Paphos on the southwest coast of Cyprus is an irresistible mix of crumbling Roman ruins and sun-drenched sands. Linger over a strong local coffee as shoppers wander past along the seafront promenade, while just a short walk away historic alleyways host tiny restaurants offering fresh Cypriot meze. Outside of town, you can go hiking through the olive groves and vineyards of the Troodos Mountains or hop between the region's 27 natural beaches.

Check out a Paphos hostel that's decorated with scenes from Greek mythology and has its own gardens and a swimming pool. Other choices here include sleek white dorms with wooden bedframes, or self-contained apartments with balconies overlooking an outdoor pool. Some Paphos hostels offer free breakfast and most have free Wi-Fi. If you'd like to try your hand at Cypriot cooking, look for a place with a guest kitchen. Otherwise, several hostels in Paphos have their own on-site restaurants and bars.

Paphos is divided into two centres: Kato Paphos (lower Paphos) and Ktima (Upper Paphos). Kato Paphos has a palm-lined seafront bustling with visitors, but stroll a few streets back and you'll find yourself among medieval lanes dotted with ancient baths and tiny boutiques. Ktima is the old centre of town and remains a local place with folk idling between colonial buildings. The cultural gem of the town is Paphos Archeological Site, Nea Paphos, which stretches along the west coast from Kato Paphos.

After walking among the mosaics and ancient ruins of Nea Paphos, visitors should head to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tombs of the Kings. This Egyptian-influenced archaeological site has a desert-like landscape with a glittering blue Mediterranean Sea backdrop. Fans of Greek mythology can climb Aphrodite's Rock, the legendary birthplace of the goddess of love, which is a 20-minute drive from Paphos. You can take a boat trip to swim in brilliantly turquoise waters at the Blue Lagoon, or hike between the narrow ochre cliffs of Avakas Gorge. To taste the food specialities of Cyprus, venture out to quaint rural villages such as Miliou and Kathikas.

To get to Paphos, fly into Paphos International Airport and take one of the regular buses to either Karavella Bus Station in Ktima or Harbour Bus Station in Kato Paphos. The town itself is compact and the central areas are pedestrian zones, so walking is the best way to get around. The extensive Paphos bus network comes in handy if you're keen to explore rural areas, but be aware that routes often stop running in the late afternoon.

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