Vanessa Ball, the Content Creator and Photographer behind She Wanders Miles and this guest blog post, is a responsible travel blogger with an adventurous attitude. Having travelled to all seven continents, she’s passionate about exploring new cultures, sampling traditional flavours and hiking through natural landscapes. She Wanders Miles shares authentic experiences and comprehensive guides on off-the-beaten-path adventures as well as sustainable destinations.

7 Reasons why you should visit Paphos

Paphos is an all-rounder with all the ingredients for a great holiday, appealing to history enthusiasts, nature lovers and sun-worshippers alike. Located on the southwest coast of the island, Paphos features a variety of historical sites, including Paphos Archaeological Park and a labyrinth of streets in the Old Town. The area is also renowned for its picturesque beaches, palm-fringed promenades and hiking routes around the Akamas Peninsula.

You can explore local craft markets, sample hearty Cypriot meze and enjoy wine-tasting experiences. With so much to bring to the table, it’s tough to know where to start – here are the top seven reasons why Paphos should be on your travel bucket list!

Year-round weather

With the UK’s weather being so unpredictable, scoring a guaranteed dose of sunshine is a real winner. If you’re into the sizzling heat of summer, expect temperatures that teeter into the 30s between June and August. If that’s a bit too toasty for you, Cyprus is still great during the shoulder seasons. You’ll enjoy mild temperatures – ideal for outdoor fun and unearthing ancient ruins without seeking the shade. Plus, if you visit Paphos in spring, the blooming landscapes will be dotted with wildflowers and cyclamen – it's a sight to behold!

Explore ancient history

If you're into ancient history, Paphos is the perfect playground. This town’s packed with UNESCO-stamped sites and mind-blowing monuments that’ll take you on a time-travel adventure. Start with Paphos Archaeological Park, where you’ll find the intricate mosaics of ancient villas and colourful artworks. And don’t miss the Odeon, an ancient amphitheatre in Kato that once hosted dramatic performances but now echoes with the music of modern-day concerts.

Explore the trail of the underground Tombs of the Kings, a burial site as mysterious as it is grand. Despite the name, it’s not actually for kings, but the tombs are still pretty impressive.

Head into the hills near the village of Tala to discover Agios Neophytos Monastery. Founded by the hermit Neophytos in the 12th century, it's a beautiful spot to explore ancient frescoes, cave dwellings and a monastery complex displaying religious artefacts. Paphos is like an open-air museum that makes exploring the past a blast!

Devour Cypriot gastronomy

Cyprus is a foodie’s paradise with a culinary tradition that’s as flourishing as its landscapes. And the island’s warm, sunny climate leads to a bounty of produce.

You’ll find a tasty mix of Greek, Turkish and Middle Eastern influences, and plenty of classic dishes like moussaka, hearty beef stifado and souvlaki, AKA juicy skewers of grilled meat. For sweet treats, make sure you try a piece of baklava or portokalopita, a traditional orange cake.

Local produce shines on the island – think fresh olives, tangy halloumi and sweet citrus fruits. Don’t miss out on traditional meze, a spread of small plates like tzatziki, grilled octopus, crispy falafel, loukaniko (Cypriot sausages) and melt-in-the-mouth anari cheese, just to name a few. The dishes might be small, but there’s always a never-ending supply. Cyprus hospitality makes sure hunger is never an option!

Experience the great outdoors

Hit the trails in Akamas Peninsula National Park and get ready for some stunning views. Get acquainted with the area by hiking through its unspoilt beauty along three official nature trails: the Aphrodite Trail, the Adonis Trail and the Smigies Trail. The most popular route is the one of mythical Aphrodite, which starts at the Baths of Aphrodite and traces the footsteps of the goddess herself.

Hiking in Episkopi offers a mix of verdant beauty and cultural heritage. The trails take you through lush landscapes, alongside the Ezousa River, past traditional villages and the mighty Episkopi Rock. Keep your eyes peeled for a rare sighting of peregrine falcons and make a stop at the Episkopi Environmental Information Centre. There, the museum and botanical garden provide fascinating insights into local ecology and wildlife.

Wine tasting in local vineyards

Cyprus's winemaking history stretches back thousands of years, showcasing an age-old tradition in viticulture. Ancient Greeks cherished Cypriot wine, and the island’s unique climate and soil have long contributed to its distinct flavours. A prime example of this is commandaria, a sweet dessert wine produced in the Troodos Mountains since 800 BC. It’s one of the oldest wines in the world and it’s still produced today!

When visiting the wineries around Paphos, you'll learn about ancient winemaking techniques, roam around their vineyards and sip the local varieties of robust reds and crisp whites. What a wonderful way to unwind and appreciate the flavours of Cyprus!

Discover traditional Cypriot crafts

Visit 'The Place' in Paphos, a cool hub where local artists and crafters bring their skills to life under one roof. You can see traditional Cypriot crafts being made, like encaustic art (hot wax painting), pyrography (wood burning), and handmade pottery.

Just a short trip away, the village of Fyti is renowned for its Fyti weaving. This ancient craft with colourful, geometric patterns has been passed down through generations and earned UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. Watch the talented weavers in action and, if you’re feeling adventurous, they’ll let you loose on the loom.

Relax on the beautiful beaches

Paphos is home to some idyllic Blue Flag beaches, each offering something unique. Coral Bay is perfect for families, with its golden sands and a fabulous selection of water sports.

For a more secluded experience, head to the Blue Lagoon in the Akamas Peninsula – its crystal-clear waters are prime for a peaceful swim. Lara Bay is another top option – this calm beach doubles as a nesting site for turtles, so access is limited from May to August. If you’re lucky though, you might even catch sight of the turtles coming ashore to nest.

Petra tou Romiou, or Aphrodite's Rock, is a coastal landmark near Paphos. According to legend, it's the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. The beach is pretty pebbly with dramatic scenery – a must-visit beach for mythology lovers.

How to reach Paphos

Getting to Paphos with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays is easy and convenient. They offer direct flights to Paphos from several UK airports, including Manchester, London Stansted and Birmingham. With competitive prices, friendly service and a generous 22kg baggage allowance (this is included with a Jet2holiday, but charges apply to just Jet2.com flights), they guarantee a smooth journey to this brilliant destination.