24 hours in Paphos, Cyprus.
As I walked along the coast from Coral Bay, the shipwreck came into view in the distance….
The closer I got, the more eerie it became….
A very interesting way to finish my 24 hours in Paphos!
If you are heading to Cyprus soon and can’t decide if Paphos is the right destination for you, then this blog will help you decide.
During my trip to Cyprus in January 2024, I spent one of my days in Paphos exploring the archaeological gems, sampling the local cuisine, and making plenty of new friends in an awesome hostel.
Sunsets, sea dips, and harbour views, who wouldn’t want to spend a day in Paphos?
A beautiful sunset in Paphos Old Town.
Archaeological landmarks that should be on your one day Paphos itinerary.
You can’t visit Cyprus without exploring its vast history, and Paphos is home to many historical landmarks, which make the area a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a must during your one day visit to Paphos.
Here are several of the ancient highlights, dating back to the 12 century BC, which are some of the best things to do in Paphos in winter or summer.
The Tombs of the Kings.
A great place to start your exploration of Paphos is at the famous shore side necropolis, which is home to famous tombs & catacombs.
Although the site’s name suggests so, there aren’t any actual kings buried on site, however, it is home to some noblemen and important locals, dating back to the early Hellenistic period of 3rd-century BC.
I enjoyed wandering around in the early morning winter sunshine, and climbing some of the rocks on site. I used the audio guide which is available on each tomb.
You have to scan the QR code on site and an app on your phone will narrate the history of each tomb as you observe the ruins.
You should expect to spend one hour on site if you want to see each tomb, get some steps in and learn some facts about the history of Cyprus.
At the entrance of the famous UNESCO site.
Tombs of the Kings Paphos practical information.
Opening times:
Winter = 8.30am until 5.00pm (4.30pm last entry) every day.
Summer = 8.30am until 7.30pm (7.00pm last entry) every day.
Entrance costs:
€2.50 or included in €8.50 daily pass for Paphos landmarks.
Location:
The Tombs of the Kings is located about 2 kilometres north of Paphos Harbour. I walked between the sites, however, if you aren’t fit and active, or the temperatures are too hot, there is an efficient bus network operating around Paphos Old Town.
Tomb one near the entrance of the site.
Nea Pafos Archaeological site.
Nea Pafos once served as the capital of Cyprus from the 4th century BC, in its current position near the harbour of Paphos. Although ‘Nea’ lost its standing, which led to ‘Salamis in the east’ becoming capital until ‘Nicosia’ was discovered, it still has some original remnants of its days of strength through various civilisations.
In 1980, the site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage sites for its unique antiquity which offers visitors a glimpse into the past.
The most famed aspect of Nea is its collection of colourful mosaics which are located inside some buildings and outside where buildings used to stand. They are based on ancient Greek myths and tell a story through their designs.
My favourite parts of the site are Paphos lighthouse, and the Roman amphitheater!
There are over 20 different landmarks on site to explore, so a couple of hours is recommended, especially in high temperatures in the summer.
Entrance to the historical site near the harbour.
Nea Pafos Archaeological Site practical information.
Opening times:
8.30am until 4.15pm every day.
Entrance costs:
€4.50 or included in €8.50 daily pass for Paphos landmarks.
Location:
Nea Pafos Archaeological Site is located right by Paphos harbour, and Pafos Castle. It is reachable by foot from most areas of the Old Town, and is very close to the Harbour Bus Station, which is a popular place in close proximity to most places.
There are many beautiful mosaics at Nea Pafos.
Pafos Castle.
Once you have finished the Nea Archaeological Park, you should head to Pafos Castle, which is only a two minute walk around the harbour. It was built as part of the Byzantine empire with the purpose of defending the beautiful harbour from any potential attacks.
The Castle has been used for different reasons since its construction in the 13th century, including as a prison during Ottoman rule!
Taking the short stair journey up to the roof offers really good views of the colourful harbour and Mediterranean Sea, however, there isn’t a great deal else to look at inside, other than information boards.
It is a cheap activity which can be squeezed into any Paphos itinerary though, so you should make the effort to visit.
Pafos Castle practical information.
Opening times:
Winter = 8.30am until 5.00pm every day.
Summer = 8.30am until 7.30pm every day.
Entrance costs:
€2.50 or included in €8.50 daily pass for Paphos landmarks.
Location:
Paphos Castle is located right next to the Harbour and Nea Archaeological Park.
Paphos Castle.
Other cool spots in Paphos to visit.
Although Paphos is famed for its grand history, it is also abundant with beauty, and a touch of mystery! You may not fit everything in one day, however, here are some more of the best things to do in Paphos.
Paphos harbour is picture perfect.
Coral Bay beach.
Coral Bay is a great spot for a beach day all year round!
The water is warm and clear, making it popular for swimming, especially families, as the water is shallow and calm, so ideal for children.
In summer months there is the option to enjoy water sports such as windsurfing, hand-gliding, paddle boarding, and if you are feeling adventurous - jet skiing!
I visited in winter time when the beach was very quiet which made for a lovely walk around the bay on my way to the famous Edro Shipwreck.
There are toilets, showers, a shop and a snack bar near the beachfront, so it is practical for all types of travellers.
It is over 10km from the Harbour area so either a bus, taxi, or car rental are your options. Bus number 615 will get you between Harbour Station and Coral Bay in ten minutes for a couple of euros.
Coral Bay beach.
Edro III shipwreck.
One random October evening in 2011, Paphos was home to a mysterious accident which resulted in the Edro III ship crashing and becoming stranded.
The 2.5 tonne ship is now part of Paphos’ coastline, and the shipwreck offers visitors an eerie shadow in an otherwise picture-perfect sunset.
I found the whole story fascinating, so I read about the whole incident beforehand and then headed to view the haunting ship for myself.
The walk from Coral Bay beach is around 3.5km and takes 45 minutes. It is a super cool route along the coast and the reward of the random shipwreck makes it worthwhile. Even though I visited in winter when the water is cold I did see some people swimming next to the ship.
I would have joined them in warmer weather!
This is one of the unusual things to do in Paphos, and makes for a great photo opportunity!
There is a scenic restaurant near the shipwreck with really good views of the vessel called ‘Oniro by the Sea’. You will also find a quirky roadside cafe called ‘Ola Red’ with very polite staff and some nice food.
If you want to visit, here is the Edro III Shipwreck Paphos Map.
Edro III shipwreck in Paphos.
Sea caves.
If you want to enjoy some more of Paphos’ natural beauty then you should head to the Sea Caves in Peyia!
The caves are formed from the relentless erosion of the coastline by the waves, and they create a dramatic and surreal landscape. It is only around a 20 minute walk further along the coastline from the Edro III shipwreck, so it is a great addition to your active day exploring.
If you prefer a more relaxed way to see the caves, you can take a boat trip from Paphos Harbor. The boat will take you around the coast, and you will be able to see the caves up close. You may even be able to go for a swim inside one of them
Harbour.
Paphos harbour is a good place to spend your days and evenings, as the promenade is full of restaurants offering local and international cuisine. I enjoyed several meals in these restaurants, and the service was fantastic in all of them.
If you have one day in Paphos, this is the area to choose for dinner.
The views from the outdoor seating area are awesome, especially if you catch a nice sunset, as I did!
A restaurant at the harbour.
How to get around Paphos?
Most visitors to Paphos stay in the Old Town area, which makes most places easily accessible by foot. I stayed close to Karavella Station, which is a little further out from the beaches and harbour area, however, it only took 20 minutes to walk.
If you are less active, or struggle to walk, then the bus service around Paphos is a great budget friendly option. I used the buses regularly to visit Coral Bay, and some other sites.
Here is a map that the owner of my hostel provided, which shows how to visit multiple Paphos treasures in one day via bus.
A map of the bus routes around the landmarks.
It is only €2 per journey or €6.50 for a full day pass. Here are the bus timetables, and you will see that all of the buses run at regular intervals, and from my experiences, they are usually on time.
Taxis are another option which will cost you more, however, Uber is not currently available in Paphos.
You will find the bus network is efficient throughout Cyprus, including North Cyprus. I used the bus when I travelled to Varosha in Famagusta, through Nicosia, and the Ledra Street border crossing.
A quirky statue in Paphos Old Town.
Where to stay in Paphos?
Paphos is one of those destinations which offers something for every type of traveller. There are certain accommodation options and areas of the city which will make your trip more enjoyable.
Where to stay in Paphos for solo-travellers.
Hostels are the best places to stay to meet new people and to socialise with like minded travellers. Bee Hostel was an awesome experience for a good price. This hostel is within walking distance of the harbour and just down the road from Karavella bus station , which connects to other cities in Cyprus.
Where to stay in Paphos for families.
Coral Beach Hotel & Resort Cyprus is a great option for families wanting a quieter style holiday, using the beautiful beaches. Although it is slightly outside of Paphos, it offers resort vibes, with private pools, balconies overlooking the sea, and is located very close to public transport options.
Where to stay in Paphos for couples.
The port of Paphos is a beautiful area, so makes for a great spot for a romantic getaway. Annabelle Hotel is a popular luxurious hotel with a private pool, fine dining and easy access to the Mediterranean sea.
Some cool graffiti.
What is it like to visit Paphos in the winter?
Paphos in the winter is a charming place with warm weather, beautiful sunsets, and quiet tourist experiences.
I may have gotten a little lucky with warm dry weather, however, I was wearing a t-shirt and shorts through the days, and a hoodie and shorts through the night (a lot nicer than -5 which my home town in the UK experienced that weekend).
In chillier weather, you will find that walking between the sites, and exploring Nea Pafos will warm up considerably.
Spending the winter in Cyprus offers a different experience from summer time in the restaurants and bars, but this isn’t a bad thing.
Many restaurants and bars were still open in the Old Town and harbour area, and even though they weren’t packed, they still offered great service, and some good deals.
Paphos Beaches in Winter.
The beaches in Paphos are very quiet in winter time. I saw locals and fishermen using them, but not many other people. Swimming in the sea is possible, but this is more of a ‘cold water challenge’ than a refreshing dip.
Most hotels still operate in winter with outdoor pools, so if you strike lucky with some warm weather throughout your visit, this is a good option.
Is it worth going to Cyprus in winter?
I had a really enjoyable visit to Cyprus in January, so yes I would say it is worth visiting.
Is Paphos warm in winter?
I wore summer clothing throughout my trip, so Paphos is a good choice of destination for winter sun.
Is Paphos quiet in winter?
Although Paphos is quiet in winter, it still offers many of its ‘in-season’ experiences for tourists, usually at discounted prices.
Selfie time at Paphos lighthouse.
Some tips for your Paphos visit.
Here are some tips to make your Paphos trip more enjoyable:
Stay within the Old Town area if you want to be within walking distance of all of the sites.
If you plan on visiting many of the ancient landmarks in one day, you can purchase a ticket to cover all of the site for €8.50 . This worked out cheaper for my trip.
The bus network is a great option to traverse the city and whole of Cyprus.
There is a lot of walking at the archaeological sites, so an early morning visit will avoid the midday heat in the summer.
Using the airport shuttle bus will save you a considerable amount of money. It costs just €1.50 each way and it is a comfortable and efficient service. It also stops at both the Harbour and Karavella stations. Taxis can be upwards of €35.
Pafos landmarks day ticket.
The different sites are ticked off as you go.
Best tours to book for your Paphos visit.
Official tours are a great way to reduce stress with organising your Paphos itinerary. Here are a few which would be a good choice for your 24 hours in Paphos.
From Paphos: Cyprus Highlights Tour w/ Blue Lagoon Boat Trip.
Make the most of the beautiful weather in Cyprus by exploring some highlights on a boat trip. The Blue Lagoon and the Baths of Aphrodite are two main spots, along with a visit to a winery for a delicious tasting.
Paphos: Coral Bay, Adonis Baths Quad or Buggy Safari.
Explore Paphos by quad bike or buggy, which offers some comfort in the summer heat. Head from Coral Bay to Adonis Baths, and see a shipwreck, visit a turtle breeding site. A refreshing swim will finish your day off nicely.
Paphos: Half-Day City Tour with Tombs of the Kings Entry.
Short of time, right? This is the ideal tour to tick off the many highlights of Paphos in a fast guided way. You will explore Paphos Archaeological Park, the Tombs of the Kings, along with Paphos Old Town, all with a knowledgeable local guide.
More Paphos graffiti art.
If you like quirky destinations, have you considered Zadar in Croatia?
If small coastal towns filled with quirkiness and history are your perfect destinations, then Zadar in Croatia is a great choice to consider. The Old Town has been swept with modernity in recent times, offering a unique vibe of historical landmarks and hipster restaurants and coffee shops.
It is also home to many beautiful beaches, and an array of islands to explore during your stay. This makes it a very popular choice for the Balkans.
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