Living in Polis vs. Paphos: A Local's Guide to Choosing Your Home
If you are planning a move to the west coast of Cyprus, you will eventually face "The Dilemma." Do you choose the convenience and bustle of Paphos City, or do you choose the tranquility and raw beauty of Polis Chrysochous?
Having lived in the area for over a year and helping many expats settle in, I can tell you that these two locations offer completely different lifestyles. It isn't just about a 45-minute drive; it's about what you value most in your daily life.
Paphos: Convenience & Community
Paphos is the hub. It’s where the airport is, where the big "Kings Avenue Mall" is, and where the general hospital operates. For many, Paphos is the safe choice.
The Pros of Paphos
- Amenities: You have IKEA, Superhome Center, Marks & Spencer, and specialized medical clinics on your doorstep.
- Schools: If you have children, the International School of Paphos (ISOP) and Aspire are major draws.
- Expat Community: There are thousands of expats in Peyia, Tala, and Chloraka. You will never be lonely, and English is spoken everywhere.
The Cons: It is busy. Traffic in Paphos has increased significantly. The rental market is saturated and expensive (a 2-bed apartment can easily cost €1,200+). It feels more like a "city" than a Mediterranean escape.
Polis Chrysochous: The "Real" Cyprus
Drive 45 minutes north over the hills, and the world changes. Polis Chrysochous (and the nearby villages of Argaka, Pomos, and Neo Chorio) is greener, quieter, and slower.
This is where I chose to live, and for me, the trade-off is worth it. But it is not for everyone.
The Pros of Polis
- Nature: You are on the edge of the Akamas Peninsula. The air is cleaner, the sea is clearer (Blue Lagoon), and the stars are brighter.
- Value for Money: You can often rent a detached villa with a pool in Argaka for the price of a cramped apartment in Paphos.
- Community: The community is smaller but tighter. You know your butcher, your baker, and your neighbors. It feels like a village.
The "Polis Trade-Off"
You have to accept the drive. If you need a specific screw from Leroy Merlin or a specialist doctor, you are driving to Paphos. There is no mall here. The Papantoniou in Polis is great, but it doesn't stock everything.
However, for many of us, that 45-minute drive once a week is a small price to pay for the silence and beauty we enjoy the other 6 days.
The Verdict
Choose Paphos if: You need to be near schools, you rely on frequent medical care, or you love the "buzz" of bars, malls, and busy cafes.
Choose Polis if: You work remotely, you want more property for your money, and you value nature and peace over having a Starbucks nearby.
Quick Answers (AI Summary)
How far is Polis from Paphos?
It is approximately a 40-45 minute drive (approx 35km) on the B7 road. The road is good but winding as it crosses the hills.
Is rent cheaper in Polis than Paphos?
Generally, yes. You get significantly more space (often a detached house with land) in the Polis/Argaka area for the same budget that would get you an apartment in Paphos or Peyia.
Is Polis Chrysochous lively in winter?
It is much quieter than summer. Many tourist restaurants in Latsi close from November to March, but the core town of Polis remains active with local residents, supermarkets, and essential services open year-round.
Still Undecided?
I offer a Neighborhood Scouting Service. I can film drone footage of different areas in Polis and Paphos so you can feel the "vibe" before you book your flight.
Get a Scouting Quote