Paphos: A Quiet Corner of the Mediterranean

Martin Hesp
Apr 27
3 min read

The historic fort still guards the harbour at Paphos, Cyprus

We have just arrived in Paphos, Cyprus for a small convention organised by the British Guild of Travel Writers. I have been looking forward to this little trip, as it's been 32 long years since I was last here - and a great deal has changed on the island since. For a start, back in those days most roads north of the town or inland were not much more than dirt tracks. That is very much not the case now.

The pleasant promenade that runs right along the seafront to the harbour and beyond in Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos has been quietly moving with the times. It is a place where Roman mosaics and UNESCO-listed tombs sit just a short distance from a harbour that still feels like the heart of the town. For those of us visiting with the British Guild of Travel Writers, the city served as a reminder that Cyprus doesn’t need to shout to get your attention; the history and the sea air do most of the work.

The town itself is split between the old quarter on the hill and the coastal Kato Paphos. It is a walkable stretch of coastline, punctuated by the mediaeval castle and a promenade that leads you past archaeological sites that date back to the 4th century BC. It remains a reliable destination for anyone who prefers their sunshine served with a side of genuine antiquity.

As is so often the case with the BGTW, we have a full and exciting itinerary - and we are staying in what must be one of the best hotels in Cyprus...

View from the newly revamped top floor of the Asimina Suites Hotel, — View from the newly revamped top floor of the Asimina Suites Hotel

The Constantinou Bros Legacy

The hotel landscape in Paphos is largely shaped by the Constantinou Bros Hotels. This is a family-run outfit, founded by Cypriots back in the late 1970s. They have a knack for picking prime beachfront spots, and their presence here is substantial, with four major properties including the Pioneer Beach and Athena Royal.

What sets them apart is a focus on the "adult-focused" market. They’ve moved away from the noisy, family-resort model, opting instead for a quieter, more refined style of hospitality. It’s an approach that suits the Paphos temperament well—focused on good food, unhurried service, and a certain level of calm.

A Refreshed Retreat: The Asimina Suites

My suite in the newly revamped top floor of the Asimina Suites Hotel

Our base for the trip was the Asimina Suites Hotel, a five-star, all-suite property that has just undergone a significant six-month revamp. It reopened in May 2026, and while the core of the hotel remains familiar to its many repeat guests, the updates are noticeable.

The New Floor: A brand-new top floor has been added, housing the Deluxe Superior One Bedroom Sea View Suites. These offer the kind of uninterrupted Mediterranean views you’d expect, but with a layout that actually gives you room to breathe.
The St Andrews Rooftop Bar: This is perhaps the most significant change—a new venue for sundowners that looks out over the coast. It’s sophisticated without being flashy.
Refined Spaces: The VIPS Bar and the Lounge Bar have both been expanded to accommodate the hotel’s popularity, and the Estia Restaurant has been given a refresh, including new wooden flooring that lightens the whole space.

My bedroom in the newly revamped suite at the Asimina Suites Hotel

The hotel remains an adults-only haven. It’s the sort of place where you can take a morning swim in the interconnected pools, wander through the gardens to the beach, or spend an hour in the Elixir Spa without the usual holiday clamour. For a journalist looking for a quiet desk or a traveller looking for a proper rest, it hits the mark.