Things to Do in Paphos — Activities, Day Trips & Experiences

Most people come to Paphos for the sun and the sea — and fair enough, they're excellent. But if that's all you do, you're missing the best bits. This part of Cyprus has wild national parks, ancient ruins, mountain villages, and enough adventures to fill a fortnight without repeating anything.

We've done everything on this list (most of it multiple times), and these are the things we keep recommending because guests come back buzzing about them.

If you do one thing beyond the beach, make it the Akamas Peninsula. It's the last truly unspoiled stretch of Cypriot coastline — no hotels, no development, just rugged wilderness, hiking trails, and crystal-clear water.

You can explore it by 4x4, by quad bike, or on foot. The hiking trails range from easy coastal walks to proper full-day treks through gorges and forests. The Aphrodite Trail (7.5 km loop) is the most popular and gives you stunning coastal views.

For the adventurous, rent a quad bike and take the dirt tracks along the coast. A. Koursaros (+357 96037457) is who we recommend — they know the trails and the bikes are well-maintained.

Combine the Akamas with a swim at the Blue Lagoon and lunch in Latchi for a perfect day.

A dramatic limestone canyon about 20 minutes from Coral Bay. The walls tower up to 30 metres above you, and the path follows a stream bed through the narrowest parts of the gorge. It's not technical — any reasonably fit person can do it — but it feels properly adventurous.

The walk in takes about 30-40 minutes each way. Wear shoes with grip (not flip-flops — you'll be stepping on wet rocks) and bring water. It's cooler inside the gorge than outside, which makes it a great option on hot days.

Best combined with a morning at Lara Bay — they're in the same direction and the access road overlaps.

Between June and August, loggerhead and green turtles come ashore to nest at Lara Bay on the Akamas Peninsula. Eco-tours take you there in the evening when the turtles are most active, and a conservation guide explains the nesting process.

Even outside nesting season, Lara Bay is worth visiting for the sheer emptiness and beauty of the beach. There's genuinely nothing there — no sunbeds, no bars, no buildings. Just pristine sand and wild coastline.

Turtle watching cruise operators run evening tours from Latchi Marina — book ahead as spots fill up quickly in summer.

Tombs of the Kings — Don't let the name fool you — no kings were actually buried here. But these underground tombs carved into solid rock are genuinely impressive, dating back to the 4th century BC. The site is UNESCO-listed and surprisingly uncrowded compared to similar sites elsewhere in the Mediterranean. Entry is about 2.50 EUR.

Paphos Archaeological Park — Home to some of the best-preserved Roman mosaics in the world. The House of Dionysus alone is worth the visit — the mosaic floors are 2,000 years old and still vivid. Budget 2-3 hours, bring a hat (limited shade), and go early to beat the heat.

Paphos Castle — The medieval castle at the harbour is small but photogenic. Great for a quick visit combined with a harbour walk and dinner.

Some of the best experiences in Paphos aren't at the coast — they're in the villages up in the hills. Rent a car for a half day and explore:

Kathikas — A wine village with several small wineries offering tastings. The views from the village square are stunning, and there are a couple of excellent tavernas.

Droushia — Even higher up, with panoramic views over the Akamas and the coast. Feels like a different world from the tourist strip. Try the local halloumi — it's made by hand in some of these villages.

Innia — A tiny village that feels frozen in time. Wander the narrow streets, chat with the locals (they're friendly), and stop at a kafeneio (traditional coffee shop) for a Cypriot coffee.

The mountain road from Paphos through these villages takes about 30-40 minutes and the scenery is beautiful — olive groves, vineyards, and the occasional goat crossing the road.

Boat trips — Several operators at Latchi Marina and Paphos Harbour run trips to the Blue Lagoon, along the Akamas coast, and for sunset cruises. Half-day trips run 25-35 EUR per person. You can also rent a small motorboat and go at your own pace — no licence needed for boats under a certain size.

Paddleboarding & Kayaking — The coast around Coral Bay and St George Beach is calm enough for easy paddleboarding. Zens Watersport and Sea Breeze rent boards by the hour. SUP Tours run guided paddleboard trips along the coast.

Diving & Snorkelling — The water clarity in Paphos is excellent for diving. ABC Dive Club and Marine Divers both run PADI courses and fun dives. Popular sites include the Amphitheatre reef and several shipwrecks.

Jet skis & water sports — Available at Coral Bay beach during summer. Prices are reasonable by European standards.

Troodos Mountains — A full day trip, about 90 minutes from Paphos. Cool mountain air (welcome in summer), UNESCO-listed painted churches, and genuinely different scenery — pine forests and mountain streams. Visit Omodos village for wine tasting and Kakopetria for mountain architecture.

Polis & Latchi — 30 minutes north, a charming harbour town with excellent fresh fish restaurants. Visit the Baths of Aphrodite nearby (a short walk through a botanical garden to a grotto). Combine with a Blue Lagoon boat trip.

Pissouri — 40 minutes east, a scenic hilltop village with a stunning bay below. Great beach, great restaurants (try Kastro for fresh fish), and a slower pace than Paphos.

Aphrodite's Rock — On the road to Limassol, legend says this is where Aphrodite emerged from the sea. The rock itself is impressive, and the beach around it is beautiful. Go for sunset and swim around the rock (legend says it makes you eternally beautiful).

Golf — Three excellent courses within 30 minutes of Paphos: Elea (designed by Sir Nick Faldo), Minthis (mountain setting), and Aphrodite Hills (dramatic clifftop). Green fees vary by season — shoulder season offers best value.

Padel — The fastest-growing sport in Cyprus. Lime Padel Club has courts and equipment hire, and it's a fun social activity even if you've never played.

Yoga — Several studios offer drop-in classes: Yoga Universe, Skaya Yoga, and Kasia Yoga. Some of our properties have enough outdoor space for your own practice — just bring a mat.