posted 22nd February 2026
10 Best Places to Live in Paphos for Expats
Paphos is one of Cyprus’s most popular regions for expats - and for good reason. You get a mix of coastal lifestyle, established international communities, modern amenities, and easy access to beaches, nature, and the airport.
Below are 10 of the best places to live in and around Paphos for expats, with practical pros and gentle, non-alarmist cons. Use this as a starting point, then match the area to your lifestyle, budget, and day-to-day needs.
Quick snapshot: what most expats prioritise in Paphos
• Proximity to the sea vs cooler inland elevation
• Walkability (shops, cafés, seafront) vs quieter residential living
• Access to international schools and medical services
• Commute time to work, the airport, and main roads
• Property type: apartment, townhouse, detached villa, or village home
1) Kato Paphos (Lower Paphos)
Why expats like it: Kato Paphos is the classic ‘walkable coastal’ option, close to the harbour, restaurants, and seafront paths.
Pros - Very walkable for day-to-day life (cafés, supermarkets, seafront), Strong rental demand and plenty of apartment options, Great for short stays while you learn the area, Easy access to tourist services and amenities
Cons - Can feel busier in peak seasons, Some streets vary in quietness depending on exact location
2) Universal (Paphos)
Why expats like it: Universal is popular with expats who want a residential feel but still want to be close to the centre.
Pros - Convenient location between town and seafront areas, Often good value compared with ‘front line’ coastal spots, Mix of apartments and small complexes with pools, Practical for year-round living
Cons - Car can be helpful depending on your exact address
3) Chloraka
Why expats like it: Chloraka sits just north of central Paphos and offers a blend of local life and expat-friendly housing.
Pros - Good access to Paphos town while feeling more residential, Mix of traditional areas and modern developments, Coastal access in parts, with sea views in elevated spots, Often a strong community feel
Cons - Some areas are more spread out, so location choice matters
4) Tala
Why expats like it: Tala is a well-known expat village on the hills above Paphos, often chosen for views and a calmer pace.
Pros - Elevated position can mean cooler evenings and breezes, Popular village centre with cafés and a social feel, Great views over the coastline in many spots, Good option for villa-style living
Cons -Hills can mean more driving and less walkability
5) Konia
Why expats like it:Konia is a quieter, upmarket-feeling residential area close to Paphos, with easy road access.
Pros - Convenient for commuting and getting around the region, Often feels calm and residential, good for families, Good access to services without being in the busiest zones, Mix of newer homes and larger properties
Cons - Lifestyle is more ‘home-based’ than ‘seafront strolls’
6) Geroskipou
Why expats like it: Geroskipou is a practical choice near Paphos with local character, amenities, and good access to the coast.
Pros - Strong everyday convenience (shops, services, road links), Good option if you want a more local, lived-in feel, Close to beaches and resort areas without being in the centre, Useful base for working expats
Cons - Some parts feel more ‘town’ than ‘holiday’
7) Peyia
Why expats like it: Peyia is a major expat hub northwest of Paphos, known for community, views, and access to Coral Bay.
Pros -Large expat community and lots of social options, Many properties with sea views and outdoor space, Good access to beaches and nature, Popular for both full-time living and second homes
Cons - It’s a bit further out, so a car is usually helpful
8) Coral Bay
Why expats like it: Coral Bay is a beach-focused area that appeals to people who want coastline, swimming, and a ‘resort lifestyle.’
Pros - Close to one of the best-known beaches in the region, Great for outdoor living and a relaxed pace, Strong holiday rental appeal (if that’s part of your plan), Plenty of dining and seasonal activity
Cons - Can be more seasonal in feel depending on the street
9) Polis & Latchi (Polis Chrysochous area)
Why expats like it: If you want a quieter, nature-led lifestyle, Polis and nearby Latchi are favourites - with a different vibe from central Paphos.
Pros - More laid-back pace and strong connection to nature, Lovely coastline, harbour areas, and scenic drives, Great for people who want ‘space’ and calmer surroundings, Popular with retirees and long-term expats
Cons - Further from Paphos city amenities and the airport
10) Anavargos
Why expats like it: Anavargos is a practical residential area close to key services, often chosen for convenience and value.
Pros - Good access to hospitals/medical services and main roads, Often good value for space compared to more coastal zones, Useful base for families and working expats, Easy to reach schools, shops, and day-to-day essentials
Cons - Less of a ‘seafront lifestyle’ feel
How to choose the right area (a simple checklist)
Before you commit to a long-term rental or purchase, try to validate these points:
• Do a day-and-night check: visit at different times to see noise, parking, and general feel
• Test your routine: drive your likely routes (school, supermarket, beach, medical)
• Ask about year-round living: heating/cooling, insulation, humidity, and maintenance
• Get clarity on costs: communal fees, utilities, and any ongoing property charges
• Use reputable professionals: especially for legal checks, contracts, and tax planning
Why reputable professionals matter when relocating
Relocating is a high-trust process. You may be making decisions in a new legal system, with unfamiliar paperwork, and under time pressure. That’s exactly when it pays to work with professionals who are transparent, ethical, and clear about scope and fees.
How EXAPS can help
EXAPS exists to help expats identify professional service providers who are committed to fair, ethical standards.
If you’re relocating to Paphos (or elsewhere in Cyprus), EXAPS can help you:
• Find reputable professionals more efficiently
• Compare providers with greater confidence
• Reduce the risk of misunderstandings by prioritising transparency and integrity
Important positioning note: EXAPS is not a regulator, ombudsman, accreditation body, law firm, or provider of legal/financial/immigration/tax advice. EXAPS does not guarantee outcomes and is not a party to any contract between an expat and a service provider.
What EXAPS does provide is a practical directory and membership alliance approach - because integrity does not stop at the border.
Disclaimer
This article is general information only and is not legal, financial, tax, immigration, or property advice. Areas can vary street by street, and suitability depends on your personal circumstances. Always do your own checks and seek independent professional advice before renting, buying, or relocating.
