Cheap Eats in Paphos: Street Food and Village Tavernas

From bougatsa at a Ktima bakery to grilled halloumi in Kathikas, here is where to eat well in Paphos without overspending.

Street Food and Bakeries in Ktima

Start in Ktima, the old town above the harbour. Along Makarios Avenue and the side streets around the Municipal Market you will find bakeries selling bougatsa, a custard-filled filo pastry dusted with cinnamon, for a couple of euros. The market itself has stalls with olives, halloumi and seasonal fruit — perfect for a picnic. For a quick lunch, look for souvlaki stands near Kennedy Square, where a pita wrap with pork or chicken and salad costs around €4–6. These are takeaway only, so eat on the go or find a bench in the nearby park.

In the evening, the streets off Poseidonos Avenue in Kato Paphos have kebab shops and crepe stands that stay open late. A generous portion of chips with grated halloumi and oregano is a local favourite. If you are self-catering, the fruit markets on the outskirts of town (like the one near the roundabout to Chloraka) sell tomatoes, cucumbers and oranges by the kilo at very low prices. Avoid the seafront restaurants right on the harbour — they are convenient but often double the price for the same dishes you will find two streets back.

Village Tavernas in the Hills

A 20-minute drive north of Paphos brings you to the village of Kathikas, where family-run tavernas serve meze at lunchtime. For around €15 per person you get a spread of small plates: tahini, hummus, grilled halloumi, lountza (smoked pork), and seasonal vegetables. The portions are generous, so go hungry. Another good option is the village of Letymbou, slightly further east, where the taverna on the central square offers a set menu of the day for about €10. These places are busiest on Sundays, so book ahead or arrive early.

For a seaside alternative, head to Latchi harbour, about 45 minutes from Paphos. The fish tavernas there are more expensive than inland villages, but you can still find a plate of grilled octopus or a small fish meze for around €18. If you are on a tight budget, stick to the hills. My pick would be Kathikas for the drive and the views, but Letymbou feels more authentic with fewer tourists.

Practical Tips for Eating Cheaply

Tap water is safe to drink in Paphos, so ask for a jug instead of bottled water. Many tavernas bring free bread and olives, but check if they charge for it — some do. Lunch is often cheaper than dinner, with set menus at many places in Ktima around €8–10. The best months for outdoor eating are April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. In July and August, it can be too hot to eat outside at midday, so plan for a late lunch or evening meal.

If you are staying in a hotel in Kato Paphos, you are within walking distance of the street food clusters. For village tavernas, you will need a car or a taxi; a taxi from Kato Paphos to Kathikas costs around €25 each way, so it is worth sharing. Alternatively, local buses run to some villages, but services are infrequent. Consider basing yourself in Ktima if you want easy access to both the old town markets and the road to the hills.

Where to Stay for Food-Focused Travel

For the best access to cheap eats, I would book a hotel in Ktima, the old town. You will be steps from the bakeries and market, and you can walk to the bus station for trips to the villages. Hotels here range from simple guesthouses to small boutique stays, often with breakfast included. Kato Paphos is more convenient for the beach and nightlife, but you will pay a premium for food near the harbour. If you have a car, the suburbs like Chloraka or Emba offer quieter, cheaper hotels within a 10-minute drive of both Ktima and the coast.

Use our site to compare hotel prices in Paphos. With 642 hotel views in the last week, other travellers are finding good deals — so filter by neighbourhood and read the reviews. Booking directly with the hotel can sometimes match online prices, but check both. Avoid the peak weeks of August if you want lower rates and fewer queues at the tavernas.

Questions, answered

What is the cheapest street food in Paphos?

Bougatsa from a bakery in Ktima costs around €2, and a souvlaki pita wrap from a stand near Kennedy Square is about €4–6. These are filling and widely available.

Do I need a car to visit village tavernas?

Yes, most village tavernas like those in Kathikas and Letymbou are not well served by public transport. A car gives you flexibility, or you can take a taxi for around €25 each way from Kato Paphos.

When is the best time to eat outdoors in Paphos?

April to June and September to October offer mild weather for outdoor dining. July and August can be very hot at midday, so plan for a late lunch or evening meal.

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