Paphos Old Town: A Guide to Ktima – Market, Old Town Walk and Tips

Ktima and Kato Paphos: Two Parts of One Town

Many first-time visitors are surprised that Paphos has two centres. Down by the sea lies Kato Paphos with the harbour, the castle, the hotels, the Paphos seafront promenade and the Archaeological Park with the famous mosaics of ancient Nea Paphos. Up on the hill lies Ktima, the old town of Paphos. This is where most locals live and work, with the town hall, the market, schools and the offices of Pafos Municipality.

The two districts are linked by Apostolou Pavlou Avenue, which starts at Kennedy Square and ends down at the harbour. Many tourists only see Kato Paphos – yet the old town shows how Cyprus lives day to day.

Explore Old Town Paphos: Your Old Town Walk

This old town walk takes you through the main attractions in a loop. Grab a map at the tourist information office or simply follow the pedestrian streets – the maze of lanes is small enough that you will not get lost. Wander at your own pace: much of the charm of old Paphos lies in its quiet Greek and Turkish corners.

Kennedy Square and the Renovated Squares by the Town Hall

Kennedy Square is the heart of the old town. Before 2017, when Paphos was European Capital of Culture, three squares around the municipal park and town hall were renovated into one large pedestrian zone of 25,000 m²: 28th October Square, Kostis Palamas Square and Dionysios Solomos Square. The European Union funded the project with €3.4 million. Two rock-cut tombs from the Hellenistic and Roman periods were even integrated into the new squares.

Paphos Town Market (Municipal Market)

The indoor market is the favourite meeting point in the old town. Visit the town market for lace and embroidery, baskets, spices, halloumi, honey, olives and Cypriot sweets. Around the municipal market you will find small cafés and restaurants where you can order a Cypriot coffee or an iced frappé.

The Ottoman Quarter of Mouttalos and Ibrahim’s Khan

North of the market lies Mouttalos, the old Ottoman quarter of Ktima, with narrow streets and low houses. A good example is Ibrahim’s Khan, a former Ottoman inn where craftspeople now work and a small bistro invites you to linger.

The Ottoman Baths

The domed building on the edge of the old town was a bath house until the 1950s and was restored in 2015. Next to it, a lift takes you from the car park below the hill up into the old town.

Makariou Street, Murals and the Theatre

Makariou Street is the main shopping street of Ktima, lined with boutiques and small shops. In the side streets you will find colourful murals on the walls – an open-air gallery – and the Markideio Theatre, one of the old buildings behind the new squares.

Paphos District Archaeological Museum

A little outside the centre, at 43 Griva Digeni Avenue, the archaeological museum displays finds from the Paphos region from the Neolithic period to around 1700 AD – including coins minted in Paphos, a rare marble bust of Aphrodite and a statue of Asklepios. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:30 and closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry is free.

Tips to Visit and Stroll Around the Old Town

• Come in the morning: the market is at its busiest and it is not yet too hot.
• Combine it with Kato Paphos: explore the old town in the morning, visit the Tombs of the Kings or the Archaeological Park in the afternoon and finish at the harbour in the evening.
• Bring cash: some market stalls do not take cards.
• Mind the lunch break: some shops close at midday and on certain afternoons.

Beaches, Sea Caves and Boat Trips

After your stroll through town, head back to the sea. The Sea Caves near Peyia and the Edro III shipwreck are only a few minutes from Coral Bay. Further north, boat trips from Latchi take you to the Blue Lagoon on the Akamas peninsula, and on the south coast you will find Aphrodite’s Rock.