🇨🇾Cyprus · Places to discover
What to see in Paphos?
10 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
Paphos occupies a singular place in Cyprus: a UNESCO World Heritage site, it concentrates some of the Mediterranean's best-preserved Roman mosaics within a few square kilometres, along with a Byzantine port and Neolithic sites. The city operates at two speeds-the touristy Kato Paphos by the water, and upper Paphos, Ktima, where locals do their shopping and drink their coffee without giving a thought to organised tours.
Spring (March–May) is the most reliable season: the heat is manageable and archaeological sites like Paphos Archaeological Park or the Tombs of the Kings are visited without suffering. Two days cover the historical heart, three if you explore the region. Car hire is essential once you leave the waterfront. Steer clear of tavernas directly on the harbour: they live entirely off passing trade and quality suffers accordingly.
Landmarks & heritage
3 places
1Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Landmark
Roman Odeon of Kato Paphos
Small Roman theatre from the 2nd century, partially restored and still used for summer concerts. Sitting on the stone tiers, you understand why the Romans always chose the best locations.
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Landmark
Landmark
St Paul's Column
Ancient granite column to which, by tradition, the Apostle Paul was scourged before converting the Roman governor Sergius Paulus. Nestled in a small garden beside the Chrysopolitissa basilica.
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Landmark
Landmark
Tombs of the Kings
A Hellenistic and Roman rock-cut necropolis with impressive chamber tombs featuring Doric columns. Despite the name, these were the burial places of high-ranking Ptolemaic officials – the atmosphere at sunset is unique.
Museums
1 place
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Museum
Museum
Paphos District Museum
Small archaeological museum in Ktima housing local finds from prehistoric to Byzantine times. Essential viewing before visiting sites to understand the context – and remarkably quiet.
Religious sites
1 place
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Religious site
Religious site
Chrysopolitissa Basilica
Ruins of one of Cyprus's largest Early Christian basilicas (4th century), superimposed with a later Gothic Frankish church. A fascinating architectural palimpsest in the open air.
Castles & fortresses
1 place
6Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.5Castle
Paphos Castle
Medieval Byzantine fortress modified by the Lusignan and later Ottoman rulers, positioned at the end of the fishing port. Commanding views of the sea and fishing boats from the battlements, with modest entrance fees.
Parks & gardens
1 place
7Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0Park
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
UNESCO-listed site housing some of the world's best-preserved Roman mosaics, dating from the 2nd–4th centuries. The Houses of Dionysus, Orpheus and Aion reveal astonishing iconographic richness.
Viewpoints
1 place
8Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Viewpoint
Paphos Lighthouse
19th-century white lighthouse standing within the archaeological park, offering a visual landmark and clear views of the sea and ruins. Often overlooked by visitors in a hurry.
Activities
1 place
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Activity
Activity
Agora of Ktima (Municipal Market)
Covered marketplace in Paphos's upper town, where local traders sell artisanal halloumi, loukoumades, marinated olives and regional produce. The true daily pulse of the city, away from the seafront.
More to discover
1 place
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Place
Place
Ktima - upper district of Paphos
The true town of Paphos, perched on the plateau above the harbour, with its Cypriot shopping streets, locals' kafeneions and market. A striking contrast with the seaside tourist zone.
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