In recent years, the city of Paphos and its surrounding areas have become the leading tourist center in Cyprus, attracting over 50% of the total tourists visiting the island annually. Paphos Cyprus attractions have been a significant draw, enticing visitors with their unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
The reasons are clear: Paphos International Airport, offering daily flights to many cities in Europe and the Middle East (including Tel Aviv), handled over 4 million passengers in 2019. Most of these passengers are tourists eager to experience the top Paphos Cyprus attractions, staying in the city and its surroundings—over 2 million tourists vacationed in the Paphos area in 2019. As tourism continues to grow, Paphos remains a favorite for visitors seeking a unique mix of historical sites, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural experiences. The convenience of the international airport and the variety of accommodation options make it easy for tourists to enjoy everything the Paphos area has to offer, from relaxing coastal retreats to adventures in nearby mountain villages.
The Paphos area offers a unique combination of tourist attractions: basic vacation needs, including fantastic weather, sandy beaches, excellent accommodation options, restaurants, clubs, and pubs, and more personalized experiences like leading archaeological sites, geographical wonders, and cultural attractions. Paphos Cyprus attractions are diverse and plentiful, situated between the Mediterranean coast and the Troodos Mountains. The short distance between the sea and the mountains allows tourists to enjoy both landscapes. A vacationer in the Paphos area can bask in sunny days by the pool or at the beach, spend time at world-class UNESCO archaeological sites, take a walk along the Sea Caves beach, or discover ancient, still-active villages in the high Troodos Mountains.
The ease of arrival and departure from Paphos, along with a wide range of restaurants, attractions, and entertainment options, has turned Paphos into a tourist paradise. Paphos Cyprus attractions offer an unforgettable experience for every visitor, drawing you in with rich history, stunning natural scenery, and vibrant nightlife.
Benefits of Choosing a Luxury Villa Near Paphos Cyprus Attractions
Why is a luxury villa in the Paphos area an excellent vacation option? Is it the right choice for me? When considering Paphos Cyprus attractions and accommodations, the area offers a vast array of options, from small and affordable hotels to five-star luxury hotels, as well as rental apartments and luxury villas with private pools. Each accommodation type serves a different type of traveler. For tourists planning a luxury vacation, the decision between luxury hotels and villas can be tough. However, for families or groups of friends who require multiple rooms, the answer is clear: a villa is often the better choice!
Why? First, the price! When comparing the cost of several rooms in a luxury hotel with the cost of one luxury villa in Paphos, the villa is often much more economical. Second, villas offer unmatched peace and privacy. In a hotel, stepping outside your room means entering public spaces (public pools, lobbies, and dining areas). By contrast, in a villa, your family or group enjoys a private house, private pool, private kitchen, and private dining area, creating a personalized experience close to Paphos Cyprus attractions.
Holiday villas always come with fully equipped kitchens, so you have the flexibility to dine in or out. Most luxury villas in Paphos are conveniently located near major tourist centers, where you’ll find an abundance of restaurants and pubs, making it easy to balance privacy with access to local amenities and experiences. With Paphos Cyprus attractions right at your doorstep, a villa provides the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and independence for a memorable vacation.
Explore Paphos Cyprus Attractions with a Rental Car
Should you rent a car to explore Paphos Cyprus attractions? Absolutely. Renting a car at the airport is a highly recommended, budget-friendly option that can greatly enhance your vacation experience. For a small daily cost (typically 20-30 euros per day), a rental car provides freedom and independence, making it easy to explore the area at your own pace. With a car, you can reach beautiful beaches quickly, or drive to popular restaurants and top Paphos Cyprus attractions just a few minutes away.
In many cases, you can rent a car for the entire trip for less than the cost of a taxi to and from the airport, making it a convenient and economical choice. Keep in mind that in Cyprus, driving is on the left side of the road! While it might seem unusual at first, the calm and uncrowded roads in Paphos, along with the red license plates on rental cars, ensure a comfortable driving experience as locals are extra patient with tourists.
Below are links to some recommended places to visit, restaurants, and sites to complete your exploration of Paphos Cyprus attractions and make your trip truly unforgettable.
Top Attractions in Paphos
Akamas and Latchi Nature Reserve:
- Avakas Gorge for experienced hikers; a short half-hour trail is possible.
- Lara Beach with turtle enclosures—there’s an explanation about the turtles’ nesting near the beach.
- Aphrodite’s Baths.
- The marina in Latchi—from here, boats depart to the Blue Lagoon from June to October; seafood restaurants in the area.
- One of the recommended restaurants is Porto in Latchi.
- On the way back from Latchi towards Paphos or Peyia, it’s recommended to stop at the Droushia Dairy cheese factory.
Paphos Forest:
- Several ways to reach the area. If staying at villas in the Coral Bay area, the route passes through the villages of Kathikas, Lysos.
- Wild sheep (Mouflons).
- Cedar Valley.
- Kykkos Monastery—the first President of Cyprus, Makarios, is buried here. Be sure to visit the gold room inside.
- The Venetian bridges—Tzelefos Bridge.
Sea Caves and Coral Bay:
- St. George’s Church and the small fishing harbor.
- Cap St. George Club— for gourmets.
- The shipwreck and Sea Caves viewpoint.
- Oniro by the Sea—ONIRO BY THE SEA from March to October—a special and recommended restaurant.
- Yialos—a simple, family-run fish restaurant: Yialos Tavern by the Sea
- Porto Antico—recommended restaurant.
- Coralia Beach.
- Coral Bay Beach.
- The Coral Bay Strip—a street full of restaurants and pubs, marked by a Japanese restaurant with a unique experience: Samisen Japanese Restaurant
- The large supermarket in Coral Bay—Philippos.
- Peyia village center— with many restaurants around.
Recommended among them are Peyia Tavern, The Old Cinema.
Additional Points of Interest in the Paphos Area:
- Neophytos Monastery and the Cat Monastery located below the main monastery.
Recommended breakfast—It’s advisable to call and book in advance: Minthis Resort Dining Kikas Garden
- The House of Sofia—It’s recommended to book in advance— a meal accompanied by explanations about Cypriot village life.
Water Park in Paphos:
- Petra tou Romiou—Aphrodite’s Rock—According to mythology, this is the birthplace of Aphrodite. A beach with giant pebbles. Worth a visit before your flight home:
- Pissouri—A village atop a hill with a beach and many restaurants: Saffron Pissouri
Troodos Mountains – Western Side:
- Omodos Village—a picturesque village. Walk around the village center. There are many shops with souvenirs and Cypriot sweets.
- Oenou Yi Winery—It’s recommended to go inside to the terrace and see the impressive view. A two-year-old winery built by a lawyer is becoming a tourist attraction in the area. Wine tasting with a tour is available for a fee: Oenou Yi Winery
- Foini Village—mainly for the stunning rural scenery between the mountains. Some say that anyone who drinks from the fountain will never leave the village.
- Recommended local restaurant—Cypriot village cuisine Neraida Family Restaurant.
- Milomeris Waterfalls Trail, Pano Platres—the marker is for the parking lot close to the waterfall.
- Sparti Platres Rope Adventure Park: Sparti Rope Adventure Park
- Caledonia Waterfalls—a half-hour walk each way is required.
- The ski site on Mount Olympus in the Troodos Mountains. There are 3-4 short trails.
- Kakopetria Village. An ancient and beautiful village. It is recommended to stroll up the old street. There are small museums telling about the place and village life in the Troodos Mountains. There is also a watermill—The Mill Hotel and restaurant that serves trout fish.
- Kalopanayiotis Village—the village that turned into an amazing spa hotel. Worth a visit. Usually fully booked. Casale Panayiotis Traditional Village Hotel & Spa. The hotel has a good restaurant. Be sure to visit the beautifully designed library.
- Highly recommended restaurant—Symposio. It’s recommended to order the meze meal. The ingredients for the meal are seasonal, depending on what grows around the restaurant on the farm. Don’t forget to send regards to Nikos, the owner, from Alice in Peyia. Restaurant for lunch—until 3:30 PM. It’s advisable to notify a bit in advance… They also offer cooking classes.
Troodos Mountains – Eastern Side:
- Pano Lefkara Village—a lot of handmade craft stores, embroidery—the village specializes in silver jewelry, decoration, and fine silverware—hence there are many silver shops. There is also a pleasant atmosphere with small cafes.
- Kato Drys Village—a small and beautiful village to stroll around its center. And here’s another nice activity there—the owners are welcoming: Bee & Embroidery Museum Kato Drys.
- Vavatsinia Village—a beautiful village with dark stone buildings. There’s also a nice tavern located in the village center.
- Choirokoitia—an ancient settlement from the Neolithic period, including several reconstructed huts and historical information.
- Zygi fishing village
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