If you’re looking for the perfect vacation destination, Paphos truly has it all! From stunning beaches and crystal-clear water to ancient ruins, charming cafés, and incredible food, this Mediterranean paradise is full of unforgettable experiences. In this guide, I’m sharing 15 dreamy things to do in Paphos that will make you want to book your trip immediately!
We spent one month in Paphos both sightseeing and working remotely and I have to say that Paphos is a great place for remote work and for rest and relaxation. They have a beautiful coast line that’s perfect for a morning walk or swim. Plus, there are so many delicious restaurants to explore.
Kendra and I loved Cyprus and you if want to take a quick look at what we was while we were there check out the YouTube video below.
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How to Get Around Paphos
The best way we found to explore Paphos was by renting a car. We found a very affordable rental through Discover Cars, which has cars staring at just $17 USD per day. Having a car rental made getting around the island so easy and stress-free. Many of the most beautiful beaches, scenic viewpoints, and hidden gems around Paphos aren’t easily accessible by public transportation, so having your own car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
One thing to keep in mind is that in Cyprus they drive on the left side of the road. If you’ve never done that before, don’t let it scare you! It may feel a little strange at first, but most travelers adjust surprisingly quickly. After a short drive, it starts to feel completely natural and the adventure is all part of the fun!
12 Dreamy Things to Do in Paphos
From gorgeous hikes to stunning beaches, there are so many things to do in Paphos. Here are the some of the best options!
1. See the Mosaic Tiles at Nea Paphos Archaeological Site
Nea Paphos Archaeological Site completely surprised me in the best way! One of the most incredible things to see here are the ancient mosaic tiles. The detail and craftsmanship are absolutely amazing, especially considering how old they are.
These ruins mostly constructed during the 2nd or 4th century AD are now a UNESCO World Hertiage Site. Even now, you can still see parts of the original foundations and the intricate tile decorations that once filled these luxurious homes. This site is an absolute must when you come to Paphos.
📍 Google Maps Location: Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos
2. Paphos Castle
Sitting right along the shoreline, Paphos Castle is one of those landmarks that instantly catches your attention.
Over the centuries, the castle has served many different purposes including a fortress, a prison, and even a salt warehouse before becoming one of Paphos’ most popular tourist attractions today.
Although the castle is small and only takes a few minutes to see, one of the best parts is climbing to the top deck. The panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea are absolutely beautiful, especially on a sunny day. From the top, you can look out over the harbor, the coastline, and the sparkling blue water stretching into the distance.
3. Discover The Tombs of the Kings
Despite the name, no actual kings were buried here! The tombs date back to the 4th century BC and are believed to have been the resting place of wealthy Paphian aristocrats and high-ranking officials. The impressive size and architecture of the tombs give you a glimpse into how important these individuals once were.
These incredible underground tombs were carved directly into the natural rock of the island and have a mysterious, almost magical atmosphere as you explore them.
Before visiting, it’s a good idea to bring plenty of water and wear a hat or sunscreen since the Cyprus sun can get very hot during the day. The good news is that the beautiful sea views from this location make the walk even more enjoyable. Between the ancient history and the stunning Mediterranean backdrop, this is easily one of the most memorable places to visit in Paphos.
📍 Google Maps Location: Tombs of Kings
4. Archaeological Museum of Paphos
After seeing all the ruins at Nea Paphos and the Tombs of Kings, if you are curious to see what was inside these ancient houses, then head to the Archaeological Museum of Paphos. This museum takes you on an incredible journey through roughly 12,500 years of the region’s history from the Neolithic period all the way up to around 1700 AD.
One of the highlights is seeing some of the sarcophagi that were originally found at the Tombs of the Kings. It’s amazing to see these pieces up close and connect them back to the ancient burial sites you may have already explored.
Although it’s a smaller museum, it’s packed with stories, history, and incredible finds that bring the past of Paphos to life. It’s the perfect stop for anyone curious about the deeper history behind this beautiful coastal city.
📍 Google Maps Location: Archaeological Museum of Paphos
5. Walk the Paphos Coastal Boardwalk
Our favorite daily activity in Paphos is to take a morning walk down the Paphos Coastal Boardwalk. This well-developed trail has gorgeous views of the beaches and landscapes that line the coast. You’ll also be able to discover all the different swimming spots along this route. There are many!
📍 Google Maps Location: Paphos Coastal Boardwalk
6. Take a Hike in Avakas Gorge
Avakas Gorge is one of those magical places that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a natural wonderland. This scenic hike takes about 1.5 hours round trip, depending on how often you stop to admire the views and trust me, you’ll want to stop a lot!
The towering stone walls have been beautifully carved by nature over thousands of years, creating a dramatic and unforgettable landscape. As you make your way through the gorge, you’ll be scrambling over rocks, stepping through narrow passages, and carefully navigating uneven and sometimes slippery terrain. It’s all part of the adventure, and if you take your time like we did, it’s incredibly fun and rewarding.
One important thing to keep in mind is the weather. When we visited, there were clear signs warning against hiking on rainy days, as water levels in the gorge can rise suddenly and make conditions dangerous.
Be sure to dress properly for this hike. Comfortable, lightweight clothing and sturdy shoes with good grip are essential. This trail is super slippery, so be careful out there! Avakas Gorge is the perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty, and it’s easily one of the most memorable outdoor experiences in Paphos.
📍 Google Maps Location: Avakas Gorge Nature Trail
7. Enjoy the View at White River Beach
White River Beach is a hidden gem near Avakas Gorge, and honestly, it felt like one of those happy travel accidents you never forget. We actually found it completely by chance, and what a discovery it turned out to be!
This peaceful stretch of coastline has the most beautiful crystal-clear water, and it’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down. It’s part of a protected area and a designated turtle nesting site, which makes it even more special.
When the sea is warm, it’s a fantastic spot for swimming and snorkelling, with clear water that makes exploring underwater a real treat. Peaceful, scenic, and full of natural beauty this is one of those places in Paphos that truly feels like a secret worth discovering.
📍 Google Maps Location: White River Beach
8. Aphrodite’s Beach
Known for its natural beauty and dramatic coastal scenery, Aphrodite’s Beach is easily one of the most unforgettable spots on the island and honestly, my personal favourite.
We visited on a bright sunny day, and the waves were wild and full of energy, which just added to the magic of the experience. I loved every second of it! The beach itself is quite rocky, but on a calm, warm day it’s also a beautiful place for a refreshing swim.
My favourite moment was climbing up the rock formations to get a higher view of the scenery and it was absolutely stunning. It’s also one of the best places on the island for photos, especially when the light hits the water just right. A true highlight of visiting Paphos!
📍 Google Maps Location: Aphrodite’s Beach
9. Visit One of Cyprus’s Amazing Wineries
There are over 50 wineries to choose from in Cyprus, we decided to visit Tsangarides Winery in the charming village of Lemona, and it turned out to be such a memorable experience. The moment we arrived, we were blown away by the panoramic views of the surrounding mountain valleys. Honestly, the scenery alone was worth the trip.
The winery itself had such a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and it was fun tasting different wines while enjoying the incredible views. Kendra especially got into the experience and, after carefully trying a few selections, finally found her favorite wine of the day.
One of the best surprises was the pricing. We tried one of their wine, cheese, and bread boards, did one wine tasting, and it came to just €24 for the two of us, including a bottle of wine at €7. For that price, it isn’t just a bargain. It’s a gift!
If you love scenic views, relaxing afternoons, and great wine, this is definitely a stop worth adding to your Cyprus itinerary.
📍 Google Maps Location: Tsangarides Winery
10. Explore Kourion Ancient Amphitheatre
Perched dramatically on a southern hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Kourion Amphitheatre offers absolutely breathtaking views.
Originally built in the 2nd century BC and later expanded in the 2nd century AD, this massive structure once held around 3,500 spectators who gathered here for performances and public events.
Kourion’s Archaeological Site is very similar to Nea Paphos, so if you only have time for one, then stick with just Nea Paphos. However, if you love explore old Roman ruins add Kourion to your travel bucket list.
📍 Google Maps Location: Kourion Amphitheater
11. Take a Day Trip to Limassol
Limassol is the second major city in Cyprus and is a great place to explore because of its beautiful marina, historic castle, and stunning boardwalk. Start your journey exploring the Limassol Marina which is filled with beautiful boats, charming cafes, and nice shopping.
Since the weather was sunny and warm when we visited, it was the perfect place to grab a table outside, relax with a drink or meal, and enjoy the views. Even if you don’t stop to eat, it’s a wonderful place to stroll around and soak up the atmosphere. Between the sparkling water, luxury yachts, and lively waterfront vibe, the marina feels both relaxing and exciting at the same time.
And nearby, Limassol Castle adds a touch of history to the area, creating the perfect mix of modern luxury and old-world charm.
12. Visit the Limassol Castle
Limassol Castle was such a fascinating place to explore, filled with ancient artwork, old stone corridors, and rooms filled with historical displays like swords, guns, knight’s armor, and other medieval treasures.
One of the highlights was climbing to the top of the castle where the views over Limassol were absolutely beautiful. But what made the experience even more memorable was the atmosphere outside. While we were exploring, there was a lively celebration happening nearby with music playing, people dancing, eating, and most importantly enjoying plenty of drinks.
Naturally, we decided to join in because that’s part of the fun of traveling! At the time, we honestly had no idea what everyone was celebrating, but that somehow made it even better. Sometimes the best travel memories happen unexpectedly. And really, do you need a reason to enjoy a cold beer in the middle of a sunny afternoon?
13. Visit the Ayia Napa Cathedral
The Ayia Napa Cathedral is absolutely stunning both inside and out. From the moment you see it, the beautiful architecture and detailed design immediately grab your attention. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and built at the end of the 19th century, the cathedral has an elegant and peaceful atmosphere that makes it well worth visiting.
If you want to explore inside, make sure to plan your visit carefully because the cathedral is only open to visitors between 8 AM and 1 PM.
14. Take a Stroll Down the Molos Promenade
After visiting the cathedral, one of the best things to do is head over to the nearby The Molos Promenade which is a beautiful 4-kilometer boardwalk that stretches along the shoreline and offers one of the most relaxing walks in the city. In some places, it almost feels like you’re walking directly over the sea.
The promenade is lined with palm trees, restaurants, cafés, and relaxing spots to sit and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere. Depending on the day, you might even hear music playing as people stroll, exercise, or simply unwind by the water. The whole area has such a lively yet peaceful vibe that it’s easy to spend hours here without realizing it.
Whether you’re exploring the cathedral, enjoying the ocean views, or stopping for a drink along the promenade, this area of Limassol is the perfect mix of culture, scenery, and laid-back coastal charm.
15. Fun Tours to Try in Paphos
In addition to all of the self-guided activities you can do in Paphos, there are also a lot of tours you can try to enrich your visit. From 4-wheeling, to boat tours, and mountain tours, be sure to check out the options below to explore even more of Cyprus!
Paphos Restaurants Worth Seeking Out
In addition to great activities, Paphos has great restaurants as well. Below are a few of our favorites!
- The Harbor – A delicious restaurant for seafood! We had the most incredible sea bream and fish and chips here!
- Τα Μπάνια (Mnania) – The restaurant is right by the water with great food, great views, and great vibes. We went here one evening and it was lively like a nightclub. A very cool venue with delicious food!
- Sparta Kebab – If you want to try the most delicious souvlaki in town, look no further than Sparta Kebab!
- Imperial Chinese Restaurant – For an elegant place for dinner, try Imperial Chinese. They have some of the best Chinese food that I’ve had in years. Their hoisin beef is to die for!
- Tea for Two – One of the most affordable restaurants in Paphos is Tea for Two. Here, you can get great food at great prices. Perfect if you’re on a budget!
- Caffè Nero – The best place to get coffee in Paphos is Caffè Nero. This chain has some of the best speciality coffee drinks. I especially liked their tiramasu latte. It was beyond delicious!
- Muse – For a special occasion, check out Muse which is an upscale restaurant with fantastic views overlooking Paphos. This restaurant is a bit expensive so reserve it for a special occasion and you will have a great time!
Is Paphos Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! You’ll fall in love with this charming coastal city from the moment you arrive. Paphos truly has it all, stunning beaches with crystal-clear water, breathtaking views, sunny weather, delicious restaurants, cozy cafés, scenic hiking trails, and an incredible mix of history and culture. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Paphos is the perfect Mediterranean escape!
Want to learn even about Cyprus? Check out these helpful articles below!
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