7 Ways to Explore the Heart of Ancient and Modern Paphos

Having our headquarters in Paphos, we managed to explore the city on various days, either early in the morning or during dusk, enjoying some beautiful colors. Being here in February also offered us the opportunity to take it slow, with no crowds and magnificent temperatures of 23-24 degrees, perfect for sunbathing as well. This was our second visit here since 2015, and we managed to discover even more things to enjoy, especially with Clara joining us.

The Kings Tombs

From the very beginning, since it was right near our place, we decided to dive into Greek heritage and explore the King’s Tombs. As you’d imagine, in early February, being the first to arrive at 9 a.m., we had the entire place to ourselves. The most notable and best-preserved features include:

Chamber Tombs with Doric Columns: These tombs replicate ancient Greek houses, featuring open courtyards surrounded by Doric columns, showcasing the architectural elegance of the time.
Underground Tombs: Remarkably intact, these tombs include carved staircases, niches, and burial chambers, highlighting the engineering prowess of the era.
Tombs No. 3 and 4: Among the best-preserved, Tomb No. 3 features a peristyle courtyard with decorative frescoes, while Tomb No. 4 boasts a grand atrium with intricate carvings, reflecting the wealth and status of their

Along the way, the views over the Mediterranean Sea are breathtaking, allowing you to travel back in time and imagine how beautifully the Greeks enjoyed their lives.

Kato Paphos Harbour

This stretches for a couple of kilometers along the southern part of the city, and besides the well-known Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos and Paphos Castle, you can enjoy the brand-new marina with plenty of restaurants and boutiques, as well as a nearby Starbucks to start the day with energy.

Our favorite place for breakfast was Τα Μπάνια (The baths), located right by the sea, where you can enjoy the sun, seagulls, and locals starting their day in the healthiest way possible—a swimming session.

Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos

Depending on the time of year you plan your visit, it’s advisable to set aside at least 2-3 hours to explore, as there is a lot to see. During the summer months, however, it can be very crowded and extremely hot, so it’s important to come prepared with water, sunscreen, and suitable clothing.

During our visit, I went full-on history buff, reading multiple information boards at each structure to give Clara a feel for how life was back then. It turned into a great immersive experience—though I think she was more impressed by my dramatic attempts to make ancient facts sound exciting than the actual history itself! Some of the best well-preserved structures are:

The Roman Villas (Houses of Dionysos, Theseus, and Aion) are famed for their stunning mosaics depicting Greek mythology and Roman life, making the site one of the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean
The Odeon: A small, well-preserved Roman amphitheater used for musical performances and gatherings, offering a glimpse into ancient cultural activities.
The Agora: The ancient marketplace, where remnants of columns and foundations highlight the site’s importance as a commercial and social hub.
Saranda Kolones (Forty Columns): The remains of a Byzantine castle with imposing stone columns and defensive walls, illustrating the area’s strategic significance.
The Asclepeion: A healing sanctuary dedicated to the god of medicine, Asclepius, reflecting ancient healthcare practices.

Last but not least, the Lighthouse, with its authentic Greek look of white and blue, offers a fantastic 360-degree view where the vastness of the sea blends seamlessly with the cityscape stretching across the low hills.

The Paphos Archaeological Park is at the end of the marina and has a large, free parking lot. During peak times, it can get busy, so consider using local buses like the 615 for convenient access.

Paphos Castle

Right across from the Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos lies the home of knights and queens, taking us back to the 12th century when the Byzantines laid the first brick of what was initially a fortress.

The site has been beautifully rebuilt and restored, making it a quick and easy stop. While there are no indoor exhibits, the real charm lies in its breathtaking views over the harbor, particularly during sunset when the sky transforms into a palette of colors. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet moment, a photo opportunity, or simply soaking in the blend of history and natural beauty.

Fabrica Hill

This place is a historically rich site featuring a mix of natural and man-made structures that highlight the city’s ancient heritage.

Petra tou Digeni is a unique bridge that seems to hover over ancient treasures like the Ancient Church Cave and the nearby catacombs. At night, the soft lighting around these historic sites creates a slightly eerie yet thrilling atmosphere, perfect for those who enjoy a touch of mystery. Just a short walk away, you can also explore the ruins of the Hellenistic-Roman Theatre, a fascinating reminder of the area’s rich cultural heritage and its vibrant past.

Across the roundabout, you’ll find Kings Avenue Mall, where you can step back into the present and enjoy some modern shopping or grab a traditional meal at Kouzina, a popular spot in the food court known for its authentic Cypriot dishes.

The Old Town

Another great place to connect with the past right downtown is Evagoras Pallikarides Square and 28th of October Square, each offering unique experiences and historical significance:

Evagoras Pallikarides Square: Dedicated to Evagoras Pallikarides, a national hero of Cyprus, the square is a tribute to the freedom struggle against British colonial rule. It features a prominent statue and is steeped in patriotic and historical symbolism.
Town Hall Area: Anchored by the neoclassical Town Hall, this area reflects the administrative and civic pride of Paphos, with an emphasis on architecture and municipal history.

Ocean Basket

For foodies, this can be its own attraction, offering a combination of healthy food, like seafood, and fast food. That being said, during our stay in Cyprus, we’ve visited their locations four times, and we’re still counting the days until we can go again.

In Paphos, we discovered that the manager and a waitress were from our home country, Romania. As you’d probably know, after the 1989 revolution, many Romanians came here to rebuild their lives. We chatted about what had happened in Cyprus over the past 10 years, mentioning how the country was in a state of bankruptcy the last time we visited in 2015. Everything turned around quickly with outside investment from Russia or China and the support of the people of Cyprus, along with the ongoing conflict with Turkey over the northern part. We also found out that Ocean Basket will open a brand new location in Bucharest by the end of 2024.

The Summer

Even though the beaches were mostly empty with no tourists in sight, you can still enjoy a sunbath on sunny days with temperatures around 20+ degrees in places like:

Sodap Beach -a sandy, Blue Flag beach with clear waters, sun loungers, showers, and lifeguard services. It’s perfect for a relaxing day near the city center.
Alykes Beach – a lively beach near the harbor with a mix of sand and pebbles. Popular for its accessibility, sunbed rentals, and nearby restaurants.
Faros Beach – located near the lighthouse, this quieter beach offers a scenic escape with calm waters and beautiful sunset views.
Vrysoudia Beach – a small, well-maintained beach with soft sand and shallow waters, ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful spot to unwind.