Tranquil Coves and Ancient Greeks: Here’s Where To Stay in Paphos

Inhabited since Neolithic times (that’s quite a while), Paphos is a city situated on the southwest coast of Cyprus. Known for its rich history, beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes, it’s one of the best places to stay in Cyprus. Given its diversity (you could easily come here for a relaxing honeymoon on the beach, a family getaway or a party-all-hours weekend), there are plenty of different areas to pick and choose from when it comes to where to stay in Paphos. Our experts here at Plum Guide are here to help you filter out and narrow down your options. Keep reading for the inside scoop.

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Many would consider Kato Paphos the go-to destination when it comes to where to stay in Paphos. Built around the harbour and very much the centre of the new town, this vibrant neighbourhood with its rich history and lively atmosphere was designed for tourists. Within easy reach are some of the most well-known beaches, including Municipal Beach (rather popular) and Vrisoudia Beach (quieter). The picturesque harbour is walkable, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and plenty of delicious seafood restaurants. It’s still to this day a working fishing community, so you know you’re getting the fresh stuff.

Meanwhile, other accessible amenities in the area include the Paphos Archaeological Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the main attractions in Paphos), the Tomb of the Kings, as well as plenty more bars and restaurants serving a wide range of cheap, delicious Cypriot cuisine alongside well known international favourites.

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Known for its modern apartment complexes and villas, the Universal neighbourhood is located just a short walk from Kato Paphos. Over the years, it’s proven a popular choice for families and groups of friends looking for spacious, affordable accommodation. A short drive from the airport and well-connected with public transport, you’re still close to the heart of the action, but can enjoy a slightly quieter, more peaceful place to stay. There are plenty of local amenities here, with supermarkets, cafes, bars and restaurants found all over. Looking for a local eatery? Pambis Diner comes highly recommended, and you can also catch live music performances here.

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History buff or culture vulture? The Old Town of Paphos (sometimes known as Ktima Paphos) dates back to the Byzantine era. This neighbourhood has a rich past that can be seen in its many historic buildings and landmarks such as the St Kendeas Church, the Ottoman Baths and Ayia Sofia mosque. Be sure to visit the brilliant Paphos District Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of finds from the Paphos region dating from the Neolithic Age to 1700 AD.

Located in the northern part of the city centre, the Old Town is known and adored for its charming narrow streets, traditional architecture and quaint local workshops selling handmade crafts, souvenirs and Cypriot goods like lace, pottery and olive oil – the Old Town Market is a particularly good place to pick up some goods. It’s also a bit of a hub when it comes to cultural activity, with several festivals and events taking place throughout the year. Some of the most popular ones worth adding to your calendar include the Paphos Carnival and the Paphos Aphrodite Festival, which features opera and other musical performances.

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Want to experience a more local side of Paphos while still being close to the city’s attractions? Moutallos, also known as the Old Turkish Quarter, is the perfect place to base yourself. It’s primarily a residential neighbourhood with many local families living in the area, so you tend to get a more authentic experience compared with somewhere like Kato Paphos. As Moutallos is situated within the Old Town area, you have easy access to those charming, narrow streets and are surrounded by Byzantine architecture. When you need a break from all that sightseeing, cool off in the waters of nearby Vrexi Beach. It’s quite remote, so you can enjoy a more laid-back beach experience.

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Situated just northwest of Kato Paphos, Chloraka is a quiet, diverse neighbourhood. The buildings are a mix of historic and modern influences which reflect traditional Greek, Western European and Middle Eastern architecture. Set along the coast, you can find pristine beaches with no crowds, such as Vrexi Beach and Dimma Beach, as well as beautiful clifftop walks that thread all of these little coves and stretches of sand together. Within the neighbourhood are plenty of local eateries which show off the very best of Cypriot cuisine. The vibe here is much more laid-back and you’re more likely to get a chance to mingle with the locals among the restaurants, cafes and bars.

Take a ten-minute drive south and you’ll find yourself back in the heart of the action in Kato Paphos. Drive north along the coast and you’re soon in Coral Bay. This proximity makes Chloraka one of the best locations for those who want to be close to the beach and popular attractions while still experiencing a more local and residential side of Paphos

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Just a twenty-minute drive north from Kato Paphos, Coral Bay is known for its beautiful sand beaches and tranquil waters, offering a more secluded, laid-back beach holiday experience compared to staying in the heart of the city. The Blue Flag beach itself (considered one of the best in Paphos) is a 600-metre crescent of soft white sand, enclosed by a pair of limestone headlands – you can probably picture yourself relaxing there already. The shallow waters are perfect for swimming and there are all kinds of water sports on offer if you feel like exploring the coastline. When you get hungry, you don’t have to go too far as there are many beach bars and restaurants nearby. Aside from the beach, the other main area of action is Coral Bay Avenue which is lined with eateries, shops and live music venues featuring everything from traditional music to Elvis impersonations.

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Situated in the hills above Coral Bay, Peyia is a wonderful village offering some of the most memorable views across the Mediterranean Sea. Just a twenty-minute drive from Kato Paphos, Peyia offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and modern amenities. Being a traditional Cypriot village, it doesn’t take much to uncover the rich cultural heritage. It’s well known for its folklore museum, which showcases local traditions and customs, as well as its traditional tavernas, where visitors can enjoy authentic Cypriot cuisine.

Below the village are the beautiful beaches and coves Paphos is so well known for. Want to switch sunbathing for something a little more active? Peyia is also a great starting point for hikes and bike rides to the nearby Akamas Peninsula National Park, an incredible landscape of valleys, gorges and sandy bays. As it’s home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, don’t forget to bring your camera.

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When considering where to stay in Paphos for family-friendly neighbourhoods, Yeroskipou (sometimes called Geroskipou) is your best bet. Located just east of Paphos and surrounded by orchards, vineyards and olive groves, it has a quaint village atmosphere. In fact, it’s one of the oldest and most historic villages in Cyprus, with a history that dates back to ancient times. Because of this, you’ll find plenty of archaeological sites and ancient monuments in the area, as well as historical landmarks such as the Agia Paraskevi Byzantine Church and the Geroskipou Folk Art Museum. The village goes by another name, too – ‘The Sacred Garden’ alludes to the Goddess Aphrodite, who is said to have tended her gardens in this neighbourhood.

Additionally, there’s a rich cultural heritage which includes traditional crafts like pottery and lace-making, as well as many old-world sweet shops selling loukoumi, a type of Turkish delight (you can see why this is family-friendly now). Still need convincing? The Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is a five-minute drive away – perfect for kids of all ages (yes, dad, that includes you).

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