Paphos Villa Holidays

Paphos is Cyprus at its most historically layered — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a claimed birthplace of Aphrodite, and a modern resort town all occupying the same stretch of coastline. The old town of Kato Paphos has Roman mosaics considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean, just sitting in an open-air archaeological park five minutes walk from the beach. The coast between Paphos and Polis to the north is some of the most beautiful in Cyprus — dramatic cliffs, clear water, and the Akamas Peninsula, one of the last truly wild areas on the island.

Beaches Coral Bay north of Paphos is the most popular beach — a wide sandy cove with good facilities. The beaches around the Akamas Peninsula are wilder and cleaner, accessible by jeep or boat. Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou) along the coast towards Limassol is the legendary birthplace of the goddess — a dramatic rock stack in clear water, more beautiful than the tourist signs suggest.

Things to Do The Paphos Archaeological Park is essential — four Roman villas with extraordinary floor mosaics, most still in situ. The Tombs of the Kings nearby is an underground necropolis carved into rock. Drive the Akamas Peninsula on a jeep safari and stop at the Baths of Aphrodite. The medieval castle at the harbour is worth an hour.

Food & Drink Cyprus has its own distinct food culture — meze here means 20 to 30 small dishes served continuously rather than the small selection you get in Greece. Halloumi grilled fresh is entirely different to the packaged version. Souvla — large cuts of meat slow-rotated over charcoal — is the Cypriot equivalent of a Sunday roast. The local Commandaria dessert wine has been produced continuously since the 12th century.

When to Go April through October. Cyprus has one of the longest seasons in the Mediterranean — April is warm enough to swim and October stays genuinely hot. July and August are very hot inland but the coast stays bearable.