Paphos tours and tickets
Paphos is a town of ruins, harbor and sea, and little of it sells out. The Archaeological Park and the Tombs of the Kings take tickets at the gate. Boat trips fill in summer, and a rental car or a tour is needed for Aphrodite's Rock and the Akamas. Book the boats and the car a few days ahead, and leave the rest of the days open.
Book these first
- A rental car for Aphrodite's Rock and the villages
- 1 to 2 weeks ahead in summer. Public buses to the east and the hills are limited, and cars run short in July and August.
- Boat trips from the harbor
- a few days ahead from June to September. Popular departures fill, and trips stop running in winter.
- Dinner on the harbor on a weekend
- a few days ahead from June to September. The better places have a limited number of tables with a sea view.
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Monuments and landmarks
Paphos Archaeological Park
A large site of Roman villas with floor mosaics, an odeon, a fort and a lighthouse, beside the harbor. Entry is by ticket at the gate, and audio guides and guided tours are offered. Allow two hours.
Which to pick. Go first thing in the morning before the heat. A guide is useful for the mosaics, which are hard to read on your own.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorTombs of the Kings
A set of underground tombs cut into rock, with columns and burial chambers, near the sea. Entry is by ticket at the gate. The site is shadeless, and the paths are uneven. A visit takes about an hour.
Which to pick. Visit in the early morning or the late afternoon. Bring water and a hat, and wear flat shoes.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorPaphos Castle
A small fort at the end of the harbor, with a rooftop view over the sea. Entry is by ticket at the gate, and it is a short stop on a harbor walk. It is used for events in summer.
Which to pick. Go at sunset and combine it with a walk along the harbor. No booking is needed.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
On the water
Coastal boat trip
A day or half-day cruise along the coast to sea caves, bays and swimming stops, in a small or large boat. Some include lunch on board. Trips leave from the harbor in the morning.
Which to pick. Choose a small boat for caves and a quieter swim. Book a few days ahead from June to September, and bring sun protection.
A few days ahead from June to SeptemberTours and tickets on ViatorSunset cruise
A two-hour evening boat trip along the coast, with drinks on board and a view of the sun going down. Departures are from the harbor, and it suits couples and groups.
Which to pick. Book a day ahead for a weekend in summer. Go for the early departure, since the light is best then.
A day ahead in summerTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Aphrodite's Rock and Kouklia
A rocky beach where the goddess is said to have risen from the sea, with a small museum in nearby Kouklia. A rental car is the easiest way, and tours often combine it with a winery.
Which to pick. Hire a car for a day, or book a small tour. Go in the morning, and swim only where it is safe.
1 to 2 weeks ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorAkamas peninsula
A wild peninsula with hiking trails, hidden beaches and the Baths of Aphrodite. Jeep and boat tours run in summer, and the roads are rough. Walkers should carry water.
Which to pick. Join a guided jeep or boat trip if you do not have a suitable car. Go in spring or autumn for hiking.
A few days aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorTroodos foothills
Mountain villages, monasteries and wineries in the hills inland, cooler in summer. Day tours visit a winery, a village and a monastery, and some include a hike.
Which to pick. Take a small-group tour if you do not drive. Go in the warm months for the cooler air.
A few days aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Food tours and classes
Cooking class and meze
A hands-on class on making halloumi, meze and local dishes, in a village or a restaurant, followed by lunch. Classes last three to four hours and run in the mornings.
Which to pick. Choose a class in a village for the most local feel. Book a few days ahead in summer.
A few days ahead in summerTours and tickets on ViatorWine tasting
A visit to a family winery in the hills, with a tasting of local grapes such as Xynisteri and Maratheftiko. Visits last an hour or two and often include a snack.
Which to pick. Book a morning visit, and take a driver or a tour so that you can taste. Many wineries close on Sundays.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on Viator
Booking tours and tickets in Paphos
Do I need a car in Paphos?
For the town and harbor, no. For Aphrodite's Rock, Akamas and the villages, a car or a tour makes things much simpler, since buses are infrequent.
Is the Archaeological Park worth it?
Yes, mostly for the mosaics. The Roman villas are well preserved, and the setting by the sea is pleasant. Go early, and bring water.
Are boat trips safe in winter?
Trips run less often in winter, and the sea can be rough. Check the forecast and the operator, and book only with a refund if the trip is canceled.
Can I swim at Aphrodite's Rock?
Swimming is allowed in some places, but the water is deep and the waves can be strong. Follow the signs and the flags, and take care with children.
What is halloumi?
A firm, salty cheese from Cyprus that is grilled or fried. It is on most menus, and a cooking class often covers making it from scratch.
What can wait until I arrive?
The Archaeological Park, the castle, the tombs and the harbor walk can all be done on the day. Book boats and a car a few days ahead.