Holidays to Paphos

Paphos is one of those rare destinations that combines the ancient and modern. The town's history dates back to the Stone Age, with Ancient Egyptian catacombs and Roman mosaics open to visitors who want to add a bit of culture to their weekend in Paphos. The picturesque harbour and medieval castle are the perfect places to stroll or have a cocktail or meal in the evening. On the outskirts of Paphos, you'll find the modern parts of town, with hotels, bars and restaurants aplenty. Cyprus is a warm and welcoming place, enjoying a sunny Mediterranean climate. Whether you're looking for culture or sunbathing on your Paphos flight and hotel break, you won't be disappointed.

Your first experience of Cyprus on a Paphos flight and hotel combination holiday is likely to be at Paphos International Airport, which is conveniently located just 6.5km from the town centre. Transfer times to your hotel are usually around 30 minutes. Flights to Paphos from the UK take around 4.5 hours. There are flights from Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol to Paphos. As package holidays to Paphos are popular throughout the year, you can choose from scheduled, budget or chartered flights if you're flying from London. English is widely spoken throughout Cyprus, and cars drive on the left just as in the UK. Cyprus uses the euro, and you'll need to set your watch forward, as Cyprus is two hours ahead of the UK.

With 340 days of sunshine a year, there's really no bad time to visit Paphos. The weather is at its hottest between June and September – an ideal time for city breaks in Paphos if you're planning to lie on the beach. February is the coldest month, but with an average temperature of 13°C, it's still considerably warmer and sunnier than the UK. Perhaps the best month to visit is May, when you can witness the spectacular flower festival. See floats bedecked with colourful blooms wind their through the town to the old harbour.

For many, a Paphos flight and hotel deal is all about beaches, sunshine and total relaxation. As well as a small beach in the town itself, there are many stretches of beautiful beaches along the west coast of the island, especially at Coral Bay and Latchi. Swimming is safe in the waters around the island, where there are minimal currents and tides. A short drive from Paphos takes you up into Troodos Mountains, set in a forested national park that offers a cool place to retreat from the heat of summer and the opportunity to ski on the slopes of Mount Olympus in the winter. In Paphos itself, it's easy to spend a day or two exploring the narrow streets of the Old Town, watching the boats come and go from the harbour or simply sipping on a glass of local wine by the old harbour as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.

No Paphos weekend would be complete without a visit to the city's two main historical sites. The Archaeological Park, adjacent the old harbour, has ruins of a 3rd-century Roman settlement, with some of the best preserved mosaic floors in the Eastern Mediterranean. Get there early to avoid the heat and crowds and see the site at your own pace. The Tombs of the Kings date back even further, to the 4th century BC. A crucial part of Cypriot history, they have been awarded World Heritage status. Tours are available, and there are plenty of visitor information panels to guide you if you prefer to go solo. South of town is Aphrodite's Rock, a scenic spot on the coast where, according to mythology, goddess Aphrodite emerged from the ocean. You'll also find a popular swimming beach here. Those in need of some retail therapy on their Paphos city breaks should check out the town's covered market, the perfect place to hone your haggling skills and to pick up some gifts to take home.

If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Paphos.

What local specialities should I try in Paphos?

Some of the best eateries in Paphos are found in the streets around the old harbour. Something you won't want to miss is a Cypriot meze. Meze is the Cypriot version of tapas – small dishes allowing you to sample a range of different things during the same meal. Firm and salty halloumi cheese is also traditionally Cypriot, and perfect with a fresh salad and crusty bread for lunch. You'll find Greek classics such as moussaka, kleftiko or souvlaki on many menus, with sticky and sweet baklava for dessert. If you're less adventurous, no need to worry: you'll find several fast food restaurants or tavernas selling international cuisine, with everything from hamburgers to sushi.

Souvenir shopping in Paphos

If you want to bring back a memento of your Paphos package holidays, there's plenty to choose from. Head to the covered market in the Old Town for traditional crafts such as lace, leather goods and paintings of local scenes. Don't be afraid to strike a bargain for the best price! The modern Kings Avenue Mall offers a more upmarket experience, with a cinema, cafés and 120 international and local stores selling clothing, shoes and accessories. In the Old Town of Paphos, you'll find smaller independent stores selling pottery, jewellery and other handcrafted items – perfect if you want to bring home something special to remind yourself of your Cypriot escape.