HOLIDAY WEATHER Paphos
A Lack of Rain
Paphos experiences a semi-arid climate, and you can go for weeks at a time in the summer months without seeing rain. Winters, by contrast, can be surprisingly wet, with rain on around 10 days each month - but what rain there is does not last long and almost never falls as snow.
Paphos in Spring
Spring is a popular time to visit Paphos, as the countryside bursts into bloom and the city comes alive. With average daily temperatures of between 18 and 24°C, you can enjoy the beach from around April onwards. It can still be a little chilly at night time, however, so take a shawl or a lightweight cardigan or jacket.
With 10 hours of sunshine a day, spring is perfect for exploring the archaeological sites of Paphos before it gets too hot. The entire archaeological park has been given UNESCO status, and there is plenty here to fascinate everyone from the expert to the casual tourist.
Paphos in the Summer
The summer months in Paphos are long, dry and hot. With negligible rainfall and temperatures over 20°C - it can feel uncomfortably hot for some visitors, although sea breezes help. The sea temperature rises to a balmy 27°C and most tourists will hit the beaches at this time. It's a little too warm to do much in the way of exploring, but the nearby Tombs of the Kings will offer at least some shade from the heat. Bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, as well as cool cotton clothing. Leave the umbrella at home!
Paphos in the Autumn
Autumn is a comfortable season in Paphos. The crowds begin to thin out, but the temperature remains very pleasant and still averages around 22°C in November. Nights are rather cooler at around 12°C, so bring a shawl or something with long sleeves for the evenings. The sea is still warm enough for swimming, so Autumn is a good month to enjoy the beach as well as to explore Paphos' castle, markets and landmarks.
Paphos in the Winter
Winter is the wettest season in Paphos, but the short sharp showers don't detract from the wonders of the city at all, and nor to occasional thunderstorms. The weather is still very mild, and temperatures can reach 20°C even in December and January. Having said that, it's not unusual for sunny days to be followed by a short period of cold and blustery weather, so pack a variety of clothing. Some will still find the sea warm enough for swimming, depending on the kind of weather you're used to at home!
There is no snow in Paphos itself, but snow does fall in the Troodos mountains, where there is a ski resort - technically, you could ski first thing and then head back to the beach for a spot of afternoon sunbathing. Rather a good way to spend a winter!
About Paphos
Paphos is the capital of the Paphos District on the south western coast of Cyprus. It has been selected to be the European Capital of Culture for 2017.
Paphos is also the site that Greeks agree is the site that Aphrodite rose out of the sea and landed upon. Paphos is also divided into two different parts; Old Paphos and New Paphos.
Old Paphos is now the site of Kouklia. New Paphos is the town that is currently inhabited and is mentioned in the Bible in the book of Acts by<
Food
There are lots of Tavernas to visit in Paphos that offer fantastic food, service and atmosphere including The Vineyard Taverna and the Letymbou Tavern.
For those who are wanting to taste the local cuisine then there are places such as the Laona Restaurant, the Akis Tavern, the Windmill Restaurant, Les Amis, Dias Zeus, the Déjà vu wine bar, Mother’s Restaurant and The Seven St Georges Tavern.
If you would prefer to sample some other types of cuisine there are restaurants such as Porto Bello, Mar Bianco Café, the Gabor Restaurant, Olivio, Caballini, Let Them Eat Cake, Zaza, Santa Marina Fish and Chips, Tea for Two, the Pingouino café and the Muse Café Kitchen Bar.
Accommodation
There are a few bed and breakfasts and holiday apartments to choose from in Paphos and far more in choice for accommodation when it comes to hotels and private rentals.
Some of the better accommodation available for those that wish to stay in a bed and breakfast or in apartments include the Apollpnia Holiday Apartments, the Avillion Holiday Apartments, the Artemis Cynthia Complex and the Perrgell Bed and Breakfast.
For those who would rather stay in an hotel there is The King Jason, the Alexander The Great Beach Hotel, the Elysium Hotel, the Kefalos Beach Tourist Village, the Constantinou Bros Athena Royal Beach Hotel and the Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel.
Attractions
Most of the attractions offered by Paphos are historically based with a few beaches, the odd golf course and a few other activities that are unique to Paphos.
For those who are looking for something active to do and a way to explore the area around Paphos in a different way then there is Ride in Cyprus Ltd that offers horse riding around the countryside and mountains that surround Paphos.
For those who are looking to escape the sightseeing and instead want to relax by playing golf then there are two fantastic golf courses to choose from: the Elea Golf and the Minthis Hills Golf Resort.
For those who are interested in the historical sites of Paphos there are the Tombs of the Kings to visits, Aphrodite’s Rock, Saint Paul’s Pillar, the Paphos Amphitheatre, the Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church, the Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery, the Ayios Neophytos Monastery, the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, the Byzantine Museum, the Agios Georgios Museum, the Agia Moni Monastery, Afrodita’s Birth Place and the Paphos Harbour Castle.
For those who would rather spend time at the beach or pool there is the Vardas Beach, the Super Aphrodite Waterpark, the Paphos Municipal Beach, St George Beach and Coral Bay.
When to visit Paphos?
The best time to visit Paphos is during April, May or October due to the temperatures being warm but comfortable to explore the city in, though November has a similarly pleasant temperature it is also the wettest month of the year by a huge margin so you may want to avoid travelling to Paphos then.
What to pack for Paphos?
Due to the high temperature experienced all year round, it is best to take light clothing with you though if you are planning on taking part in some of the activities such as Ride in Cyprus then you will need to take longer trousers, not jeans unless they are riding jeans, to ride in to stop chaffing, rubbing and catching the skin on the saddles.
For the winter nights it is also advisable to take something warm, especially if you plan to eat outside. During November you will also need to take some form of waterproof with you and possibly an umbrella.