Paphos Port

Nestled on the southwestern coast of Cyprus, Paphos Port is a place where history and modern life intertwine effortlessly. With its postcard-perfect views, stone-paved promenade, medieval castle, and colorful fishing boats bobbing on the water, the port is not only a scenic highlight of the city but also a symbolic heart of Paphos itself.

Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood by the sea, boarding a boat tour, or simply soaking up the sun-drenched atmosphere, Paphos Port offers something timeless — the blend of cultural legacy and coastal leisure that defines the spirit of the island.

Paphos has been a significant harbor city since ancient times. Once a key stop on Mediterranean trade routes, the port played a central role in the island’s history under Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Lusignan, and Venetian rule. Although the port today is modest in size and functions primarily as a fishing and recreational harbor, it carries the weight of centuries.

Historical Highlights:

• Ancient Paphos (Nea Paphos) was a thriving Hellenistic and Roman city, and its harbor connected it to the rest of the empire.
• The port area has witnessed crusaders, pirates, and Ottoman forces pass through its waters.
• While much of the ancient harbor infrastructure lies beneath the waves or buried in time, the spirit of maritime history lingers in every stone.

One of the port’s most striking landmarks is the Paphos Castle, located at the edge of the harbor. Originally built by the Byzantines in the 10th century, it was later rebuilt by the Lusignans, fortified by the Ottomans, and even used as a prison and salt warehouse during British colonial rule.

Today, the castle is open to the public and often hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and performances, especially during festivals like the Paphos Aphrodite Festival, when opera is staged beneath the stars with the sea as a backdrop.

The view from the top of the castle offers panoramic scenes of the harbor, the town, and the deep blue Mediterranean stretching to the horizon.

The seafront promenade that winds through the port area is one of the most popular walks in Paphos. It connects the historic port with the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, famous for its Roman mosaics, and stretches on toward the hotels and beaches further along the coast.

The promenade is lined with:

• Tavernas and seafood restaurants serving catch-of-the-day, grilled octopus, and mezze platters.
• Souvenir shops selling everything from local olive oil to handmade lace and pottery.
• Cafés and bars perfect for people-watching with a Cypriot coffee or a glass of wine in hand.
• Ice cream parlors and street vendors, especially busy during summer evenings.

As the sun sets, the promenade comes alive with music, laughter, and the golden light that bathes the castle and boats — a perfect blend of calm and buzz.

What to Do at Paphos Port

While relatively small, the port offers a variety of activities to fill your day or evening:

1. Boat Tours & Cruises

Hop on a boat for a coastal cruise to Coral Bay or the famous Blue Lagoon in the Akamas Peninsula. Options range from glass-bottom boats to luxury catamarans, with swimming stops and onboard snacks.

2. Fishing & Photography

Early mornings see fishermen tending to their nets, and the colorful boats offer perfect photo opportunities. It’s a peaceful moment in an otherwise lively place.

3. Cultural Events

Throughout the year, the port area hosts music concerts, food festivals, and the aforementioned Aphrodite Festival, drawing crowds from across the island and beyond.

4. Museum Hopping

The nearby Archaeological Park is home to the House of Dionysus and other Roman villas with some of the best-preserved mosaics in the Mediterranean — all within walking distance of the port.

5. Swimming and Beach Access

While the harbor itself is not ideal for swimming, a short walk along the coast will bring you to several beaches with crystal-clear waters, including Alykes Beach.

Paphos Port is ideal for families. The pedestrianized areas and gentle pace of life make it a safe, stroller-friendly zone. Children can watch the boats, feed the pigeons, and explore nearby mini-playgrounds, while adults enjoy leisurely meals or a peaceful drink by the water.

By Day and By Night

• Morning: Quiet and breezy, with fishing boats coming and going, and the cafés starting to open.
• Afternoon: Bustling but never overwhelming. The promenade heats up, and shade under umbrellas becomes prime real estate.
• Evening: Magical. As the sky changes colors, the port fills with couples walking hand-in-hand, families heading to dinner, and street musicians creating a soundtrack of relaxed joy.

Insider Tips

• Sunset Watch: The best sunset view is from the castle area or one of the seaside restaurants.
• Local Dish to Try: Ask for calamari with lemon, saganaki cheese, or a full Cypriot seafood mezze.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer ideal weather with fewer crowds, but summer evenings are full of life.
• Don’t Miss: The harbor lighthouse, slightly further along the coast — part of a scenic walk within the archaeological zone.

Paphos Port isn’t just a tourist stop — it’s a window into Cyprus itself. It captures what makes this island special: its history, hospitality, connection to the sea, and the way the past gently flows into the present.

Whether you come for a walk, a meal, a boat ride, or just to sit and watch the world go by, Paphos Port rewards you with beauty and a deep sense of place.