Roman mosaics · Harbour · Coastal excursions
Best Things to Do in Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos rewards a split itinerary: one day around Kato Paphos for archaeology and the harbour, another for the old town or a beach. The archaeological park and Tombs of the Kings are separate visits. Akamas, Avakas Gorge and Blue Lagoon trips are further afield, so check the actual meeting point before choosing an excursion.
Roman mosaics, Harbour, Coastal excursions
A day for the centre; additional days for beaches and nearby outings
Walking for central sights; check connections for outlying attractions
Plan your day in more detail
Guides for Paphos
Make it your kind of trip
Best places to visit in Paphos
Use the filters to narrow your day. Check return connections and current visitor arrangements before setting off.
10 places in Paphos .
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Kato Paphos
Paphos Archaeological Park
Roman mosaics are the focus of this substantial outdoor visit.
Plan your connection
Check available connections in the journey planner and allow for the walk from your stop.
Visit details and sources
Prioritise the mosaic houses that interest you and leave time for the wider site. Start with this visit rather than using it as a rushed final stop after a beach day.
Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism: visitor guide ↗
Photo: Nikodem Nijaki · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized to WebP
North of Kato Paphos
Tombs of the Kings
Rock-cut tombs make a distinctive archaeological outing.
Plan your connection
Check available connections in the journey planner and allow for the walk from your stop.
Visit details and sources
This is a separate site from the harbour archaeological park. Uneven surfaces and steps make footwear and mobility planning important; check visitor access information before going.
Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism: visitor guide ↗
Photo: Anatoliy Smaga · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized to WebP
Kato Paphos waterfront
Paphos Harbour
Fishing boats, cafés and a waterfront walk make an easy meeting point.
Plan your connection
Check available connections in the journey planner and allow for the walk from your stop.
Visit details and sources
Use the harbour for a break between sights rather than treating it as a separate long excursion. Confirm the exact departure point if you have arranged a boat trip.
Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism: visitor guide ↗Photo: Fry72, Karel Frydrýšek · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized to WebP
Harbour edge
Paphos Castle
The small harbour fortress adds a compact cultural stop.
Plan your connection
Check available connections in the journey planner and allow for the walk from your stop.
Visit details and sources
Check current visitor arrangements if you want to enter. Even when you only explore the harbour outside, the castle is a useful landmark for orienting your walk.
Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism: visitor guide ↗
Photo: TomasNY (talk) · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized to WebP
Pegeia coast
Coral Bay
Plan a sandy beach day outside central Paphos.
Plan your connection
Check available connections in the journey planner and allow for the walk from your stop.
Visit details and sources
Use the existing Coral Bay route guide to check the journey from your starting point. Pack for a beach visit and keep an eye on the return timetable rather than relying on the last possible service.
Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism: visitor guide ↗
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Petra tou Romiou coast
Aphrodite’s Rock
See the coastal rock formation linked with Aphrodite.
Check rural access
Public transport may be limited. Confirm the final approach and return service with the operator.
Visit details and sources
Visit for the coastal setting and viewpoint. Avoid building the trip around a promised swim: waves, beach surfaces and local conditions may make that inappropriate.
Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism: visitor guide ↗
Photo: Michal Klajban · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized to WebP
Northwest Paphos region
Akamas Peninsula
A protected landscape calls for a carefully planned outdoor day.
Check rural access
Public transport may be limited. Confirm the final approach and return service with the operator.
Visit details and sources
Select an actual walking route or excursion instead of navigating to the centre of a large region. Check access restrictions and avoid taking a rental vehicle onto unsuitable roads.
Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism: visitor guide ↗
Photo: Gerda Arendt · Source · CC0 · Resized to WebP
Akamas area
Avakas Gorge
A gorge walk offers a change from beach and city sightseeing.
Check rural access
Public transport may be limited. Confirm the final approach and return service with the operator.
Visit details and sources
Check weather and trail conditions before attempting the walk. Uneven ground and possible water make this a different outing from a paved promenade, and unsuitable conditions are a reason to change plans.
Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism: visitor guide ↗
Photo: greglaskiewicz · Source · CC BY 3.0 · Resized to WebP
Ktima, upper town
Paphos Old Town
Explore another side of Paphos away from the harbour.
Plan your connection
Check available connections in the journey planner and allow for the walk from your stop.
Visit details and sources
Make time for streets, cafés and shops around the upper town. Plan the connection back to your accommodation, since the old town and Kato Paphos are different parts of the city.
Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism: visitor guide ↗
Photo: Michal Klajban · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized to WebP
Akamas coast; check departure harbour
Blue Lagoon excursions
A boat outing can make sense for seeing the Akamas coast from the water.
Check embarkation
Check the actual departure point and any included land transfer.
Visit details and sources
Compare the actual embarkation point, transfer inclusion, swimming arrangements and weather policy. Some trips depart from Latchi, so a listing described as Paphos does not necessarily start at Paphos Harbour.
Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism: visitor guide ↗Choose an experience that suits you
Experiences in Paphos
Akamas boat outing
Consider a coastal sailing rather than attempting remote roads.
Verify Latchi or Paphos embarkation, pickup inclusion and weather policy.
Archaeology with a guide
Interpretation can add context to mosaics and ancient sites.
Check exactly which sites and admission fees are included.
Find your way there
Getting around Paphos
Plan separately for Kato Paphos, the upper town and Coral Bay. The existing Coral Bay guide provides a starting point for checking bus travel.
Akamas and Avakas require more planning than central sightseeing. Confirm where a tour starts and whether pickup from your accommodation is included.
Plan Your JourneyA realistic starting point
A relaxed day in Paphos
- Visit the archaeological park early, taking water and sun protection.
- Break for lunch around the harbour and look at the castle.
- Spend the afternoon on a coastal walk rather than rushing to Akamas.
- Use a second day for the old town and Tombs of the Kings, or a separately planned Coral Bay visit.
Practical tips for Paphos
- Do not confuse the archaeological park with Tombs of the Kings.
- Confirm whether an Akamas boat outing leaves from Latchi and includes the transfer.
- Wear shoes that suit uneven archaeological surfaces; carry water.
Frequently asked questions
Can I explore Paphos without a car?
Plan separately for Kato Paphos, the upper town and Coral Bay. The existing Coral Bay guide provides a starting point for checking bus travel. Akamas and Avakas require more planning than central sightseeing. Confirm where a tour starts and whether pickup from your accommodation is included.
What should I include in a first visit?
Visit the archaeological park early, taking water and sun protection. Break for lunch around the harbour and look at the castle. Spend the afternoon on a coastal walk rather than rushing to Akamas.
Where should I check current opening times and tickets?
Use the official attraction or tourism sources linked below. Opening arrangements, admission and seasonal activities can change; transport planning does not guarantee entry.
Keep exploring Cyprus
Official visitor information
Check current access, opening arrangements and conditions with the venue or operator. Sources below support the editorial background; they do not guarantee a bus connection or activity availability.
Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism: visitor guide ↗