Last Minute Holidays to Paphos

Holidays in Paphos are all beach, history and outdoor activities

Paphos is just a four and a half hour flight from UK airports, putting you in beach territory in no time.

Its rocky shores are drenched in history, making it a haven for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The beaches come with a helping of old and new culture, laced with sites reminiscent of ancient myths alongside a fair share of modern watersports. While Paphos might be ancient by design, its shores are well-equipped to welcome holidaymakers with plenty of waterparks and zoos, which means organising your trip won’t involve months of planning.

Paphos is the history hub, packed with sites like the waterfront Kato Paphos Archaeological Park and the Tombs of the Kings, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites riddled with temples and mosaic floors. This resort is also where you’ll find the Pafos Zoo. Meanwhile, much of the holiday action here is centred on the main town of Limassol, the busiest port in Cyprus and home to the popular Pissouri Bay and its own array of historic sites. For Cypriot days at a lazier pace, there’s Coral Bay, a charming seaside town hugged by limestone cliffs and rife with suntan spots.

The best time of year to book your last minute holiday

High season in Cyprus generally runs from April to October. That’s when you’ll see the biggest crowds and the highest temperatures – especially in July and August – along with regular opening hours for restaurants and activities. To get the best deals on a last minute holiday, book no earlier than eight weeks in advance, which’ll have you booking around May and June if you’re aiming for peak season.

Shoulder season – April, May, September and October – and winter generally offer slightly lower temperatures but a still-active holiday season, so you’d be wise to keep an eye out for deals all year round.

Other popular holidays in Cyprus

If you’re keen on a last minute holiday to Cyprus but aren’t entirely sold on where to go, we’ve got a few more tricks up our sleeve. Have a look at similar destinations like Larnaca, which includes resorts like Ayia Napa and Nissi Beach. But if you’ve got your heart set on Paphos, have a look at our travel guide for more information on this Mediterranean hotspot. In the meantime, here are our top hotels for last minute holidays in Paphos.

Crown Resorts Horizon

Located less than a five-minute walk from the sandy shores of Coral Bay is the whitewashed Crown Resorts Horizon. The large pool is the main event, lined with palms, sunloungers and two pool bars, though the resort town of Coral Bay is quite literally on the hotel’s doorstep if you’re looking to go out. The buffet restaurant is available for dining, the coffee shop for pick-me-ups and the lounge bar for late-night action, meaning all your bases are covered here.

Holiday Village Aliathon

The Holiday Village Aliathon embraced the ‘one-stop shop’ atmosphere so much, it even has its own lighthouse. Everything is clustered around the hotel’s massive pool and splash park, from a buffet restaurant, Greek taverna and Mexican spot to a spa, three bars and the Aerial Adventure course. On top of being a great last minute getaway, there’s tonnes here for families, including a top notch kids club, sports academies and a playground, not to mention bicycle hires if you want to spin into town or the nearby beach.

Kapetanios Odyssia Hotel

This 3* hotel has a lot of last minute amenities to offer, as it’s equipped with a pool bar, plus its very own pub and restaurant in addition to a host of other eateries. The evening entertainment here is vast and varied with live music and performances, plus the gym is free to use as well. If you’re looking to branch out and explore wider Limassol, the hotel is about a minute’s walk from the beach, and is also within strolling distance of the Limassol Zoo and resort centre.