Best Hotels in Paphos
Choosing a hotel in Paphos is mostly a question of which part of the town you base yourself in. The coastal strip runs for several kilometres, so two properties described as 'Paphos' can feel like completely different holidays — one a walkable harbour break, the other a quiet resort surrounded by low cliffs. This page explains the areas, who each suits and what to check before you book.
Who this area is best for
History and sightseeing, sunsets, couples, slower-paced and shoulder-season trips, and families who want a short airport transfer.
Best areas to stay in Paphos
Kato Paphos and the Harbour
The tourist heart, next to the archaeological park. Best if you want to walk to restaurants, the promenade and the castle without driving. Livelier in the evening, though still calm compared with the eastern resorts.
Coral Bay and Chlorakas
North-west of town, where the sand is softer and the water shelves more gently. Popular with families and larger resort properties. You will usually want a car or rely on the bus to reach central Paphos.
Paphos Old Town
Inland and uphill, more everyday Cypriot than resort. Boutique and restored stone properties appear here. Good value and local restaurants, but no beach on your doorstep.
Inland Villages and Hills
Villas, many with private pools, in the villages behind the coast. Peaceful and scenic, but a car is essential.
Hotel recommendations
Recommended places to stay in Paphos
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Curated stay recommendations are being prepared for this area.
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How to choose your hotel in Paphos
- Decide first whether you want to walk to the sea and restaurants, or whether you are happy to drive.
- Check the beach directly in front of the property — parts of the Paphos coast are rocky with platform access rather than sand.
- If sunsets matter, look for west-facing rooms; the coast here faces the setting sun.
- For a car-free trip, stay in Kato Paphos rather than on the outer resort strip.
- Confirm pool arrangements if you are travelling outside high summer, as not every pool is heated.
Stay types that suit Paphos
- Hotels for Families — Larger rooms, pool complexes and shallow-water beaches within walking distance.
- Hotels for Couples — Quieter resorts, sea-view rooms and calm evenings rather than nightlife.
- Beach Hotels — Stays directly on or a short walk from the sand.
- Luxury Hotels — Five-star resorts, spa facilities and suites along the coast.
FAQ
Hotels in Paphos: common questions
- Which part of Paphos is best to stay in?
- Kato Paphos and the harbour are best if you want to walk everywhere. Coral Bay suits families who want softer sand and a resort setting. The old town is quieter and more local, and inland villages suit villa stays with a car.
- Do I need a car if I stay in Paphos?
- Not if you stay centrally in Kato Paphos. Hotels are spread along a long coastal strip, so a car is helpful if you are outside the centre or want to explore the Akamas peninsula and the wine villages.
- Is Paphos good for families?
- Yes, particularly towards Coral Bay where the beaches are sandier and the water shelves gently. The short airport transfer is a practical advantage with young children.