Paphos in 4 Days: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to Cyprus
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So you’re planning to visit Cyprus? Paphos is one of the best places to visit in Cyprus and a great spot to enjoy this beautiful country. An area full of archaeological ruins, beautiful countryside, and an incredibly gorgeous coastline, 4 days in Paphos is the perfect amount of time to explore.
The itinerary below features a mix of activities and has been organised so you can easily fit everything in. However, if you want a bit more time to relax by the pool, you can easily pick and choose what you want to do in this 4 day Paphos itinerary, or spread them out across a week!
Evenings and some afternoons are also flexible depending on what you fancy doing. Maybe you’re half board or all inclusive at your hotel, in which case it makes sense to enjoy the options at your accommodation. Alternatively, you might have somewhere in mind for a special dinner so although I’ve put some recommendations below for evenings, I’ve also left some evenings free depending on your plans. We ate in our hotel for a couple of nights so didn’t sample enough restaurants to recommend enough for evening meals in Paphos.
I found the below 4 day itinerary allowed a really good introduction to Cyprus and its history and it left me wanting to come back to enjoy more of this beautiful country!
Useful Links For Your Holiday To Cyprus
Tours and Activities // Get Your Guide, Viator
Accommodation // Booking.com, Hotels.com, Hostelworld, Agoda, Vrbo
Flights // Skyscanner
eSim // Airalo
Airport Lounges // Priority Pass
Travel // Expedia
When Is The Best Time To Visit Cyprus
Cyprus really is an all-year-round travel destination, perfect for a winter sun break or a summer holiday. We visited in mid-March and the temperature was ideal for exploring Paphos attractions like the Tomb of the Kings and the Aphrodite Nature Trail, or just relaxing by the pool. Even though the evenings were slightly cooler, it was perfect for a light jacket.
How To Get To Paphos
From the UK, flights to Paphos are super accessible from most major airports. You can book a package holiday to Cyprus or fly independently if you’ve already got your accommodation sorted. The flight from the UK is around 4–4.5 hours, so it’s perfect for a short Cyprus holiday or a quick getaway to Paphos.
Cyprus is also well connected for those flying from the Emirates and other locations in Europe. You can also reach Cyprus from North American destinations with a stop – keep in mind you might want at least 1 week in Cyprus if your flight is more than 6 hours.
How To Get Around Paphos
Hiring a car is always going to be the most flexible option. Either pick up a car from the airport or book one from your hotel. The below Paphos itinerary is easy to do if you have your own transport but if you don’t have a car, consider booking guided tours in Paphos – many pick you up directly from your hotel, making this 4 day Cyprus itinerary super easy to follow. All of the below activities can be done via a guided or private tour but may include a couple of variations in what you see.
There are no trains in Cyprus but there are plenty of bus routes which will take you across the island. Your itinerary might need amending slightly as it will take a little longer to get around.
If you don’t have a car, personally I’d recommend booking onto tours that pick you up from your hotel, rather than public transport. Then use taxis for short journeys when needed.
Where To Stay In Paphos
There are lots of great hotels in Paphos to stay at, ranging from family friendly to luxury resorts. We stayed at Cali Resort & Spa, a 5* adults only hotel in Coral Bay. This was a great location to relax but also be within walking distance of the beach – which was 5 minutes away – and a selection of restaurants, shops and bars which were just up the road.
Read more: Cali Resort & Spa Review: An Adults-Only Luxury Hotel in Paphos
There are many other accommodation options to choose from though, why not take a look at the following 4* and 5* hotels in Paphos:
Here’s Your 4 Day Itinerary For Your Holiday To Paphos
Arrival Day
Depending on when you arrive, enjoy your first day getting settled in your hotel. If you’ve travelled from further afield than Europe, this is the perfect opportunity to rest and relax before a fun 4 days in Paphos.
Day 1
Hiking The Aphrodite Nature Trail
The Aphrodite Nature Trail is up there with one of the best things to do in Paphos. This 7.5km route takes in the Baths of Aphrodite and incredible views of the Cypriot coast, including the Blue Lagoon.
Although the trail is for those with a moderate level of fitness, it’s perfectly doable even if you’re not a seasoned hiker. Just take suitable footwear, plenty of water, and take it steady over some of the rocky paths. If you hike fairly regularly, this walk is a really great way to experience the Akamas Peninsula and wander in the footsteps of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.
I’d recommend doing this walk as early in the day as possible to avoid the heat. Although there are some shaded spots along the way, the Cypriot sun is strong. Even in the winter sun temperatures hit 19 degrees in the morning but it very much felt like more than that!
Read more: Explore Cyprus in Winter: Hiking the Stunning Aphrodite Nature Trail
Aphrodite Nature Trail Address: Rd To Fontana Amoroza, Neo Chorio 8852, Cyprus
Lunch In Latchi Harbour
After your walk, head to Latchi Harbour for some fresh seafood by the water. We stopped at Y&P Latchi Hotel where the hospitality and food was second to none. Order a few dishes to share and enjoy a tapas of Cypriot salad, grilled fish, and delicious Cypriot potatoes followed by a little sweet treat for dessert.
Top tip: If you don’t fancy a walk, Latchi Harbour is the place where Blue Lagoon boat tours depart from. Book onto one of these and enjoy a relaxing day exploring the coastline of the Akamas Peninsula. Some of these boat tours even include a visit to the Baths of Aphrodite, which is right at the beginning of the Aphrodite Nature Trail. This is a great option if you don’t have a hire car as you can opt to be picked up straight from your hotel – ideal if you want everything taken care of!
Y&P Latchi Hotel Information
Address: Akamandos Avenue, Latchi 884, Polis Chrysochous,Pafos, Cyprus
Telephone Number: (357) 26 321 411
Email: info@latchihotel.com
Relax At Hotel
After a full day of adventures, it’s time to relax at the hotel and freshen up for the evening!
Dinner In Paphos Old Town
For dinner, head into Paphos Old Town where there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. We dined at Antigo Mezedopoleio where we feasted on an incredible selection of honey covered feta cheese, roasted meat and seafood risotto. There was even some beautiful live music there when we visited which just added to the incredible atmosphere of the evening.
Antigo Mezedopoleio Information
Address: Pafou Chrysanthou 46, Paphos, Páfos 8010
Telephone Number: +357 26 955025
Top tip: Why not enjoy some cocktails after dinner? Rum and Jam came highly recommended and with a selection of alcoholic, low alcohol and no alcohol cocktails, there’s a great choice for everyone!
Rum and Jam Information
Address: Ayoras 6, 8010 Paphos
Telephone Number: +357 26422246
Email: rumandjamcy@gmail.com
Day 2
Tomb Of Kings
One of the things Paphos is famous for is its archeological ruins and visiting both the Tomb of Kings and Kato Paphos Archaeological Park is a must on any Paphos itinerary for first-time visitors.
The Tomb of Kings, which has been part of the UNESCO world heritage sites since 1980, is a great place to start learning about the history of this country with plenty of ruins to explore. Take advantage of the free wifi – you can connect to this at reception – and scan the QR codes around the site to unlock the knowledge of who was buried here. You can also climb inside many of the tombs allowing you to really get an insight into these grand structures.
Tomb Of Kings Information
Address: Tombs of the Kings Ave 63, Chlorakas 8015, Cyprus
Telephone Number: +357 26 306295
Price: €2.50
Opening Times: April 16th – September 15th, daily: 08:30 – 19:30
September 16th – April 15th, daily: 08:30 – 17:00
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
Next, head to the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park where you can see mosaic floors from four Roman villas as well as old Roman baths, streets and theatres. This place really gives you an insight into Paphos’ history and I loved exploring the old monuments and learning about the scenes that depict Greek mythology.
Read more: 8 Top Tours And Activities For Your Ultimate Holiday To Paphos
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park Information
Address: Kato Pafos
Telephone Number: +357 26 306 217
Price: €4.50
Opening Times: April 16th – September 15th, daily: 08:30 – 19:30
September 16th – April 15th, daily: 08:30 – 17:00
Halloumi Making and Lunch at Sofias Traditional House
After a history-filled morning, it’s time to head to Sofia’s Traditional House – a real authentic experience and one of the top cultural activities in Cyprus. With the Aphrodite Nature Trail, this was the best thing I did in Paphos and if you do nothing else on your 4 days in Paphos, do this.
Being welcomed into Sofia’s House, along with her husband Andreas, was like being welcomed into your grandparents house with open arms. They bake fresh bread and make halloumi and ricotta cheese daily here and trust me when I say it will be some of the best halloumi cheese and ricotta you’ll ever try.
Read more: Fresh Halloumi And Bread At Sofia’s House: A Beautiful Home Cooked Lunch In Paphos
You can try your hand at making the food yourself but why not sit back, and enjoy a good lunch at Sofia’s House where plates of potatoes, ravioli, lamb and vegetables are brought out to enjoy. It’s a proper home cooked meal and I’m still dreaming about it today!
Top tip: Call ahead to make a booking, you’ll likely speak with Andreas – Sofia’s husband – who will happily make a booking for lunch for you!
Sofias Traditional House Information
Address: Letymbou, 8546, Letymbou, Paphos
Telephone Number: +357 99995961
Wine Tasting
After lunch, head out to one of Cyprus’ many wineries to enjoy some wine tasting. We enjoyed a couple of hours at Tsangarides Winery where the owner told us all about the process of making Cypriot wine, along with a tour of the wine cellars. Then we got to the best bit, drinking a selection of white, rose and red wine accompanied by trays of meats, cheeses and olives. It was the perfect way to end the day and you’ll definitely want to take a bottle or two home with you!
Top tip: If you don’t have a car, book onto a wine tasting tour which may take you to several wineries in the region – perfect if you want to sample a few different places!
Tsangarides Winery Information
Address: Lemona, Paphos 8545, Cyprus
Telephone Number: +357 26 722 777
Email: info@tsangarideswinery.com
Relaxed Evening At Hotel
After a full day exploring, enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel. If you’re staying at Cali Resort and Spa, why not book into the Fiki Japanese Fusion Restaurant?
Day 3
Day Trip Jeep Tour On The Akamas Peninsula
Day 3 on your 4 days in Paphos itinerary is a fun one – a Jeep Tour around the Akamas Peninsula. This activity allows you to see a lot in a short space of time.
Get picked up straight from your hotel and get ready for a wild ride to see sites such as the Edro III Shipwreck, the White Cliffs and Sea Caves, waterfalls, and many more. We took a Jeep Tour through Cyfari but there are loads of Jeep tour options available through Get Your Guide depending on what you want to see.
Lunch at Yiannis Kathikas Taverna
Now lunch may vary depending on what Jeep tour you choose but ours took us to Yiannis Kathikas Taverna, a great little spot in the cute village of Kathikas. This was another delicious home cooked meal filled with traditional Cypriot food so you’ll eat well if you dine here!
Yiannis Taverna Information
Address: George Kleanthous 11, Kathikas, Cyprus
Telephone Number: +357 26 633353
Day 4
Walking Tour Of Paphos Old Town
On your last day, enjoy a walking tour of Paphos Old Town. We learned a lot about the area and even got to take part in a creative workshop at The Place – here you can try your hand at mosaic or pottery or just pick up some local souvenirs to take back home with you!
The Place Information
Address: 56 Kanari str., 8010 Old Town Pafos, Pafos, Cyprus
Telephone Number: +357 26101955
Email: theplace@theplacecyprus.com
Lunch at Laona Restaurant
Before you head home, enjoy one last meal at Laona Restaurant. This is another place where you can feel the homely nature and love that goes into preparing food here in Cyprus. I’d recommend trying out the moussaka as well as the lamb – both were mouth wateringly delicious.
The Place Information
Address: Votsi, Paphos 8010, Cyprus
Telephone Number: +357 26 937121
Home Time
It’s time to say goodbye to Paphos and goodbye to Cyprus. After a wonderful 4 days in Paphos, you’ll leave with a real taste of what this beautiful corner of Cyprus has to offer. From ancient ruins and stunning coastal hikes to hands-on cultural experiences like halloumi making and wine tasting, this Paphos itinerary for your first visit to Cyprus is the perfect introduction to the country. Whether you’re craving sunshine, relaxation, or a bit of adventure, Paphos delivers it all, without needing to take a full week off work.
It’s an ideal quick getaway from the 9–5, and trust me, once you’ve experienced the warmth of the locals and the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, you’ll already be planning your return trip. So pack your bags, book that flight, and get ready for a Cyprus holiday you’ll never forget.
