In southwest Cyprus lies Paphos, a small coastal city famous for its year-round sunshine, beautiful nature, and rich history dating back to the Neolithic period. Deciding what to do in Paphos can be challenging with all the fun things to do in Paphos.
Paphos Cyprus is abundant with activities for visitors to enjoy during their stay. Popular Paphos things to do include exploring archaeological sites, enjoying the Old Town atmosphere, relaxing at naturally beautiful spots, and (for the more adventurous tourists) checking out a shipwreck.
Most Cyprus Pathos itineraries include time for Paphos excursions and relaxation at the beaches, resorts, or harbor area. This guide to things to do in Paphos has everything you need for an unforgettable trip.
Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.
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Best Paphos Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Paphos
Why Visit Paphos Cyprus?
Paphos has been continuously inhabited since ancient times. Due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea, it has been conquered many times, and different civilizations have left their stamps on Paphos town.
Relics of a bygone era are throughout Kato Paphos (the city’s coastal area), offering modern-day visitors a glimpse of how different civilizations lived. Paphos was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1980 for its incredible value in presenting a real-world example of life thousands of years ago.
Some of the most famous archaeological finds in Cyprus Paphos include original mosaics depicting Roman and Greek mythology, famous battles, and the daily actions of the locals. You will also find tombs, catacombs, and Monasteries throughout the city.
Where is Paphos?
Paphos is located in the southwestern area of Cyprus, approximately 150 km from the capital, Nicosia. Another famous city is Limassol, which is around 70 km from Paphos—many tourists head there for a day trip to spot flamingos.
How to Get to Paphos
If you visit Paphos, you can fly directly into Paphos International Airport, as over 1.5 million other tourists do annually. The airport is located 20 km from Old Paphos Town, and tourists can catch the bus for a very reasonable cost.
If you’re heading to Paphos from Nicosia or other Cypriot cities, then the intercity bus network is a viable option at a reasonable cost. Regular buses leave and arrive at the Paphos Harbour and Karavella Bus stations frequently throughout the day. Buses from Paphos to Nicosia take approximately 2 hours and cost a reasonable €7 per person.
Other popular cities are within driving distance, with Limassol being a one-hour journey and Ayia Napa taking two hours.
How to Travel Around Paphos
Paphos is a walkable city in some months. However, it can reach very high temperatures in peak summer months, so using the bus is your best bet.
The bus network in Paphos is very efficient. It covers the whole city extensively, including tourist attractions further out of the city, such as the Sea Caves and Rock of Aphrodite. The fixed cost is €2 per person per journey, or €5 for a day ticket, which covers unlimited journeys for a whole day. This makes for a very cheap and convenient way of visiting multiple tourist sites in one day.
Things to Do Paphos: Top Paphos Activities
There are many Paphos things to do that can fill travel itineraries, ranging from one day to three weeks, depending on your travel style. Here are seven of the best things to do in Paphos Cyprus. These will give you a well-rounded experience of the coastal city, including its beautiful nature, vast history, and best photo spots.
Tombs of the Kings
Tombs of the Kings is one of the highlights of the Paphos coastline and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in the city.
The archaeological site dates back to the 3rd century BC and was used as a burial ground for high-status inhabitants in ancient times. Despite its name, there are no royal connections at the necropolis; however, it is thought that any person laid to rest on site had significant wealth and status.
When exploring, you can check out seven excavated tombs and catacombs dotted around the vast site on the coast. It makes for an interesting walk in the sunshine all year round, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
If you scan the QR code on your phone, an audio guide is available at each tomb. Learning about history as you explore enhances your experience significantly.
In summer months, you may want to visit early in the morning to avoid the midday heat, which can reach incredibly high temperatures.
As with most popular sites in Paphos, the Tombs of the Kings can be reached by foot from many places.
Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos
Another part of the city’s UNESCO site is Nea Paphos, also known as Paphos Archaeological Park. The site is thought to have been constructed by King Nicocle in the 4th century BC and was later made the capital of Cyprus.
As you wander around the Nea Archaeological site, you will notice many Roman relics dating back to the Middle Ages. There are Roman houses which you can enter to view the famous mosaic floors. In total, there are five houses, and all of them offer information boards explaining the story behind each house. Moving closer to the cost and the iconic lighthouse, you will notice a Roman-style theatre built on Fabrica Hill. This is a typical Odeon-style theater, which the Romans used for several centuries. Today is an excellent spot to sit down in the sunshine.
There are over 20 landmarks to view on site in total, with more expected in the future with ongoing excavation projects. Once you have entered the visitor center, you will find a map with all the locations in detail, so leave plenty of time to wander around and enjoy all the attractions.
Paphos Castle
A historically significant castle lies just a short walk from Nea Archaeological Park, right on the harbor. You can enter inside for a small fee and head to its roof to enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding area and the Mediterranean Sea.
Although there is little to see inside Paphos Castle, it is essential to the city’s history. The castle was initially built to protect the city’s port during the Byzantine period. Typical of castle architecture from that era, the ancient landmark has a big square tower, an enclosed courtyard, and a mixture of small and long rooms downstairs. Paphos Castle was used as a prison during Ottoman rule.
If you want to enjoy the beauty of Cyprus on your trip, then the harbor is an excellent place to spend your days and evenings.
The promenade is filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants, with many open all year round, meaning you can enjoy a lovely ambiance while sitting outside with a view of some warm evenings, even in wintertime.
The peak season brings the crowds, but it also brings a classic holiday vibe throughout. I suggest trying some local dishes such as souvlaki, halloumi, and sheftalia in a harbor restaurant with a strong Greek influence.
Edro III Shipwreck
Your next adventure focuses on some more recent history in Paphos.
The Edro III shipwreck is an infamous tourist hotspot between Coral Bay Beach and the Sea Caves on the city’s edge.
You can visit the doomed vessel, which has been run aground in its original location since its accident in October 2011. The best option to travel to the site is a 45-minute stroll along the coast from Coral Bay, which passes beaches, rocks, and some beautiful houses.
Once you arrive, you will notice that Edro III is sat at an angle, in a rusty condition. This adds to the spooky vibes that surround it. Tourists can swim near the shipwreck or sit and enjoy a meal in the nearby restaurant with a unique view, especially when the sun sets behind the stranded vessel.
If walking isn’t possible or it is too hot to exercise, you can catch a taxi both ways.
Quick Tip: View my full Cyprus packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Cyprus Essentials shopping list here.
Coral Bay Beach
On your way to the Edro III Shipwreck, you can stop and relax at the beautiful.
The beach is well-developed for tourists and is family-friendly, with calm and shallow waters for children to swim in. In peak summer months, there is an abundance of water sports and activities for visitors to partake in.
If you use Paphos as your winter getaway destination, you can still enjoy Coral Bay Beach all year. Although the nearby entertainment is significantly reduced during the off-season, there are still facilities on or close to the beach for changing refreshments and other necessities. Many locals enjoy the beach in the winter months.
It is located around 13 km from Paphos harbor, so you must use the efficient bus network or grab a taxi. Alternatively, some popular resorts are nearby if you want to stay in a more peaceful area. Staying near Coral Bay offers beautiful scenery and some fantastic coastal walks.
Sea Caves
One of the most popular things to do in Cyprus Paphos is visit the sea caves on the coast at Peyia Village. The naturally carved caves continue along the shorefront and are usually enjoyed at sunset with crystal clear waters and colorful skies.
A looping hiking trail from Coral Bay to the Sea Caves takes around 90 minutes to complete and passes by Edro III shipwreck. Therefore, putting a day aside on your itinerary means enjoying all three highlights in one afternoon.
Once you arrive at the sea caves, you can enjoy their beauty from afar on the rocky shores. However, you can only enter the sea caves by the water, so you must swim around or take a boat tour.
The caves are a hidden gem in Paphos. They offer a tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty.
Petra Tou Romiou
Petra Tou Romiou is a sea stack located off the shore of Cyprus. It is one of the Paphos highlights, located further from the city along the coastal road towards Limassol.
The ancient rock holds historical value and is a natural beauty spot and a photographer’s dream! Also known as Aphrodite’s Rock, the sea stack is said to be the mythological birthplace of Aphrodite. In ancient times, the Greek Goddess rose from the foam of the sea waves.
Whether you want to enjoy some of Cyprus’s natural beauty on an adventure or chase the past through mythology and folklore, Petra Tou Romiou can be reached within 30 minutes from Paphos. So many tourists add the famous rock to their full-day tour itineraries.
It is one of the top free things to do in Paphos, which can make for a beautiful afternoon exploring Cyprus.
Paphos Excursions
Paphos has many different layers for you to enjoy during your visit. Here are some of the popular Paphos excursions for you to consider:
- 4×4 Tour with a Local Guide: Experience the vast mountain range of Western Cyprus.
- Half-Day BBQ Cruise with Open Bar and Snorkeling: No trip to Paphos is complete without an afternoon experience on the Mediterranean Sea.
- Paphos Half-Day City Tour: Explore the archaeological sites with a local expert, including entry and logistics.
Tips for Visiting Paphos Cyprus
Paphos is a popular destination for international visitors all year round. Therefore, it is developed significantly for tourism. However, these tips will help to make your trip more enjoyable:
- You can purchase a ticket covering all the archaeological sites for one day for a discounted rate.
- The same applies to the bus network, with a day pass saving you money if you use it all day.
- If you explore the archaeological sites in peak summer months, you should carry water and sunscreen as they are open to the sun.
- Staying near the harbor area is the best option for visitors keen on touring the ancient sites.
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.
Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies.
Where to Stay in Paphos
The Old Paphos Town area is recommended for most visitors. Most tourist attractions are within walking distance, along with the popular bars and restaurants.
In the harbor area, you will find some accommodation options with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. If you are visiting out of peak season, this area is still lively, with some nightlife and daytime excursions still running.
Wondering where to stay? Check out these options!
Luxurious – Annabelle (five-star resort hotel with beautiful views)
Mid-Range – Anemi Hotel & Suites (boutique option in an excellent location)
Budget – Bee Hostel (fantastic, helpful owner, and sociable hostel)
Cyprus Travel Guide Planning
🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Cyprus?
Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Cyprus which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Cyprus on Amazon here.
🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Cyprus?
I strongly recommend using Bookaway. You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Cyprus?
I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options!
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.
I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here.
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia. They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
Things to Do in Paphos Cyprus: Final Thoughts
By now, it should be clear that the abundance of things to do in Cyrpus Paphos can fill any travel itinerary. Paphos can be enjoyed all year round with sunny days, warm temperatures, and an all-around happy vibe. I hope this guide to what to do in Paphos inspires you to plan a trip to the ancient city.
Author’s Bio
Tom Henty is a UK-based travel blogger who lives in northeast England. He runs Tom Henty’s Travel, which covers worldwide destinations. Tom’s lifetime goal is to visit over 100 countries—he currently sits on 43.
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