Location

One for any history lover’s bucket list, the Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos is a spectacular site taking every visitor on a journey back in time. Home to some of the most famous historical monuments on the island, it includes monuments from the 4th century to the Middle Ages. Be sure to check out the intricate mosaic floors of the Roman villas – considered among the finest in the eastern Mediterranean – and the Ancient Odeon, Agora, and the remains of the Saranta Kolones (Forty Columns) Castle.

The Tombs of the Kings are also fascinating. The monumental underground tombs date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods and were once the burial site of high-ranking officials and aristocracy.

Originally built in the Byzantine era to protect the town’s harbour, Paphos Castle (otherwise known as the Medieval Fort) is one of the most popular tourist attractions in town. The medieval structure was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, dismantled by the island’s Venetian masters, and then erected again in the 16th century by Cyprus’ Ottoman rulers.

Today, the castle is regarded one of the most important landmarks in Cyprus and various cultural events, including an annual opera are hosted in the square in front of the castle. The fort commands a prime position on the Paphos harbour – a popular meeting spot lined with cafes and restaurants.

Just off the shore on the main Paphos to Limassol highway, Petra tou Romiou, also known as Aphrodite’s Rock, is a sea stack of striking beauty and the legendary birthplace of the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. After emerging from the waves at Petra tou Romiou, Aphrodite is said to have chosen Paphos as the centre of her cult.

Another story connects Petra tou Romiou with the mythical Byzantine frontier guard, Digenis Akritas, whose superhuman strength saw him launch the ‘rock’ against marauding Saracen ships that were about to invade Cyprus. Today, Petra tou Romiou is a justifiably popular tourist attraction. Its surrounding crystal waters and beautiful beach provide an ideal holiday backdrop for swimming and long coastal walks.

The pretty Paphos harbour is the place to be day or night, packed with local fishing boats and yachts, and home to the famed Medieval Castle. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, bars, clubs and traditional taverns, head here for a drink or bite to eat as you watch the world go by.

The largest zoo in Cyprus is one of Paphos’ top attractions, set in an unspoiled environment of approximately 100,000 square metres. Head here to spend a whole day immersed in nature and surrounded by ponds, lakes, and blossoming gardens.

Home to a wide variety of birds and animals from all over the world, the unique collection of parrots and snakes is one of the largest in Europe. The zoo takes pride in caring for endangered species, contributing to their preservation. Say hello to the giraffes, crocodiles, kangaroos, albino wallabies, white lions, and much more. Or watch performances starring macaws and owls, entertaining spectators with their hilarious and smart tricks performed daily at the zoo’s amphitheatre.

The entire Paphos region is known for its abundant beauty, rich history, and traditional winemaking heritage. Take a scenic drive outside Paphos town centre and head through the verdant countryside, where a patchwork of shimmering olive groves and dense citrus orchards greet sunkissed mountain slopes covered in vines. And it is here, nestled in abundant natural beauty, that you will find some of the region’s most beautiful traditional villages, including Kathikas, Steni, Stroumbi, Lysos, Vouni Panayias, Kritou Terra, and Droushia.

Be sure to stop off and explore some of the Paphos district boutique wineries along the way including Sterna and Vasilikon wineries in Kathikas as well as Vouni Panayia Winery in the namesake village. Or take a slow sip of a strong Cyprus coffee in traditional style at one of the region’s quaint little coffee shops.

Located on the rugged northwestern tip of Cyprus, the lush green Akamas Peninsula is one of the island’s most impressive areas of natural beauty, with 230 sq. km of valleys, gorges and wide sandy bays to discover. The variety of flora and fauna inhabiting the region is incredibly impressive and rare, some of which can only be found in Akamas. This undeveloped land is also home to many foxes, reptiles, and various migratory birds.

Head out on a hike to truly get to know the area, with various routes offering breathtaking views and the opportunity to view rare plants. These include the stunning Aphrodite trail and Adonis trail. Enjoy the walk!

While exploring the Akamas Peninsula, be sure to spend time on one of the most gorgeous beaches on the island, the lovely Lara, blessed with soft golden sands and remarkably clean waters. The whole area is peaceful and calm, making it the perfect spot to spend the day far from the buzz of Paphos.

If you're lucky, you may even have the pleasure of encountering the only inhabitants in the area – wild goats, monk seals, and the protected loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta-Caretta) –given a safe refuge to reproduce and give birth. Specialised cages have been set up on the beach to protect the turtles, so be sure not to disturb their peace.

There are several ways to reach Lara Beach. Drive through Akamas using a four-wheel vehicle for an off-road journey and adventure. Or catch a boat from Paphos to Lara Beach, an idyllic experience if you’d like to travel by sea.

The Baths of Aphrodite Beach is named after the nearby Baths of Aphrodite, where legend tells that Aphrodite met and fell in love with Adonis. The remote yet breathtaking beach is located at the edge of the Akamas Peninsula, the hidden heart of the island's most natural and unspoilt region, surrounded by the wonders of nature and scenic landscape.

To access the beach, park your car at the Baths of Aphrodite parking lot. Then simply cross the road and walk down the stairs to the beach.