This was my second time visiting Paphos and I loved every second of it, with such kind and caring people, great tasting food and unique experiences.
I’ve put together this guide based on all of the best activities we tried, how you can travel around and what you can expect from your visit.
If you have any questions, please do leave them in the comments at the bottom or email them over to me, while I’ll also be producing YouTube videos of things to do and see which are worth looking out for.
Best Time To Visit Cyprus
We visited in mid March and a number of people told us we visited at the perfect time, I certainly have to agree with them. The weather wasn’t too intense, being around 17 degrees during the day and 13 at night, far better than what we get in the UK.
Realistically it stays very warm from late April to early October, which just means you have to make the most of the mornings and tick off plenty of activities straight away, before returning to the hotel pool for midday.
For sunbathers and those that want some sun, sand and sea, those summer months are brilliant, with temperatures averaging 28-30c during July-August. But as I prefer it a bit cooler, I’d recommend March, April or May, plus November on the other end of the season.
How To Get Here
There are flights to Cyprus from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool in the UK. Our flights to Paphos were with Jet2, which takes off from Stansted and was a 4.5 hour flight.
My Favourite Things To Do
There are a number of amazing things you have to tick off when visiting Paphos, which might differ slightly based on whether you’re with family, as a couple or a group of friends. The Aphrodite waterpark is a huge attraction, while the flea markets are also a big draw, but I’ve listed below some unique and amazing options that should be top of your agenda.
House of Sofia and Andreas
This had to come absolutely top of my list of recommendations. Upon arrival, you’ll be able to watch her load the bread into the oven to be baked and fill the air with that beautiful doughy aroma, as well as the ricotta and halloumi being created, which you’ll get to taste.
You can tour through her house, while she has a number of tables at the back where you can have lunch. Everything is locally grown or made in-house, no ultra processed foods, just pure goodness.
So the business started with two tourists walking along when they spotted Sofia making bread outside the front of her house. They came over and asked if they could watch, so she welcomed them in and gave them some freshly made halloumi and bread. It all blossomed from there to quickly become a hidden gem of Cyprus.
The halloumi was incredible, it has changed the way I perceive halloumi, as it’s so different to what you get in the supermarkets. Sofia’s personality and positivity is contagious, happily walking through and greeting everyone.
As with everywhere in Cyprus, the portion sizes were plentiful, so we were absolutely full by the end. I have to say that I was mesmerised by the ravioli, a personal favourite of mine.
Aphrodite Trail
I love a good hike, but I have become a bit fatigued with the same routes through the South Downs in Sussex, therefore this was the perfect activity for me.
At the base, our guide explained this was a level 3 (out of 3), hinting at the difficulty being high, but I’ll personally say it wasn’t too intense at all, there were no dangerous pathways and the walk wasn’t too long. We did come in March and in the morning when the weather wasn’t too heated which probably helped, as I can imagine in the mid-summer sun it would be very hard.
Stretching 7.5 kilometres, we started near the sea front, where there were parking spaces and a public toilet, not to mention a cafe where you can purchase some bottled water if you forgot to pack any.
Along the way, you will pass an 800 year old oak tree that is still standing tall. We also spotted a number of goats climbing up and down the hillside.
This is a circular route, meaning you don’t have to walk back on yourself, getting some slightly different views as you go back down.
I’ve walked a number of treks and the top doesn’t always live up to the expectation, but the views from the peak were phenomenal. I wanted to stay here for hours (not a good idea if you want to get down before the midday heat arrives).
The trail is available on Komoot, something I often use for hikes, but you can equally hire out a guide, which is much better as they can talk you through the history of the area, all the different plants and trees you’ll pass and little tips and facts along the way.
Tsangarides Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is one of the best activities you can do across the Mediterranean, while apparently the wine from Cyprus has drastically improved over the past 2 decades as they’ve learned tricks from Italy to help enhance the wine.
The Tsangarides Winery is an ideal spot to visit on your trip to Paphos. Our trip started off with a tour of the winery, showing where and how the grapes are pressed and the wine is bottled. It was also captivating to learn about how they produce a red or white (I had no idea it was to do with whether you kept the skin on or not).
After this, we headed outside to the table area, where a cheese platter was laid out for us. I’m a big fan of cheese and this is the way to my heart!
We tried 6 different wines, being 2 whites, 2 roses and 2 reds. The first white wine was probably my favourite, it was so light and delicate, I believe it was the Tsangarides Xynisteri.
I was also a big fan of the Tsangarides Angels’ Rose, organically grown and with such a fruity taste.
The views of the hills and countryside were breathtaking; it just adds that little element to your experience.
We also had a couple of cute cats visit us, mainly hoping for a bit of cheese but who cares, they’re cute!
Craft Workshop at the Place
We had a demonstration from a master of pottery, but it was his entertainment skills and humorous nature that really made this a brilliant activity. He had everyone smiling and laughing within minutes, not something you’d necessarily presume with a pottery demonstration.
This was followed up by mosaic making, something I really enjoyed, plus it made for a great souvenir when I got home, especially as Raquel wasn’t with me on this trip.
Inside the store, there are also a number of other great souvenir items you can get as gifts for people, all utilising local produce, such as jams, honey and biscuits. This is on top of the art and pottery by local artists.
But it was probably the plates with Greek Mythological characters that I found the most captivating, I would love to have these on my wall!
Tombs of the Kings
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is nestled between two famous hotels in an expanse of land overlooking the sea, 2km from the Paphos harbour.
As we approached the tombs, there were stunning flowers growing throughout, which became a slight distraction for us initially.
Built in the 3rd century B.C., it should be noted that no kings were actually buried here, but more high end figures and wealthy individuals of that era. The burial area continued to be used during both the Roman and Hellenistic eras as well.
You can pay for entry when you arrive and it’s very cheap, so easily worth the money. As with many other activities on this list, you should really arrive in the morning before the midday heat beats down, as we did a good 8,000 steps walking around.
You can walk through the tombs, looking up at the stunning pillars, as well as walking above and looking down on them.
The last view on our tour was the Nea Paphos Amphitheatre, built into the side of the Fabrica hill, carved out of limestone. It’s fascinating to ponder about the shows and acts that would have been put on here over thousands of years.
Where To Stay In Paphos
Both of my visits have been at all inclusive resorts and I’ve loved both of them equally.
Cali Resort & Spa
This 5 star resort was absolutely stunning, from the hallway to the pool area, it was beautifully designed and structured.
The food at breakfast each morning was expansive, while I’m a sucker for salmon, so I was delighted to eat some smoked salmon and cheese each morning.
In the evening we managed to book in the on-site Japanese restaurant, which offered some beautiful dishes, most notably the lemongrass soup and the egg fried rice.
The swimming pool outside was picturesque, while the cool water is ideal for those summer months, but if you arrive in March and find it a bit too cool, they also have an amazing inside pool and Jacuzzi, which looked like it was a cave rather than a hotel, I loved it!
While down by the indoor pool, you can also book yourself a massage or spa treatment, something we had to sneak in before we left, while I had a 20 minute back massage which left me so relaxed and at ease. This was even nicer after lugging around a rucksack and suitcase!
At the Cali Resort by Louis Hotels, you’re closeby to all the bars, shops and amenities you might need, just a walk away outside the front door, while there is also a bus out the front that takes you straight to the zoo.
You can base your order on what will work best for you, being half-board, or an all inclusive package, allowing you to sip cocktails by the pool. We certainly tried a good few cocktails, the champagne colada was definitely a favourite of mine.
They made so many nice little touches, like bringing up cakes and fruit each day to the room and having pods for a decent coffee.
Leonardo Plaza Cypria
This was a beautiful hotel right on the beach, with a good sized pool and plenty of daytime activities available. Being adults-only, it meant that there was a general buzz at all times around the hotel, everyone sipping on a cocktail, without seeing people being too drunk or irritating at all.
You could book watersports directly from outside the hotel near the beach, ideal if you fancy trying jet skiing or parasailing.
The buffet was amazing, but it was a bit frustrating not being able to book the restaurants, as they were all fully reserved by the day we arrived, so I’d do this on day one to avoid disappointment.
Each evening, they had live entertainment, such as a piano player, singer and a violinist, but the best was the bingo night and pub quiz.
The cats hanging out on deck chairs were so cute and friendly, highly used to people coming along to pet them.
Where To Eat
The food was such a crucial part of our holiday, trying so many amazing dishes cooked using traditional methods. I certainly ate more seafood that week than I’ve eaten in the past 12 months combined.
I’ve highlighted some of the best options that you have to include in your Paphos holiday itinerary. I know you may be tempted to stay in the all inclusive resort and eat there, but then you’re missing out on some of the best local experiences, so I’d recommend venturing out and trying some of these amazing options.
Sofia’s and Andreas
I’ve already spoken about Sofia’s house, so I won’t dive in too deep, but I can certainly say it was one of the best meals I ate while in Paphos. It’s also a unique experience, eating food from a local family rather than a restaurant and enjoying it from their garden.
The halloumi was unlike anything I’ve had in a supermarket, tasting perfect raw rather than being grilled. I was also completely addicted to the ravioli with grated cheese on, there was a bowl placed right near me and it didn’t last long.
Sofia’s personality shines through with an infectious smile and really positive attitude, welcoming us all in before providing us a feast.
Ah the potatoes, I almost forgot to write about these, they were served with chicken and were much longer than the shape we’re used to seeing back home, but they were so tasty. I had way too many by the end, it was hard to stand up.
Address: VG48+8JJ, Letymvou 8546, Cyprus
Antigo Mezedopoleio
Easily my favourite dinner of our visit to Paphos was at Antigo Mezedopoleio, where we also got to enjoy some live music by two guitarists.
Serving traditional Greek Meze and so many tasty cheesy dishes (I’m a bit obsessed with cheese), I wish I could have taken some of the food home with us!
Based in Paphos Old Town, there were so many good dishes I could highlight, from the garlic mushrooms to the steak and the peppers stuffed with cheese.
Address: Πάφου Χρυσάνθου 46, Paphos 8010, Cyprus
Y&P Latchi Hotel
We really earned our lunch at Yiangos & Peter Fish Tavern in Latchi after completing the Aphrodite nature trail.
If you’re a fan of seafood then they have such an expansive range, while we loved the garlic bread that came out first, the perfect starter.
I had never eaten sea bream before, but it’s certainly a dish I’d order again as it was so tasty and moreish.
The garlic sauce the prawns were served in was also the perfect dip for every other dish. We also ate some grilled octopus, not a dish I’ve had in a good few years.
With the view of the boats moored in the harbour, it was so nice to eat outside and enjoy locally caught seafood.
Address: Latchi Harbour, E713, Polis Chrysochous 8852, Cyprus
Laona Restaurant
On our last day we managed to sneak in one last meal before heading to the airport, based right in town after making a mosaic and exploring the shopping area.
There were so many great dishes, such as moussaka, black eyed beans, rabbit stifado, lamb kleftiko and some large meatballs.
As you can guess from that list, they predominantly served traditional Greek dishes, cooked to the highest standard.
Address: Votsi, Paphos 8010, Cyprus
Transport
You won’t spot any trains throughout Cyprus. In fact, unlike other big European cities like Amsterdam, you won’t spot a tram going through town. Instead, the bus is the main form of public transport.
Many people rent a car when they arrive, while you can also order a taxi.
There were bus stops outside many of the hotels or very nearby, meaning a short walk and they can take you right to the airport.
There are a number of main routes, highlighted below:
- 611: Tombs of the Kings to Aphrodite Water Park
- 615: Tombs of the Kings to Coral Bay
- 631: Harbour Bus Station to Petra Tou Romiou
- 603: Tombs of the Kings to Universal & Karavella Main Bus Station
- 603B: Tombs of the Kings to Universal & Alphamega Supermarket
- 610: Harbour Bus Station to Municipal Market
- 618: Tombs of the Kings to Karavella Main Bus Station
- 612: Paphos Airport to Tombs of the Kings
- 613: Paphos Airport to Karavella Main Bus Station
These are the main routes, but there are also buses for Latchi harbour, which may involve changing a couple of times.
As always, Google Maps is vital as it can let you know the best route for you, so just make sure your phone contract includes EU roaming.
Why Visit Paphos?
Well, if I haven’t convinced you enough already, then let me dive into all of the reasons why Paphos should be your number one destination this summer (or spring, or autumn).
The Weather Is Warm
Stuck in the UK, we can’t help but always be checking for the next place to go on holiday, while we’re also heavily deprived of Vitamin D, brought by the sun. They certainly don’t suffer with the same issues in Cyprus, where the weather is warm 11 months of the year (well, let’s just face it, even that 1 Winter month they have is considered nice weather back home).
The limestone in the ground actually means you’ll see greenery everywhere, as it retains moisture, ideal for plants to grow. This is why it’s not a desert area despite all the heat, so it’s absolutely beautiful where ever you go.
They Are Generous With Food Portions.
I love to eat copious amounts when I head abroad, but even I had to turn away food occasionally in Cyprus as their generosity outweighed my hunger. Whatever you order, you can be guaranteed the plate will be stacked completely full.
But the fact the food tastes incredible as well is just ideal. We ate out at so many nice restaurants.
Activities For Everyone
One thing I really love about the area is that it caters for everyone, from the sun bathers who want to relax in an all inclusive by the pool or on the beach, while it is popular with the hikers who want to climb hills and venture through numerous paths.
There are some amazing artefacts and tombs for the history buffs, while it also has numerous culinary options for the foodies.
If you’re a family then you’ll love the abundance of water slides in each of the hotels, not to mention a water park and a zoo, to mix it up from beach days.
Simply put, this isn’t a destination that pleases purely one type of customer, hence why they get such a broad range of visitors from all over the world.