Things to do in Paphos: mosaics, harbor and the old town
Paphos is a seaside town in south west Cyprus with two halves: Kato Paphos, the harbor and the Roman ruins, and the old town, Ktima, on the hill above. The sights are spread along about three kilometers of coast road, so plan for buses or short taxi rides. Two days cover the main sites, and the island rewards a car on a third.
The short answer
- First trip
- Spend a morning at the Archaeological Park and the harbor, an afternoon in the old town, and an evening on the harbor front.
- Where to stay
- Kato Paphos puts you beside the harbor, sights and sea. The old town is quieter and more local, with a bus ride to the coast.
- How many days
- Two days for the town. Add one for Aphrodite's Rock and the villages if you can get a car.
- Best time to go
- April, May, October and early November: warm, open and quieter than July and August.
- Book ahead
- A rental car in summer, boat trips along the coast, and weekend tables at the better harbor restaurants.
- From the airport
- Paphos airport is about 15 km south east of town. Buses 612 and 613 take 30 to 40 minutes, and a taxi takes 20 to 25.
Where to stay in Paphos, in brief
Kato Paphos and the harbor
first-timers and sights on foot
The harbor, the castle, the mosaics and most restaurants are within a short walk. It is the busiest part of town in summer and can be loud on the harbor front at night.
The old town (Ktima)
local life and quiet
On the hill above the coast, with the municipal market, cafes and small museums. It is calmer and cheaper, but it is about three kilometers from the harbor, so you rely on buses or taxis.
The coast road to the Tombs of the Kings
beach hotels
Larger hotels with pools face the sea north of the harbor. The coastal path to the harbor is flat, and it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to walk.
Coral Bay
a beach holiday
A sandy bay about 10 kilometers north of Paphos with its own shops and restaurants. It suits a beach stay, not a city break, and you will need the bus or a car.
Things to do in Paphos
Paphos Archaeological Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site beside the harbor, with Roman villas whose floors are covered in mosaics. Check the official page for current hours, which change by season.
Paphos Castle
A small stone fort at the end of the harbor wall. It takes 20 minutes to see and the roof gives a view over the boats.
Paphos harbor front
A promenade of cafes, fishing boats and excursion boats. Walk it at sunset, and go a little way along the coastal path in either direction.
Tombs of the Kings
Rock-cut underground tombs from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, about three kilometers north of the harbor. Take a bus or a taxi, and go in the morning.
Saint Paul's Pillar and Agia Kyriaki
A ruined early Christian church beside a small chapel, set among ancient columns near the harbor. It is free to look around.
Odeon and the Roman Agora
A small Roman theater above the harbor that still holds concerts in summer. The path up is short and the view is good at sunset.
Paphos Municipal Market
A covered market in the old town with produce, olive oil, lace and crafts. Go in the morning, when the stalls are busiest.
Old town museums
The Archaeological Museum and the Ethnographic Museum in Ktima are small and uncrowded. They fit well into a hot afternoon.
Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock)
A sea stack on a pebble beach, said to be where Aphrodite came ashore. It is about 25 kilometers east of Paphos, so you need a car, a tour or a taxi.
a day or two ahead for a car in summer
A coastal boat trip
Boats leave from the harbor for short sea trips along the coast. Check the departure time and whether your trip stops for a swim.
a few days ahead in summer
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Paphos can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Paphos, and which to pick- A rental car for Aphrodite's Rock and the villages1 to 2 weeks ahead in summer
Public buses to the east and the hills are limited, and cars run short in July and August.
- Boat trips from the harbora few days ahead from June to September
Popular departures fill, and trips stop running in winter.
- Dinner on the harbor on a weekenda few days ahead from June to September
The better places have a limited number of tables with a sea view.
What to skip in Paphos
- The main tourist strip for dinner
Menus with photographs and a waiter at the door are common near the bars. Walk into the old town, or to one of the places in our food guide.
- Midday at the open-air ruins in July and August
There is little shade at the Archaeological Park. Go when it opens, or after 4pm, and swim in between.
- Walking between Kato Paphos and the old town in summer
It is about three kilometers, uphill on the way back. Take the bus or a taxi instead.
Best time to visit Paphos
April, May, October and early November are the best months: warm days around 22 to 28 degrees in the shoulder months, sea warm enough to swim in autumn, and sights without the summer crowds.
July and August are hot, often above 35 degrees, and busy with package visitors. December to February is mild but wet and breezy, and some seasonal businesses close, though the sights stay open.
- From Paphos airportThe airport is about 15 km south east of town. Bus 612 goes through Kato Paphos to the Tombs of the Kings, and bus 613 goes to Karavella bus station in the old town. Fares were €2 in October 2026, €3 after 9pm, and the ride takes 30 to 40 minutes. A taxi takes 20 to 25 minutes.
- In Kato PaphosThe harbor, the Archaeological Park and the restaurants are walkable. Paths follow the coast in both directions.
- Between the coast and the old townLocal buses and taxis link them. Walking is possible, but it is uphill on the way back.
- Beyond the townA car helps for Aphrodite's Rock, the wine villages and the north west coast. Cyprus drives on the left.
Paphos in two or three days
- Day 1
Archaeological Park and the castle in the morning. Lunch on the harbor, then the Odeon and Saint Paul's Pillar. Dinner in Kato Paphos.
- Day 2
Tombs of the Kings early, then the old town: the municipal market, the museums and lunch at a local taverna. Swim in the afternoon.
- Day 3
By car or tour to Aphrodite's Rock and Kouklia, with a late lunch in a village on the way back.
Day trips from Paphos
- Aphrodite's Rock and KoukliaAbout 25 kilometers east along the coast, 30 minutes by car. Stop at the beach at Petra tou Romiou and the small museum in Kouklia.
- The Akamas peninsulaWalking trails and quiet coves in the north west, about 45 minutes by car. Take water, a hat and sturdy shoes.
- The Troodos foothillsWine villages inland from Paphos, reached by car on winding roads. Allow a full day with lunch in a village.
Paphos: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Paphos?
Two days cover the Archaeological Park, the harbor, the Tombs of the Kings and the old town. Add a third for Aphrodite's Rock and the villages, and more if you want beach days.
Is Paphos worth visiting?
Yes, for the Roman mosaics, the harbor and an easy seaside break. It is less a big city than a coast town with good ruins, so it suits a relaxed trip.
Is Paphos walkable?
Kato Paphos is, and the old town is on its own. The two are about three kilometers apart, so you need a bus or a taxi between them.
What is the best time to visit Paphos?
April, May, October and early November. The weather is warm and the sights are open without the July and August heat.
Can I visit Paphos without a car?
Yes, for the town. Buses run along the coast and to the airport, and taxis fill the gaps. A car is useful for Aphrodite's Rock and the villages.
How do I get from Paphos airport to the town?
Take bus 612 to Kato Paphos or bus 613 to the old town, about €2 and 30 to 40 minutes, or a taxi in 20 to 25 minutes. Check the timetable, because buses are not frequent.