For people seeking a welcoming and vibrant new home, the southwestern Cyprus city of Paphos ticks a lot of boxes. The historic city, with access to golden beaches warmed by year-round sunshine draws many international residents.

If you’re looking for a new home or a place to retire where you have the perks of the Mediterranean and a welcoming community of English speakers Paphos could be for you. A large network of international residents has called the city home for years, establishing businesses and social clubs for your use.

Hot, sunny days are the norm in Paphos

Year-round sunshine

With more than 300 days of sunshine every year and average temperatures of more than 10°C in January and over 26°C in August, it’s easy to recommend Paphos to people looking to move to Cyprus.

But Paphos is more than the reading on your thermometer. The international community that calls the Cypriot city home has established a network of clubs and social events that make full use of the excellent weather.

It’s easy to find cycling, swimming and hiking groups through Facebook, along with a whole other range of activities. The Akamas Peninsula offers stunning walking routes and great way to get back to nature.

Paphos is also home to a string of golf courses. The Minthis Golf Club is a ten-minute drive out of the city, and driving an hour south along the coast will take you to the Aphrodite hills and Secret Valley golf clubs.

Such good weather also lends itself to BBQs, so you can expect many group meetings to end up in someone’s garden for an impromptu party – a great opportunity to make new friends.

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Affordable cost of living

It can be wise to rent in Paphos before buying, especially if you plan to engage with the English-speaking community, as you’ll find many tips about where to live and what to look for in a property.

Compared to other Mediterranean countries like Italy and Spain, Cyprus can be a much more affordable country to call home. Paphos has many new-build properties available and opportunities to buy off plan.

With house prices and rent low, especially compared to London, you can afford to eat out more. The city has many restaurants that allow you to explore Cypriot cuisine, but if you ever crave a taste of home, there are many highly-rated English-speaking bars and eateries through the town. T&J’s Fish and Chips and The New Horizon Pub are especially prized by locals, both for their quality food and atmosphere.

It’s easy to maintain an active lifestyle in Paphos

Quality healthcare

Paphos offers excellent healthcare, with multiple hospitals and many medical practices across the city.

While you will be able to guarantee English-speaking staff at private medical practices, with a large international community, you will often be able to communicate with doctors and nurses in public facilities, too. Though, as with any country, learning the language will help you navigate Paphos’ institutions more easily.

If you make friends within the international community, you will be able to find may people who can lend a hand guiding you through the healthcare system, from finding the best doctors to understanding insurance options.

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Convenient accessibility

Paphos is served by its own airport, just south of the city. With direct flights to London, Manchester, and numerous European capitals, it’s easy for friends and family to visit. It also makes those occasional necessary return trips a little more straightforward.

If you plan to keep working after your move to Cyprus, the ease of travel Paphos airport provides makes running a business and essential work trips possible.

Of course, buying a property in Cyprus also means opening other travel opportunities within Europe. With an international airport on your doorstep, you can reach parts of eastern Europe much more cheaply and quickly. Joining a travel group is a great way to make new friends and see more of the world.

Attractive tax benefits

Whether you want to work from Cyprus, or it is where you plan to retire, the country offers a range of attractive tax benefits.

If you start a job in Cyprus, and it’s the first time you’ve had a salaried role in the country, 50% of your salary is exempt from taxation. It’s a scheme to attract people to work in the country.

If you start your own business but remain domiciled in another country, there is no tax on dividend or interest income.

There is only a 5% tax on foreign pensions, meaning you get to keep the lion’s share of whatever pension you have accrued over your career.

It is worth speaking with an accountant to find out exactly how Cyprus’ tax schemes will fit your circumstances. You will find many English-speaking accountancy practices and legal offices have been established by international residents in Paphos, making it easier to navigate the country’s systems.

Paphos is filled with good restaurants and local foods

For people looking to buy a property in Cyprus, either for a holiday home, to relocate to, or retire to, Paphos is an excellent choice. As well as providing all the opportunities of a Mediterranean lifestyle—the weather, the food, the beaches—it offers a taste of home, too.

Moving overseas is a huge life change and having the comfort of your mother tongue, a few dishes from home and new friends with stories of your old country helps you settle down. It’s no wonder so many people are choosing to call Paphos home.