Paphos.

• The Lodge Steakhouse

  Best place in town for proper South African style steaks. Dry aged Limousin beef flame grilled on a charcoal braai, paired with cape inspired seafood and a wine list that does the meat justice. Warm rustic interior, dependable service, the kind of meal you settle in for.
• Duomo

  Elegant Italian spot, great for a nice dinner out. The room feels grown up without being stiff, the pasta is properly handmade, and the wine list leans Italian and Cypriot. Service has the kind of polish you rarely find in town. Book ahead on weekends.
• Honey Restaurant

  Modern Mediterranean dishes and a relaxed vibe. The menu reads short but every plate is considered, with seasonal Cypriot produce and a light hand on the seasoning. Equally good for a leisurely lunch or a low key dinner with friends. Cocktails are a quiet strength.
• Agora Tavern

  My go to for meze. Generous, traditional, and paced the way it should be: small plates that keep arriving until you wave the white napkin. Bring an appetite and a few friends, order the mixed meze, and let the kitchen do its thing. House wine works fine.
• To Petradaki

  A truly traditional meze, the kind your Cypriot grandparents would approve of. Tucked away in the countryside, the family kitchen sends out wave after wave of village classics with no fuss. Worth the drive, especially on a long Sunday lunch with people you actually like.
• The Farmyard

  Genuinely excellent Asian cuisine, which sounds like a low bar in Cyprus but very much isn’t here. The kitchen runs across Thai, Chinese and Japanese with confidence, and the dim sum and curries are the standouts. Worth the drive, ideally with a group so you can order widely.
• Koutourou

  Modern Greek and Cypriot fusion in the old town. Familiar ingredients show up in unexpected pairings, plated with a bit more thought than the usual taverna. Atmosphere is intimate, the wine list is interesting, and it’s the kind of place you end up staying longer than planned.
• Psarou

  Great seafood meze. Twenty plus small plates of whatever came in that day: octopus, calamari, prawns, grilled fish, properly fried whitebait. Family run and unfussy, with the kind of seafront tables you book in advance. Pair it with a cold local white and a long afternoon.
• King Fisher

  Great seafood restaurant, and a slightly more polished take than the seafront tavernas. The catch is fresh, the grill is treated with respect, and they’re confident enough to keep things simple. Good for a date, a small celebration, or anyone who takes their fish seriously.
• Theos at the Harbour

  Great seafood, with a harbour view that does most of the work. In high summer it gets busy and touristy, which can blur the experience. Low season is better: cooler evenings, fewer tables, and you actually taste the fish. Book a table outside if you can.
• Soho Bar

  The best sushi in Paphos, hands down. Rolls, sashimi, and a few inventive house plates that wouldn’t feel out of place in a bigger city. Also great for cocktails, with a bartender who actually cares. Equally good for an early dinner or a late drink with friends.
• Laona

  Best lunch spot if you want local comfort food. Family run and welcoming, with a daily blackboard of slow cooked stews, oven dishes and the kind of home cooking that’s hard to find on a menu. Small, busy with locals, and the right call for a long lunch.
• Viklari (The Last Castle)

  Taverna up a dirt road with one of the best views around: vines, stone terraces, and the coast unfolding below. They only serve souvla, salad and chips, and that’s the whole point. Go for a long Sunday lunch, bring cash, and don’t be in a hurry.
• Don Carlo

  Reliable Italian neighbourhood restaurant. Proper pizza from the wood oven, fresh pasta done without fuss, and a small wine list that leans Italian. The kind of place locals book for a Tuesday night without thinking twice. Warm service, fair prices, the sort of dinner you come back to.

• San Genaro Pizza

  Solid Naples-style pizza from a wood oven, with toppings that don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Order a classic Margherita or Diavola and eat it straight away. Quick service, friendly counter, prices that make sense for a weeknight. One of the better takeaway pizzas in town.
• Pita Express

  Reliable pita and souvlaki spot for a quick bite or takeaway. Fast, generous, well priced. Pro tip: try the mexican chicken, which has a small but loyal following. Good late, good early, and the kind of place you find yourself ordering from more than you planned.
• Argos Burgers

  Long running burger joint with a loyal local following. Classic smash style patties, proper buns, decent fries, and house sauces that work. Nothing fancy, just done well consistently. Good for a hungry takeaway lunch or a late night order when nothing else feels right.
• Burger Stories

  Bigger, more inventive burgers from a kitchen that’s clearly enjoying itself. Loaded toppings, smoked options, vegetarian builds that actually deliver. Sides are above average too. Good takeaway if you want a more substantial meal than a quick smash burger, especially if sharing between a couple of people.
• Healthy Way

  Bowls, wraps, salads and smoothies for when you’ve eaten too much halloumi and need a reset. Fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a menu that gives you protein options without leaning preachy. Good lunch takeaway for a beach day or a work from home break. Family friendly.
• Feeka

  Modern café and takeaway with a strong specialty coffee programme. Brunch bowls, sourdough sandwiches, sweet bakes that look as good as they taste. The kind of place you order from when you want something a step nicer than the usual quick lunch. Good vegetarian options too.
• Oggi Pasta & Pizza

  Italian takeaway that does both pizza and fresh pasta properly. The pasta gets cooked to order and the sauces taste like someone cared. Pizza is wood oven and reliable. Generous portions, decent value, and a good default when you don’t want to think too hard about dinner.

• Kika’s Garden

  Small family place with a garden full of flowers and homemade food. Everything tastes like it took its time, from the bread to the jams to the seasonal mains. Sit outside, order coffee, and let the morning stretch. Thursday to Sunday only, and worth planning around.
• Noma (Latchi)

  Worth the short drive to Latchi. Seaside spot for breakfast or brunch, with an easy menu that does the basics properly: good eggs, fresh bread, real coffee, a few Mediterranean twists. Pair it with a walk along the harbour and you’ve earned the rest of the day.

• Antasia

  Stylish all day spot right on the sand. Loungers in the morning, a proper menu through lunch, drinks as the light drops. The crowd shifts but the vibe holds, and the seafront setting makes most days here feel slightly better than the one before. Easy default.
• Oniro by the Sea Seasonal

  My personal favourite for cocktails and views. Set right by the Edro III shipwreck and the sea caves, the location does half the work; the bar handles the rest with a tight cocktail list. Time your visit for sunset and don’t book anything else for after.
• Suite 48 Seasonal

  Chill seafront bar with great sunset views and lounge vibes. The kind of place where one drink turns into three, soft music nudges the evening forward, and the seafront does the heavy lifting. Best in the golden hour, especially midweek when it stays quiet and unhurried.
• Cabana Seasonal

  The best daytime beach bar. Perfect for relaxing, lounging, and swimming straight out of your sun bed and into the sea. The food keeps up with the setting, the music is well judged, and on a good day you’ll happily stay from late morning until the light goes.
• Sandy Beach Bar Seasonal

  Easygoing beach bar right on the sand, the kind of place where the music is just loud enough and the sun beds fill up by mid morning. Solid lunch menu, cold drinks, fast service. Good for a low key day at the beach without committing to a fancier setup. Family friendly.

• Coral Bay

  Long golden sand beach, family friendly, lifeguarded in summer. The default choice if you just want a proper beach day: sun beds, parasols, gentle water for kids, and easy parking nearby. Plenty of food and drink along the strip. Arrive early on weekends to claim a good spot.
• Blue Lagoon (Akamas)

  Turquoise water you’d think was Photoshopped, set inside the protected Akamas peninsula. Reach it by boat from Latchi or, if you fancy the long way, by 4×4 along the dirt track. Pack snorkel gear, water and shade, since there is nothing on shore but the view itself.
• Lara Bay

  Wild, undeveloped, and a protected nesting site for green and loggerhead turtles, which makes it special and a little sacred. No facilities, so bring everything in and out, including shade. Respect the nesting zones marked along the sand and you get one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus.
• Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock)

  More of a stop than a swim. Mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, with a pebbly beach and a dramatic rock backdrop that has been on every Cyprus postcard ever printed. The currents can be strong, so most people come for the photo, a short walk, and the view from above.
• Latchi

  Small fishing harbour with calm water and great seafood lunch options nearby. Boats head out to the Blue Lagoon, fishermen unload the catch, and tavernas line the waterfront with grilled fish straight off the day’s haul. A good base for half a day in the western corner.
• Venus Beach

  Long, easy beach right on the seafront promenade, walking distance from the harbour and the Kato Paphos hotels. Sun beds, parasols, lifeguarded in summer, and plenty of beach bars and cafés a few steps away. The most convenient swim if you’re staying close to town.
• Yeroskipou Municipal Beach

  Blue Flag beach with calm shallow water, sun loungers, showers and tavernas along the promenade. Family friendly, easy to reach, and a sensible default if you want a beach day without the drive. A more local crowd than Coral Bay, and the calmer water makes it good for kids.

• Ethos

  Cozy and modern wine bar with a wide selection, leaning heavily on Cypriot producers but with enough imports to keep it interesting. Nice for a quieter evening, the kind where you actually talk. Knowledgeable staff, a short snack menu that pairs well, and lighting that flatters everyone.
• Beeroom

  Craft beer lovers’ spot. Casual, friendly, and full of locals, with a rotating tap list, a long fridge of bottles and cans, and staff who actually know what they’re pouring. Good early evening hangout, especially if you’ve been meaning to stop ordering KEO out of habit.
• Kinky Bar

  If you’re in the mood to party, this is where everyone ends up. Good drinks, loud music, a dance floor that fills late, and the kind of late night crowd that knows the staff by name. Not subtle, not trying to be. Show up after midnight on a weekend.
• Smoclock

  Relaxed shisha bar with good service, decent drinks, and a long menu of flavours done properly. The vibe is more lounge than club, so you can actually hear the people you came with. Good after dinner spot, especially with a small group on a warm evening outside.
• Mr Tippler

  Funky cocktail bar in the old quarter, especially good if you’re on the younger side. Inventive cocktails, street food like bao buns and tacos, live music and DJ sets that fill the place by late evening. David Bowie murals on the walls, string lights outside. Show up after dark.

• Makarounas Vineyards

  Small family winery with a great vibe. The owners are warm, easy to talk to, and clearly love what they make. Tastings are casual but really well done, walking you through indigenous Cypriot varieties without any pretense. One of the most genuine winery visits in the area.
• Tsangarides Winery

  Family run and one of the first organic wineries in Cyprus, with a quiet pride in doing things properly. Easy to visit, the tasting room is unhurried, and the wines are genuinely good across both whites and reds. Worth pairing with a slow lunch nearby and a long afternoon.
• Vasilikon Winery

  One of the first commercial wineries in Cyprus, set on a hill above Kathikas village. Tastings, a wine bar and cold meze with valley views that justify the trip on their own. Friendly tastings and a real sense that the people pouring care about what’s in your glass.
• Marathasa Winery

  A bit further out, but the architecture alone makes it worth the visit: a striking modern winery set into the landscape with mountain views opening up below. The wines hold their own, the tasting space is generous, and it’s the kind of place you slow down without meaning to.

• Minthis Spa

  Peaceful and modern, set inside the Minthis resort in the hills just above Paphos. Perfect for a proper spa day close to town, with thermal facilities, a serious treatment menu, and the kind of stillness that resets you. Pair it with lunch at the resort and you’ve made a day.
• Casale Panayiotis

  Up in the Troodos mountains, this is the most charming spa hotel in Cyprus. A restored village of stone houses, with a serious spa, slow restaurants and air that feels genuinely different. Ideal for a weekend away when you need to actually unplug, especially in the cooler months.
• The Agora Hotel (Lefkara)

  Adults only boutique hotel in Lefkara, a beautiful traditional village famous for lace and silver. Small, stylish, and great for a quiet escape, with thoughtful design touches and an easy luxury that doesn’t try too hard. A weekend here pairs well with long meals and slower walks.

• Paphos Archaeological Park

  UNESCO World Heritage site spread across the headland near the harbour. The Roman villa mosaics, the House of Dionysos especially, are the headline attraction, with floors that have survived almost two thousand years. Allow 2 to 3 hours, and go early or late to dodge the heat.
• Tombs of the Kings

  Misleading name, no kings were buried here, but the rock cut tombs from the 4th century BC are genuinely impressive. Underground chambers, doric columns, courtyards carved into the limestone. Best in late afternoon light when the stone warms up, and bring proper shoes for the uneven ground.
• Paphos Castle

  The small fort at the harbour, built and rebuilt by Byzantines, Lusignans and Ottomans. Quick visit inside, but the photo from the seafront promenade is iconic, especially at golden hour. The Aphrodite opera festival is staged in front of it every September, and it’s a beautiful setting.
• Saint Paul’s Pillar & Panagia Chrysopolitissa

  Where Saint Paul is said to have been tied and flogged when he first preached on the island. Free to visit, with beautiful early Christian basilica ruins, mosaic fragments, and a working church in the middle. Quiet, often nearly empty, and easy to fold into an old town walk.
• Agia Solomoni Catacombs

  Underground rock cut Christian shrine with a wishing tree at the entrance, hung with strips of cloth left by visitors. Easy to miss from the street, easy to like once you’re inside. Atmospheric, free, and a five minute stop that punches above its size on any old town walk.
• Paphos Old Town

  The traditional core of the town, where Paphos still feels like a Cypriot place. Walk it slowly, stop for coffee, browse the small shops, and let the side streets unfold. Skip the obvious main drag; the older lanes do most of the talking. Best in the early evening.

• Akamas Peninsula

  Protected wilderness north of Paphos and one of the last truly wild corners of the island. Beaches, gorges, sea caves, wild goats, dirt tracks that barely qualify as roads. The whole region is the highlight of west Cyprus, and earns at least a full day, ideally two.
• Avakas Gorge

  Easy one hour hike through dramatic cliffs that close in around you, with parts where the walls feel close enough to touch on both sides. Wear proper shoes, since the path crosses water and can be slippery. Go in the morning before the sun is high, and bring water.
• Adonis Baths

  Waterfalls and natural pools inland from Coral Bay, set in a green valley that feels miles from the coast. Touristy but pretty, with a few photo ops and a swimming hole at the bottom. Good if travelling with kids, or if you want a change of pace from beach days.
• Aphrodite Trail

  Circular hike from the Baths of Aphrodite near Latchi, looping up into the Akamas hills and back along the coast. Around 7km of mixed terrain with great sea views, wild flowers in spring, and very little shade. Start early, bring more water than you think you need.
• Boat trip to Blue Lagoon

  Leaves from Latchi harbour, half day or full day options with swim stops along the way. The easiest way to see Akamas from the water, with stops at sea caves, hidden coves, and the Blue Lagoon itself. Pick a smaller boat over the party catamarans if you can.
• Scuba diving

  Sea caves, reefs and wrecks make Paphos one of the better dive areas in the Med. The Achilleas and Vera K wrecks are popular shallow dives, and the visibility through summer is excellent. Several reputable centres in Coral Bay run trips, courses and discover dives for beginners.
• Quad / buggy tours

  The best way to do the Akamas dirt tracks if you don’t have a 4×4. Half day tours head out from Coral Bay, taking in Lara Bay, the Blue Lagoon viewpoint, and a few stops you wouldn’t find on your own. Dusty, fun, and easier than wrestling a hire car.
• Cape Aspro

  Dramatic white limestone cliffs between Pissouri and Petra tou Romiou. The cliff top hike gives sweeping sea views, wild flowers in spring, and the kind of solitude you don’t get on the more popular trails. Bring sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and don’t get too close to the edge.

• Paphos Zoo

  Family friendly wildlife park up in Peyia, with one of the largest parrot collections in Europe and proper space for the animals. Don’t miss the lemur interaction experience and the bird show, which runs a few times a day with macaws and owls. Easy half day, especially with kids.
• George’s Ranch

  Long running horse ranch out by Coral Bay and the sea caves. Riding lessons for total beginners, trail rides for the more confident, and proper care for the horses. Our pick is the sunset ride along the beach, around an hour with the light dropping over the sea. Book ahead.

Main dishes

• Meze. Not a dish but a feast. 15 to 25 small plates served progressively. Order it for two or more.
• Souvla. Large chunks of pork or lamb slow grilled on a rotisserie. The Sunday lunch of Cyprus.
• Sheftalia. Minced pork and herb parcels grilled in caul fat. Order with pita.
• Kleftiko. Slow cooked lamb, traditionally sealed in a clay oven. Falls off the bone.
• Afelia. Pork marinated in red wine and coriander seeds. Classic Cypriot.
• Stifado. Beef stew with pearl onions and warming spices.
• Koupepia. Vine leaves stuffed with rice, mince, and herbs.
• Moussaka. Cypriot version, often with potato as well as aubergine.

Snacks & bakery

• Halloumi. Grilled, fresh, or fried. Cyprus’s most exported flavour.
• Koupes. Bulgur wheat parcels stuffed with mince. Best from a bakery, eaten warm.
• Flaouna. Easter cheese pastry with mint and raisins. Worth seeking out around Orthodox Easter.
• Tahinopita. Tahini swirl bread. Looks like a cinnamon roll, tastes nothing like it.
• Loukoumades. Fried dough balls drenched in honey syrup. The Cypriot version of doughnuts.
• Pastelaki. Sesame and honey bars. The original protein bar.
• Loukoumi (Yeroskipou). Local Cyprus delight, made in the village it’s named after.

• Brandy Sour. Cyprus’s signature cocktail. Local brandy, lemon, bitters, soda. Said to have been invented at the Forest Park Hotel for King Farouk of Egypt.
• Commandaria. Sweet dessert wine made in Cyprus since at least 800 BC. Considered the oldest named wine in the world still in production.
• Zivania. Strong grape spirit (40 to 50% ABV). The shot you didn’t ask for but will get.
• Cyprus Coffee. Greek style, served in a small cup. Ask for it sketo (no sugar), metrio (medium) or glykos (sweet).
• Frappé. Iced shaken instant coffee. Summer essential.
• Freddo Espresso. Not strictly Cypriot, but on every café menu and what most locals order day to day. Get it sketo, metrio or glykos, same as the hot version.
• Soumada. Almond cordial, traditionally served at weddings. Refreshing on a hot day.
• KEO / Carlsberg / LEON. Cypriot beers. KEO is the local default.

• Kuzuba (Nicosia)

  If you’re ever in Nicosia, this is the place for a proper food experience. Modern Cypriot tasting menu with a strong sense of place, executed by a team that clearly takes it seriously. Reservations matter, but it’s worth the trip across the island for a special occasion meal.
• Theta (Larnaca)

  Modern fine dining with a focus on local ingredients and a clean, minimalist style. The dishes are precise without being cold, and the wine pairings lean into Cypriot producers. One of the best restaurants in Larnaca, and a strong argument for combining a day in town with a proper meal.
• Omodos & Troodos villages

  Stone built mountain villages an hour from Paphos, with cobbled squares, old churches, and a slower pace that makes a day feel longer in a good way. Cool air in summer, great for wine tasting, and home to traditional Commandaria producers. Pair Omodos with a smaller village nearby.
• Kykkos Monastery

  The richest and most famous monastery in Cyprus, deep in the Troodos mountains. Frescoed walls, mosaics that cover every surface, and a museum of religious art that’s genuinely impressive. Worth pairing with a day in the surrounding villages, since the drive in and out is half the experience.
• Lefkara village

  Famous for handmade lace and silver, both of which have been made here for centuries. Quiet stone streets, small workshops where you can watch the craft up close, and tavernas tucked into the old buildings. A short walk and a long lunch make for a perfect half day out.
• Nicosia old town

  The last divided capital in Europe, and one of the more thought provoking days out on the island. Cross the Ledra Street checkpoint to see both sides, ideally in the same afternoon, since the contrast tells you more than any guidebook can. Bring your passport and decent walking shoes.

Getting around

• Drive on the LEFT. Cyprus is one of the few EU countries that drives on the left. Catches a lot of visitors off guard.
• Paphos Airport (PFO). 15 minutes from town. Larnaca Airport (LCA) is the alternative, about 1 hour 15 minutes away.
• Pafos Buses. Cheap and decent for town and main beach routes. €1.50 single, €5 day pass. Routes at pafosbuses.com.
• Taxis & Bolt. Bolt works in Paphos and is usually cheaper than a regular taxi.
• Rent a car. The only sensible way to do Akamas, Troodos, or anywhere off route. Book ahead in summer.
• Car sharing. Apps like RideNow let you pick up a car by the minute or hour. Useful if you only need wheels for a short errand or one trip out of town.

Food delivery

• Bolt Food. Order food and groceries to where you’re staying. Works in the city centre and most tourist and residential areas. Coverage drops off in remote spots and villages, so check the address before you order.

Money & basics

• Currency. Euro (€). Cards accepted nearly everywhere; small kiosks may be cash only.
• Tipping. 5 to 10% if a service charge isn’t already included. Round up for coffee or drinks.
• Tap water. Drinkable in Paphos. Locals tend to prefer bottled, but it’s a preference, not a safety issue.
• Emergency number. 112 (police, ambulance, fire).
• Plugs. UK three pin. Bring an adapter if coming from mainland Europe.
• Language. Greek and English are both widely spoken. Knowing kalimera (good morning) and efharisto (thank you) goes a long way.

When to come

• May, June, September, October. The sweet spot. Warm sea, manageable temperatures.
• July, August. Hot (35°C+), busy, but the beach bars and festivals are in full swing.
• Winter. Mild (15 to 20°C), quiet, some seasonal spots closed. Great for hiking and history without the crowds.

Shopping & events

• Kings Avenue Mall. Modern shopping if it’s raining or you forgot something.
• Aphrodite Festival. Opera staged inside Paphos Castle. Usually early September. Book ahead.
• Pafos Marathon. March. Half, full and 10k routes along the seafront.
• Anthestiria. Flower festival, usually May.