Paphos, Cyprus: where to stay and how to get there

Paphos in Cyprus: year-round direct flights from Dublin, warm sea into November, UNESCO mosaics, and the best areas for families and couples.

Why go

Paphos is on the south west coast of Cyprus, at the far eastern end of the Mediterranean. It stays warm well into autumn, and the sea holds its heat longer than in Spain. That makes it one of the best late season options from Ireland.

It also has real history. The ruins of ancient Paphos have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Its Roman villas have some of the finest mosaic floors in the eastern Mediterranean. Cyprus uses the euro and drives on the left, so hiring a car feels familiar.

Getting there from Ireland

Direct flights run from:

Dublin: Ryanair, all year, about 5 hours
Belfast International: Jet2.com, summer only, about 5 hours 10 minutes

This is a longer flight than Spain or the Balearics, so pack for it with kids. Cyprus is two hours ahead of Irish time.

The airport is about 21 km south east of Paphos town. Kato Paphos is roughly 15 to 20 minutes by car, and Coral Bay about 25 to 30 minutes.

When to go

Air temperatures are 1991 to 2020 averages for Paphos airport, from Wikipedia’s climate table. Sea temperatures are for Kissonerga, just north of Paphos, from seatemperature.org.

Spring (April and May): highs of 22°C to 25°C. The sea warms from 18°C to 21°C. Good for walking and sightseeing.
Summer (June to August): highs of 28°C to 31°C, with the sea at 24°C to 28°C. Hot, so plan beach time for mornings and evenings.
Autumn (September to November): highs of 29°C in September, 27°C in October and 23°C in November. The sea stays at about 25°C in October and 22°C in November.
Winter (December to February): highs of 17°C to 19°C. The sea is around 17°C, which is mild but chilly for most swimmers.

Where to stay

Kato Paphos: the lower town by the harbour, with the archaeological park, the castle, the seafront promenade and most of the restaurants. Easy to get around on foot.
Coral Bay: about 20 minutes north, with a 600 metre crescent of soft sand between two headlands. A strong choice for families.
Kissonerga and Chloraka: quieter villages between Paphos and Coral Bay, about 10 minutes from each.
Aphrodite Hills: a golf and spa resort about 25 minutes east, near Aphrodite’s Rock.

Good for

Late season sun at October midterm
Couples who like history, food and sunsets
Families who want a sandy beach at Coral Bay
Day trips to Aphrodite’s Rock, the Tombs of the Kings and the Akamas peninsula

The Akamas peninsula, north of Coral Bay, has no roads through its hilly interior, so plan a walk or an organised trip. Near Polis you can visit the Baths of Aphrodite and a loggerhead turtle sanctuary.

Late deal tip

Because Dublin flies to Paphos all year, it is worth watching for late deals in October and November, after the main summer rush. The sea is still warm enough to swim, and the heat is easier for small children. If you hire a car, remember that you drive on the left, as at home.