Paphos rewards travellers who mix the two halves of the region: the archaeology and harbour life on the coast, and the wild country north and inland. This list balances both, and everything on it can be done from a base anywhere between Kato Paphos and Coral Bay.
Coast and town
Start in Kato Paphos. The Archaeological Park holds the Roman mosaics that earned the city its UNESCO listing, and the harbour and castle sit a few minutes' walk away.
- • See the House of Dionysos mosaics at the Archaeological Park
- • Climb Paphos Castle at the end of the breakwater
- • Walk the coastal path to the Tombs of the Kings
- • Eat on the harbour promenade at sunset
- • Swim at Coral Bay
- • Watch the sun set over the Sea Caves and the Edro III shipwreck
Out on the water
Boat trips are the easiest way to see the coastline that roads never reach. Day cruises run north to the Blue Lagoon, while shorter sunset sails stay close to town.
- • Take a Blue Lagoon cruise from Paphos harbour
- • Book a sunset cruise along the Kato Paphos coast
- • Charter a private boat for a family day out
- • Snorkel over the rock shelves near Coral Bay
Adventure and countryside
The Akamas Peninsula begins twenty minutes north of Coral Bay, and a 4x4 safari is the standard way in. Inland, the wine villages and Troodos foothills change the pace completely.
- • Join an Akamas jeep safari to Lara Bay and the Blue Lagoon
- • Walk into the Avakas Gorge
- • Ride horses along coastal trails at golden hour
- • Taste wine on the Kathikas and Arodes wine route
- • Drive up to a Troodos mountain village for lunch
- • Visit the Baths of Aphrodite and the Aphrodite trail
Slower half-days
When the heat peaks, these fill an afternoon without much effort.
- • Stop at Aphrodite's Rock for sunset photographs
- • Browse the covered market in Ktima, the old upper town
- • Take the family to a pony and stable session
- • Spend a morning at the Adonis Baths waterfall
- • Follow the seafront promenade end to end
- • Book a fishing trip out of the harbour