Paphos is a sun-soaked coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, relaxed lifestyle, and rich ancient history. From UNESCO archaeological sites to modern marinas, it blends culture and comfort effortlessly.
Paphos sits on the south-west coast of Cyprus and is the island's fourth-largest urban area, home to roughly 35,000 people in the city itself and considerably more across the wider district. It is a place of two distinct halves: Kato Paphos on the coast, built around the harbour, the castle and the Unesco-listed archaeological park, and Ktima, the older upper town where much of the daily life of the city still happens.
Cyprus Mail has reported on Paphos for decades as part of its coverage of the whole island. Our journalists cover the decisions taken by Paphos municipality and the district administration, the courts, the local economy, tourism and Paphos International Airport, alongside the incidents and events that shape daily life here — from water supply and planning disputes to wildfires in the hills above the city.
The district stretches well beyond the city. Our reporting takes in Coral Bay and Peyia, the Akamas peninsula and the long-running arguments over its protection, Polis Chrysochous and Latchi to the north, and the wine villages and mountain settlements inland. Paphos is also home to one of the largest British and other European resident populations in Cyprus, and much of what we report — property, residency, healthcare, utilities — matters directly to people who have made the district their home.
Coverage on this page is updated continuously. You may also see the city written as Pafos, which is the transliteration used in official Cypriot documents and on road signs; both spellings refer to the same place.
For features on what to see and do in the city, our travel writing covers Paphos in depth, from the mosaics at the archaeological park to Aphrodite's Rock further along the coast. Practical guides to Paphos International Airport, driving in Cyprus and living in the district are published separately.
Readers with a news tip about Paphos can contact the newsroom directly.
