A historic beach escape with £2.70 pints, highs of 19C in March and eight hours of sun a day sounds almost too good to be true. But just four and a half hours away, the winter sun destination awaits.

This Cypriot city is a little further than the typical winter sun spots in the Canary Islands, but after a year of overtourism protests in the archipelago, tourists are beginning to look elsewhere. In Paphos, visitors will find ancient Roman ruins, stunning hikes, and if you’d prefer to relax while your group goes exploring, half a litre of local beer costs just €3.10 (£2.69), according to the cost of living calculator, Numbeo.

Paphos is said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, who, according to legend, rose from the sea foam along this very stretch of coastline.

Today, visitors can trace that mythical landscape on the 7.5km Aphrodite Nature Trail, which weaves past the Baths of Aphrodite, and ancient village ruins. It’s moderately challenging but regarded as one of the most scenic in the region.

The UNESCO World Heritage site of the Paphos Archaeological Park is also a must-visit, where tourists can gaze in awe at the remarkably preserved Roman villas with intricate mosaic floors.

Visitors can also see the Tombs of the Kings. Carved directly into rock, the underground tombs and chambers date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods and are thought to have been used to bury high-ranking officials. 

When it’s time to relax, Coral Bay is a popular choice, with its golden sand and clear, shallow waters. Nature lovers could try out the protected Lara Beach, known for its turtle nesting sites. Its quiet, golden sands and clear water are tranquil, but there are virtually no facilities to minimise human interference, so bring supplies.

In the summer, temperatures can soar to the scorching mid-30s, so the shoulder months are the ideal time for exploring. In March, daytime temperatures can reach a pleasant 19C and drop to a milder 10C at night. 

Brits can fly to Paphos direct from major UK airports, with a flight time of around four hours and 30 minutes.