Paphos is a city located on the southwest coast of Cyprus. The city is known for its stunning archaeological sites, beautiful beaches, and clear turquoise waters.
The city is also a popular tourist destination, as it offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
To help you make the most of your time during your trip, I’ve compiled a list of the 15 Top Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Paphos. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s history and beaches or simply sightseeing, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy during your visit.
Things To Do In Paphos
1, Kato Paphos Archaeology Park
The Kato Paphos Archaeology Park is undoubtedly one of the top tourist attractions in Paphos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This archaeological site contains the remains of ancient villas, tombs, mosaic floors, and an early Christian basilica.
The park is situated on the site of the ancient city of Nea Paphos, which was founded in around 300 BC. The city was the capital of Cyprus during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It was an important trading center and a place of pilgrimage for early Christians.
The Archaeology Park is spread over several hectares and includes several Roman villas, an agora, an odeon, public baths, and a necropolis. The most impressive Roman villa is the House of Dionysus, which has beautiful mosaic floors. The house gets its name from the mosaic of Dionysus, the god of wine, which is located in the dining room. The park also contains the remains of an early Christian basilica and catacombs.
If you’re interested in archaeology, history, or architecture, you’ll definitely enjoy visiting the Kato Paphos Archaeology Park.
Read More: 15 Best Things to Do in Cyprus
2. Tombs of the Kings
The Tombs of the Kings is one of Paphos’ top archaeological sites and one of the most popular tourist attractions. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a necropolis consisting of seven underground tomb chambers.
The tomb chambers are cut into the native bedrock and date back to the 4th century BC. They were used as burial places for Paphos’ elite class of citizens, including high-ranking officials and wealthy landowners. The site gets its name from its impressive size and grandeur, which are reminiscent of the ancient Egyptian pyramids.
The highlight of the site is tomb number three, which is the largest of the seven chambers. It’s decorated with Doric columns and has a well-preserved fresco on its walls. The other six tombs are smaller and less ornate but still interesting to explore.
The Tombs of the Kings is located about two kilometers north of Kato Paphos, the modern tourist center of town. It’s easy to walk to the site from most hotels in the area, and there’s also a bus stop nearby.
Overall, the Tombs of the Kings is a must-see attraction in Paphos. It’s one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites on the island and offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. I suggest you allow at least an hour to explore the tomb chambers and learn about the history of this fascinating place.
3. Paphos Old Town
The Old Town is next on my list of top tourist attractions in Paphos. This is the traditional center of the city and is where you’ll find the majority of the historical and archaeological sites. The Old Town is also a great place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere.
Some of the top sights in the Old Town include the Paphos District Archaeological Museum, Ethnographic Museum, and Byzantine Museum. If you’re interested in shopping, then head to Archbishop Makarios Avenue, which is the main shopping street in the old town.
The Old Town is also home to several restaurants, cafes, and bars. So, it’s a great place to stop for a bite to eat or a drink. In addition, the streets of the Old Town are filled with street art and murals. So, it’s definitely worth taking a stroll around to see all the artwork.
End your stroll through the Old Town at the Mouttalos Area, which is one of the best places in Paphos to enjoy the beautiful sunset. And if you want to spend your night here, there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses to choose from.
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4. Medieval Castle of Paphos
A trip to Paphos would not be complete without a visit to the Medieval Castle, which is one of the top tourist attractions in town. Built by the Lusignans in the 13th century on top of Byzantine ruins, this imposing fortification guarded the harbor entrance and was later used as a prison.
Later on, it was dismantled by the Venetians in order to prevent it from being used by the Ottoman Turks. But after the island was conquered by the Turks in 1571, they reconstructed it using some of the original materials.
The best way to get to the castle is by strolling along the harbor promenade. As you walk, you’ll see the castle’s massive square towers rising in front of you. The views from the top of the towers are simply magnificent. And on a clear day, you can have great views of Paphos harbor and the city beyond.
5. Fyti Village
Fyti is a small village located in the northeast of Paphos, about 25 kilometers from the city center. It is a beautiful and traditional Cypriot village with stone houses, narrow streets, and old-fashioned cobblestone alleys.
You can wander around the village and admire the old buildings and traditional architecture. Be sure to visit the Fyti Folklore Museum, which is housed in a traditional stone house. The museum has exhibits on the history and culture of the village and its residents. You can also see demonstrations of traditional textile weaving, which is shown by the local women.
Fyti is a great place to learn about traditional Cypriot village life and culture. It’s also a great place to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside and take in the stunning views of the mountains and valleys. So if you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, be sure to add Fyti to your list of places to visit in Paphos.
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6. Agia Paraskevi Church
Agia Paraskevi is a church located four kilometers southeast of central Paphos. The church was built in the 10th century, and it’s one of the oldest standing buildings in Paphos.
The church is built in the Byzantine style, and it has a lovely five domes that form a cross shape. The highlight of the church is definitely its interior, which is adorned with beautiful frescoes. The frescoes were painted in the 15th century and depict scenes from the life of Christ. In particular, there is a fresco of the last supper, which is very well preserved. Other frescoes depict the betrayal of Christ, the Washing of the feet, the crucifixion, and many others.
Overall, Agia Paraskevi Church is a beautiful and historic church that’s worth a visit. And due to its historical importance, it is definitely one of the top tourist attractions in Paphos you shouldn’t miss.
7. Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark
If you need a break from all of the archaeological sites and historical buildings, then a visit to the Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is a must. This waterpark is one of the biggest in the Paphos region and is a great place to cool off on a hot day.
The waterpark has over 20 slides and attractions, including a lazy river, twister, wave pool, canon drop, family rafting, kids’ pool, and much more. There are also a few restaurants and cafes spread out across the park, so you can refuel after a long day of swimming and sliding.
So if you’re looking for top things to do in Paphos, this is the perfect place to take the kids for a fun day out. They’re sure to love all of the slides and attractions. And, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to relax in the shade and take a break from sightseeing.
8. Paphos Beaches
Paphos has some of the best beaches in Cyprus. The most popular beaches are located in Coral Bay, which is about a 25-minute drive from the city center. Coral Bay has a wide range of beach types, from sheltered coves to long stretches of sand perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Another great option is the lovely Lara Beach, located just north of Cyprus. This beach is a bit more remote and less crowded than the beaches in Coral Bay. It’s a great place to come if you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet. There are also some fantastic diving and snorkeling opportunities in Lara Bay.
If you’re looking for a slightly livelier beach, then head to Kato Paphos. Here you’ll find a number of beach bars and restaurants, as well as a water park. So, whatever type of beach you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Paphos.
Read More: 14 Best Beaches in Cyprus
9. Paphos Zoo
Paphos Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in Paphos for families with young children. This zoo sits on almost 10 hectares of land and is home to more than 1200 animals, representing over 300 species. Some of the animals you’ll see at Paphos Zoo include white lions, tigers, giraffes, bears, house monkeys, and more. The zoo also has a bird aviary, which is home to over 200 species of birds.
The highlight for me was the landscaped environment of gardens and ponds within the zoo. Walking around, I felt as if I were in a botanical garden, with all the different colors and smells of the flowers. The landscaping also provides a natural habitat for the animals, and there are many places where you can sit and relax.
Overall, Paphos Zoo is a top-notch facility, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. I highly recommend a visit to this zoo if you’re looking for fun things to do in Paphos with kids. The admission price is reasonable, and the kids will love getting up close and personal with the animals.
10. Paphos Coastal Boardwalk
One of the best places in Paphos to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea is from the coastal boardwalk. This lovely promenade stretches for five kilometers along the sea, offering excellent views of the coastline and the town of Paphos.
The boardwalk is a great place to stroll, relax in one of the cafes or restaurants, and simply enjoy the view. I found the northern half of the boardwalk to be the most scenic. This section runs from the Harbor and its fort up to the Tombs of the Kings. Highlights along the way include the archeological site of the Old Paphos and the coastal views over the Lighthouse.
The southern section of the Paphos Coastal Boardwalk is also lovely. It runs from the Paphos Fort down to the Louis Phaethon Beach Resort. Along this section, you’ll come across all the beaches in central Kato Paphos, as well as several restaurants with outdoor seating.
The boardwalk is especially beautiful at sunset when the sky turns a gorgeous shade of orange. If you’re in Paphos at that time, make sure to take a stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the views. And whether you walk the entire length of the boardwalk or just part of it, I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s one of the Paphos attractions not to be missed.
11. Diving in Paphos
Paphos is one of the top diving destinations in the Mediterranean, and there are many reasons why. The clarity of the water, the abundance of sea life, the variety of dive sites, and the good weather year-round conditions make it a top spot for both beginner and experienced divers.
There are over 15 dive sites around Paphos that are sure to suit your needs, from shallow reefs and swim-throughs to caves and walls. The water temperature ranges from 16-27 degrees Celsius, and visibility is usually good, up to 30 meters.
A popular dive spot is Coral Bay. The bay is located on the outskirts of the city, about 12 kilometers from downtown. There are a few scuba diving centers in Coral Bay where you can get certified or take a beginner’s diving class. Once you’re all kitted out, you can take a dip and explore the underwater world.
Other top diving spots near Paphos include the Sea Caves, the Amphitheater, Pistol Bay, the Stage, Coralia, Dinosaur Bay, and many more. If you’re not interested in getting certified, there are also snorkeling tours available. These tours usually last for a half-day, and they’re a great way to see some of the area’s highlights without having to commit to a longer diving trip.
No matter how you choose to explore the waters around Paphos, you’re sure to have a great time. Just be sure to book your tour in advance, as spots fill up quickly during the busy summer months.
12. EDRO III Shipwreck
Another one of the top tourist attractions in Paphos is the EDRO III Shipwreck. On 8 December 2011, this cargo ship bound from Limassol to Rhodes ran aground near Peyia. All of the crew were rescued, but the ship was badly damaged and had to be abandoned.
The EDRO III Shipwreck is now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can see the shipwreck from the shore or go for a swim out to it. The shipwreck is also a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. So be sure to bring your camera so you can take some photos of this interesting sight. And if you’re planning on going for a swim, be sure to bring your sunscreen and a hat as there is no shade at the beach.
After your visit to the EDRO III Shipwreck, you can relax at one of the many beach bars and restaurants in Peyia. They offer a great selection of food and drinks, as well as stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
13. Eleouthkia Park
Eleouthkia Park is a large park located in the village of Anarita, about 12 kilometers from Paphos town. This is the only theme park in Cyprus that focuses on nature and tradition.
The park is 20,000 square meters big with over 55.000 plants and ten types of flowers. All these are spread out over ten themed gardens connected by pathways and bridges. Themed gardens include a traditional herbs garden, a cactus garden, an olive tree garden, and many more. After exploring the gardens, you can relax in the park’s cafe, which has a lovely outdoor seating area.
There’s also a large amphitheater in the park that hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts and theatrical performances.
So if you’re looking for fun things to do in Paphos, then Eleouthkia Park is definitely worth a visit. Whether you want to enjoy the outdoors, see some live entertainment, or just have a bite to eat, this park has something for you.
14. Aphrodite’s Rock
Aphrodite’s rock, or Petra Tou Romiou, is one of the most famous landmarks in Cyprus. It’s a natural rock formation located in the sea off the coast of Paphos. According to legend, this is the place where Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, was born from the sea.
The rock is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and taking photographs. There’s a small beach located nearby where you can relax and take in the stunning views. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even jump from the top of the rock into the sea below. There is a changing room, toilets, and a shower located off the car park. You can also find a few restaurants and cafes in the area if you get hungry.
The turquoise water of the beach and the beautiful views impressed me the most about Aphrodite’s Rock. It’s one of the most popular Paphos attractions and a must-visit for anyone interested in mythology or looking for a unique place to swim.
15. Akamas Peninsula National Park
The Akamas Peninsula National Park is another top attraction in Paphos, located 44 kilometers north of Paphos. The park covers an area of 230 square kilometers and is home to a number of rare and endangered plant and animal species. The park also has some of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus.
There are a number of hiking trails in the park, which range in difficulty from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Aphrodite Trail, which leads to the beautiful Aphrodite’s Rock. The trail is about 7.5 kilometers long and takes around 4 hours to complete.
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, you can try the Adonis Trail. This trail is 8 kilometers long and takes around 4 hours to complete. In addition to hiking, there are a number of other activities that you can enjoy in the park, such as mountain biking, bird watching, and horse riding.
In general, if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then the Akamas Peninsula National Park is the perfect place for you.
In summary
Paphos is a beautiful city with a lot to offer tourists. I spent a lot of time here, and I have to say that it’s a really beautiful city with plenty of things to see and do. If you’re planning a visit to Cyprus, then be sure to add some of these top tourist attractions in Paphos to your itinerary.
