Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos, Cyprus: Everything You Need To Know
Paphos is located on the southwestern coast of Cyprus.
Paphos, legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, is one of the big tourist draws in the Republic, with endless historical sites, beach resorts, and tourists to occupy them.
This is where the Republic’s second airport is, but the city has only recently come back to prominence. Once an important city due to the pilgrims who came to worship Aphrodite at her temple here, when Nicosia was founded in the 10th century, traffic dried up.
During the British Colonial period, the region became even less of value, and residents moved elsewhere. It was the most underdeveloped part of the island until 1974. In 1980, Paphos was granted UNESCO World Heritage Status for its ancient architecture, mosaics, and ancient religious importance.
It was a European Capital of Culture in 2017. Since the 80s, the city has garnered much attention from developers, and the coast here is now highly developed, home to a string of large-scale resorts.
Paphos has become a popular destination for expats throughout the years due to its climate, cost of living, lifestyle and quality of life, a well-established expat community, natural beauty in its landscape, English being widely spoken, and its cultural heritage.
Expat Community In Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos has a well-established expat community. It’s vibrant and multicultural with residents from Germany, Russia, the U.K., and other European countries as well as non-European countries.
Living in Paphos, you’ll have access to several expat groups, associations, and organizations. They’ll provide support and guidance to newcomers. It’s common for them to organize events, activities, and gatherings. Becoming part of your local expat group is a great way to make new friends and to network (you never know who you’ll meet).
The already established expat community in Paphos means English is widely spoken here. So, it makes it easier to navigate day to day life.
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Cost Of Living In Paphos, Cyprus
A couple can live in Paphos quite comfortably on a budget of about US$2,000 per month. This will vary depending on your lifestyle choices of course. The closer you decide to model your new life to that of locals, the more affordable you’ll find life to be here.
Here’s a closer look at what a monthly budget for a couple living in Paphos could look like…
Apartment Or House Rental Budget (For A Couple)
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$1,000 | One-bedroom apartment in the city center. |
| Transportation | US$45 | US$2 per one-way ticket. US$45 for monthly pass. |
| Utilities | US$140 | Electricity, including heating and cooling, and water. |
| Cell Phone | US$22 | Depends on the cell phone plan you choose. |
| Internet | US$40 | |
| Entertainment | US$300 | Eating out twice a week at a local restaurant. Beers twice a week at a local pub. Movie theater trip twice a month. |
| Groceries | US$300 | Monthly grocery haul for a couple. |
| TOTAL | US$1,847 |
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Things To Do In Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos, Cyprus offers attractions and activities that both locals and visitors can enjoy.
Here’s a list of things to consider doing while here…
1. Visit Archaeological Sites
Paphos has archaeological heritage that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Paphos Archaeological Park is a wonderful place to explore. Here you’ll be able to see the famous Roman mosaics, the Odeon amphitheater, the Tombs of the Kings, and the House of Dionysus.
2. Visit Paphos Castle
The Paphos Castle is an iconic landmark located in the heart of the city. It’s also known as the Paphos Fort.
The Paphos Castle dates back to the 13th century and was built by the Lusignans. This is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors are able to take in the massive stone blocks and all the architecture that make up this place.
3. Visit Paphos Harbor
The Paphos Harbor is an incredibly scenic and famous landmark. It’s popular among expats and locals alike making this a bustling part of the city.
The Paphos Harbor and Port is one of the most ancient ports in Cyprus and was built by King Nikoklis. This has been a hub of activity for centuries. Nowadays it is lined with restaurants, cafés, and shops.
From Paphos Harbor, you can take a boat and head out to explore stunning coastline and nearby attractions.
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4. Visit The Beaches In Paphos
Paphos enjoys a wonderful climate for most of the year making beaches and spending time in the warm ocean waters appealing to a lot of people.
If you’re in Paphos during the months of March to October or November, make sure to spend some time soaking up the sun and relaxing at the beach. Among the beaches you should consider visiting are Coral Bay, Lara Bay, and Faros Beach.
5. Enjoy A Day At The Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark
The Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is a popular water park that has slides, lazy rivers, pools, and attractions for people of all ages. This place is popular among families.
The Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is a great place to visit during the summer. It offers you and your family members the chance to cool off from the summer heat. Here you’ll have access to changing rooms, showers, sun beds, and umbrellas which you can rent.
6. Go Wine-Tasting
Paphos is home to wineries and vineyards. You can take a wine tour at one of the spaces and learn all you can about wine, wine tasting, local wine varieties, and more.
Among the well-known Paphos wineries are Vouni Panayia Winery and Sterna Winery.
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Safety In Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos is regarded as a safe place, just like the rest of Cyprus. It enjoys low crime rates and has well-established emergency services (police, ambulance, and fire services are usually ready to respond to any urgent situations).
However, like any other country, it’s strongly recommended to follow basic personal safety precautions. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night, be cautious when interacting with strangers, don’t flash your wallet or carry lots of cash, avoid wearing expensive jewelry, lock your homes and cars, and keep valuables out of sight.
Petty crime can occur in Paphos, Cyprus, just like anywhere else in the world. Pickpocketing, bag snatching, or theft can happen when you least expect it.
In short, make sure to stay vigilant and take precautions such as keeping valuables secure, and keeping your belongings close to you when using public transportation or in crowded areas.
Health Care In Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos offers high quality health care just like the rest of Cyprus. They have a well-developed system with quality medical services available to both residents and visitors. There’s a public and private health care system here.
The public health care system is funded through social insurance contributions and is available to legal residents and citizens. These public health care centers are known as Polyclinics and offer free or low-cost medical care.
The private health care system is preferred by expats and other residents. Private hospitals and clinics offer specialized care such as consultations with specialists, diagnostics, surgeries, and specialized treatments.
Health care professionals (doctors, nurses, and other professionals) are highly qualified. Many have studied and practiced abroad and are highly likely to speak English.
Paphos has pharmacies and are known as apotekes. They supply both prescription and over-the-counter meds as well as other health care products you might need. Pharmacists may also give health care advice for basic discomforts and minor injuries (like cuts for example).
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Visa And Residency Information For Paphos, Cyprus
United States passport holders do not need a visa to enter Cyprus and can remain there for 90 days.
In the south of Cyprus (Limassol), the easiest residency route is the Category F Permit, which is renewable annually, but it’s slow—it can take up to two years to be approved (during this time you can leave the country without penalty).
This is what we commonly refer to as the “self-sufficiency option”. So, as long as you can prove an income that will support you in the country, you’ll be given residency.
You don’t need to apply for this visa in advance of arriving in Cyprus, you can simply land in country on your tourist visa and extend it for up to a year while you apply.
This is an immediate permanent residency. But you may be asked to reprove your qualifications after a few years. So, it is essentially without expiration.
Stay up to date on any recent changes or for any other information on visa and residency permits by visiting the Cyprus Embassy in the United States website or by contacting them directly.
Weather In Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers are the norm here.
Spring runs from March to May. Temperatures during this time range from 63°F to 73°F.
Therefore, as the season progresses and nears summer, temperatures tend to rise a bit. This season is very picturesque in Paphos as flowers are in bloom and the landscape is green and lush.
Summer is from June to August and temperatures during this season range from 86°F to 95°F. On occasion, temperatures may get higher.
However, the warmth makes it a great time to enjoy spending time at the beach and enjoying a swim and other water activities in the ocean.
Fall runs from September to November. Temperatures during this season gradually get cooler but they do start somewhat warm ranging from 79°F to 68°F.
Like during the summer, temperatures during the fall are still pleasant to enjoy outdoor activities including a swim in the ocean.
Winters in Paphos, Cyprus, run from December to February. Temperatures during this season range from 61°F to 64°F, this is mild compared to other European destinations. This is also the wettest season of the year, but the rain is normally moderate and sporadic.
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Paphos, Cyprus FAQs
How Expensive Is Paphos, Cyprus?
Paphos isn’t particularly expensive. If you’re traveling here, plan to spend about US$110 per day.
What Is Paphos, Cyprus Known For?
Paphos, Cyprus is known for its cultural heritage and historical landmarks.
During your visit, plan to visit places such as the Tomb of the Kings, castles, and churches.
Do You Need A Car In Paphos, Cyprus?
In Paphos, Cyprus, you don’t need a car to get around. Buses are safe and inexpensive here. Many choose to walk as well, and it’s perfectly safe to do so.
Is Paphos, Cyprus, Safe For Female Solo Travelers?
Yes. Paphos, Cyprus, is safe for female solo travelers.
Cyprus as a whole is considered a very safe country that enjoy low crime rates. While pickpockets and petty theft may happen on occasion, they’re not common. Still, we recommend that you exercise basic safety precautions always.
