The best hotels in Paphos

This family-run hotel sits in the heart of Ktima, the upper old town, just steps from the municipal market and local kafeneions. Rooms are simple but full of character, with traditional Cypriot furniture and hand-painted tiles. The garden courtyard is a genuinely pleasant spot for breakfast. Staff are warm and knowledgeable about the area. A solid choice if you want to stay somewhere with a sense of place rather than a resort feel.

The Pelican is right on the Kato Paphos waterfront, a short walk from the medieval fort and the main harbour tavernas. Rooms are basic and dated but kept clean, and the sea-facing ones give you a decent view for the price. Noise from the harbour strip can be an issue on weekends, so ask for a rear-facing room if you are a light sleeper. Breakfast is simple but included. Good for budget travellers who want a genuine seafront location without paying resort prices.

The Annabelle is one of the most respected hotels in Paphos, sitting directly on Poseidonos Avenue with lush gardens running down to its own stretch of beach. The pool area is large and well-maintained, and the landscaping gives the whole property a calm, shaded feel even in August. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, though the decor leans toward a classic rather than contemporary style. The Iliada restaurant on-site is genuinely good, not just a hotel convenience. It books up early in summer so plan ahead.

Coral Beach sits at the northern edge of Coral Bay, one of the best sandy beaches in the Paphos district, about 12 kilometres from the town centre. The resort is large and well-geared toward families, with multiple pools, a kids club, and direct beach access. Room quality is consistent and the all-inclusive option is decent value for families who plan to stay on property. The shuttle into Paphos town runs regularly. Not the place for a quiet romantic break, but excellent if you have children.

The Almyra is the sleek, adults-oriented sibling of the nearby Annabelle, sharing the same beachfront stretch of Poseidonos Avenue but with a sharper, more contemporary design. The infinity pool overlooking the sea is genuinely stunning and the rooms are bright and minimalist with good balconies. Service is attentive without being overbearing. The Mosaics restaurant is one of the better hotel dining experiences in Paphos. Couples consistently rate this as a favourite on the island.

This hotel is on Tombs of the Kings Road, putting you within easy walking distance of the archaeological park and the Kato Paphos harbour area. The beachfront location is the real selling point, with a private beach and several outdoor pools. Rooms are comfortable and well-maintained, and the superior sea-view rooms are worth the small upgrade. The lobby can feel busy during peak season but the pool areas are large enough that it never feels too crowded. Good all-round option at a fair price for the location.

Anassa sits on a clifftop above an almost private beach near Neo Chorio, at the edge of the Akamas Peninsula, roughly 35 kilometres north of Paphos town. The design is modelled on a traditional Cypriot village and pulls it off convincingly, with terracotta rooftops, bougainvillea-draped walkways, and panoramic sea views. The Basiliko restaurant has won serious recognition and the thalassotherapy spa is one of the best on the island. Service is exceptional and the staff-to-guest ratio shows. This is the benchmark luxury property in the wider Paphos region.

The Elysium is a large Byzantine-inspired resort on Kings Avenue, close to the Tombs of the Kings archaeological site and a ten-minute drive from the harbour. The outdoor pool area is one of the most elaborate in Paphos, with multiple pools, waterfalls, and a well-run beach club. Rooms are spacious and decorated with care, drawing on Cypriot and Mediterranean motifs. The on-site spa is extensive and bookable by non-guests too. Good value for the quality on offer, especially in the shoulder season.

Azia is a boutique-style adults-only resort in Chlorakas, a quiet coastal village a few kilometres north of Paphos town. The pool bungalows with private plunge pools are the standout accommodation and genuinely deliver a secluded feel. The spa is serious and well-staffed, and the food quality across both restaurants is above the typical resort standard. It is not directly on a sandy beach, which is worth knowing before you book. That said, for a peaceful adults escape with strong service, it is one of the better options in the district.

Aphrodite Hills is a self-contained luxury resort and residential complex built around an 18-hole PG-designed golf course, set on the hillside above the ancient site of Kouklia, about 15 kilometres east of Paphos. The views across the valley to the sea are exceptional and the village-square design of the central hub makes the property feel genuinely cohesive rather than sprawling. Hotel rooms and villas are both available, with the villas offering the most privacy. Multiple restaurants, a large spa, and a championship tennis academy round out the facilities. This is the natural choice for golfers and those wanting a full resort experience with room to breathe.