What to see and do in Paphos
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and makes for a perfect beach holiday. But what to do in Paphos after you've bathed in crystal clear waters, relaxed on the sandy blue flag beaches and eaten your fill of the island's fabulous food? Quite a lot actually.
Beaches In Paphos
Vrisoudia A Beach
Known as Sodap Beach by locals, this is a Blue Flag beach east of the harbour. Sodap is a 200 metre long sandy beach reached by stairs or a ramp with a rocky backdrop and palm trees. Sodap was the nearest beach to the Amavi Hotel where we stayed and around a ten-minute walk from the harbour.
Alykes Beach
Located in the heart of Paphos near to the harbour Alykes Beach is often known as Paphos Beach. It's surrounded by hotels, bars, shops and restaurants and facilities include showers and toilets. Sun loungers and parasols are available to rent and the beach has soft sand and calm waters.
Coral Bay
This is probably the best beach in Paphos and the most popular so it gets busy. The beach is 6km north of the city but worth the drive for the beautiful soft sand, shallow waters and scenery. This part of the coast is made up of rocky headlands which shelter the bay and there are sea caves which are good for exploring on boat trips. Coral Bay has two restaurants and a water sports outlet.
Things to do in Paphos
The Mosaics
Some of the Mediterranean's most impressive and best preserved mosaics can be found at Kato Paphos Archaeological Park and were accidentally discovered by a farmer out ploughing his fields in 1962.
The remains of five Roman villas are also on the site although there's little of them remaining except for some pillars, low walls and foundations. Colourful Roman mosaics are the stars and we spent a couple of hours exploring them. The incredible mosaics show scenes of ancient Greek mythology and everyday life.
Agora and Odeon
Visit the remains of a small Roman theatre and an area which was the Agora, a Roman marketplace. Some rows of seating survive along with parts of the columns. Nearby is the modern Paphos lighthouse.
Paphos Harbou
rA walk along Paphos harbour is probably going to happen whilst you're en-route to some of the top Paphos sights. It's worth allowing a little time to linger. You'll pass plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants, some of which have tables right next to the sea and are a nice spot for a bite of local cuisine or a cold beer at sunset. There are plenty of shops selling souvenirs and local products and handicrafts.
Climb Paphos Fort
Paphos Fort is a distinct landmark which has been destroyed and rebuilt many times before finally being restored by the Ottomans in 1592. Built to protect the harbour it is now one of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Paphos. Cross over the bridged moat and climb the fort for views across the Mediterranean and the harbour area.
Take in a Paphos Sunset
Set on the southwest coast of Cyprus, Paphos is the perfect place to catch a spectacular sunset. Colours range from pink and purple to orange, peach and pink. Sit on the beach and watch the sun go down or head to the harbour and find a nice spot by the water. Toast the end of the day with a tipple as the sun sets behind the fort.