Here’s the ultimate guide to making the most of 3 days in Paphos. I love visiting this charming town on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus for weekend breaks, as it’s an amazing destination on its own. Plus, there are a few unique day trips from Paphos that are perfect for exploring more of the island.

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3 days in Paphos, Cyprus: All You Need to Know

Paphos (also called Pafos) is a charming town on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, known for its stunning coastline and rich history. I’ve visited Paphos with my family on multiple occasions and put together this guide to share all the things I’ve enjoyed over the years. Whether you’re visiting Paphos for a day or planning a longer stay while using it as a base to explore the rest of the island, there’s plenty to discover. For more planning tips, check out this Cyprus Itinerary from my last visit.

Where is Paphos Located?

Paphos is located on the southwest coast of Cyprus. The town has its own airport but can also be easily reached from other Cypriot cities, such as Limassol (a 50-minute drive), Larnaca (a 1.5-hour drive), and Nicosia (a 1 hour and 40-minute drive). It’s an ideal destination for combining beach vacations with sightseeing and enjoying delicious Cypriot and Greek cuisine. Additionally, the region is famous in Greek mythology as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, and is renowned for its significant archaeological sites.

Visiting Paphos via a day tour:

• From Ayia Napa/Protaras/Larnaca: Paphos and Kourion Day Trip (check availability)
• From Nicosia: Paphos Full-Day Private Tour with Guide (check availability)

When to visit Paphos

The best time to visit Paphos is from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny. July and August bring the highest number of international visitors, and it can be quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). My favorite times to visit Paphos and Cyprus are in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the peak season has passed and the temperatures are more moderate. I recall my latest swim in Paphos being in late November, which was incredible since the sea temperature was still pleasant.

Where to stay in Paphos

There are a few popular areas to stay in Paphos and its surroundings: Kato Paphos Harbor Area, which is close to the main attractions, restaurants, and nightlife; Aphrodite Hills, a luxury area with its own restaurants, hotels, and villas; Coral Bay, a trendy beachside retreat known for its beaches and nightlife, especially during the summer months; and Peyia Village, another popular spot near Coral Bay. I usually stay near Kato Paphos because I fell in love with it at first sight, and it now feels like a second home.

However, I’ve dined at Aphrodite Hills several times and really enjoyed the area, although it can be quite pricey. I’ve never personally stayed in Coral Bay, but I have visited a few times for dining and beach experiences. Also, since I typically visit Cyprus in late spring to early autumn to avoid the summer peak season, I haven’t truly experienced the vibe of Coral Bay during its busiest months.

3-Day Paphos Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Paphos and Its Surroundings

Day 1 – Paphos

Stroll Along the Harbor and Visit the Paphos Castle

I love starting my mornings in Cyprus with a long walk at Kato Paphos harbor, which usually involves a swim as well (except in January and February). The Kato Paphos waterfront is lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops, making it a great spot to grab lunch while enjoying views of the sea. The Coastal Broadwalk is also an excellent place for jogging.

In addition, you can visit the small Paphos Castle, located at the end of the harbor. Originally built as a Byzantine fort, it was later rebuilt by the Ottomans.

Lunch in Kato Paphos / Where to Eat in Paphos

Top-rated coastal restaurants in Kato Paphos include Ficardo Restaurant, Michael’s House, Basket Ocean, and Porto Bello. However, if you have a car and can explore the city and its surroundings, here are some of our family’s favorite restaurants in and near Paphos: Petradaki Taverna (very local, and I love their meze), Agora Tavern (which even offers vegetarian meze), Oniro By The Sea in Peyia (very popular at sunset, a previous booking is required), and Christos Grill & Seafood (they prepare delicious octopus).

For more information on eating in Paphos, check out this post.

Visiting Kato Paphos Archaeological Park

One of the highlights of any day in Paphos for history buffs is a visit to Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, one of the most important archaeological sites on the island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. However, there’s more to this place than just history; its elaborate constructions and remnants of lavish decorations clearly indicate Paphos was once inhabited by a highly sophisticated society. You can feel the touch of the elite preserved over the centuries through the impressive mosaics of Paphos.

If you plan to visit, keep in mind that Kato Paphos Archaeological Park’s opening hours vary by season. The winter hours (September 16 – April 15) are from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, while the summer hours (April 16 – September 15) are from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM. The entrance fee is €4.50. For more details on museums and archaeological sites in Cyprus, check official sources here.

I visited Kato Paphos Archaeological Park in May, and honestly, I underestimated the place by thinking that 40 minutes would be enough. If you enjoy Roman ruins and history, I suggest leaving at least 1.5 hours to explore all the houses and fully absorb the intricate geometric patterns and mythological representations.

The main attraction is undoubtedly the Paphos Mosaics, which depict mythological scenes and characters from Roman times. The presence of these stunningly detailed mosaics in the small town of Paphos can be explained by the fact that, between the 2nd century BC and the 4th century AD, Paphos was the capital of Cyprus. Archaeologists believe that some of these mosaic floors belonged to the homes of the Roman ruling class.

Beyond their obvious artistic beauty, the Paphos Mosaics inspire a desire to dive deeper into Greek mythology – the mythical characters like Narcissus, Scylla, and the Minotaur – leave you wanting to learn more about the stories they represent.

To be completely honest, my photos didn’t do the Paphos Mosaics justice due to the lighting inside the houses. The only way to truly appreciate these mosaics is to see them in person. The most impressive mosaics, especially in the House of Dionysus and the House of Theseus, date back to the 2nd century AD. Can you imagine? – The 2nd century AD, yet they are still incredibly well-preserved. Meanwhile, many of our modern creations need constant restoration. It really makes me question the idea of progress in modern society.

Tombs of the Kings

Visiting the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos is another popular choice for fans of the ancient world. These burial sites date back to the 4th century BC and are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical landmark features a series of elaborate rock-cut tombs adorned with Doric columns, intricate frescoes, and spacious chambers.

However, if you have a car and only one day in the Paphos area, I recommend heading to Agios Neophytos Monastery instead. It is a serene location just a few kilometers from Paphos, known for its frescoes that are hundreds of years old.

Day 2 – A day trip to the Blue Lagoon

Paphos is conveniently located near one of the most beautiful areas in Cyprus for swimming and boat tours: the Blue Lagoon. So, I couldn’t miss the chance to visit it on a day trip from Paphos. On the way to the Blue Lagoon, I stopped at the famous Aphrodite’s Rock, an iconic spot in Greek mythology.

According to local legend, this is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. One ancient tale claims that those who swim around the boulder three times counterclockwise will be blessed with eternal beauty. Another belief suggests that if you swim in the area at midnight or find a heart-shaped stone on the shore, you’ll discover your one true love. You can read more details about my visit to the Blue Lagoon in this post.

• Protaras: Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove Boat Trip (check availability)
• Jeep & Boat: 4×4 Tour + Boat to Blue Lagoon + BBQ On Board (check availability)
• Protaras: Family cruise with freshly cooked BBQ lunch (check availability)
• Protaras: Adults Only cruise with freshly cooked BBQ lunch (check availability)
• From Latsi: Blue Lagoon Private Yacht Day Trip with Drinks (check availability)

Day 3 – A day trip to Lefkara

On the third day in Paphos, I decided to take a drive to visit Lefkara, a small Cypriot village near Larnaca. I had previously seen it featured in numerous travel magazines as one of the most charming villages in Europe. It was about a 1 hour and 15-minute drive from Paphos, but it was definitely worth it.

Lefkara is one of the most picturesque villages I’ve ever seen, with its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional stone houses, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The village is also famous for its lace-making and silver crafts, so if you enjoy handmade souvenirs, it’s a great spot to shop for them and support local artisans. Exploring Lefkara was one of my favorite moments during these three days in Cyprus.

Nightlife in Paphos: Best Bars and Clubs

Paphos is full of vibrant pubs and bars, unexpectedly reminding me of Benidorm, even though the nightlife is not as lively as that in Ayia Napa. However, the Kato Paphos harbor area feels quite lively in the evening and is filled with cozy bars. The most popular ones are: The Wooden Pub, Flairs Cocktail Bar, Memories Cocktail Bar, The Old Fishing Shack Ale, The Rose Pub, and Flintstones Bar.

Other Day Trips from Paphos

If you are considering spending more time in Paphos, here are a few popular day trip ideas to explore more of Cyprus:

• Troodos Mountains & Villages Guided Day Trip (check availability)
• Coral Bay and Adonis Baths Guided Buggy Tour (check availability)
• Land Rover Jeep Safari Coastal Tour and Blue Lagoon (check availability)
• Mountain Towns and Cheesemaking Day Trip with Brunch (check availability)
• Kyrenia – St. Hilarion in Northern Cyprus (check availability)
• Famagusta with Salamis and Varosha ‘Ghost Town’ (check availability)
• Gourmet Tour Taste of Cyprus Day Trip (check availability)

Cool Cruises from Paphos

Thanks to its port, Paphos serves as a popular jumping-off point for cruises along the coast, and I highly recommend exploring the local coastline in this way. However, I will not include a cruise in this one-day itinerary for Paphos, as it really depends on the season and weather. Nevertheless, here are a few top-rated cruise options from Paphos:

• Half-Day BBQ Cruise with Open Bar and Snorkeling (check availability)
• Glass Bottom Boat Trip with Swimming or Snorkeling (check availability)
• All-Inclusive Yacht Cruise to Coral Bay with Stops (check availability)
• Private Boat Trips from all over Cyprus (check availability)

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