21+ Amazing Things To Do in Paphos Cyprus in 2024

Paphos is a thriving tourist destination on the southwest coast of Cyprus and there are many reasons for its popularity. Whilst many come for the sun-kissed beaches and cocktails, many history buffs come to explore ancient ruins, nature lovers to hike the Troodos trails, or foodies to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine.



Whatever your reason for visiting this beautiful island of Cyprus, this guide highlights the best things to do in Paphos to make sure you have the trip of a lifetime!



Walk Akamas trail – Best things to do in Paphos



About Paphos Cyprus



Where is Paphos Cyprus?



Paphos (Pafos) is a city located on the southwest coast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. It is the capital of Paphos District and there are 2 areas – the Old Town and New Paphos, which is also known as Kato Paphos.



What is Paphos known for?



Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage site including ancient Greek and Roman ruins such as the Tombs of the Kings and the Roman mosaics of the Paphos Archaeological Park. Whilst Paphos is known for being the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, it is also famous for its beautiful beaches, lively cultural scene, and pleasant Mediterranean climate.



How was Cyprus formed?



Cyprus formed through tectonic plate collisions and volcanic activity over millions of years, creating its diverse landscape. Its geological history includes the convergence of African and Eurasian plates and subsequent volcanic eruptions.







Best things to do in Paphos Cyprus



Explore Akamas Nature Reserve



The Akamas Peninsula is home to the renowned Aphrodite Nature Trail (Loutra tis Afroditis). This circular hiking route starts at the Baths of Aphrodite, a small pool where she is believed to have bathed. We ascended through carob trees and Cyprus sage and walked along the scenic paths to complete the 7km trail. You can’t fail to fall in love with the stunning contrast of the clear turquoise waters with the rugged green coastline.



The best reward after a hike is lunch with a view. Experience the fish mezze at Baths of Aphrodite where the dishes of Cypriot food , dips, and salads just keep coming. Of course, paired with the local white wine.



Kato Paphos Archaeological Park



The Kato Paphos Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near the picturesque coastline of Paphos, Cyprus. This open-air museum spans from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages and predominantly showcases remnants from the Roman era. To learn more about its fascinating history and treasures, I’d recommend taking a guided tour by a local .



Kato Pafos Archaeological Park



Paphos Mosaics



Paphos is renowned for its extensive collection of ancient mosaics, with numerous examples found in sites such as the Paphos Archaeological Park, including the Houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Aion, and House of Four Seasons. It’s crazy to think these intricate floor mosaics date from the 2nd to the 5th centuries AD and were only discovered in 1962.



The House of Theseus is the largest residential structure in Roman Cyprus consisting of more than 100 rooms. Whilst it is home to many beautiful mosaics, my favourite is the mosaic depicting the mythical fight between Theseus and the Minotaur in the Labyrinth of Crete.



Mosaic in The House of Theseus



The House of Aion features intricate mosaics from the Roman period, including the famous Aion mosaic depicting the god of eternity.



The House of Aion



Odeon Amphitheatre



The Ancient Odeon, a highlight of Pafos Archaeological Park, dates back to the 2nd Century AD. Carved into Fabrica Hill, it served as an amphitheatre until the 5th Century AD. The Odean sits on Agora, an old marketplace, and a white-washed 20m high lighthouse can be seen prominently on the hill.



|| Kato Paphos Archaeological Park is open daily, although times vary per season. Entrance fee is €4.50.



Ancient Odeon Amphitheatre



Explore Paphos Harbour



Restaurants and boat trips



Paphos Harbour is a charming spot to kick back and watch the action as the boats come in and out. Along the waterfront are several restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, and you really couldn’t ask for the catch of the day to be any fresher. Read reviews of the restaurants on Paphos Harbour .



For the more adventurous, take a boat tour from Paphos Harbour on a variety of vessels. Try the Jolly Roger pirate sailing ship, a glass-bottomed boat, or a sunset cruise. Ships ahoy!



Paphos Castle



Keep walking past the restaurants as there are more things to do in Paphos harbour. Paphos Castle , a medieval fortress dating back to the 13th century, is surrounded by a moat of water, it is worth a visit!



The structure was originally built by the Byzantines to safeguard the harbour, and after it was destroyed in the 1922 earthquake, it was remodelled by the Lusignans, altered by Genoese, then Venetians. The Ottomans transformed it into a jail and mosque. Restored in 1780, it was used as prison cells and salt storage during British rule.



Paphos Castle was declared an ancient monument in 1935, and a UNESCO World Heritage List monument in 1980. It now hosts cultural events like the Paphos Aphrodite Festival , showcasing world-class operas in its historic setting annually in September.



|| Paphos Castle is open daily, although times vary per season. Entrance fee is €2.50.



Paphos Castle is surrounded by water



Visit the Tombs of the Kings



The ancient Tombs of the Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to the 4th century BC. Part of the Kato Pafos Archaeological Park, this series of underground tombs belonged to high-ranking officials, not royalty. I was blown away by impressive rock-cut tombs which are adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes.



In my humble opinion, the Tombs of the Kings is one of the best historical tourist attractions in Paphos, and should not be missed.



|| The Tombs of the Kings is open daily, although times vary per season. Entrance fee is €2.50.





Find the Frescos at Agios Neophytos Monastery



Agios Neophytos Monastery, founded by the hermit Neophytos in the 12th century, is a real gem and one of the best places to visit near Paphos.



The monastery serves as an ecclesiastical museum showcasing paintings and artifacts as well as the remains of Neophytos in a sarcophagus and his skull in a separate silver casket.



The big drawcard for me is the cave called ‘Enkleistra’ which was carved out of the mountains by Neophytos’ own hands! Not only that, but the beautiful display of Byzantine frescoes at the entrance and throughout the cave are still so clear. The painter, Theodore Apsuedes, dated the frescos as 1183, which was during Neophytos’ lifetime.



|| Agios Neophytos Monastery is open daily from 9 am although times vary per season. Entrance fee to Museum and Enkleistra: €2,00





Paphos Old Town



Take time to explore the things to do in Paphos Old Town. Visit The Place and wander into Ibrahim Khan, both house communities of artists to Kennedy Square and 28th of October Square, where the classical-style Town Hall stands.



Admire recently discovered underground ruins and the magnificent Holy Bishopric of Pafos, then enjoy panoramic views from Axiothea Hill overlooking Paphos Lighthouse and Harbour.



Visit The Place



The Place is a wonderful gallery and shop housing handicrafts by local artisans such as jewellery, glassware, and Cypriot foods. Witness artisans at work in the studio, take a look at some of the traditional techniques such as encaustic and pyrographic art, and even craft your own mosaic fridge for €6. A must-visit in Paphos to support local talent!



Artist at The Place in Paphos



Street Art of Paphos



Strolling through the streets, keep your eyes peeled to discover urban art high up, down side streets, or murals that cover the whole side of buildings and you really can’t miss.



The Aphrodite outdoor mural, a standout piece in Paphos, was created in 2017 for the Street Art Square Festival. It was a collaborative work by artists BillyGee, Alex Martinez, and Lune82er to celebrate the goddess of love.



Street art of Aphrodite



Discover Edro3 Shipwreck



The Edro3 Shipwreck is a sunken cargo vessel from Sierra Leone that ran aground off the coast of Pegeia near Paphos. The ship was ailing from Sierra Leone to Rhodes when it got caught in heavy seas in 2011.



Due to rust, it is not safe to get on board but it is possible from the water as Edro III shipwreck has become an artificial reef and a popular diving site to explore its structure and observe the underwater ecosystem.



Edro3 Shipwreck



View Aphrodite’s Rock



Aphrodite’s Rock, or Petra tou Romiou (Rock of Roman), stands majestically along the road linking Paphos and Limassol. Its heart-shaped silhouette against the pebbly beach is believed to be the birthplace of Aphrodite where the Greek goddess rose from the crashing waves of the sea.



The legend goes that anyone who swims around Aphrodite’s Rock three times is blessed by the goddess with true love and eternal beauty. It looked fairly choppy out there so I thought I’d give this a miss!



Aphrodite’s Rock



Visit the Village of Fyti



The village of Fyti is renowned for its UNESCO-recognised Fythkiotika weaving techniques. These geometric signature patterns have been created on the loom in the village since the Medieval period. It is an honour to meet Irène Diomidous and her daughter Diamant who are keeping the tradition alive as it has passed through generations of their family. They will even let you loose on the loom to have a go!



The Fyti Weaving Museum across the road houses a collection of photographs of villagers, alongside antique tools used in weaving, farming, and homemaking — an interesting insight into the past.





Visit Epskopi Environmental Centre



For the nature enthusiasts visiting Paphos, you should make your way to the Epskopi Environment Centre. Here, you can explore an interactive exhibition to gain insights into the geology, flora, and fauna of the Ezousa Valley. Also, you can wander through the wild botanical garden designed to attract diverse wildlife.



Make your way to Cyprus’s largest monolith, standing at an impressive height of 70 meters and stretching 250 meters in length. Often referred to as the “Meteora of Cyprus,” this geological wonder was a fragment of a larger boulder that fell during an earthquake in 1953. It is a haven for birds and, if fortunate, you catch a glimpse of rare falcons — I was not so lucky!





Experience Wine-tasting in Cyprus



With Cyprus’s wine-making legacy spanning 5,000 years, a visit to a winery is a must. We all know this is purely to explore the island’s historical culture and not just because I enjoy a wine or two, right?



Cyprus’s soil and climate create the perfect conditions for grape cultivation, from crisp whites to robust reds, and aromatic rose. During my visit to Vasilikon Winery in the Akamas Laona region, I enjoyed a guided tour and sampled their seasonal wines.



So, whether you’re a connoisseur or a novice, a wine-tasting tour is a fun thing to do in Paphos.



Wine-tasting near Paphos



Eat mezze in Cypriot restaurants



One of my top things to do In Paphos is indulge in authentic Cypriot cuisine . Why does it taste so much better in a traditional rustic taverna?



I loved everything about the fusion of Mediterranean flavours from the locally-produced halloumi cheese, souvlaki, moussaka, and traditional meze spreads brimming with olives, hummus, and tzatziki. Quite frankly, if you’re not addicted to Cypriot food before you arrive on the island, you will be when you leave!



I recommend Antigo Mezedopoleio for authentic dining or if you fancy a treat, Minthis Resort creates the best locally sourced traditional dishes with a twist.



Cypriot Village Salad



Take a Cypriot food tour



If you have guessed already, I am mad about meze after my trip. What better way to try local specialties and get insights into local customs than taking a food tour in Cyprus ?



Halloumi is the hallmark of Cyprus and has a whole different flavour than what we get back home. It’s fascinating to watch how it is made and best of all, taste it in various recipes. To get the full-day experience with a local family, book a halloumi and wine tour in the Troodos mountains.



Halloumi-making workshop



Enjoy traditional Cypriot dancing



Get ready for a taste of Cyprus’s lively spirit at The Konia Tavern on a Friday night! Dig into mouthwatering Cypriot dishes, listen to live music, and watch couples dance the traditional steps. Soon enough, more groups (including us) are on their feet, tossing paper handkerchiefs in the air dancing the night away.



Alternatively, watch a traditional folklore show with signature moves like arms held out, finger-clicking, and handkerchief-holding. The men generally dance with more vigour contrasting with the graceful movements of the ladies.



The Cypriot show at Athena Beach Hotel Paphos ended with a mesmerising finale: a performer skillfully balancing drinking glasses on his head while dancing, leaving the audience in awe.



Watch the sunsets in Paphos



Vibrant Paphos sunsets paint the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple, casting a breathtaking glow over the Mediterranean Sea. This incredible vision is possible whether you visit Paphos in the winter or summer.



Vibrant sunset in Paphos







Plan your Paphos trip



How to get to Paphos



My journey to Paphos was with Jet2, known for its budget-friendly travel options. Despite the affordable fares, my experience was a pleasant one with a friendly team onboard. Jet2 flies from 11 airports in England and Scotland making Paphos easily accessible from the UK. Check flights to Paphos with Jet2



Are Jet2 sustainable?



Jet2 has a ‘Jet2 Journey to Net Zero ‘ strategy that outlines their sustainability initiatives to reach a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.  This includes fuelling their planes from household waste and investing in more efficient planes.



Recommended Insurance for Cyprus



Get 5% off your travel insurance with HeyMondo . Benefit from 24-hour medical assistance, 365 days a year with single, multi-trip, and long-stay insurance, cover for Covid-19 and non-refundable expenses. The handy app makes this a simple process! They give a little back too by contributing to ‘Doctors Without Borders’.



SafetyWing for Digital Nomads . Benefit from 24/7 assistance, comprehensive and medical cover including Covid-19. Buy insurance whilst you are travelling, with the option of global health insurance.



How to get around Paphos



Yes, Paphos is relatively walkable, particularly in the central areas where you’ll find attractions like the Paphos Archaeological Park, the harbour, and various shops and restaurants.



If you plan to explore areas outside the city centre or visit attractions further away, you may need alternative transportation such as buses, taxis, or rental cars . If you want a fun day with a local guide, take a jeep safari tour .



Where to stay in Paphos



There is a great selection of accommodations in Paphos and Jet2 has a collection of sustainable hotels to choose from. As a responsible traveller , this makes holiday research a much simpler process.



My stay at Constantinou Bros Royal Athena Beach Hotel  was a beautiful location on a palm tree-lined promenade with Mediterranean sea views. The hotel has gained Travellife Gold Certification for Accommodation Sustainability, as well as volunteering in community projects, growing their produce, and sourcing locally.



Athena Royal Beach Hotel in Paphos







PIN FOR YOUR PAPHOS TRIP