Cheap Paphos
Paphos is the most affordable resort town on Cyprus and one of the hidden budget gems of the eastern Mediterranean. Ryanair flies there directly from Eindhoven in under 4 hours, the bus from the airport to the harbour costs 1.50 euros and a plate of fresh meze in the centre goes for 12-18 euros. UNESCO heritage, ancient mosaics and kilometres of unspoilt beach for a fraction of what the most popular Greek islands cost.
✈️ Plan your trip to Paphos →Paphos combines 4,000 years of history with a relaxed harbour atmosphere and surprisingly affordable local restaurants. The town is divided into two parts: Kato Paphos (the harbour area with the mosaics, the castle and the tourist strip) and Ktima (the real old town with the market, local kafenia and the Agia Solomoni Catacombs). See also our full Paphos travel guide with all neighbourhoods, activities and insider tips.
Cheapest months and flights
- Low season: January and February Flight prices are lowest then, but temperatures are 17-19 degrees and the swimming season is over. Hotels are 40-50% cheaper than in summer. Ideal if you are visiting Cyprus purely for the sights and tranquillity rather than the beach.
- Direct from Eindhoven: Ryanair to PFO Ryanair flies directly from Eindhoven Airport (EIN) to Paphos International Airport (PFO) in approximately 3 hours 55 minutes during the season (April-October). From Schiphol, Transavia flies in approximately 5 hours 5 minutes. Early booking delivers return fares of 80-150 euros from Eindhoven and 109-167 euros from Amsterdam.
- Best value: late May and early September Temperatures of 28-30 degrees, the sea is perfectly warm, 30-40% lower flight and hotel prices than in August, and considerably fewer crowds on the beaches and at the sights. This is the sweet spot for an affordable sun holiday.
Free and cheap sights
- Petra tou Romiou: birthplace of Aphrodite, free Along the coastal road between Paphos and Limassol, iconic rock formations mark the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. Free access, a roadside car park, and at sunset one of the most beautiful views on Cyprus. A visit takes 30-60 minutes.
- Paphos Mosaics: UNESCO World Heritage for 4.50 euros The Paphos Archaeological Park (Kato Paphos) houses impressive Roman floor mosaics from the 2nd to 4th centuries AD. The House of Dionysus and the House of Theseus are the highlights. A combined ticket with the Tombs of the Kings costs 8.50 euros.
- Coral Bay: free beach 12 km from the centre This white sand beach with clear water is one of the finest beaches on Cyprus and freely accessible. Reachable by bus (line 615 from Paphos centre, ca. 1.50 euros) or by hire car for a day at the beach.
- Tombs of the Kings: UNESCO site for 2.50 euros North of the harbour lie monumental underground tomb chambers from the Hellenistic period (3rd-2nd century BC). The name is misleading: no kings are buried here, but wealthy citizens and officials. The imposing colonnaded courts and rosettes are impressive for 2.50 euros per person.
- Agia Solomoni Catacombs in Ktima: free, barely visited In the old town (Ktima) stands a small Byzantine chapel above a network of underground catacombs. The chapel is decorated with colourful ex-votos and devotional ribbons. Few tourists find their way here; the catacombs are free and always open. Allow 20-30 minutes.
Cheap transport to and in Paphos
From Paphos International Airport (PFO) to the centre there are two options. Bus line 613 (OSYPA) runs from the airport to Paphos centre (Kato Paphos) in 30-38 minutes for just 1.50 euros single. The bus runs several times a day; check current timetables on the OSYPA website. A taxi costs 18-21 euros for the same journey. The airport is 11 kilometres from the harbour.
Within Paphos, local city buses run for 1.50 euros per trip. The Kato Paphos tourist area is compact and walkable. For Coral Bay (12 km), Petra tou Romiou (20 km) and the Akamas Peninsula (40 km) a hire car is handy: from around 20-30 euros per day with local providers.
Budget food in Paphos
If you eat away from the main tourist strip, Paphos is surprisingly affordable. Local tavernas in Ktima (the old town on the hill) serve fresh meze, a spread of small dishes, for 12-18 euros per person. A souvlaki pita at a local snack bar costs 3-4 euros. Fresh fish in the harbour is pricier (20-30 euros per person) but local varieties such as tsipoura (sea bream) are always fresh.
The Ktima Municipal Market (Agora) is the place for a cheap lunch: fresh olives, local halloumi, Cypriot bread and fresh vegetables. A market meal for 6-9 euros is achievable. Avoid restaurants immediately next to Paphos Castle; walk 200 metres into the side streets and prices drop quickly.
What does a week in Paphos from the Netherlands cost?
In the shoulder season (May or September), a week in Paphos (7 nights) is achievable for around 350-500 euros per person: return flight from Eindhoven around 80-150 euros, budget studio or hostel bed 10-50 euros per night (70-350 euros for 7 nights), food around 25-40 euros per day, local transport and entry fees around 50-80 euros for the week. In August expect 20-50% higher flight and hotel prices.
Similar sun and island destinations
Paphos is a quieter alternative to the busiest Greek islands. Compare with other sunny destinations from the Netherlands:
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Frequently asked questions about cheap Paphos
When is Paphos cheapest to visit?
The shoulder seasons offer the best value: late May and early September are ideal, with temperatures of 28-30 degrees, 30-40% lower flight and hotel prices than August, and far fewer crowds. The absolute lowest flight prices are in January and February, but it is then 17-19 degrees and the swimming season is over.
Can I fly directly from Eindhoven to Paphos?
Yes. Ryanair flies directly from Eindhoven Airport (EIN) to Paphos International Airport (PFO) in approximately 3 hours 55 minutes during the season. From Amsterdam Schiphol, Transavia flies direct to Paphos in approximately 5 hours 5 minutes. Return fares start around 80-150 euros from Eindhoven when booked early.
How do I get from the airport to Paphos centre?
The cheapest way is bus line 613 (OSYPA), which runs from the airport to the centre in 30-38 minutes for just 1.50 euros single. A taxi costs 18-21 euros for the same journey. The airport is only 11 kilometres from the harbour (Kato Paphos), so with several travellers a taxi is also a reasonable option.
What are the best free sights in Paphos?
Paphos has a lot to offer for free: Petra tou Romiou (the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, spectacular at sunset), Coral Bay (free beach ca. 12 km from centre), Akamas National Park and the Blue Lagoon area (free entry, boat to lagoon 20-35 euros), and the Agia Solomoni Catacombs in Ktima (free, seldom visited). The Paphos Mosaics cost 4.50 euros and the Tombs of the Kings 2.50 euros (combined ticket 8.50 euros).
How much does a week in Paphos from the Netherlands cost?
A week in Paphos (7 nights) is achievable in the shoulder season for around 350-500 euros per person: return flight from Eindhoven around 80-150 euros, budget studio or hostel bed 10-50 euros per night, food 25-40 euros per day, local transport and sights around 50-80 euros for the week. In August, flight and hotel prices are 20-50% higher.
🗺️ Budget accommodation in Paphos
Hotels, holiday apartments and hostels in Paphos on the map. Kato Paphos (harbour) is central for the sights; Ktima is quieter and more local. Click a pin for live prices and direct booking.
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