Introduction:
Paphos, Cyprus has one of the best climates in the world, arguably the best in the Mediterranean.Year-round pleasant temperatures and lots to see make it a wonderful holiday destination year round.
Type of holidays:
Visitors of all kinds are drawn to this island paradise that is a perfect combination of the modern and ancient world. Self catering and bed and breakfast are the most popular options for extended stays (a week or more), since there are so many excellent dining opportunities.
Main holiday season:
Paphos enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. Even the winters are mild and very short. Tourists wanting a typical beach vacation will find the ideal climate - long sunny days, high temperatures and little chance of rain- from June to October.
The great weather can arrive as early as April and last through the whole of October when Paphos can still be hot with plenty of sunshine with not much rain.
Popular sports and activities:
There's plenty to see and do in Cyrpus. For the best way to sightsee, George's Fun Bus is a great choice. Lunch is provided and there's a laugh-a-minute atmosphere.
Hiring a private car from a company such as Micky's Day Tours is another recommended choice.
A less informative yet very fun excursion is the Paphos Sea Cruise Sea Star from City Sightseeing Paphos. The entertainment, free drinks and excellent food are all huge selling points.
For underwater adventures, Paphos has plenty of choices, such as the popular Coral Bay Divers. PowerDiving, located in Paphos, Latchi and Polis, is another popular option. There is very little equipment attached to the diver for optimal mobility underwater. Another innovative opportunity is Undersea Walking. Divers get the chance to walk the sea bed and hand-feed fish.
Mountain Bike Cyprus will appeal to active tourists. The company has guided tours and rental services as well.
Popular excursions:
Sightseeing is an extremely popular Paphos activity with good reason.
The Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, for example, has mosaics that are said to be worth the price of admission alone. Tombs of the Kings is another site, easily accessible through public transport, and visiting Paphos without seeing Aphrodite's Rock is unacceptable. The cave entrance is the best way to get a first impression of the grandiose natural landmark.
Children will enjoy playing in Paphos Harbour Castle. Free entry to the first floor makes it an ideal site to visit for those on a budget.
There are also working monasteries in the area: Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery and Ayios Neophytos Monastery.
Golf is a popular year-round activity, with courses that also offer incredible ocean views and gourmet dining experiences, such as Ela Golf.
Also, outfitters such as Ride in Cyprus offer unique tours via horseback that can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.
Families (and kids at heart) will love the Super Aphrodite Waterpark.
Beaches:
Paphos has several beaches. Coral Bay is one of the most popular and provides access to many water sports and restaurants. Latchi Beach is also backed by shops and restaurants and is close to the Bath of Aphrodite.
Ladiesâ Mile Beach in Limassol is great for families with small children because the water is shallow.
Both Governor's Beach and Pissouri Beach are popular with active tourists, thanks to the wide range of water sports on offer.
Nightlife:
For nightlife, head straight to Bar Street. Here you will find a number of bars and clubs that will keep you entertained until the early hours.
Flintstones Bar is a themed bar, known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
O'Neills Irish Bar is open year round and often has live music. Different Bar is a trendy gay lounge-bar, ideally suited in the middle of the nightlife district.
Or, for a retro vibe, try out The Sixties Bar- a 60âs themed venue.
Most popular hotels/resorts:
Paphos has an assortment of accommodation choices.
The recently-updated Atlantica Golden Beach Hotel is an excellent choice for those on a budget, as is the Paphinia Sea View Apartments.
Hilltop Gardens Hotel Apartments also offer great value for money but is further out than other accomodation.
Coral Beach Hotel and Resort, on the other hand, is ideally situated right on the beach and even has its own private harbour.
Eleni Holiday Village offers everything from all inclusive to self catering, with an excellent menu that offers cooked-to-order items.
If pampering is what tourists are after, Capital Coast Resort and Spa is the place to go for excellent yet affordable services.