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Annabelle, Paphos

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Paphos

Updated 1 October 2026 · 15 things to do

Pictured: Annabelle

Paphos is where Cyprus keeps its history. The whole of Kato Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a clifftop of Roman villas floored with mosaics, a harbour guarded by a medieval fort and rock-cut royal tombs beside the sea. Legend places the birth of Aphrodite on its coast, and it's easy to see why a goddess of beauty would choose it.

Then there's the rest of the west coast: the wild Akamas peninsula, wine villages in the foothills of the Troodos and some of the island's calmest beaches. The sun shines for most of the year, and you can fit a mosaic in before lunch and a swim after.

Don't miss

  1. 1Paphos Archaeological Park
  2. 2Tombs of the Kings
  3. 3Petra tou Romiou
  4. 4Avakas Gorge
  5. 5Kourion

Ancient Paphos

A UNESCO-listed coast of Roman villas, royal tombs and a medieval fort.

  1. Paphos Archaeological Park

    Landmark

    A Theseus mosaic from the House of Theseus in Paphos Archaeological Park
    Photo: Pufacz, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A sprawling site beside the harbour with the remains of Roman villas and their superb floor mosaics, including the House of Dionysos and the House of Theseus, depicting myths and scenes of daily life. Add a Roman odeon, an agora and an old lighthouse, all on a sunny headland by the sea.

    Tip: Go early or late in the day, as there is little shade.

  2. Tombs of the Kings

    Landmark

    The rock-cut Tombs of the Kings at Paphos
    Photo: Nikodem Nijaki, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Underground tombs carved from the rock on the edge of Paphos, dating back to the 4th century BC. Despite the name, they were for aristocrats and high officials, and some have rows of columns around a sunken courtyard. Wander between them, with the sea in the distance.

  3. Paphos Castle

    Landmark

    Paphos Castle beside the harbour
    Photo: Fry72, Karel Frydrýšek, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A small stone fort at the end of the harbour, rebuilt by the Ottomans in the 16th century and later used as a salt store. Climb to the roof for a view of the harbour and the sea. The waterfront around it's lined with cafés and fish tavernas.

  4. Palaepaphos

    Landmark

    The sanctuary of Aphrodite at Palaepaphos
    Photo: Carole Raddato, CC BY-SA 2.0

    At Kouklia, east of Paphos, the ruins of a sanctuary of Aphrodite that drew pilgrims from across the ancient world. A small museum in a medieval manor beside the site tells the story, and the site is UNESCO-listed.

Myth and coast

  1. Petra tou Romiou

    Landmark

    Aphrodite's Rock at Petra tou Romiou
    Photo: This photo was taken by Anton Zelenov. Please credit this with : Photo : Anton Z, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Aphrodite's Rock, a cluster of sea stacks off a pebbly cove on the road to Limassol, is where legend says the goddess rose from the foam. It's a dramatic spot, particularly at sunset, and a favourite for a stop on the coast road.

  2. Coral Bay

    Beach

    Coral Bay near Paphos
    Photo: Gerda Arendt, CC0

    A sandy, sheltered bay a short drive north of Paphos, with calm, clear water and easy facilities. It's the most popular beach in the area, with watersports, restaurants and bars.

  3. Lara Bay

    Beach

    A wild, sandy beach on the Akamas peninsula, reached by a rough track, where loggerhead and green turtles nest in summer. There's a conservation project nearby, so follow the signs and keep to the rules.

Nature

  1. Akamas Peninsula

    Nature

    The wild north-west tip of Cyprus is a national park of rocky coves, gorges, wild flowers and walking trails, with hardly any development. It's the best place on the island for hiking, and the start of the Aphrodite trail near the Baths of Aphrodite.

  2. Avakas Gorge

    Nature

    The rock walls of Avakas Gorge
    Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A narrow limestone gorge in the Akamas, with rock walls up to 30 metres high and a short walk along its floor. It's a cool, dramatic trail on a hot day.

  3. Blue Lagoon

    Day trip

    The turquoise bay of the Blue Lagoon on the Akamas coast
    Photo: Viaggiamocela, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A sheltered bay on the Akamas coast near Latchi, where the water is a bright, clear turquoise. Boat trips run from Latchi harbour and include swimming stops.

Family and food

  1. Aphrodite Waterpark

    Water park

    A water park in Kato Paphos themed around Greek myth, with slides, pools and a lazy river. It's a cool way to spend a hot day with the family.

  2. Cypriot meze

    Food

    The island's best way to eat: a table covered in small dishes, such as halloumi, grilled lamb, olives, dips, salads and fresh bread, brought out in waves until you cry for mercy. Order it at a family taverna in a village.

  3. Geroskipou

    Food

    The Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi in Geroskipou
    Photo: Arjuno3, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A suburb of Paphos famous for Cyprus delight, a soft, chewy sweet dusted in sugar, often flavoured with rose. Visit a workshop for a sample, then see the five-domed Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi nearby.

Day trips

  1. Troodos Mountains

    Day trip

    Cyprus's mountain heartland, with pine forest, cool air, painted Byzantine churches that are UNESCO-listed and villages such as Omodos, a wine village of cobbled lanes and old stone houses. It's a welcome escape from the coastal heat.

    Tip: Hire a car, as the mountain roads are winding and a day trip can easily fill the whole day.

  2. Kourion

    Day trip

    The ancient Roman theatre at Kourion
    Photo: Wknight94 talk, CC BY-SA 3.0

    An ancient Greco-Roman city on a cliff above the sea near Limassol, with a Roman theatre still used for performances and some fine mosaics. The view over the bay from the seats is the highlight.

Where to stay in Paphos

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Paphos →

Getting around

Kato Paphos is walkable, and local buses link it with the town and the airport. To see the Akamas, Troodos and Aphrodite's Rock, hire a car. Cyprus drives on the left, as in the UK, which makes it easy.

When to go

Summer is hot and sunny, ideal for beaches. Spring and autumn are warm and better for sightseeing and walking, and the sea stays pleasant into November. Winters are mild, with some rain, and the mountains can be cool.

Questions about visiting Paphos

What is Paphos best known for?
Its UNESCO-listed archaeological sites, Roman mosaics, Tombs of the Kings, the legend of Aphrodite and its sunny beaches.
Is Paphos worth visiting?
Yes. It combines beach holidays with some of the best ancient sites in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as walking in the Akamas.
What is there to do in Paphos with kids?
Sandy beaches, the Aphrodite Waterpark, boat trips and exploring the castle and ancient ruins.
Do you need a car in Paphos?
In Kato Paphos you can manage without, but a car is the easiest way to reach Aphrodite’s Rock, the Akamas and the Troodos mountains.

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