Paphos Region Holidays

Just like the name suggests, Paphos is the big cheese in the Paphos Region. It’s not got the party-centric CV of Ayia Napa, on the opposite coast, but pulls in the crowds with its Blue Flag beaches and love affair with Greek mythology. Limassol’s styled in a similar fashion, while the likes of Coral Bay and Chlorakas offer a trimmed-down alternative to suit the laidback package holiday crowd. The whole lot’s overlooked by the sky-high Troodos Mountains, so the panoramas are on point.

Cyprus often answers to the name Aphrodite’s Island, with Paphos said to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love. There’s plenty of physical history to clap eyes on, too, with the entire south-west coast set up like a game of sightseeing hopscotch. Paphos Archaeological Park’s home to a bunch of must-visits, including a ruined Roman villa known as the House of Dionysos, a seafront Medieval castle, and the UNESCO-ranked Tombs of the Kings.

This corner of the island plays the beach game like a seasoned pro. There are Blue Flag stretches for days, ranging from cushion-soft Coral Bay in the north, to pebbly Pissouri Beach in the south. Paphos hogs the most accredited strips of sand, though, with nine separate scoops within striking distance of the town. The platform-style Municipal Baths, beside Paphos Harbour, is like an urban beach, while Vrysoudia Beach opts for the tried-and-tested palm and parasol approach.