The Paphos region has secured another significant international accolade, named the world's best destination to enjoy and photograph both sunrise and sunset. The recognition features in a Travel + Leisure article published on 22 July 2026, headlined "This Coastal City Was Just Named the World's Best Place to Watch the Sunrise and Sunset."
Paphos topped the global ranking, ahead of destinations including Santa Monica in California, the Maasai Mara in Kenya, Tamarindo in Costa Rica and the Sahara dunes in Morocco. The ranking was compiled by European photo-printing company CEWE in partnership with award-winning travel photographer Bella Falk, with destinations judged on visual impact, variety of landscape, accessibility and potential for sunrise and sunset photography.
Paphos's west-facing coastline, its combination of sea, natural rock formations and historic monuments, and its consistently favourable weather throughout the year were cited as decisive factors in the city's first-place finish.
Nasos Chatzigeorgiou, executive director of the Paphos Regional Tourism Board, said the accolade was "yet another significant confirmation of the uniqueness and authenticity of the Paphos region." He said Paphos's sunsets amount to more than a scenic display, describing them as a complete experience linking light, sea, mythology, history and landscape. Chatzigeorgiou added that the ranking, and the international exposure that comes with a publication of Travel + Leisure's reach, strengthens the region's profile in overseas markets and opens up new possibilities for promoting themed tourism around nature, photography, culture and romance.
The accolade carries added significance given Cyprus's earlier inclusion among Travel + Leisure's 50 best destinations for 2026, in an article that also highlighted the country's exceptional sea water quality.
For the Paphos tourism board, the international exposure aligns with a wider strategy to position the region as a multidimensional, quality destination offering experiences beyond the traditional sun-and-sea model, using targeted digital promotion, audiovisual content and partnerships with international media and content creators to make sunset watching one of the region's most recognisable and emotionally resonant experiences.
From Petra tou Romiou and the Kato Paphos coastline to the Sea Caves, the Akamas peninsula, Latchi, Polis Chrysochous and Pomos, each sunset offers a different view of the region, inviting visitors to experience the destination through its light, colour and atmosphere.
