12 Best Things to Do in Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos packs an unreasonable amount into a small stretch of coastline: a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological park, a medieval harbour castle, wild gorges, turtle beaches and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean — most of it within a 20-minute drive of the harbour. If you’re wondering where to start, here’s the shortlist.
For the full background on the town — history, orientation, best time to visit — see our complete Paphos guide. This post goes deeper on the attractions themselves.
1. Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
The centrepiece of a Paphos trip and one of only a handful of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cyprus. Inside the park you’ll find four excavated Roman villas — the House of Dionysus, House of Theseus, House of Aion and the House of Orpheus — each with mosaic floors depicting mythological scenes in remarkable detail, plus an ancient agora and an odeon still used for performances today. Go early, bring water and a hat (shade is almost non-existent), and budget two to three hours minimum.
Book a guided tour of the Archaeological Park on GetYourGuide →
2. Tombs of the Kings
A short walk or drive north of the harbour, this rock-cut necropolis dates to the 4th century BC. Despite the name, no actual royalty is buried here — the grandeur of the underground chambers and courtyards carved directly into bedrock simply earned it the title. It’s included on the same UNESCO listing as the archaeological park and is one of the more atmospheric ancient sites anywhere in Cyprus.
3. Paphos Castle and the Harbour
This squat fort at the edge of the harbour has been Byzantine, Lusignan, Venetian, Ottoman and briefly British — and it’s changed purpose almost as many times as it’s changed hands. Climb to the rooftop for the best panoramic view of the harbour and coastline, then stay for a sunset walk along the promenade, where the boats, bars and seafood tavernas come alive in the evening.
4. Ktima — Paphos’s Old Town
Up on the hill above the tourist strip, Ktima is where Paphos actually lives — a working municipal market, small tavernas, art galleries and streets that carry on with everyday Cypriot life regardless of the season. It’s an easy afternoon on its own and the best antidote if the harbour area starts to feel like a tourist strip.
5. Saint Paul’s Pillar and the Chrysopolitissa Basilica
In the lower town, the ruins of one of the largest early Christian basilicas ever built in Cyprus surround a column traditionally said to mark where the apostle Paul was flogged shortly after arriving in 45 AD — an event that reportedly led to the Roman governor’s conversion. It’s quieter than the main archaeological park, free to visit, and easy to combine with a harbour walk.
6. Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou)
The sea stack where, according to myth, Aphrodite rose from the foam. Climbing it is forbidden and the currents around it are usually rough enough to discourage anyone from trying, but the pebble beach makes for one of the most photographed spots on the island, especially at sunset.
7. Coral Bay
A curved, sheltered, sandy beach a short drive north of town — consistently rated among the best beaches near Paphos and popular with families, snorkelers and windsurfers. Loungers and umbrellas rent by the day if you don’t want to bring your own.
8. Avakas Gorge
Inside the Akamas Peninsula, Avakas Gorge is a narrow limestone canyon you hike through rather than around, with rock walls rising sharply on either side and shade for most of the route — a genuine rarity in Cyprus in summer. Expect some scrambling over boulders; trainers with grip are worth packing.
9. Blue Lagoon Boat Trip
The Akamas coastline’s calm, turquoise showpiece bay, usually reached by boat cruise rather than by road. Most Akamas boat trips from Paphos Harbour build in an hour or two anchored here for swimming and snorkelling, often alongside a barbecue lunch on board.
See Blue Lagoon and Akamas boat cruises on Viator →
10. Sea Caves of Peyia
A quieter stretch of rugged cliffs and hidden coves a short drive north of Coral Bay, with crystal-clear water and small rock pools worth exploring with a snorkel. It’s the kind of spot that still feels like a local secret compared with the main beaches.
A few kilometres inland from the caves, in the hills above Koili village, you can swim beneath a real waterfall at the Adonis Waterfalls — worth building into the same half-day. Our complete guide to the Adonis Waterfalls covers routes, entry fees and the legend behind the baths.
11. Paphos Zoo and Aphrodite Waterpark
For a family day away from ruins and beaches, Paphos Zoo is a large wildlife conservation centre with animals from around the world, while Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark brings slides, a lazy river and a wave pool for cooling off in the summer heat.
Check family activities and tickets on GetYourGuide →
12. A Sunset Meze Dinner
Not a sight exactly, but no list of things to do in Paphos is complete without an evening spent on a Cypriot meze — fifteen to thirty small dishes covering grilled halloumi, souvla, dips and fresh seafood, designed to be worked through slowly over a couple of hours. Harbour tavernas do a reliable version; inland village tavernas tend to be quieter and less tourist-priced.
Where to Stay
Most of what’s on this list sits within easy reach of Kato Paphos, so basing yourself near the harbour keeps things simple. Use the interactive map below to compare hotels and apartments by price and distance to the attractions above.
Search places to stay in Paphos on the map →
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need to see the best of Paphos? Three days covers this list comfortably — one for the archaeological park, castle and old town, one for Akamas and the beaches, and one to spread out or add a day trip. See our day trips from Paphos guide for options beyond the town itself.
What’s the single must-see attraction in Paphos? Kato Paphos Archaeological Park. It’s the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on this list and the reason Paphos is on most itineraries in the first place.
Do you need a car to see everything on this list? Not for the harbour-area sights, which are walkable, but a rental car — or a booked tour — makes Avakas Gorge, Coral Bay, the Sea Caves of Peyia, the Adonis Waterfalls and the Blue Lagoon far easier to reach on your own schedule. See our Paphos car rental guide.
Is Paphos better for history or beaches? Both, and that’s the appeal — a UNESCO archaeological site sits a five-minute walk from Blue Flag beaches, so most visitors split their days between the two rather than choosing.
What’s the best time of year to do all of this? Late May, June, and September through October give the best balance of good beach weather and manageable crowds. July and August are hottest and busiest.
Want the full picture first? Start with our complete Paphos travel guide, or browse our Paphos experiences page for bookable tours and activities.
