Where to stay in Paphos
Paphos splits neatly into two distinct zones: Kato Paphos down on the Mediterranean coast and Paphos Town (Ktima) sitting on the hillside above. Kato Paphos contains the harbor, main tourist strip, and ancient ruins, making it ideal for walking. Ktima feels like a working Cypriot city with markets and neoclassical architecture, requiring buses or cars to reach the sea.
Kato Paphos
This seafront district revolves around Poseidonos Avenue and the harbor promenade. Step out of your hotel directly onto coastal walking paths leading to the Archaeological Park of Paphos and the Medieval Castle. It gets busy with tour groups, but the convenience of walking to tavernas and the sea is unmatched.
Ktima (Paphos Town)
Perched on the plateau above the coast, Ktima centers around Kennedy Square and Makariou Avenue. It features restored stone alleyways, municipal gardens, and local art spaces like the Ibrahim’s Khan complex. You trade direct beach access for quieter evenings, superior local dining, and easy access to the main regional bus station.
Mouttallos
Directly adjacent to Ktima, Mouttallos is a historic district known for its narrow, winding streets and traditional whitewashed houses. It feels completely removed from coastal tourism. You can walk to the Old Town covered market in ten minutes, though reaching the harbor requires a short ride on the municipal bus.
Coral Bay
Located twelve kilometers north of central Paphos along Coral Bay Avenue, this purpose-built resort area hugs a sheltered horseshoe bay. It is flat, making it easy to walk between the soft sand beach, supermarkets, and family-friendly tavernas. You will need cars or the 615 bus to explore historical sites in town.
Rent a car in Paphos
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Compare car rentals in PaphosOne thing to think about
Avoid booking accommodation along lower Poseidonos Avenue directly adjacent to the Bar Street (Agiou Antoniou) strip if you value quiet nights. The late-night pub noise carries heavily, and the immediate dining options cater heavily to fast-food tourist crowds.
Other places to stay in Cyprus: lastminute.com · Megabon
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Paphos are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Paphos
Common questions
Where are the best sandy beaches located in Paphos?
The coastline directly along Kato Paphos is mostly rocky with artificial swimming piers. For natural, wide sandy beaches, head to Coral Bay or Corallia Beach, located a 25-minute bus ride north of the harbor, or drive to the wilder beaches around the Akamas Peninsula.
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