Choose from 8 Fun Things to Do in Paphos
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House of Dionysos
The undisputed highlight of the Paphos Archaeological Park, the House of Dionysos is the largest of a series of four Roman villas, nicknamed the ‘Mosaic Houses’ for their elaborate floor mosaics. The impressive artworks were painstakingly crafted from limestone tiles and date back to the 2nd and 3rd century AD, remaining hidden until 1962, when they were discovered by a local farmer.
Today, the famous mosaics have been restored to much of their former glory and cover 556 square-meters with colorful depictions of Greek gods and mythology. At the House of Dionysus, the show-stopping centerpiece portrays Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine, returning from India on a chariot drawn by two panthers, while other mosaics show Apollo and Daphne, a Ganymede being taken back to Olympus on the wings of an eagle and a number of hunting scenes.
Practical Info
The House of Dionysos is part of the Paphos Archaeological Park, located in Paphos on the west coast of Cyprus. The archaeological park is open daily from 8am to 5pm in winter or 7:30pm in summer and adult admission is €4.50.
Address: House of Dionysos, Paphos, Cyprus
Hours: 8am to 5pm in winter or 7:30pm in summer
Admission: €4.50
From $ 68
Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church
Largely regarded as one of Cyprus’ most beautiful churches, the Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church, now the Agia Kryiaki Church, is renowned for its elaborate ancient floor mosaics, parts of which have been preserved and form a colorful addition to the medieval church.
Built on the site of an early Byzantine basilica, the church dates back to the 13th-century and forms the centerpiece of number of historic ruins and relics, among them the remains of a Gothic Basilica, a mosque dating back to the period Ottoman ruleand St Paul’s Pillar, where legend has it that Paul was flogged for preaching Christianity in 45 AD.
Practical Info
The Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church is located just east of the Paphos archeological park in Paphos and is open daily from 8am -1pm and 2pm-5pm. Admission is free.
Address: Ayia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa, Paphos, Cyprus
Hours: Daily from 8am-1pm and 2pm-5pm.
From $ 359
Nicosia
All too often overlooked in favor of the beachfront coastal resorts, the Cypriot capital offers an intriguing glimpse into modern-day island life. Nicosia’s (Lefkoşa) most unique claim to fame is its status as the world's last divided capital and the imposing ‘Green Line’ provides a visual marker between the Turkish-ruled Northern Cyprus and the southern Republic of Cyprus.
South of the border, Nicosia’s top attractions include the grand Presidential Palace and the main tourist quarter of Laiki Yitoniak, which lies within the 15th-century Venetian-built City Walls that still encircle the center. Today, much of the colonial architecture has been spruced up with modern shop fronts and terraced cafés, but there are still some historic gems to be found. Be sure to check out the 18th-century St John’s Cathedral, once an Orthodox monastery, and the 15th-century House of the Dragoman; uncover the capital’s long history at the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia; and take in the views from the Ledra Observatory in the Shakolas Tower.
South of the border, Nicosia’s top attractions include the grand Presidential Palace and the main tourist quarter of Laiki Yitoniak, which lies within the 15th-century Venetian-built City Walls that still encircle the center. Today, much of the colonial architecture has been spruced up with modern shop fronts and terraced cafés, but there are still some historic gems to be found. Be sure to check out the 18th-century St John’s Cathedral, once an Orthodox monastery, and the 15th-century House of the Dragoman; uncover the capital’s long history at the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia; and take in the views from the Ledra Observatory in the Shakolas Tower.
Address: Nicosia, Cyprus
From $ 25
Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station
Set on an isolated beach, the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station presides over the shelled creatures who come here every year to nest. Devoted conservationists keep an eye on the green and loggerhead turtles, safeguarding the eggs and young hatchlings and educating the public on the turtles’ plight.
The Basics
The wellbeing of the turtles and their hatchlings depends on delicate circumstances. Therefore, it’s best to visit the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station as part of a tour with an experienced guide. The conservation station is often included in safari jeep tours of the Akamas Peninsula, which typically stop at other area attractions like Avakas Gorge and the Baths of Aphrodite. Most tours offer the chance to browse the exhibits in the station and look for hatchlings, depending on the season.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lara Bay Turtle Conservation is a must for nature and animal lovers.
- If you plan on spending a few hours at the beach, bring water and snacks.
- Neither the conservation station nor the beach are wheelchair friendly; rocky and uneven surfaces make access difficult.
How to Get There
Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station is on Lara Beach, about 17 miles (27 kilometers) north of Paphos, Cyprus. The access road to Lara Beach is rough and unpaved; it’s best suited to travelers with a four-wheel drive.
When to Get There
Egg-laying season usually lasts from May to August. This is the best time to go—you’ll have a higher chance of seeing newly hatched turtles in the conservatory’s water tanks.
Wildlife at Lara Beach
Wildlife thrives on the remote and undeveloped Lara Beach, and turtles aren’t the only species you might spy. You may also see goats, as well as mouflons, a kind of wild sheep unique to Paphos. Nearer the shore, you may spot seals, which are known to frequent the nearby sea caves.
Address: Lara Bay, Paphos 8010, Cyprus
From $ 35
Tombs of the Kings
A sprawling archeological site spread along the southwestern coast of Cyprus, the Tombs of the Kings are one of the principal attractions of the Paphos UNESCO World Heritage site. A series of eight excavated tombs make up the site, which dates back to the 3rd century BC, and around 100 Ptolemaic aristocrats are estimated to have been buried there, along with a substantial trove of jewels and personal effects, long since pillaged by grave robbers.
Despite their name, the Tombs of the Kings boast no royal connections, instead earning their moniker thanks to their grand appearance, carved into the natural rock and adorned with elaborate frescos and fluted Doric Pillars. Today, the well-preserved necropolis remains impressive, with steps leading down into the sunken graves and the underground chambers pocked with niches, although only minimal traces of the original stuccos and colorful frescos remain. Exploring the numbered tombs also hints at the later use of the site, with one of the tombs converted into a chapel during early Christian occupation and evidence of pottery work indicating that the catacombs were later used as dwellings or workplaces during the Middle Ages.
Despite their name, the Tombs of the Kings boast no royal connections, instead earning their moniker thanks to their grand appearance, carved into the natural rock and adorned with elaborate frescos and fluted Doric Pillars. Today, the well-preserved necropolis remains impressive, with steps leading down into the sunken graves and the underground chambers pocked with niches, although only minimal traces of the original stuccos and colorful frescos remain. Exploring the numbered tombs also hints at the later use of the site, with one of the tombs converted into a chapel during early Christian occupation and evidence of pottery work indicating that the catacombs were later used as dwellings or workplaces during the Middle Ages.
Address: Tombs of the Kings, Paphos, Cyprus
Hours: Sep 16 - Apr 15 Mon-Sun 8:30am-5pm; Apr 16 - Sep 16 Mon-Sun 8:30am-7:30pm
Admission: €2.50
From $ 68
Paphos Archaeological Park
A sprawling open-air museum stretching along the coastal cliffs west of Paphos harbor, the UNESCO-listed Paphos Archaeological Park is home to some of Cyprus’ most impressive historic ruins, including monuments dating from prehistoric times.
The majority of the ruins date back to the late Roman period, with highlights including the Asklipion, a hospital and temple dedicated to the God of Medicine, Asklipios; the 2nd century Agora; the remains of Saranta Kolones, a Byzantine castle known for its 40 columns; and the ancient Odeon amphitheater, which still hosts theatric and music performances during the summer months. Most memorable are the series of four Roman Villas, namely the House of Theseus, House of Aion, House of Dionysos, House of Orpheus, which are famous for their exquisite floor mosaics, impressively restored and depicting scenes from Greek and Roman mythology.
Practical Info
Paphos Archaeological Park is located in Paphos on the west coast of Cyprus and is open daily from 8am to 5pm in winter or 7:30pm in summer. Adult admission is €4.50.
Address: Paphos, Cyprus
Hours: Daily from 8am to 5pm in winter or 7:30pm in summer.
Admission: Adult admission is €4.50
From $ 68
Omodos Village
Nestled in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, Omodos Village is one of Cyprus’ most picturesque villages, with its aged cobblestones, flower-lined shop fronts and stone-brick buildings lending a nostalgic air to the small mountain settlement. Omodos is an idyllic spot to shop for local handicrafts, explore the museums of the Monastery of the Holy Cross or watch the world go by from one of the many traditional cafes and tavernas, but its biggest claim to fame is its long history of wine production.
As well as visiting the many vineyards and family-run wineries that surround the village, wine enthusiasts visiting Omodos can also see the island’s oldest Linos (a medieval wine press), which offers a unique insight into the region’s historic wine-making traditions.
Practical Info
Omodos Village is located in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains in central Cyprus, approximately 40 km northwest of Limassol.
Address: Omodos, Cyprus
From $ 23
Super Aphrodite Waterpark
Travelers who make their way to Cyprus don’t have to venture to the coast to enjoy a day on the water thanks to the ever-popular and family friendly Super Aphrodite Waterpark.
This aquatic adventure land is home to a number of thrilling water slides like the Free Fall, Racer and Kamikaze, plus the hilarious Wet Bubble (and Mini Bubble for the younger set). The Lazy River offers laid-back travelers the chance to unwind with a peaceful float along a quiet waterway, while The Raging River proves ideal for those who prefer the wild white water. An active wave pool and a unique family water slide guarantee a day of splish splashing fun for just about everyone!
Practical Info
The waterpark is open every day from May1 until October 31. It is accessible from Coral Bay and Tomb of the Kings by taking the 615 bus to the 611 bus.
Address: Yeroskipou, Paphos, Cyprus
Hours: Open daily from May 1 until October 31
Admission: Pricing varies
From $ 37