Paphos holidays

Lessons in romance and history

With its undulating hills, olive groves, rugged Troodos Mountains and gorgeous beaches, Cyprus is an island saturated with romantic vibes.

It's steeped in history too. Throughout there are historic churches filled with mosaics and aged fortresses. Richard the Lionheart held sway here in the Middle Ages, followed by the Knights Templar, while the Roman Marc Antony famously gifted the island to Cleopatra. The island has also been ruled by Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans and more recently, Brits. In fact, you'll find many British-style pubs and shops in Paphos, and they even drive on the left here - signs of a continuing British presence, which today is largely based upon tourism (although there are still two British military bases on the island).

The Brits love a bargain, and there are all sorts of all-inclusive package deals to Paphos up for grabs.

Thanks to the popularity of the resort, it's easy to bag a cheap holiday in Paphos.

Local life and mountain views

Even beyond the archaeological sites, the historic centre is charming, with local markets and restaurants serving traditional fare. The food here is a lively mix of Mediterranean influences, with plenty of fish on the menu, as well as local wines and liquors.

You will, of course, want to spend plenty of time on the beaches. It's not a phrase we bandy around lightly, but holidays in Paphos really do have something for everyone, whether you're after an all-inclusive family holiday in Paphos, or a cheap holiday in Paphos with a group of friends.

The area around Paphos is also increasingly popular for outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking, which are more fun in the cooler temperatures of spring and autumn.

Believed to be home to the goddess Aphrodite, Ancient Paphos was founded in the 4th century BC after Cyprus became part of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt.

Don't miss the incredibly detailed and colourful mosaics, contained within four Roman villas. The Houses of Orpheus and Theseus are the most striking, the latter for its depiction of Theseus slaying the Minotaur. The site also harbours the Ancient Odeon from the 2nd century, which is used for performances to this day.

Troodos

For a different perspective on the island, head to the foothills of the Troodos Mountains near Paphos.

Where you'll find Byzantine churches, little villages and ageless forests in which to wander.

Tomb of the Kings

A couple of miles west of the harbour is the beguiling Tomb of the Kings.

Sprawling like a vast anthill underground, this complex of fascinating tombs dates back to the 4th century BC. Mostly carved out of the soft rock itself, many of the tombs feature stunning Doric columns.

Medieval fort

The Byzantine castle of Paphos is quite a sight, though the original construction was largely ruined during an earthquake in the 13th century.

Built to protect the harbour, later Ottoman rulers saw the value of the fort and rebuilt it.

Beaches

Of course, you will want to spend some time on the lovely sandy beaches of Paphos. Many of the large hotels have control over the best spots, but the main strip can be a bit crowded in summer anyway.

Head just north of Paphos for several tranquil, idyllic beaches. Farther north still is the sublime Coral Bay.