The western third of Cyprus offers a wide variety of landscapes and activities. Whether you relax on the beautiful beaches of Akamas, learn about ancient history and mythology, or dance the night away - Paphos has something for everyone, making it the perfect destination for families and solo travelers alike. You can combine your visit with a tour of the entire island or simply explore the region. And the best part? No matter where you go, you're never far from a breathtaking sunset!

Good to Know

Paphos city has good public transport and connections to the surrounding area. However, some places require a car to reach. Plan to rent a car for a few days, ensuring it is suitable for your exploration needs. Otherwise, you'll need to book a tour or safari, which can be quite expensive. Stay in the city if you plan to visit bars every night, or stay near Coral Bay for nicer beaches. Check out our other trips about Cyprus to discover more amazing places around the island!

Highlights

Peyia

Just north of Paphos lies the residential town of Peyia. The taverns in Peyia are not frequently visited by tourists, so this is where you can meet locals and enjoy traditional Cypriot food.

For the best coastal views, stop at the hillside above the old town, preferably at sunset, to see the Mediterranean bathed in a golden glow and the sparkling lights of the towns below. Peyia's coastline is famous for its beautiful beaches, which is why many hotels are located in Coral Bay. Coral Beach is often named one of the best beaches on the island but is usually crowded. However, if you want a nice day at the beach, calm waters, and some food or cocktails, these are the beaches to visit.

While there are many sandy beaches, much of the shore is rocky. The Sea Caves and other geological features formed by sea erosion give the coastline its distinct look. In 2011, a Norwegian cargo ship ran aground near the sea caves. The crew was safely rescued, but the wreck was never towed. The Edro III is now a popular photo subject, and the rocks where it stranded offer a great place to watch the sunset behind the ship. Coral Bay also has decent nightlife with good restaurants, live music, and a few bars.

Paphos

Even though it's just a 20-minute drive from Peyia to Paphos, there's a lot to see along the way. Sea You Beach Bar at Potima Bay (Warning: do not swim here due to rip tides) serves delicious food with live music and a gorgeous view of the bright blue bay.

From there, consider a detour to see the reconstructed prehistoric settlement in Lempa and the Cyprus College of Arts. The excavation site is small but worth a short visit, and the art school's exterior is decorated with sculptures and pottery, making it a fun stop.

To explore the center of Paphos, park at Kato Pafos, the city's harbor. Right by the harbor is Nea Paphos, a large excavation site covering about a third of lower Paphos. Most structures in the park date back to the Romans, such as the House of Dionysus from the 2nd century AD, known for its intricate mosaic floors depicting Greek mythology scenes.

There are four more villas with beautiful mosaics in the archaeological park, all worth visiting. Plan a few hours for the main park by the harbor, as there is much to see. Another ancient site to visit is the Tombs of the Kings, the burial chambers of about 100 aristocrats dating from 300 BC to 300 AD. Some tombs resemble ancient houses with entrances supported by large Doric columns.

For a change from antiquity, visit Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa, one of the oldest Christian churches still hosting mass today, or the cliffside monastery Agios Neophytos. Spend at least one evening at Petra Tou Romiou, a half-hour drive from the city. It's said that the goddess Aphrodite was born here, emerging from the waves, giving the large rock where she surfaced the name Aphrodite Rock and Cyprus the name The Home of Aphrodite. Watch the sun set behind the rock from the pebble beach or cliff above for the most magical moment on the island.

Akamas Peninsula

The Akamas Peninsula in the northwestern corner of the island is an adventurer's paradise. To explore its many natural attractions, rent an off-road vehicle (or book a guided jeep/quad bike tour) for the day, as the rocky dirt roads are inaccessible to other vehicles. The effort to explore Akamas is worth it, as it avoids the mass tourism of other parts of the island.

Coming from Peyia, your first stop should be the Avakas Gorge, a narrow canyon formed by two tall cliffs. The 8.2 km (5 miles) trail through the gorge crosses a small stream, narrow pathways, and large rocks, making it an easy yet exciting hike for those with sturdy footwear. At the end, the canyon walls open to reveal a stunning stone valley.

A short drive north from Avakas Gorge, look for the dirt road to Lara Bay. There are two beaches here: South Beach, with a small kiosk and cliffside café, and North Beach, also known as Turtle Bay. Lara is one of the best places in the Mediterranean to watch Loggerhead Sea Turtles lay their eggs (May-July) and later hatch and head to the sea (August-September).

If you don't see turtles, visit the Lara Bay Conservation Station, where small tanks hold early hatchlings and signs provide information on conservation efforts. Despite being a coveted destination, both beaches are often empty, offering beautiful sand and clean, azure water.

After Lara, continue north along rocky roads into the mountains, but beware of narrower roads and tighter turns. The main road takes you around the peninsula to Latchi, passing more sights. Alternatively, return to Peyia, take the road to Latchi, and re-enter northern Akamas from there or visit the upcoming sights by boat.

Boat tours from Latchi Harbor sail to the stunning Blue Lagoon, with warm, crystal-clear waters contrasted by rocky cliffs, reminiscent of the Maldives. Most tours anchor at the lagoon for a few hours, allowing time for swimming and snorkeling, with some offering onboard barbecues.

During the boat ride, guides provide introductions to other shoreline sights, most accessible only via Akamas' dirt roads. Drive along Akamas' northern shore to visit The Baths of Aphrodite, a small pool inside a grotto where Aphrodite is said to have bathed. Explore more with the 7.7 km (4.8 miles) Aphrodite-Adonis Loop Trail, which offers breathtaking coastal vistas.