Are you planning a trip to Paphos? If so, you must plan your trip with safety and health in mind – not just the fun parts!
From learning how to protect yourself from common illnesses like the stomach flu, securing travel insurance, familiarizing yourself with local laws, and being mindful of potential dangers like pick-pocketing or terrorism – there is no shortage of measures you can take to ensure your health and safety while traveling.
So in this blog post, we’ll go through some invaluable tips for staying safe and healthy during your visit to beautiful Paphos in Cyprus.
COVID-19
There’s good news for travel bugs who can’t wait to soak up the Mediterranean sun: Cyprus just made life a little easier for you by scrapping the dreaded passenger locator forms (Cyprus Flight Pass) for entry into the country starting from April 18th, 2022!
Say goodbye to country categorizations and most travel-related COVID protocols – I know it’s music to your ears!
Check out the updated travel protocol here for those who want the deets.
Now it’s time to pack your bags, book your ticket, and get ready to rock n roll in style, baby!
The safety in Paphos
Ah, Paphos – where the sun shines and the good times roll.
Let us put your mind at ease if you’re worried about safety. With an excellent reputation for being one of the safest and most friendly cities in Europe and the world, even a simple “Hello” is usually all it takes to make friends.
Let’s not get too comfortable; a little caution never hurts anybody.
All it takes is a few basic precautions to keep your belongings safe and sound.
Regarding crime in Cyprus, let’s say it’s on vacation, too, because it’s at a superficial level.
And if you do need a helping hand, the Police Force is ready to swoop in like a superhero.
For up-to-date safety information, visit the website of the UK Foreign Office, the US State Department, or your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
So, unwind, enjoy, and leave the safety worries behind.
Things to be aware of
Even though my city is a paradise, and it is very safe, I still recommend you to watch and be complacent – unfortunately, like everywhere in the world, there is a minor crime, such as theft, in tourist areas.
So a good piece of advice I can tell you as a local and a traveler is that even in calm places like Paphos, you must be careful with your belongings and never leave them unattended.
For further information, visit my guide about what to avoid in Paphos.
But still – Paphos is pretty safe, and I have never felt worried or threatened.
Emergency numbers in Paphos
112 is the emergency number for Cyprus if you need Police, Fire Service, and Ambulance – In one number.
If you need Night Pharmacies and Chemists, dial 11892 or +357 90 901 416 for the automatic recording in Paphos.
For Paphos Hospital, call +357 26 803 100 or +357 26 821 800 to Polis Hospital.
I hope you won’t need to use these numbers, but it’s always better to be prepared – just in case.
Health & Hygiene in Paphos
Paphos is safe from most infectious diseases, and no vaccinations are needed.
EU citizens are entitled to free, or very cheap, healthcare provided they have valid European Health Insurance (EHIC).
You’ll be pleased to know that the good people of Cyprus take your diet very seriously:
That’s why the Health Inspectors of the Medical and Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health and the Local Authorities closely monitor food safety and drinking water quality.
So, sip on those cocktails and chow down on that mezze with no worries.
And let’s not forget about the climate in Paphos because it doesn’t get any better than this.
Excellent from a health point of view, our ideal climate makes it the perfect destination for holidaymakers all year round!
Pharmacies and hospitals in Paphos
Every pharmacy sells a full selection of medicines, but if you need particular prescription medicines, it is recommended to stock them in advance.
All government hospitals in Cyprus and also in Paphos have emergency rooms.
A symbol of a green cross identifies all pharmacies.
Most of the pharmacies open until 22:00 during winter or 23:00 in summer, but there can be some changes on the weekends or the public holidays in Cyprus-
You can always ask your hotel staff or check the opening hours online or in the local newspaper.
Medical Services available in Paphos
Attention, all hypochondriacs! If you’re feeling under the weather in Cyprus, don’t fret.
The Government General Hospitals and Private Clinics and Hospitals are here to care for you.
And don’t worry about feeling lost in translation because most doctors speak English, and the nursing staff has your back with their multilingual skills.
Need a doc in a hurry?
No worries because Government General Hospitals and Private Clinics and Hospitals are strategically placed in urban areas to meet your needs.
And if you’re out in the middle of nowhere and feeling like a hypochondriac in crisis, health centers, sub-centers, and dispensaries are here to save the day.
If you’re experiencing an emergency, head over to any Government General Hospital or some private clinics because they’ve got Accident and Emergency Departments for those not-so-pleasant surprises that life likes to throw at us.
If you’re planning a holiday, let’s make sure you have travel insurance
If your insurance covers your time on this sunny island, you’ll be ready to go if you need medical help.
And whether it’s a weekday or not, private doctors are just a phone call away.
With visiting hours from 09:00 – 13:00 and 16:00 – 19:00, you’ll have plenty of time to squeeze in sightseeing, beach lounging, or poolside sipping.
If you’re feeling a little woozy or under the weather, You can always let your hotel know, and they’ll do all their power to ensure you get any help or medicine you need.
So don’t forget to get that travel insurance before packing your bags because safety comes first!
Tips for Female Travelers and Solo Adventurers
Can you drink tap water in Paphos?
Yes, you can drink tap water in Paphos without any worries.
The Cypriot government takes strict measures to ensure high-quality drinking water and that the standards are met throughout the country.
But as a local, I still advise you to buy bottled water, not because it’s safer, but because the tap water doesn’t taste much and is not always cold.
But who knows? Maybe you will like it more than bottled water.
So go ahead and give it a try!
Driving on Paphos roads
If you decide to rent a car and explore the wonders of Paphos, ensure you are familiar with the Cyprus traffic regulations.
Here are the key things you need to know about driving in Cyprus:
First, remember that we drive on the LEFT side of the road, not the right.
And don’t forget to pay attention to speed limits and distances posted in kilometers and kilometers-per-hour (km/h), respectively.
Speaking of speed limits, motorways have a maximum of 100 km/h, while a general speed limit of 80 km/h applies to all other roads—unless you see a lower one.
Buckle up, buttercup, because seat belts are necessary for front and back seats, and kiddos need appropriate child restraints.
Also, there are no rear-facing baby seats in seats with frontal airbags unless they’re deactivated.
And since the Mediterranean sun can be bright, stylish sunglasses are your new driving must-have.
Drunk driving is a no-go, and hands-free is the way to be.
Pedestrians in Paphos
Well, hello there, pedestrians! If you plan on strutting your stuff on Paphos’s streets, keep a few things in mind to stay safe.
First, always be aware of your surroundings and use designated pedestrian crossings when crossing the street.
Also, remember that driving in Paphos is on the left side, so walk on the pavement. If there is no pavement, walk on the right side of the road – you know, towards the oncoming traffic- because that’s not scary!
Lastly, ensure you don’t miss a beat before crossing any road by looking both ways.
And because the fast lane is not your lane, pedestrians are not allowed to enter motorways or walk on the edge of the motorway.
In conclusion
Paphos is a beautiful place to explore and get lost – but still, make sure you stay safe!
So whether it’s an emergency or not, rest assured that Paphos has your back.
Have fun, be mindful of your surroundings, and enjoy my sunny island!
And don’t forget: safety always comes first in Paphos.
Happy exploring!
