Autumn Sunshine Escape in Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos in Cyprus is a beautiful destination, often thought of as a classic summer escape, but it is actually a perfect option for an autumn break to break up those dark evenings at home. Temperatures are still pleasantly warm, the sea is swimmable, and the resort has a relaxed, grown-up feel once the peak summer crowds have gone.

We flew direct to Paphos from Dublin, with a flight time of approximately five hours, and reached our hotel within about twenty minutes of landing. It made the whole journey feel very easy and stress free.

The Almyra Hotel, one of the original luxury hotels in Paphos, is set right on the seafront, just a five minute stroll from the main promenade and harbour area. The location really is ideal: close enough to walk everywhere, yet still feeling calm and stylish. The hotel offers a variety of room types, from garden-view to full sea-view. We stayed in a Deluxe One Bedroom Suite with a full sea view and it was absolutely gorgeous. There was a large open plan sitting room with a kitchenette and generous dining area, a separate bedroom leading to a walk-in wardrobe, then a beautiful bathroom with a bath, separate shower, double sinks and all the amenities you would expect from a 5 star hotel. Waking up to that sea view each morning was a real treat.

Outside, the Almyra has three outdoor pools, including an adults-only retreat and an infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean. Families tend to gather around the main pool, while couples and friends gravitate towards the adults-only and infinity pools for a calmer, more tranquil vibe. Around the hotel you will also find tennis courts, fitness classes, a beautiful spa, bicycle hire and a children’s club. There are several restaurants to choose from throughout the day, from relaxed poolside lunches to more refined dining in the evening, with a strong emphasis on fresh Mediterranean flavours and local produce.

Paphos itself is a delightful resort with a laid-back atmosphere but plenty going on. Days can be spent lazing by the pool or on the beach, and evenings are perfect for strolling along the promenade, browsing little boutiques and enjoying dinner in a local taverna. For those who like to be active or explore a bit more, the options are endless. You can hire bikes and follow the coastal path all the way to Coral Bay, take a guided cultural tour around the island, visit a traditional rural village, join a wine tasting tour in the hills, book a round of golf, visit one of the local monasteries, or try a Cypriot cookery experience. History lovers will be in their element, with ancient ruins, mosaics and UNESCO sites all close by.

Water sports are a real highlight of Paphos. You will find centres dotted along the coast offering everything from relaxed coastal boat trips and snorkelling to diving on shipwrecks, parasailing, water-skiing, pedalos and canoes. Whether you want something gentle or more adrenaline filled, there is something to suit.

We booked a day trip with a local agency which included a stop at Aphrodite’s Rock, the pretty village of Lofou and wine tasting at a local winery. It was a fabulous day out and a wonderful way to experience the history, landscapes and culture of the island in a bit more depth. Our guide shared lots of local stories and traditions, which really brought the places to life.

I do love a boat trip, so we also booked a half day, adults-only cruise along the coast to Coral Bay, which included lunch and drinks. It was thoroughly enjoyable to view the coastline from the water, swim off the boat and pass a couple of dramatic shipwrecks along the way. The atmosphere on board was relaxed and friendly, with music, sunbathing and plenty of photo opportunities.

Dining in Paphos was a real highlight of our stay. We made it our mission to try a different restaurant each evening, and the smaller, family-run tavernas were the real stars with their home-cooked Cypriot dishes and warm hospitality. Do pop into a local bakery as well: the smell alone will draw you in and the freshly baked bread and pastries are perfect for snacks or a light lunch. Restaurants can be busy in the evenings. In most places you can simply walk in, but we found that the more popular ones around the harbour and port area are worth booking in advance, especially at weekends.

We hired bicycles through the hotel and cycled the coastal path up towards Coral Bay. This was a fabulous experience and probably the best way to explore the coastline at your own pace. Along the way we stopped at the archaeological site of the Tombs of the Kings, which is fascinating and well worth a visit for anyone with even a passing interest in history or archaeology.

The sunsets in Paphos are absolutely spectacular. In autumn the sun tends to set earlier, around 5 pm, which is the perfect excuse to settle in somewhere with a view and enjoy a sundowner while the sky turns shades of gold, pink and deep orange. It is one of those places where you will take far too many sunset photos and your phone storage will not thank you, but it is impossible to resist.

Paphos in autumn feels like the best of both worlds: warm sunshine, beautiful sea views and plenty to see and do, but with a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere than high summer. It is a destination that works equally well for couples, friends and families, and one I would happily return to. If this sounds like your kind of autumn escape, get in touch and I will tailor a Paphos getaway to suit you, from the perfect hotel to memorable experiences and excursions. Contact me today to start planning your trip.