Paphos Infrastructure Guide 2026: Transport, Schools, Healthcare

Introduction: Why Infrastructure Matters for Expats and Property Buyers

When moving abroad or investing in real estate, infrastructure is often more important than price or sea views. The quality of transport connections, the availability of schools, nurseries and universities, and the reliability of healthcare services all directly affect comfort of living.

Paphos, one of Cyprus’ most attractive cities, is not only famous for its coastline and UNESCO heritage sites but also offers growing infrastructure that supports an international lifestyle.

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about transport in Paphos, the school system, higher education and healthcare — along with practical tips for expats coming from the UK, Scandinavia, the USA, Israel, the UAE, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other countries.

Transport in Paphos: Roads, Buses and Airport Transfers

Roads and Highways

Paphos is well connected with other Cypriot cities through a modern road network:

• A6 motorway: links Paphos with Limassol (approx. 66 km, four-lane highway). Travel time: ~45 minutes.
• A7 motorway (planned): will connect Paphos with Polis, improving access to the north-western part of the district.
• Local projects include upgrading the coastal road Chlorakas–Kissonerga–Lemba, expanding Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, and building a western bypass to reduce inner-city congestion.

For expats driving in Cyprus:

• Vehicles drive on the left side of the road (UK-style).
• International driving licences are accepted.
• Parking in Paphos town centre is usually paid (€1–€2/hour), but free parking is common in residential areas.

Public Buses in Paphos

Public transport is limited compared to larger European cities, but Paphos does have a functioning bus network:

• The main operator is OSYPA (Paphos Transport Organisation).
• Routes connect the harbour area (Kato Paphos), the old town (Ktima), Coral Bay, Geroskipou, Polis and Paphos Airport.
• Standard ticket: €1.50 (daytime), €2.50 (night services). Day passes (~€5) and weekly passes (~€20) are available.
• Tickets can be purchased on the bus or via apps such as JCC Smart.

Discounts and free travel:

• Children under 6 years: free.
• Pensioners and disabled passengers: discounts or free travel with ID.

Recent upgrades include installing modern bus stops with real-time digital displays, weather protection, and lighting. Electric buses and charging stations are part of the city’s sustainable mobility plan.

Paphos Airport Transfers

Paphos International Airport (PFO) is located ~10–14 km southeast of the city centre. It serves flights from the UK, Scandinavia, Central Europe, Israel, and the Middle East — making it a key entry point for expats and investors.

Transfer options from the airport to Paphos city and resorts:

👉 Typical travel time from the airport to Kato Paphos is 10–15 minutes.

For property buyers, agencies like Cyprus VIP Estates can arrange reliable transfers directly to residential complexes, removing the hassle of negotiating at the airport.

Taxis, Car Rentals, Bikes & Alternatives

Taxis in Paphos:

• Average tariff: €1.50–€2.50/km, plus a base fare of €3–€4.
• Popular services: Paphos Taxi Airport, VIP Rides, Bolt.
• Booking: via phone, mobile apps, or at taxi ranks near hotels and main streets.

Car rentals:

• Widely available from international providers (Avis, Hertz, Sixt) and local companies.
• Daily rates: from €20–€40 for economy cars, up to €80–€100 for SUVs.
  Long-term rentals are popular with expats before they buy a car.

Bikes and alternatives:

• Paphos municipality is developing bike lanes and e-bike stations along the coast and in residential areas.
• Electric scooters are occasionally available for rent, but the service is not yet widespread.
• Car-sharing is emerging in Cyprus, but not yet widely used in Paphos.

Walking:

In central Paphos and Kato Paphos, most amenities, shops and restaurants are within walking distance — convenient for families who prefer not to rely on cars.

Schools and Education in Paphos

State Schools in Paphos

Cyprus provides free education in state schools for citizens and legally resident children. In Paphos, the network includes dozens of primary schools, gymnasiums and lyceums spread across residential areas.

Age and entry:

• Pre-primary: 3–5 years (depending on availability).
• Primary school: from 5 years 8 months (or age 6) — lasts 6 years.
• Lower secondary (Gymnasio): 12–15 years.
• Upper secondary (Lykeio): 15–18 years.

Enrollment process

Children are generally enrolled in schools based on their catchment area (district of residence). Documents usually required:

• birth certificate,
• residence permit,
• proof of address,
• medical records.

Language of instruction

All lessons are conducted in Greek, which may be a challenge for expat children. Some schools offer support programmes, but integration can take time.

Exams

Students finish Lykeio with an Apolytirion (school-leaving certificate), which allows them to apply for universities in Cyprus or abroad.

Pros: free education, cultural integration, well-established system.
Cons: Greek-only instruction, potential adaptation difficulties for non-Greek speakers.

International and British Schools in Paphos

For many expats from the UK, Scandinavia, the USA, Israel, Germany, Switzerland and other countries, international or British-curriculum schools are the most attractive option.

The International School of Paphos (ISOP)

• Age: accepts children from 2½ years up to 18 years.
• Curriculum: British system, including IGCSE and A-levels.
• Languages: main instruction in English, with Greek and other foreign languages offered.
• Entry: application, placement tests or interview, school reports from the previous institution.
• Tuition: varies by year group; fees are significantly lower than in the UK or USA, making it an affordable choice for international families.

TLC Private School

• Location: in the Paphos district.
• Offers full British curriculum from early years to secondary education.
• Known for small class sizes and personalised teaching.

Other private schools also provide English-medium or bilingual education, sometimes with specialist support for expats.

Pros: English-speaking environment, easier adaptation, international qualifications.
Cons: higher cost, limited number of places, entrance assessments.

Nurseries and Kindergartens in Paphos

For families with young children, Paphos has a wide choice of nurseries, day-care centres and kindergartens.

Age:

• Nurseries (crèches): from 4 months up to 3 years.
• Pre-primary: 3–5 years.

Types:

• State nurseries: Greek-speaking, limited places, short hours.
• Private nurseries: English-speaking or bilingual (English-Greek, sometimes Polish), flexible hours, modern facilities.

Typical timetable:

• State nurseries: ~07:45–13:00, sometimes extended until 16:00.
• Private nurseries: ~07:30–18:00, with meals, naps and activities included.

Costs:

Examples:

• Little Gems Nursery and Kindergarten (English-language, accepts children from 3 months).
• Tiny Acorns Nursery (6 months to 5 years, English-medium).
• Happy Faces Kindergarten (popular with international families, flexible attendance packages).

Key factor for property buyers: many families choose housing based on the proximity of nurseries and schools. Living within 5–10 minutes by car from an international nursery is often a priority.

Higher Education: Neapolis University Paphos

For older students and families planning long-term residence, Paphos offers higher education opportunities:

Neapolis University Paphos (NUP):

• Private university recognised by the Republic of Cyprus and the EU.
• Faculties: Business, Economics, Law, Architecture, Engineering, Health Sciences.
• Location: near Kato Paphos, close to residential complexes.

Admissions:

• Bachelor’s programmes: application form, secondary school certificate (A-levels, IGCSE, or equivalent), proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Master’s programmes: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, CV, sometimes GRE/GMAT or portfolio (for architecture/design).

Exams and system:

• Programmes follow European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
• Degrees recognised across the EU and internationally.

Tuition fees:

• Bachelor’s: ~€7,000–€9,000 per year.
• Master’s: ~€8,000–€12,000 per year.
  (Much lower than tuition fees in the UK or USA, making Paphos an attractive study destination).

Perspectives:

• NUP is expanding its research collaborations and Erasmus programmes.
• Planned partnerships with universities in Europe and the Middle East.
• Growing student population increases demand for rental housing in Paphos — an extra advantage for property investors.

Healthcare in Paphos: Hospitals, Clinics and Pharmacies

Healthcare is one of the most important aspects for expats and families relocating to a new country. Paphos provides both state-funded healthcare and a wide range of private medical services, making it attractive for residents from the UK, Scandinavia, the USA, Israel, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the UAE and beyond.

Paphos General Hospital

• Location: in Anavargos, around 3 km from the city centre.
• Role: the main public hospital in the district, covering both emergency and routine care.

How to access services:

• Emergency cases: go directly to the Accident & Emergency department (A&E).
• Planned visits: patients first register with a General Practitioner (GP), who may refer them to specialists.

Eligibility:

• Cyprus residents who are registered in the GESY system (National Health System) can use state healthcare, often with minimal co-payments.
• Expats: need to register with GESY (if legally resident) or rely on private insurance.

Costs:

• Visits to GPs under GESY: typically €0–€6 per consultation (depending on income and special categories).
• Specialist consultations: €6–€25 under GESY.
• Without GESY, private visits in state hospitals may cost €40–€70.

Advantages: affordable care, wide range of services.
Challenges: waiting times for certain specialists, equipment sometimes less modern than in private hospitals.

Private Clinics and English-Speaking Doctors

Private healthcare is extremely popular among expats in Paphos due to shorter waiting times and high-quality service.

How it works:

• Patients book directly with clinics or doctors, usually without needing a GP referral.
• Payment is either direct or through private health insurance.

Costs:

• General consultation: €50–€150 depending on the doctor and clinic.
• Diagnostic tests (ultrasound, X-ray, MRI): €50–€400.
• Dental care: from €40 for check-ups to €500+ for implants.
• Cosmetic surgery and specialised treatments: prices vary significantly.

Language:

Many private doctors and staff speak English, German and other languages — making it easier for international patients.

Examples:

• St George’s Private Hospital – modern equipment, wide range of specialists.
  Iasis Hospital – well-known in Paphos, offers 24/7 emergency care and advanced diagnostic units.
• Evangelismos Private Hospital – popular among expats, known for English-speaking doctors.

Advantages: faster service, modern facilities, personalised care.
Considerations: higher costs, so health insurance is strongly recommended.

Pharmacies in Paphos

Pharmacies are widely available throughout the city and suburbs.

Opening hours:

• Most pharmacies work Mon–Fri 09:00–13:00 and 15:00–19:00.
• Some open on Saturdays (morning only).
• On Sundays, pharmacies are generally closed — but duty pharmacies operate on a rotating basis.

Duty pharmacies:

• Known as “efimerevousa farmakeia” in Greek.
• Published daily on local websites and in newspapers.
• Always at least one pharmacy open 24/7 in Paphos district.

Medications:

• Many common medicines are available over the counter.
• Stronger drugs (antibiotics, painkillers, antidepressants) require a doctor’s prescription.
• Prices are often lower than in Northern/Western Europe.

Insurance coverage:

Patients under GESY may receive medications at reduced costs, depending on the type of treatment and the specific drug.

Practical tip for expats:

If you have a chronic condition, check in advance whether your prescribed medications are stocked in Cyprus — and if not, ask your doctor about equivalents.

Lifestyle and Living Comfort in Paphos

Relocating to a new city is not only about property — it’s also about lifestyle. Paphos combines a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere with modern infrastructure that supports both families and professionals.

Cost of Living in Paphos (2026 Overview)

Compared to Western Europe and the USA, Paphos offers lower living costs:

• Monthly rent (2-bedroom apartment in city centre): €700–€900.
• Monthly utilities (electricity, water, internet): €150–€200.
• Restaurant meal for two: €35–€50.
• Public transport pass: €20–€25.

For many expats, this balance of affordability and high quality of life makes Paphos an attractive destination.

Best Neighbourhoods for Expats

• Kato Paphos: close to the harbour, beaches, restaurants and tourist attractions. Walkable, lively, but more expensive.
• Geroskipou: family-friendly, close to schools and nurseries, only 5–10 minutes from the city centre.
• Coral Bay / Peyia: popular with international residents, larger villas, sea views.
• Anavargos: close to General Hospital and International School of Paphos, very practical for families.

Distance Table: Key Infrastructure in Paphos

Why Buying Property in Paphos Is a Smart Move

Infrastructure directly influences property value. Families and expats often choose homes based on the proximity to schools, healthcare, transport and lifestyle amenities.

Key Reasons to Invest in Paphos Real Estate:

• Growing infrastructure: new roads, hospital expansions, sustainable transport projects.
• International schools: strong appeal for expat families from the UK, Scandinavia, the USA, Israel, Germany and Switzerland.
• Healthcare system: availability of both state and private options with English-speaking doctors.
• Rental potential: growing demand from students of Neapolis University and long-term expats.
• Mediterranean lifestyle: mild climate, beaches, international community.

For property buyers, choosing the right location is crucial. Areas like Anavargos, Geroskipou and Kato Paphos combine strong infrastructure with high investment potential.

Common Expat Questions About Paphos Infrastructure

Paphos – A City Ready for Expats and Investors

Paphos is no longer just a holiday destination. With modernised roads, expanding healthcare facilities, international schools, nurseries, and a growing university, the city has become one of the best places for expats to live and invest in Cyprus.

For families, the presence of English-speaking schools and healthcare makes relocation smooth and comfortable. For investors, infrastructure development means stronger rental potential and rising property values.

Whether you are moving from the UK, Scandinavia, the USA, Israel, Germany, Switzerland or the UAE, Paphos offers the perfect balance between lifestyle and investment opportunity.

If you are considering buying property in Paphos, make sure to take infrastructure into account — it will define not just your comfort, but also the long-term value of your investment.