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Picture this: a clear blue sky, a gentle breeze, and just the right amount of sunshine without feeling like a roasted chicken. That’s pretty much the weather situation in Paphos, Cyprus, in October. I had the pleasure of spending a week in this charming city and fell head over heels for it. Whether you are drawn to the rich history and archaeological sites, the top-notch local cuisine, or the stunning natural beauty, Paphos holidays promise a memorable and fulfilling travel experience.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP?

1. As Cyprus used to be a British colony, you have to drive on the left side, so keep this in mind if you want to rent a car.
2. You can easily get from Paphos Airport to the city center/your accommodation by bus, BUT you need the Internet connection. It’s necessary to follow your location on Google Maps because there is no information about the stops inside the bus. So you need to figure out where you are and when to get out by yourself.
3. If you want to use public transport, you need to pay for it in cash. It’s €2 during the day and €3 at night for 1 bus ride.
4. You can’t put toilet paper into the toilet. Most drains are either old or not wide enough, so you need to throw it in the trash can. As weird as it sounds, you can get used to it.
5. There are QR codes at all major and minor attractions (even in villages!). It’s a great way to get to know the sights.

PAPHOS WEATHER: WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

Average daytime temperatures range from 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F), but I experienced around 30°C (82°F) every day. Nights in theory tend to be colder; however, I was pretty fine in shorts and a T-shirt, and I usually get cold quickly. The sea temperature remains warm at about 25°C (77°F), perfect for swimming and water sports.

THINGS TO DO IN PAPHOS

Visit Villages in the Troodos Mountains

If you want to experience Cyprus off the beaten path, take a day trip to the Troodos Mountains. The picturesque villages like Omodos and Lofou offer a glimpse into traditional Cypriot life with their cobblestone streets, local wineries, and incredible views. If you’re into alcoholic beverages, make sure you try the nutcracker tiquoir and Commandaria, the oldest wine in the world. It is produced only in this region of Cyprus, and 14 villages grow grapes for this particular wine.

Lofou

Lofou means hill, and it has about 70 inhabitants. It’s so quiet there that you could hear a pin drop. What’s more, you never know when the restaurants in this village are open. This place is very authentic as Lofou preserved its traditional architecture and cultural heritage. You can really rest here, wandering through the streets and admiring charming, white houses made from limestone.

Omodos

Omodos is a bit more touristy and is famous for its excellent wines and delicious, traditional local products. The name of the village originates from the Greek word odos, meaning street. Although, in terms of “vibe,” I personally enjoyed Lofou more, cobblestone streets and stone-walled houses in Omodos were also aesthetically pleasing. You can visit a monastery that is now used as a village church, wander through the streets, and if you’re into art, definitely visit some glass studios, e.g., Dempsi Glass; it’s stunning!

TIP: Buy something in George’s Bakery! You can find there national Cypriot sweets and typical products from the village, e.g., Akateno bread. Make sure you try their fresh nuts with syrup (all ingredients come from the village!). You can taste them from the basket in the entrance and buy them in packages. I loved these nuts so much I bought 2!

Swim in the Blue Lagoon

Located near the Akamas Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon is a paradise with crystal-clear, turquoise water perfect for swimming or snorkeling. The best way to reach it is by boat, and I would recommend finding a Cypriot friend who owns one. 😉 I went on an organized excursion, and even though I enjoyed it, it would be wonderful to stay in the Blue Lagoon longer than an hour. The views were amazing, and the water was not only beautiful but also surprisingly warm! (And I rarely say that.)

Take a Stroll in the Paphos Old Town

Wandering through the colorful streets of Paphos’ Old Town is definitely a must. With its vibrant buildings, small shops, and local art galleries, it’s a perfect spot for both culture, souvenir hunting, and a leisurely walk. As a person who has a very colorful style and is literally obsessed with colorful places, the Old Town really stole my heart.

See Archaeological Sights

This list couldn’t be complete without the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you can find in Paphos. It’s a treasure trove of ancient ruins, where you can travel through centuries of history, getting to know a unique story of the island’s past.

Paphos Archaeological Park

Nestled along the stunning coastline of Cyprus, the Paphos Archaeological Park captivates visitors with its rich cultural heritage. It’s renowned for its well-preserved Roman mosaics, which are among the finest in the eastern Mediterranean. In addition to the mosaics, the park features remnants of ancient villas, a lighthouse, and an amphitheater. With informative signage throughout the park, visitors can gain insights into the archaeological findings and their context within Cypriot history.

Entrance fee: €4.50

TIP: Don’t go there in flip-flops, because something prickly will keep getting stuck in them, hurting your feet a little.

Tombs of the Kings

This necropolis dates back to the 4th century. Despite its name, kings weren’t buried here. It is believed that the tombs were the final resting place of wealthy citizens and high-ranking officials of the Ptolemaic state. The site is characterized by its monumental architecture carved directly into solid rock, showcasing an extraordinary level of craftsmanship.

Entrance fee: €2.50

Go on a Hike in the Avakas Gorge

This was one of the spots I anticipated the most during my trip. The gorge was formed over thousands of years through the erosion of the Avakas River. Now it enchants visitors with its stunning rock formations, resembling nature’s masterpiece. Walking along feels like venturing into a hidden, untamed world waiting to be explored. You can reach the gorge by 4×4 car or by bus, though the latter requires a change and takes more time. I wouldn’t consider this trail very difficult, as I found it manageable despite having a sedentary lifestyle. If you’re into hiking, spending time in nature, or dreaming of taking unique travel photos, Avakas Gorge is an absolute must-see!

TIP: Bring comfortable, waterproof hiking shoes and watch out for falling rocks. Avoid visiting during or right after rain; it’s too risky!

Visit the Blue Shell House

This quirky, Instagram-worthy house in Paphos is covered in bright blue paint and countless seashells, making it very hard to miss. If I had to choose only one place to visit in Paphos, I would choose this house. Tucked away in a quiet residential area, it’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever seen. What’s the story behind this place? A very open and friendly woman named Zoi is a true, passionate artist (although she doesn’t call herself one), who decided to turn her whole home and yard into an art gallery. She creates every day and realizes her crazy ideas step by step (she even recently finished making a small church herself!). Don’t hesitate to knock and wander around, as she loves having visitors. I spent around an hour with her, listening to her inspiring stories that really made me feel like I had known Zoi for years.

TIP: Have some cash with you and leave it in the basket near the entrance, because Zoi deserves it.

WHERE TO EAT IN PAPHOS? MY TOP FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS

One of the best parts of traveling is tasting local cuisine, and Paphos is no exception. Here are my top picks for indulging in authentic Cypriot food. Even such a picky eater like me enjoyed them!

Agora Tavern

It’s a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Cypriot flavors. With its homely decor and friendly staff, this tavern invites guests to indulge in traditional Cypriot mezze made from locally sourced ingredients. You can choose a version with meat or a vegetarian mezze (my pick). It was without a doubt one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. I genuinely miss it right now. In the lunchtime, you can order a mini or regular portion, while in the evening only the regular one is served. The smaller portion was definitely enough for me! For the price of €15, I got to try 8 different Cypriot specialties. It felt like a real kaleidoscope of flavors dancing on my plate!

Zorbas Bakery

For those with a sweet tooth or simply looking for a quick bite on the go, Zorbas Bakery is a great choice. It’s open 24/7, and you can find there delicious pastries and baked goods (both sweet and savory) that are always warm. They also offer pre-made food that can serve as lunch, sandwiches, yogurt meals, ice cream, and much more. Once I tried their almond pretzel, I was buying breakfast there every day.

Gyros Salonikiotikos

This eatery specializes in gyros, a beloved dish that features tender meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, served with fresh pita bread and an array of toppings. They also have vegetarian versions with halloumi cheese or falafel, and you can choose either Greek or Cypriot pita. Their food was so tasty I ate there twice!

Gyros of Crete

Nice place close to the Tombs of the Kings. The menu features a variety of gyros, kebabs, a mix of several meats, pita bread with fillings, and tasty salads (I went for their Village Salad).

In summary, Paphos in Cyprus is a unique place that combines rich history, great weather, and picturesque landscapes. Thanks to its mild climate, it is an ideal place for a holiday all year round, especially when it’s already grey, dull, and gloomy outside our windows. Choose Paphos if you are looking for relaxation, delicious food, spending time in nature, or want to immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Cyprus.

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