooms faces the Mediterranean, with restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs, an infinity pool, a rooftop bar and a full spa.
Rates on Expedia →Annabelle, Paphos
Kato Paphos seafront
A family-run five-star on the Paphos seafront promenade, a short walk from the harbour and the mosaics, with waterfall pools, a rooftop pool and lounge, four restaurants and the Ouranos spa.
Rates on Expedia →Almyra, Paphos
Kato Paphos seafront
A stylish, family-friendly design hotel on the Paphos seafront, with sea-view rooms and Kyma suites, several restaurants, an adults-only spa and pools for every age, a short walk from the harbour.
Rates on Expedia →Crowne Plaza Limassol
Limassol seafront (Agios Athanasios)
A four-star beach hotel on the Limassol seafront promenade, billed as the closest beach hotel to the city centre, with a private sandy cove, a sea-facing pool, a heated indoor pool and free parking.
Rates on Expedia →Axiothea Hotel, Paphos
Paphos upper town (Ktima)
A small, friendly budget hotel in the upper town of Paphos, beside the Byzantine Museum and the cathedral, with sea and city views from its terrace, a much-praised breakfast and free parking.
Rates on Expedia →Cyprus (Paphos & Limassol) guides
First Time in Cyprus: Paphos and Limassol, What to Book and How Many Days
The practical primer for a first trip to Cyprus’s south-west coast: when to go, how many days to give Paphos and Limassol, how to get around, what to book ahead and where the headline sights fit.
Where to Stay in Paphos and Limassol: Best Areas and Hotels
Where to stay on a Paphos and Limassol trip: the Kato Paphos seafront or the upper town in Paphos, and the city promenade or the eastern hotel strip in Limassol, with the best hotel for each.
