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Paphos Harbour & Medieval Castle
Paphos Harbour is an ideal place to begin exploring the coastal side of the city. Fishing boats, restaurants and cafés line the waterfront, while the Medieval Castle stands prominently at the end of the promenade.
The site of the castle has a long history. An earlier Byzantine fortification protected the harbour before the Lusignans rebuilt it in the 13th century. After being dismantled by the Venetians, it was rebuilt by the Ottomans in 1592. Over the centuries, the building served as a fortress, prison and, during the British period, a salt store.
Today, the castle and surrounding harbour form one of the most distinctive historic settings in Paphos.
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Akamas Peninsula
The Akamas Peninsula offers a completely different side of the Paphos region, with rugged landscapes, coastal views and an impressive variety of plants and wildlife.
Walking trails such as the Aphrodite and Adonis trails allow visitors to explore the area at a slower pace and enjoy panoramic views along the way. The wider Akamas area also includes well-known natural attractions such as the Baths of Aphrodite, Lara Bay and the Blue Lagoon.
Whether explored on foot or as part of an organised excursion, Akamas is an excellent choice for visitors looking to spend time away from the busier coastal resorts.
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Blue Lagoon Cruise
A boat trip to the Blue Lagoon is a relaxing way to experience the coastline of the Akamas Peninsula. Surrounded by a largely undeveloped landscape, the lagoon is known for its clear water and beautiful shades of blue.
Cruises and boat trips depart from Latchi Harbour, with many allowing time for swimming and snorkelling once they reach the lagoon. Private boat hire is another option for visitors who prefer to explore the coastline at their own pace.
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Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock)
Petra tou Romiou, also widely known as Aphrodite’s Rock, is a striking coastal landmark on the road between Paphos and Limassol. Large rock formations rise from the Mediterranean, creating one of the island’s most photographed coastal scenes.
According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite emerged from the sea near this spot, creating the connection between the area and the goddess that continues today.
The Greek name Petra tou Romiou is linked to a different legend involving the Byzantine hero Digenis Akritas, who is said to have thrown a huge rock into the sea.
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Sunset Spots in Paphos
Sunset is one of the best times to explore the Paphos coastline. Petra tou Romiou offers a dramatic combination of sea and rock formations, while Paphos Harbour provides a livelier setting beside the waterfront.
For a quieter experience, head towards the coastline around Peyia, Lara Bay, Akamas or the Polis region. The elevated areas around Paphos Old Town and Mouttalos also provide wide views towards the western horizon.
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Agrotourism in Paphos Villages
The villages of the Paphos district offer a slower and more traditional way to experience Cyprus. Stone houses, narrow streets, local tavernas and surrounding vineyards or mountain landscapes give each village its own character.
Many traditional properties have been carefully restored and transformed into agrotourism accommodation while retaining elements of their original Cypriot architecture.
Staying in a village also makes an excellent base for discovering wineries, monasteries, nature trails and some of the lesser-known attractions of the Paphos countryside.
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Paphos Forest
Paphos Forest stretches across a large mountainous area of western Cyprus and offers a peaceful escape into one of the island’s most extensive natural landscapes.
One of its special locations is Cedar Valley, home to the endemic Cyprus cedar. The forest is also closely associated with the Cyprus mouflon, the island’s native wild sheep, which lives in the mountainous forests of the region.
Stavros tis Psokas is another well-known point within Paphos Forest and a useful stop for visitors exploring this remote part of Cyprus.
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Lara Bay – Turtle Nesting Beach
Lara Bay lies within the wider Akamas area and is best known for its role in sea turtle conservation. Green and loggerhead turtles use beaches in this part of Cyprus for nesting.
The surrounding landscape remains largely natural, giving Lara Bay its distinctive remote character. Visitors should always respect conservation signs, avoid disturbing marked nests and follow any access restrictions in place.
Road conditions in the area can vary, so it is worth checking current access information before setting out.
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Pomos & Pachyammos Villages
The drive towards Pomos and Pachyammos reveals a less developed side of western Cyprus, with beautiful stretches of coastline and mountains rising close to the sea.
Pomos is a peaceful coastal village with a small fishing harbour and a relaxed local character. Continuing further along the coast towards Pachyammos brings even more dramatic scenery and a sense of being far removed from the island’s main tourist centres.
The journey itself is part of the experience, with plenty of coastal and mountain views along the way.
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Kato Pafos Archaeological Park & Tombs of the Kings
Kato Pafos Archaeological Park brings together centuries of history in one remarkable coastal setting. Among its greatest treasures are the elaborate mosaic floors preserved in Roman villas such as the Houses of Dionysos, Theseus, Aion and Orpheus.
The wider archaeological area also contains monuments from different periods, including the Odeon, Agora and the remains of Saranta Kolones.
A short distance away, the Tombs of the Kings form a vast Hellenistic and Roman necropolis. Despite the name, no kings are known to have been buried there. The monumental rock-cut tombs are instead associated with members of the local elite and high-ranking officials.
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Tzielefos Medieval Bridge
Tzielefos Bridge sits in a peaceful forest setting in the Troodos Mountains and is part of a historic network of Venetian-period stone bridges that also includes Elia and Roudia.
Its single stone arch crosses the Diarizos River and blends naturally into the surrounding woodland. The combination of historic architecture, running water and forest scenery makes it a popular stop for road trips through the mountain villages of the Paphos district.
The surrounding area is also suitable for visitors who want to combine sightseeing with a short walk or picnic in nature.
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Avakas Gorge
Avakas Gorge is a dramatic natural formation in the western Paphos district, close to the Akamas area. A walking trail follows the gorge as its limestone walls gradually rise and narrow around the path.
Water, erosion and time have shaped the unusual formations visible along the route, while the sheltered environment supports a variety of plants.
Conditions inside the gorge can change considerably after rain or during periods of extreme weather, so suitable footwear and a check of current conditions are recommended before visiting.
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Paphos Monasteries
Exploring the monasteries of the Paphos district is a rewarding way to discover the religious heritage and rural landscapes of western Cyprus.
Agios Neophytos Monastery, near Tala, is closely connected with Saint Neophytos the Recluse and is particularly known for the rock-cut hermitage where he lived.
Further into the countryside, Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery stands near Panagia village in a beautiful mountain setting. Agia Moni is another historic religious site that can be included while exploring the same part of the Paphos district.
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Golf in Paphos
Paphos has developed into one of the main golfing areas of Cyprus, with courses set among rolling countryside and within convenient driving distance of the city and coastal resorts.
Golfers can find full-size courses, practice facilities, clubhouses and professional services in the wider Paphos area.
Cyprus’s mild climate also makes the sport possible during much of the year, offering visitors an outdoor activity beyond the island’s beaches and archaeological attractions.
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Adonis Baths Waterfalls
Adonis Baths Waterfalls is a privately operated attraction in the countryside of the Paphos district. Natural pools and waterfalls form the centrepiece of the site, surrounded by a rugged landscape.
The attraction draws heavily on stories connected with Aphrodite and Adonis, adding a mythological theme to the natural setting.
Visitors planning a trip should check current opening information, entrance fees and road conditions directly with the attraction before travelling.
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Panagia tou Sinti Monastery
Panagia tou Sinti Monastery occupies an isolated and atmospheric setting beside the Xeros River. Its stone buildings and church preserve an important example of the religious architecture associated with the Venetian period in Cyprus.
After years of deterioration, extensive conservation work helped restore the historic complex while respecting its original character. The quality of the restoration was recognised with a Europa Nostra award.
Today, the monastery’s architecture and quiet rural surroundings make it an interesting stop for visitors exploring the less-travelled countryside of Paphos.
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Latchi Harbour & Seafood
Latchi Harbour combines its fishing tradition with a modern marina and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere. Fishing boats still form part of the harbour scene, while restaurants and tavernas line the water’s edge.
Fresh fish and Cypriot fish meze are popular choices here, making Latchi a pleasant place to stop for lunch or dinner after exploring Polis or the Akamas Peninsula.
The harbour is also one of the main departure points for boat trips along the Akamas coastline and towards the Blue Lagoon.
