Paphos: Cruising 5 Hidden Gems from North to South

Paphos offers the freedom of renting a car, allowing you to explore remote places at your own pace, avoiding crowds and peak hours. Also, check if the rental allows you to use unpaved roads or if they impose any kind of limitations so you won’t find yourself getting penalties at the end.

That being said, if you plan a short getaway youll find yourself choosing from north or south, with the upper part having more to offer both in variaty and time cover.

The North

From sea level to higher grounds filled with spirituality, you can spend a few days exploring, whether you’re a visitor or a local, depending on your interests.

Heading up the coast during the summer, we passed by the Coral Bay, one of the busiest beaches, where you can rent a combo of two sunbeds and one umbrella for about €10. With its Blue Flag status, you and your kids can enjoy a beautiful sandy beach bordered by turquoise waters.

Shipwreck Sites

Next inline was the photo spot, the Shipwreck Sites, where you can dive into their fascinating stories—or literally dive in! Whether you’re up for the thrill of scuba diving with a touch of adventure or just snorkeling on calm days, these sites promise excitement with a hint of mystery. Here is the big three to explore:

MV Demetrios II: A cargo ship grounded near Paphos Lighthouse in 1998, visible from the coastal road.
EDRO III: A stranded cargo ship near the Sea Caves since 2011, now a striking coastal landmark. This is where we also enjoyed a short walk to get some wonderful shots over the rusty ship.
White Star: A sunken fishing vessel turned artificial reef in 2006, ideal for diving enthusiasts.

Paphos Zoo

This was on our shortlist from the very beginning, mainly because Clara loves animals. So, at the crossroads, instead of heading to Avakas Gorge Canyon, we went to the Zoo, where King Julian was king—a story to be told later on. We arrived at the place around midday, at about 1 PM. It was pretty empty, much like their free parking lot, so we headed straight to the counter to get our tickets.

We rushed inside to catch the Bird Show at 1:30 PM, practically sprinting like we were late for a flight. At the entrance, we were greeted by two lemurs who looked like they were in charge of guest relations, along with one of the girls from the show, who clearly had the best job in the world!The stars of the show were some exquisite parrots, some of them able to talk in small sentences, some able to perform pretty complex performances. During the shows we found out that Paphos Zoo is the home of more than 350 bird species, something that we were to find out ourselves in the coming hours. After a 20 mins performance we had the chance to take some photos with the bird celebrities.

Continued our trail to meet the rest of the zoo’s inhabitants. The first path was teeming with birds from all around the world, showcasing an incredible variety of species. It seems that the warm, year-round climate here provides the perfect sanctuary for these feathered residents.

From the bird kingdom, we switched to the feline one but not before to experience the gentle touch of the biggest land mammal, the elephant. After a short training in how to behave near the big creature, we found out that her name is Bono Rani a female Asian elephant born in 2011 in Bangladesh, that arrive here in 2015. The trainer, who also lives alongside her in her enclosure, guided her onto a podium where she performed impressive tricks and graciously let us take photos, pet, or even feed her. It was an unforgettable experience, especially for Clara, who, at first, was a little intimidated by the gentle 7.5-ton giant. By the end, though, Clara’s fear turned into pure amazement—a memory we’ll cherish forever.

Continued the path and our next stop was the Lions and Tiger den placed side by side. Like never before I’ve seen them up close (1m) while they were wandering around the place looking at us with the well known despise of the feline kingdom. Admired them for a while then we moved on since the closing time was approaching quickly.

Zoo Entrace	All Day	17.50 / 9.50 EUR
Bird Show – Photo Session	5 Mins	5 EUR / pers
Elephant – Feed & Photo	15 Mins	50 EUR / group
Lemurs – Feed & Photo	10 Mins	5 EUR / pers

After another long walk delighted by the variety of birds along with their exquisite colors from across the globe, accidentally exactly at the closing time 4 PM we found ourselves at the gates of Lemurian Empire, where a nice zoo keeper lady was organizing them for the end of the day. Initially she said the meeting time is over, but after I’ve brought up Clara into the discussion and how she would love to see them she made an exception and let us in. Before entering the actual habitat, there is a pre space where you are prepared for what’s coming and given a few treats for the little inhabitants. Once in it took them exactly 5 seconds to overwhelm you and clear the gods in your small plastic glass. I was amazed at how friendly and cute lemurs were. Clara was laughing and enjoying this moment, especially at one point when I was dressed like a Christmas Tree with 8 lemurs hanging or sitting over me. The whole thing took about 10-15 mins and we wanted more, but the closing time was almost there and we also needed to have a late lunch after this incredible but exhausting day. Also working, Diana was waiting for us.

Avakas Gorge Canyon

Just a few clicks away from the Zoo, with some stunning views over Yeronissos Island, Agios Georgios offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. You can enjoy a sunbath on the beach or embark on a spiritual journey at the beautifully restored church of the same name.

Even though we initially planned to reach the canyon from the White River Beach overlook, we learned from a young man who had just completed the Canyon Trail that the closest access point to Avakas Gorge is from Saint Matrona the Russian, located at the end of an unpaved road called White River Avenue, which has a small parking area.

After setting up the backpack with some treats and water we started our trek. Less than 500 m away, you can check one of the many banana plantations in Cyprus, and taste a few ones if you’re lucky to find someone at the gate. We didn’t find anyone, and in no way supported the stilling, but Clara wanted to try one so we cleared one out from the many bunches prepared for harvesting. Continued our path and after 1 km we started entering the canyon, flanked by the Avgas River on one side and the mountains on the other. Along the way there are a few rest points to take your breath and enjoy nature. After 45 mins we reached the main part, where the walls are colliding and the river is following its course between the rocks. With great views ahead, prepare yourself to get wet on your feet. The water was kind of cold, so after a while Clara started to complain about it, so decided to start carrying her so we can get further as much as possible. Barre naked and slippery it was quite an experience but enjoyed every moment of it by taking some great pictures along the way. After reaching the peak of the trail, with no other human in our sight and the sun going down we decided to head back. Also both started to get tired so decided to fast up then pace to get out of the water so she can resume her walk. Having about 18 kilos extra it’s not a walk in the park even if we were in one. The whole thing took us about 2 hours, definitely a comeback for us.

Holy Monastery of Saint Neophytos the Recluse

We managed to visit this incredible place on our last day, passing by the Nativity of Christ church on our way. Nestled in the hills of a remote area, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, adding to its serene and peaceful charm—where cats reign as true kings of the land. This unique hermitage, known as the Enkleistra, includes a small chapel, living quarters, and a burial chamber, all adorned with exquisite Byzantine frescoes dating back to the 12th-15th centuries.

Other Places to Visit

Kremiotis Waterfall: A hidden gem tucked away in the Paphos forest, this picturesque waterfall is perfect for a peaceful escape and a refreshing short hike. Best visited in spring or after rainfall for optimal flow.
Lara Beach: A secluded and pristine sandy beach on the Akamas Peninsula, famous for its turtle conservation efforts and natural beauty. Ideal for nature lovers seeking tranquility.
Blue Lagoon: A stunning cove with crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing. Accessible by boat or a rugged drive through the Akamas Peninsula.
Latsi City: A charming coastal town known for its quaint harbor, fresh seafood restaurants, and as a gateway to the Akamas Peninsula. A great spot to enjoy local culture and seaside relaxation.

The South

While this side may not be as abundant in attractions as the northern regions, it still holds its own with a unique blend of historical heritage and natural allure.

Aphrodite’s Rock

We managed to visit this spot on our way to Northern Cyprus, and it’s definitely a place you shouldn’t miss. Located so close to Paphos, it’s easy to check out without taking too much time. While it’s a pebble beach and not the ideal spot for a classic beach day, many tourists still spend an entire day here during the summer. If you’re into photography, the location offers stunning shots, especially in the evening. We also loved the charming passage under the road that leads right by the souvenir shop—a delightful little touch to the experience.

Foinikas Templar Knights village

In addition to exploring the medieval ruins, you can venture on a scenic hike to fully appreciate the breathtaking landscapes and the nearby Asprokremmos Dam. This area is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, as it is home to a variety of bird species, offering an ideal blend of history and nature.

Archaeological Site of Palaepaphos

Also known as the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, this remarkable site invites you to step back in time and immerse yourself in Cyprus’s ancient history and the enduring legacy of Aphrodite’s worship. With an entrance fee of just €5, you can spend around two hours exploring its fascinating highlights, including:

Sanctuary of Aphrodite: Dating back to the 12th century BC, this sanctuary was a central place of worship until the 3rd-4th centuries AD.
Local Archaeological Museum: Housed in a medieval manor, the museum showcases artifacts from prehistoric to Roman times, including pottery, sculptures, and inscriptions.