Travelers often ask The Camel Car Hire whether Paphos reflects Greek or Turkish heritage, a question that unveils the island’s layered past.
Where is Paphos exactly
Today, Cyprus unfolds as two distinct regions:
- The southern expanse, spanning roughly three-fifths of the land, thrives under a globally recognized banner, joining the European Union in 2004, with a community deeply tied to Greek traditions.
- The northern stretch, covering just over a third, operates under a banner acknowledged only by Turkey, home to those who cherish Turkish customs.
A peacekeeper-patrolled strip, often called the “Green Line” by locals, marks the divide between these realms. Paphos nestles in the southwest of the southern region, about 120 km from this boundary—a 1.5-hour drive in our cars, winding through sunlit hills, as our clients often note with delight.
Is Paphos in the Turkish Part of Cyprus or not: The historical context
Over the centuries, Cyprus has been influenced by various cultures:
- Paphos was founded in 1200 BC and was originally linked to Greek culture. This is confirmed by many archaeological monuments.
- During the Ottoman period (1571–1878), all of Cyprus was under Turkish rule. At that time, mosques and Turkish baths appeared in Paphos (for example, in the Mouttalos area).
- This was followed by the period when Cyprus was a British colony (1878–1960). Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots continued to live side by side, although tensions between the communities grew.
- In 1974, after interethnic conflict and the Turkish invasion, Cyprus was divided. Paphos remained in the Greek part, but some of its residents (Turkish Cypriots) moved north.
Where is Paphos Located in Cyprus and who lives there
Looking at the cultural and ethnic identity of this city, it is easy to see why it is called “Greek”:
- Approximately 98% of the residents of this island gem are Greek Cypriots.
- Almost all locals speak Greek (the Cypriot dialect).
- In Paphos, you’ll find Orthodox churches, such as the Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church. Greek Orthodox holidays, like Easter and Christmas, are widely celebrated here.
- Traditional Greek dishes, such as meze, are a staple, and festivals inspired by Greek mythology—like the Paphos Aphrodite Festival—bring the culture to life.
- Clients of The Camel Car Hire who rent cars from us often say that this city “feels like Greece but with a unique Cypriot charm.”
In this regard, we have two news updates related to where is Paphos, Cyprus located:
- If you are looking for an experience of Greek culture, Paphos is definitely your choice. Everything here, from the food to the music, will match your expectations.
- If you are more drawn to Turkish culture, Paphos might seem uninteresting to you. Nowadays, Turkish influence is mostly visible only in architecture and rare historical monuments, but it does not define the city’s modern identity.
Is Paphos in Greece? A common misconception
At The Camel Car Hire, we sometimes hear this question from travelers visiting Cyprus for the first time. This confusion is understandable, given the city’s deep Greek cultural roots. However, the answer is no—Paphos is not in Greece. In a way, this makes the city even more fascinating, as here you can get a taste of Greece while also discovering the broader cultural mosaic of Cyprus.
