Clustered with lively bars and tavernas serving traditional cuisine, Kato Paphos is a popular resort area on the south-west coast of Cyprus. It’s dotted with centuries-old churches associated with Luke the Evangelist and Paul the Apostle and boasts several coves where you can swim, sunbathe and participate in a range of water sports.
Things to do in Kato Paphos
One of Kato Paphos’s most impressive landmarks is the Church of Panagia Theoskepasti, which was originally built in the 10th century when Cyprus was part of the Byzantine Empire. The current church preserves the original architecture but dates from 1923 and houses a miraculous silver icon that is believed to have been painted by Luke the Evangelist.
A short walk from the Church of Panagia Theoskepasti will take you to the ruins of Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa, a 13th-century temple renowned for its mosaic floor. In its courtyard is a famous pillar dedicated to St. Paul, with legend stating he was flogged here for preaching Christianity in 45 AD. Also nearby are the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ottoman Baths, which were constructed from stone in the medieval period.
For a day on the sand, head to Alykes Beach, a sheltered cove where you can swim, kayak, jet ski and parasail. It’s just a stone’s throw from the Municipal Baths, a rocky beach with wooden decks that are ideal for lazing in the sun. Between the two are the beach umbrellas and loungers of the Alykes Beach Bar and the Mediterraneo Restaurant.
Getting around Kato Paphos
Paphos International Airport is a 25-minute drive from Kato Paphos and has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect from towns and villages throughout Cyprus to Kato Paphos while the neighbourhood is compact enough to explore on foot.