Cyprus had been a country we had been eager to visit for a long time and it certainly didn’t disappoint. After tons of research we had decided to visit Paphos due to it’s location on the South West tip of the island surrounded by the Mediterranean sea.

The city itself combines a new harbour front complete with waterside restaurants and bars alongside the older Paphos which history buffs will love as they explore castles, forts and tombs.

Paphos was traditionally Greek and it’s Greek heritage can be seen in the city and those who have visited will feel that the city resembles this in some way.

We were amazed by our time in Paphos Cyprus. We explored the island by foot, buggy and boat to look for the most awesome things to do in Paphos.

Things to do in Paphos

Adonis Baths

Our most awesome thing to do in Paphos was definitely the Adonis Baths. A small waterfall falls surrounded by turquoise green pools for swimming, climbing and jumping. A rope hangs from the tree allowing fun for all. 

We arrived at the Adonis falls early to be able to fully explore and take as many photos as we wanted before the crowds gathered.

Leave enough time to explore the area surrounding the falls as the cliff tops and jungle around make for amazing photos and gazing.

Getting to the Adonis baths

Getting to the Adonis baths is not for the faint hearted and can be difficult for some guests. The baths themselves are located in Kili Paphos. Some of the roads nearer to the baths are just dirt tracks and small cars may find this particulery difficult. We rented an off road buggy for the journey and had no problems reaching the baths. We also used google maps and local signs to find the baths. If you do not have access to navigation we suggest visiting as part of a local tour.

The Blue Lagoon

Cyprus has the purest sea water in Europe with a 94% purity rate. This is mainly due to the lack of factories and produce on the island. To view some of the bluest water we had ever seen we recommend a trip to the blue lagoon.

The blue lagoon is located in the Akamas National Park in Paphos and it’s water and coral is all protected and rightly so. The National Park is a variety of cliffs that surround the beautifully blue water.

We recommend accessing the blue lagoon by boat. This gives you the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear water to get the full benefit. The blue lagoon is located in North Cyprus and to get there it is necessary to drive to Latchi to take the boat from a closer location to reach the blue lagoon.

You can also drive to Aphrodite Mountain to view the blue lagoon from above to fully see the true scale of the blue water.

 

St George Island

St George Island has some history behind due to the almighty ship wreck that can be seen both below and above water. The ship wreck still stands tall and makes for great viewing next to the sea caves. The shipwreck officially names Edro III has not been there for too long and was only wrecked in 2011. 

The shipwreck is only 200 meters from the sea caves making this a very popular destination for scuba divers who explore both the ship and the caves.

 

Lara Bay

Lara Bay has built a reputation to be home to the turtles and the name itself represents the Lara Project. A world renown turtle programme aimed to increase the survival rate of turtles after hatching. Take a trip to the beach to learn about the turtles and see the turtle hatching. Dedicated marine biologists who work there can be found undertaking work with the eggs and the turtles as well as dedicated locals who have committed themselves to the cause.

Come between May and September to have a chance to swim with the freshly hatched turtles as they grow before heading away for the winter. 

The Lara Bay beach area itself is beautiful with it’s cliffs and rock features. Soft sand and emerald water of the Mediterranean sea can be found here.

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Kato Paphos Archaeology park

Inside this archaeology park for history buffs there are famous remains from the Roman era. View four villas that survived from the Roman Era and still boast breathtakingly beautiful mosaics and features well worth a visit.

Paphos Harbour

Paphos Harbour is part of the new developments of Paphos and can appear more built up and slimier to it’s Greek neighbors than the more old parts of the town. The harbour is spectacular in itself with a range of boats and submarines for tours and trips as well as dinner cruises. The promenade stretches next to the harbour with an array of restaurants and bars selling fresh seafood and local mezze dishes for lunch and dinner. 

At the very top of the harbour Paphos Castle or Paphos fort can be seen. The castle itself was firstly a byzantine fortress built to protect the port. The castle was destroyed many years ago by a earth quake but has since been repaired allowing visits to go inside and explore the history. There is also a viewing platform in the to for excellent views of the harbour.

We recommend visiting the castle at sunset and sitting on the rocks next to the castle for a great view of sunset. Tourists and locals alike gather to enjoy the view.

Thomb of Kings

Located within the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, you can step back in time to an underground maze of tomb chambers that date back to the fourth century BC.

The burying spaces are filled with caves and tombs perfect for those of you interested in old mythology and history.

The most impressive is sure to be tomb number three which has  Doric columns still standing.

The Thomb of Kings gives you the feel and vibe of ancient Egypt.

Paphos old town

Paphos Old Town is aptly named as it is the oldest town in Paphos. Small cobbled streets have you wandering in the old town glow down winding alleyways and streets that show so much history.

There is a daily traditional market to view local traditions such as lace as well as all of the touristic goodies you could hope to find at a fraction of the price compared to the shops in Paphos harbour. 

The old town sits on a gradient so there are several points where you can wander to the edge to view the views of Paphos from above. Magnifying lenses are available to really take in the view.

Cute instagrammable cafes can also be seen down small streets complete with lights and lanterns.

Overview of Paphos

To immerse yourself in old history and culture as well as views of the Mediterranean sea head to Paphos. More modern restaurants and cafes can be a good contrast to the history and mythology and then take your time to explore to explore at sea.

The food is excellent and mezze is cheap and delicious from traditional food outlets.

Visit Paphos to see what Greece used to be like and we totally recommend it.