Things to do in Paphos

Paphos is two districts. Kato Paphos is the seaside quarter, with the harbour, castle and ruins, and Ktima is the residential upper town behind it. Most tours in Paphos head out of town.

Ruins by the harbour

The Paphos Archaeological Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. The Roman House of Dionysos keeps its floor mosaics. The Tombs of the Kings, a rock-cut necropolis, lie a short way north.

Day trips from Paphos

• Akamas. The Blue Lagoon, sea caves, the Edro III wreck, the Baths of Aphrodite and the Avakas Gorge walk. Go by boat, or by jeep along the tracks.
• Troodos. Omodos village, Kykkos Monastery and the tomb of Archbishop Makarios, with a winery stop for Commandaria and Zivania.
• Mountain villages. Laneia, Agros and Foini: a rose factory, smoked meats, jams and loukoumi.
• The north. Kyrenia with St Hilarion Castle and Bellapais Abbey, or Famagusta with Salamis and Varosha. Each runs eight and a half to ten hours.
• The east. Aphrodite's Birthplace on the Limassol road, with the lace village of Lefkara and ancient Kourion.

Afternoons and evenings in town

A half-day wine tour visits two wineries. Wild truffles are served at a three-course dinner. A phone-led mystery game walks a team of up to six through the streets in about three hours.

Practical

• Weather. Paphos is a little cooler than Limassol in summer: 31C by day and 21C at night in July and August. January gives 17C and 9C. Rain, about 390 millimetres a year, falls mostly from November to March.
• Passport. The north means a border check, with a passport or ID card. Some nationalities need a special visa for northern Nicosia.
• Jeep days. Take swimwear, water and sturdy shoes. Lunch at the taverna is not always included, and the Avakas walk runs only if weather permits.
• Mountain roads. The village and Troodos routes wind. Take a motion-sickness tablet if roads upset you.