A road trip from Paphos: what to see, where to stay, and how not to waste your Cyprus holiday while checking out the most jaw-dropping sights! Tips and hacks from experienced travelers and locals.
I guarantee you’ll see 25 awesome spots around Paphos in just 7 days — and there won’t be a single dull moment!
Paphos isn’t just a sunbathing resort. It’s a destination for active, curious travelers who don’t want to limit themselves to the beaches of Ayia Napa or Protaras. Just a half-hour drive away you’ll find mountains, wineries, the Akamas Nature Reserve, canyons, ancient ruins, and much more. And yes — there are plenty of beaches and the sea here too.
Where to Stay in Paphos
Before hitting the road — book your accommodation. Paphos is a sprawling coastal region in southwestern Cyprus. The area includes the city itself and a bunch of small villages. Another good option is staying in Polis or Latchi — all the top sights are nearby, especially if you’ve got a car.
Our favorite choice. It’s an apartment hotel with terraces/balconies facing the sea — just 50 meters from the beach. Perfect for those who love cozy vibes and the sound of waves. You can reach most locations within 10–20 minutes by car.
Located in Chloraka — about 1 hour on foot or 10 minutes by car to the Paphos promenade.
🏨 Akti Beach Hotel & Village Resort
Close to Rododafni, similar setup: convenient, near the sea, and atmospheric.
A budget option in Peyia, very close to Coral Bay — Paphos’s best beach. 10 minutes’ walk to the sea. Many other apartments are nearby, closer to the shore.
Accommodation in Polis and Latchi
Polis is cheaper, while Latchi is closer to the sea (and a bit pricier). Choose based on what matters more: the price or the view from your window.
A traditional Cypriot home in Polis. We stayed here a few nights — it was atmospheric, affordable, and cozy.
🏡 Stephanos Garden Apartment
Another great option in central Polis — has everything you need.
🌊 LATSIBLUE 16 Brandnew
Modern apartment right in the center of Latchi — with sea and marina views. Just 2 minutes to the beach.
Travel Format — A Car Is a Must
All trips are best done “radially”: stay in one place and explore nearby locations by day. For example, 3 days in Paphos or Peyia + 3–4 days in Latchi or Polis.
🚌 Public transport in Cyprus is so-so. But a car means freedom!
I recommend renting a car on a trusted site with free cancellation. No hidden fees, no stress.
So — you’ve got your car and accommodation — let’s go! First up: Paphos itself and the nearby area. Then — off into the mountains and charming villages 🏞
What to See in and Around Paphos
🏛 Archaeological Park & Tombs of the Kings
A classic: remains of Roman villas, the Odeon, the Forty Columns Fortress, and an early Christian church. A bit farther away — the ancient royal tombs.
Honestly, we found it a little boring — maybe the mood, or maybe we’d just seen too many similar places in Cyprus.
🎫 Entry — €4.50, tombs — €2.50
🕒 Hours:
• April 16 – September 15: 08:30–19:30
• September 16 – April 15: 08:30–17:00
🌅 Paphos Promenade (The Harbour Area)
Perfect for seaside strolls and evening hangouts. Pedestrian zone, lots of cafes, bars, and… even stairs down to the water! Though it’s better to walk a bit farther to reach a proper sandy beach.
🏃♀️ Coastal Path & Lighthouse
There’s a path along the entire Paphos coast — great for walking or biking. You’ll find benches, outdoor gyms, small beaches, and cafes with views. The lighthouse sits on a hill nearby. If you have time — walk the whole path, it’s worth it!
Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots
🚢 Half-Sunken Ship Edro III
This ship ran aground during a storm near Peyia village. It’s become a popular but still not overly touristy spot. Especially atmospheric at sunset.
🌊 Sea Caves
Located just beyond Coral Bay Beach. Drive a bit further along Sea Cave Ave — and you’ll be standing on a cliff edge overlooking marine grottoes.
🏖 Coral Bay Beach
Top of the list among Paphos beaches — dark sand, gentle entrance, gorgeous views.
🅿 There’s parking and a cafe.
🚌 Bus 615 runs from Paphos city center. But hey — we’ve got a car 😎
For Traveling with Kids
💦 Aphrodite Waterpark
35,000 m² of water slides — even one with a “weightlessness effect” 😄
🎟 €30 for adults, €15 for kids, under 3 — free
🕒 Hours:
• May–June: 10:30–17:30
• July–August: 10:00–17:00
• September–October: 10:00–17:00
🚌 Buses 11 and 15 are free if you’ve got a ticket to the park. Gas, however, is not reimbursed 😅
🦜 Paphos Zoo
Located near Coral Bay and Agios Georgios village. Features parrot shows, exotic birds, a terrarium.
🚌 Get there via buses 615 + 616 or drive — about 30 minutes.
📍 Saint George Village is also on our itinerary!
🐠 Paphos Aquarium
Another great family-friendly spot, right in town. A solid collection of marine creatures and weird-looking fish. Feels just like a top European aquarium — we were genuinely impressed!
🏞 Avakas Gorge
The first time we came here, I was a bit skeptical. I mean, what could impress us after canyons in the US and France?
But I was wrong — this place is epic. Absolutely recommended.
🚗 About 25–30 minutes from Paphos by car, with parking available.
🕒 Set aside 1.5–2 hours for hiking the gorge. Make sure to go all the way to the end — that’s where the best views are!
⛪ Church of Saint George
The main highlight? Its location — a hilltop with a sea view. Pure magic!
It’s located in the village of Agios Georgios, near Peyia.
Easily fits into one route with the zoo, Avakas Gorge, and the Akamas Peninsula — everything’s nearby!
🌿 Akamas Peninsula
An absolute gem among Cyprus’s natural wonders!
Like Cape Greco near Ayia Napa, but wilder and bigger.
🟢 A protected area without asphalt roads, home to unique trails: the Aphrodite Trail, Blue Lagoon, and Lara Beach where turtles nest.
You can enter from the Paphos side (Lara Beach) or from Latchi (Aphrodite Trail and the Lagoon).
🛻 Best to go with a 4×4 or join a guided tour. Driving a regular car is risky (but we did it anyway 😄).
🛥 You can also rent a boat in Latchi for a sea adventure with stops at wild beaches.
🐢 Lara Beach
This is where loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) lay their eggs. You might even spot baby turtles!
🟡 The area is well-marked with info stands, photos, and fenced nesting zones. There’s a café nearby.
The beach is protected — please respect the turtles ❤️
🪨 Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock)
A legendary site where, according to myth, Aphrodite was born from the sea foam.
Photogenic and romantic — best to visit early morning or at sunset, before the tour buses arrive.
🚗 25 km from Paphos, less than a 30-minute drive. Parking available.
🏔 Heading to the Troodos Mountains
From the coast — inland! Just 30 minutes and you’re in Troodos.
Main attractions: Adonis Baths, Kykkos Monastery, and wineries.
Mountains, pine forests, and the scent of freedom!
💦 Adonis Baths
Located near the village of Koili (25 km from Paphos). According to legend, this is where the mortal Adonis met with the goddess Aphrodite.
💧 The water is a dreamy milky turquoise, and you can swim here. There’s a café and a small museum.
🏛 Kykkos Monastery
The most famous monastery in Cyprus.
🕍 Founded in the 11th century by a Byzantine emperor. A truly powerful place.
🌲 You’ll pass through a cedar forest on the way — stop and take some photos.
🚗 Distance: 75 km — plan for 2–3 hours one way with scenic stops.
🍷 Paphos Wineries
Cypriot wine is love at first sip. We visited several wineries, all excellent — but the best was Kolios Winery.
🥂 The terrace view: mountains, valleys, the sea. The perfect place to sip a glass (or two) of white or rosé.
📍 Our route:
• Fikardos Winery
• Kamanterena Winery
• Vouni Panayia Winery
• Kolios Winery
• Kalamos Winery
We left from Paphos and returned the same day — with a trunk full of wine for the week
🧱 Asprokremmos Dam
Built in 1982, one of the main reservoirs supplying Cyprus with fresh water.
🟦 A peaceful and atmospheric spot — especially nice if you’re visiting outside of beach season and want more nature in your trip.
🕍 Church of Agia Paraskevi
An old Byzantine church with beautiful frescoes.
Located in the village of Geroskipou — just 5 km from the Paphos seafront.
🛍 On August 8th, there’s a festive service and local fair — a great chance to experience authentic Cypriot culture.
💡 Don’t Forget the Essentials!
• Cyprus is a very safe island — no major issues with crime or illness. Still, if you’re traveling actively, travel insurance is a must.
• We use Hotline Finance (UA) — you can customize it. Saved us twice in 20 years of travel!
• 🔍 For flights — we use Aviasales
• 🛏 For accommodation — Booking.com
• 🚗 For cars — Local Rent-Cyprus. Yes, the steering wheel is on the right, but you’ll get used to it in 15 minutes. Roads are great, drivers are polite.
• 📲 For tours — check GetYourGuide
