New Year's Eve in Cyprus, in Paphos
Flight, hotel and transfer, with the turn of the year on the Paphos seafront.
New Year's Eve in Cyprus, in Paphos: Roman mosaics, Aphrodite's Rock and seaside walks at 17°C by day, two hours' flight from home.
New Year's Eve in Paphos is a mild one, in a small town by the sea. In winter Cyprus is not a beach destination, but it has one of the mildest winters in Europe: around 17°C during the day, often sunny, with cool evenings. Cyprus is on the same time as Romania, you pay in euros and your ID card is enough to get in.
The packages include a flight from Bucharest, accommodation and transfer, with departures on 28 December for 7 nights and on 29 December for 5 nights, returning in the first days of January. The hotels are in Paphos, Coral Bay and Chloraka, and you see the price of each one in the offer, before you pay.
Top attractions in Paphos
The mosaics of Kato Paphos
The archaeological park by the harbour, a UNESCO site, preserves the floors of Roman villas covered in mosaics of gods and myths, among the finest in the Mediterranean. Nearby are the Tombs of the Kings, carved into the rock. In winter you see them without the summer heat and crowds.
Aphrodite's Rock
Petra tou Romiou, about 25 kilometres from town, is where, according to legend, Aphrodite was born from the sea foam. The white rock in turquoise water looks its best at sunset, from the viewpoint above the coast road.
The sea caves and the Edro III wreck
North of Paphos, towards Peyia, the coast is carved into caves and stone arches, and since 2011 a stranded ship, the Edro III, has lain tilted close to the shore. It is a good seaside walk on the first day of the year, with waves breaking on the rocks.
The upper town and the harbour
Paphos has two parts: the upper town, Ktima, with its covered market, lanes and churches, and Kato Paphos, with the harbour, the medieval fort and a seafront full of tavernas. Much of New Year's Eve happens along the seafront for those who don't stay at the hotel.
Everything you need to know about Paphos
New Year's Eve weather
Days are usually 16–19°C and sunny, though some are rainy, and at night it drops to 8–10°C. The sea is around 19°C, too cold for most people. Bring a good jacket for the evenings and for New Year's Eve outdoors.
Where to stay
In Kato Paphos, near the harbour and the seafront, if you want the restaurants and New Year's Eve on foot. Coral Bay and Chloraka, to the north, for large, quiet hotels by the sea, a short taxi or bus ride from the centre.
Flight and documents
The flight from Bucharest takes about two hours, and the airport–hotel transfer is included. Cyprus is in the European Union: a valid ID card is enough. In Cyprus you drive on the left, worth remembering if you hire a car.
New Year's Eve dinner
Hotels and tavernas usually have a New Year's Eve menu with music and need booking early. On 1 January, St Basil's Day, Cypriots cut the vasilopita, a sweet bread with a coin hidden inside. Try a long meze, with grilled halloumi and sheftalia.
Frequently asked questions about Paphos
- What does the Paphos New Year's Eve package include?
- The return flight from Bucharest, accommodation at the hotel you choose with the meals in the offer, the airport–hotel–airport transfer and TravelTheme assistance throughout the trip. You can see exactly what each hotel includes in the offer, before you pay.
- Is the New Year's Eve dinner included?
- It depends on the hotel. Some hotels include a festive dinner or offer one at an extra cost, others have no New Year's Eve programme. If the dinner matters to you, write to us before you book and we will check for the hotel you have chosen.
- When do I leave and when do I come back?
- From Bucharest you can leave on 28 December and return on 4 January (7 nights), or leave on 29 December and return on 3 January (5 nights). You can see the dates with seats and the price of each one at the top, under “Nearest departure dates”, or choose them in the search.
- Can I pay only a deposit?
- For bookings made well in advance you can pay a 25% deposit and the rest by the date shown in your confirmation. At checkout you will see whether your booking can be paid with a deposit; closer to departure, payment is made in full.
- Is it beach weather in Paphos at New Year?
- Not really. It is around 17°C during the day and the sea is about 19°C: some people swim, most don't. Paphos at New Year is a holiday of walks, ancient sites and good food in mild sunshine. For a New Year's Eve with swimming, look at Hurghada or Marsa Alam.
- Paphos or Larnaca?
- Paphos is smaller and quieter, with ancient sites and a wild coast nearby. Larnaca, Limassol and Ayia Napa are bigger towns with more going on in the evening. The weather is almost the same; choose by what you want to do on New Year's Eve.