10 Fantastic Things to do in Paphos, Cyprus
Looking for the best things to do in Paphos, Cyprus? There is a huge variety of things to do in Paphos, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or a more adventurous trip. Read on to discover more about what Paphos has to offer.
Where is Paphos?
Paphos is located on the southwest coast of Cyprus and is a popular tourist destination for travellers from all over the world. The city is home to a number of historical and archaeological sites, as well as stunning beaches and family resorts. Paphos is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs located in the city centre. Old Town Paphos is also a lovely place to visit during the day or in the evening.
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- Book your Private Paphos Walking Tour here.
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10 Fantastic Things to do in Paphos
Read on for my 10 best things to do in Paphos. There is a map at the bottom of this post, showing where each place is on the list. You will also find hotel recommendations, paphos FAQs and general travel advice for your trip to Cyprus.
1. Visit the Tombs of the Kings
There are many archaeological things to do in Paphos. The Tombs of the Kings is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paphos, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Tombs of the Kings site consists of a number of large underground tombs that date back to the 4th century BC. The tombs are decorated with a variety of frescoes and reliefs, and many of them contain burial chambers thought to be for high-ranking officials. The site is open to the public all year round, and there is a small admission fee.
2. Explore Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
The Kato Paphos Archaeological Park houses some of the most important ancient ruins in Cyprus. These include the House of Dionysus, the Odeon, and the Agora.
The House of Dionysus was built in the 2nd century AD, and it was used as a public meeting place and a place for religious ceremonies. The Odeon was built in the 1st century AD, and it was used for music and drama performances. The Agora is a large open space that was used for public meetings and markets.
Paphos archaeological museum is packed full of history and culture, with lots of ancient relics from times gone by. You can buy tickets here.
3. Visit the Baths of Aphrodite
Mythology lovers will find this to be one of the most interesting things to do in Paphos. The Baths of Aphrodite are located in a secluded cove, in the shade of a fig tree. Legend says this is where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, used to bathe and meet her lover Adonis.
A short trip from Paphos, the Baths of Aphrodite are situated in the picturesque Akamas Peninsula region of Cyprus. The baths are made up of natural rock pools which are filled with crystal clear water. The views from the pools are stunning, with visibility for miles across the Akamas and out to sea. This tour to the Blue Lagoon also includes a stop at the baths of Aphrodite.
4. Visit Paphos Castle
This Castle will interest those looking for historical things to do in Paphos. Near Paphos old town, the castle was originally a Byzantine fort. It was rebuilt by the Lusigans in the 13th century, only to be dismantled by the Venetians, then rebuilt by the Ottomans in the 16th century.
You can explore the castle grounds, which include a museum containing exhibits on the history of Cyprus. The Shipwreck Museum, located just off the courtyard, contains the wreckage of a 4th century BC Greek merchant ship (one of oldest ever discovered) as well as its cargo.
5. Take a boat trip to Blue Lagoon
The beautiful Blue Lagoon is a secluded cove with crystal clear blue water, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. According to legends, if you swim in these waters you will be blessed with eternal beauty, or eternal youth, depending on which legend you believe.
Boat trips to the Blue Lagoon take about 30 minutes from Latchi harbour. Most of the tours serve drinks and snacks on board, and some offer live music too. You can book tickets here.
Visiting the Blue Lagoon is a wonderful day out, and one of the best things to do in Paphos. Be warned there is no shelter from the sun – I recommend taking this foldable sun hat to protect your head, and a natural sunscreen like this one.
6. See the Shipwreck of Edro III
The Edro III ran aground in 2011 with nine crew members on board and a cargo of plasterboard. A rescue operation was launched and everyone onboard was airlifted to safety. All dangerous pollutants onboard the ship were removed in 2013, and the hull was made watertight.
Additionally in this area, you can also find banana plantations on the beach just behind the shipwreck, as pictured above. This tour includes the shipwreck, banana plantations and blue lagoon.
7. Hike the Akamas Peninsula National Park
For active things to do in Paphos, the Akamas Peninsula National Park is perfect for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The park covers an area of over 230 square kilometres and it features hiking trails, rare plant species, and breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea. There are hiking trails for all levels of fitness. The most popular trails are the Aphrodite trail and Adonis trail.
8. Visit Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery
The Chrysorrogiatissa monastery is located near the village of Panagia, west of Paphos, in a stunning location in the Troodos mountains. The name means “Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate”.
Chrysorrogiatissa monastery was established in 1152 by the monk Ignatius. He discovered a painting of the Virgin Mary that some say was painted by Saint Luke himself. After finding this precious painting, Ignatius decided to move to the mountain and build a monastery there, which he named after the Virgin Chrysorrogiatissa.
The Monastery is also known for its wines, which are made from the grapes grown in the monastery’s vineyards. The monks offer free tours of the premises and the wine making processes. There are some great food tours in the Troodos mountains – including the best food tour I have ever been on.
Be aware you will need to cover your knees and shoulders to visit any monasteries in Cyprus. I recommend taking a scarf or sarong with you.
The agios neophytos monastery is also close to Paphos, and the Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa too. See my post 12 Important Monasteries in Cyprus for more significant monasteries and convents you can visit in Cyprus.
9. See Aphrodite’s Rock – Paphos Cyprus
Aphrodite’s Rock (also known as Petra tou Romiou) is one the most famous natural landmarks in Cyprus. According to the legends, these sea stacks are the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. It is said the Goddess emerged from the foaming waters around the rock.
The name “Aphrodite’s Rock” is derived from the Greek word “petra,” which means “rock.” The rock is believed to be millions of years old. Aphrodite’s Rock is a protected natural landmark and is home to a variety of plants and animals.
10. Visit Paphos Harbour
A visit to Paphos harbour is one of the main things to do in Paphos. The harbour is home to a number of restaurants, cafes, bars and souvenir shops. There is a boardwalk which runs along the harbour, providing stunning views out to sea. This area gets lively in the evening, and there is a friendly atmosphere.
Paphos Harbour is a great place to take a boat trip, with a variety of different tours available. You can take a trip to the nearby islands, as well as longer excursions further out into the Mediterranean Sea. You will also find Paphos castle situated here too.
Map of 10 Things to do in Paphos
The map below shows the 10 things to do in Paphos as listed in this post (in order). You can click the blue icons to see more information about each place. Click the star to add to your own Google Maps.
More Great Things to do in Paphos, Cyprus
There are many more popular things to do in the local area. Paphos Aphrodite water park is a great choice for families. Also nearby are coral bay beach and Adonis Falls. These are excellent for a half day or full day trip from Paphos – you can read more about these in my post 25 Stunning Sights in Cyprus.
Where to Stay in Paphos
Here are my top picks for hotels in Paphos:
- High end hotel in Paphos: Elysium Hotel
- Mid-range hotel in Paphos: King Jason (Adults Only)
- Budget hotel in Paphos: Pyramos hotel
You can also check the best Paphos hotel deals today on Booking.com. I recommend reserving your room immediately to avoid price increases (you can always cancel later, most properties on Booking.com allow free cancellation right up to the day before).
FAQs about Things to do in Paphos, Cyprus
What is Paphos Cyprus known for?
Paphos is full of culture, history and mythology. It’s home to ancient sites such as Tomb of the Kings and Paphos Castle along with many churches dotted around. Not to mention lush beaches! This destination enjoys an extra special significance as it is said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite – the goddess of love known in Greek folklore.
Is Paphos worth visiting?
Taking a trip to Paphos is highly recommended – it’s one of the most renowned tourist destinations in Cyprus. There are countless activities and attractions that make this city stand out among other areas in the country. If you want to experience the best of what Cyprus has to offer, then basing yourself in Paphos is ideal.
How many days is enough in Paphos?
You could easily spend 5 days in Paphos, but 3 days should be sufficient to see the main sights and also spend some time relaxing by the Mediterranean sea.
What is the coldest month in Paphos?
Like most places in the Mediterranean, January is the coldest month in Paphos. Highest temperatures are usually about 17C / 62F, with lows of 9C / 48F.
Travel Advice for your Trip to Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Paphos is from April to October, when the weather is most plesant.
I recommend renting a car for your trip to Cyprus (I use Discover Cars).
The currency in Paphos is the Euro (or Turkish Lira if you cross the border into Nothern Cyprus – read my post about crossing the border).
Below are some helpful links for your trip:
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Related Reading for Cyprus
For further reading, you may be interested in my other Cyprus blog posts below.
I hope you enjoyed this post about the 10 best things to do in Paphos, and found it helpful in planning your trip to Cyprus.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.
Travelling soon? Check my 20 Must-Have Travel Essentials post before you go.
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Tags: Cyprus, Europe, Paphos
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