Paphos

In the west of the island, Paphos combines a seaside with stellar archaeological sites and a buzzing nightlife. Since the late 1990s it has attracted some of the most lavish resorts on the island (as well as the largest influx of British travelers). It’s also the most pedestrian-friendly town in Cyprus, with a long beachside path running alongside most of the hotels all the way down to the pleasant leisure harbor, anchored by a medieval fortress. The surrounding area is one of the most scenic in Cyprus, especially the untrammeled Akamas peninsula—still accessible only to off-road vehicles. In short, if you want to combine easy accessibility to the beach with interesting historic attractions, this is the place you'll want to make your base.