Having visited Cyprus many times and explored all over the island, I keep recommending Paphos as a base to fellow travellers. Primarily, that is because there are plenty of things to do in Paphos. Not least, the various historic sites that relate to the goddess Aphrodite. Plus, just wait until you see all the amazing day trips from Paphos you can venture on.
Paphos is truly a wonderful base for exploring the southwest coast of Cyprus. Especially if you hire a car. The main roads are easy to access and drive on, and distances between destinations are relatively short. In fact, I’ve enjoyed some memorable day trips from Paphos during my visits there, and I’d hate for you to miss out on similar experiences because you’re not aware of them.
Tip: When it comes to hiring a car in Paphos, I recommend using Discover Cars. They offer a great selection of vendors and vehicles to choose from, with clear insurance options and genuine customer ratings, making it easy to pick the best car for your trip.
For instance, did you know that you can drive to iconic beaches along the Akamas coast? Head inland to cool mountain villages? Hike forest trails in the Troodos Mountains? Or even spend the day exploring the city of Limassol?
These opportunities highlight exactly why Paphos makes such a brilliant base to venture further afield. Best of all, most of these destinations are only around an hour’s drive away.
With that in mind, if you want to know where else you can visit, here is my selection of the best day trips from Paphos to add to your itinerary.
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What Are the Best Hotels in Paphos?
The best places to stay in Paphos will depend on what kind of holiday experience you want. For example, do you want to be close to history, near the sea, or tucked a little farther away from the crowds? Where you stay can shape how you experience the city, especially if you enjoy having the flexibility of a rental car.
Kato Paphos is a popular choice for many travellers. This area is close to the harbor, the Archaeological Park, and the coastal walking path. You can also reach restaurants, cafés, and several beaches on foot, which makes it an easy base if you don’t fancy driving. It even has decent nightlife without being too overbearing. You’ll find plenty of seafront properties with suites facing open sea views. Take a look at what the M Boutique Hotel has to offer. It is close to the harbour, supermarket, shops, and bus stops that will take you into town.
Adjacent to Kato Paphos, the Tombs of the Kings area offers a slightly quieter feel, albeit still close to the action. The Kefalos Beach Tourist Village is an excellent accommodation choice here.
Coral Bay is another great area you might want to consider. It is about a 20-minute drive from central Paphos. Surrounded by nature, coastal views, and beautiful beaches, it suits travelers who come to Paphos for some relaxation in the sun. The Thalassa Boutique Hotel & Spa is a brilliant place to stay here. It is right by the beach and offers fabulous open-air bars and restaurants to enjoy your evenings.
Scenic Beaches to Discover on Day Trips from Paphos by Car
While there are plenty of lovely beaches you can visit in Paphos, there are a number of others you can head to should you fancy a change of scene. Indeed, some of the best beaches near Paphos are close enough to the city to enable you to stay all day at them, yet still comfortably be back at your accommodation in time for dinner.
One of my favourite coastal destinations to head to is Coral Bay. It has a wide stretch of sand that offers plenty of space to set up for the day. The water is also pretty good for swimming, and there are good facilities, such as toilets, cafes, and beach equipment hire.
Another top spot is Aphrodite’s Rock. The beach here is pebbly, and the setting is very dramatic. Thanks to the rock rising from the sea, the open horizon, and the late-afternoon light, it’s a wonderful spot for a refreshing swim or a leisurely walk along the shoreline.
Other excellent beaches you can visit include the protected Lara Beach, which is known for turtles, and the Blue Lagoon in the Akamas Peninsula. The latter has water so stunningly clear, you’ll hardly believe it is real.
A Day Trip from Paphos to Ayia Napa
If you’re looking for a longer adventure, a day trip from Paphos to Ayia Napa is absolutely worth considering. Located on the southeast coast of Cyprus, the drive takes approximately two to two and a half hours.
So why make the trip? Ayia Napa is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Mediterranean, including the iconic Nissi Beach, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand. Whether you’re looking to swim, sunbathe, or simply soak up the scenery, Ayia Napa delivers on all fronts.
Tip: Alternatively, if you fancy something a little different — especially with kids in tow — jumping aboard a pirate ship cruise is an absolute blast! Expect a fun-filled day out on those stunning turquoise waters, complete with a treasure hunt, swimming stops, and lunch included on board.
Beyond the beaches, Ayia Napa also has a charming town centre worth exploring. The medieval monastery at its heart is a surprisingly peaceful contrast to the buzz around it, and there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes to refuel at before making the drive back to Paphos. Just be sure to set off early to make the most of your day!
The Best Hiking Day Trips from Paphos: Coast and Wild Landscapes
Who doesn’t love a good hike? Thankfully, there are several hiking trails near Paphos to tackle when you fancy stretching your legs.
Probably the best one is Aphrodite’s Trail on the Akamas Peninsula. Its loop climbs steadily above the coastline, to reveal stunning views that open up across turquoise water and rocky headlands. It feels quite remote, even though the trail is well-marked. It is worth starting early, though, as it can get hot. Be sure to bring lots of water with you.
If you are a bit pressed for time, the walk around the Edro Shipwreck is well worth doing. This rusted vessel sits offshore, and the coastline has a rugged, slightly wild feel. As it is quite near the famous sea caves, you can always combine a visit to both.
Avakas Gorge: A Day Trip to a Dramatic Nature Escape from Paphos
Should you fancy doing something very different from a day at the beach, then a day trip to Avakas Gorge is highly recommended.
To get there, you will need to drive to the western edge of the Akamas Peninsula. This is an area with a notably quieter, more rugged landscape. From Paphos, it’s around 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic and how confident you are at navigating uneven roads. Just be aware that the final stretch can be bumpy. Therefore, you would be well advised to take it slowly and park where the main trail begins.
Tip:If you’d prefer to leave the navigation to someone else, a Jeep safari guided trip from Paphos is a fantastic alternative! It takes in Avakas Gorge along with a packed itinerary of highlights, including Lara Bay’s turtle conservation station, the Baths of Aphrodite, the Edro Shipwreck, and even a local winery tasting — all with hotel transfers included.
Once inside the gorge, prepare to be amazed by the tall limestone walls that rise steeply on either side. What makes them so striking is that in some places they narrow so closely together that only a strip of sky is visible above. The path follows a rocky riverbed, and you’ll need to step over stones and shallow pools as you make your way deeper into the gorge. As you do so, you’ll get a sense of the scale of how massive it is.
Spring is the best season to visit the gorge. At this time, it is very green, and the air is notably cooler than during the summer months. However, autumn is also a good time if you can’t make it then.
Day Trip from Paphos to the Troodos Mountains: Villages, Nature, and Cool Mountain Air
When the Paphos heat becomes a little too much, a day trip to the Troodos Mountains is the perfect escape. The drive takes around 45 to 60 minutes from the coast, and the journey itself is part of the experience — watching the landscape gradually shift from sun-baked coastline to cool, pine-forested mountain terrain is quite something. By the time you arrive, it feels like an entirely different Cyprus.
Mount Olympus, the highest peak on the island, is a natural first stop. The views from the top stretch across the island in every direction on a clear day, and there is something quietly special about standing at the very summit of Cyprus. From there, the charming village of Platres makes a wonderful base for the day. Its shaded streets and traditional stone buildings make it a great spot to slow down and explore the authentic mountain life. If you have time, the nearby Caledonia Waterfall trail is a beautiful and manageable walk through dense pine forest — a world away from the beaches below.
For those with an interest in history and culture, the Troodos region is home to a remarkable collection of UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches. Tucked into hillsides and village corners, these centuries-old painted churches are genuinely fascinating and add a rich cultural layer to the day. The village of Kakopetria is also worth a detour, particularly its picturesque old quarter with its narrow lanes and riverside setting.
Omodos Village Day Trip from Paphos: Wine, Stone Streets, and Tradition
If you’re looking for one of the best villages near Paphos, Omodos is where you should go. Set in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, it’s about a 45-minute drive from the coast. Something you should notice straight away about it is that the scenery and pace of life are also much different.
One of the town’s most attractive features is that its streets are lined with stone houses rather than palm trees. There are also plenty of things to do in Omodos to keep you occupied.
A good place to start your visit is the village square. The heartbeat of the town, it is framed by traditional buildings and small cafés, where you can sit with a coffee or a glass of local wine. The Monastery of the Holy Cross is one of the main landmarks to look out for here. It has a beautiful courtyard and is steeped in centuries-old religious history that should fascinate you for a while. Nearby, you’ll find numerous small shops that sell handmade lace, local honey, and regional wines. There are even a few family-run wineries that welcome visitors for tastings. The Oenou Yi Winery is a particular favourite.
Tip: If you want to make the most of your time in the Troodos mountains, consider booking a guided village tour that combines several stops in one day. You’ll visit traditional product workshops, sampling local delicacies like halloumi, honey, olive oil, and wine, plus a boutique winery and the scenic Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery — all wrapped up with a traditional meze lunch at a village tavern. With small groups, door-to-door transport, and a carefully crafted route, it’s a wonderfully immersive way to experience the real heart of Cyprus in a single day.
Day Trip from Paphos to Lefkara Village: Lace, Courtyards, and Village Life
In Lefkara, quaint stone houses line the streets, wooden shutters frame small windows, and shaded courtyards appear around quiet corners. It’s like an onion with many layers, each more fascinating than the last.
Many of the things to do in Lefkara centre around its lace-making tradition. Indeed, the village is famous for “Lefkaritika” lace, a craft passed down through several generations. You’ll still see handmade pieces displayed in small family-run shops. In some cases, you’ll also find women working on these intricate designs by hand. There’s even a small museum dedicated to the craft and the village’s history — well worth a visit for the context it provides on everything you see around you.
Lefkara also has some lovely cafes to recharge at. The Panadentro Tavern is a great spot, serving up delicious, homemade, traditionally Cypriot meals.
Limassol: A Lively City Day Trip from Paphos
Limassol offers an easy, rewarding contrast to a coastal stay in Paphos. The drive takes about an hour along a straightforward highway, making it one of the simplest day trips you can plan from Paphos.
As soon as you arrive in Limassol, you’ll clock a different energy. This city is busier, more modern, and more cosmopolitan than the rest of the island. There are also plenty of things to do in Limassol, depending on how you want to spend your day.
A great place to start is the marina. There’s something wonderfully relaxing about watching the yachts lining the harbour over a latte or a meal at one of the cafés overlooking the water. From there, the seafront promenade stretches for miles, making it a fabulous place for a relaxed walk with delightful sea views.
When you head into the old town, you will notice another change in atmosphere. Narrow streets and restored buildings give the area a rich character, while Limassol Castle provides a unique heritage highlight worth exploring.
The dining scene is another highlight of the city. You’ll find everything from traditional tavernas to stylish restaurants serving modern Cypriot cuisine. There are far too many good places to eat to just recommend one!
Tip: Limassol is a city, and planning a day trip there independently can feel a little overwhelming — from building an itinerary to hunting down parking. If you’d rather skip the hassle, there’s a brilliant organised day trip that takes in both Limassol and nearby Kourion, so you can simply sit back and enjoy the experience without any of the logistics.
Day Trip from Paphos to Kourion: Amphitheatre and Beach
Kourion is a dramatic place, which makes it perfect for a half-day or relaxed full-day outing from Paphos. The drive takes around an hour along the main highway toward Limassol and is clearly signposted, so the site is easy to reach.
The amphitheatre itself is the main drawcard here. Set high on a cliff edge, it looks out over the Mediterranean in a way that feels almost cinematic. Even if you’ve visited ancient sites before, the setting here stands out as something special. You can walk through the restored seating area, stand on the stage, and imagine performances taking place with the sea as a backdrop.
The great thing about Kourion is that it has a fabulous beach just below the ruins. A long stretch of pebbly shoreline with clear water and a few beachfront tavernas, it is the perfect place to unwind and digest everything you’ve taken in at the archaeological site.
Day Trip from Paphos to Nicosia: History and Culture of the Divided City
Nicosia is unlike anywhere else on the island, and a day trip from Paphos to Cyprus’s capital is well worth the effort. The drive takes around an hour and a half, making it one of the longer journeys from Paphos by car. That said, the roads are straightforward, and the destination more than justifies the distance.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice that Nicosia has a completely different character from the coastal resorts. One of its most fascinating features is that it remains the last divided capital in the world, split between the Republic of Cyprus in the south and Northern Cyprus in the north.
Within the old walled city, there is plenty to keep you occupied. The narrow streets of Laiki Geitonia are great for a relaxed wander, lined with traditional architecture, small craft shops, and charming cafés. The Cyprus Museum is also well worth a visit for anyone with an interest in the island’s history, housing an impressive collection of archaeological finds from across Cyprus.
The dining scene in Nicosia is another highlight. From bustling street cafés to traditional tavernas tucked into quiet corners of the old town, there are plenty of great options to refuel before making the drive back to Paphos. Set off early to make the most of your day!
Tip: If you’d rather leave the planning to someone else, there’s a great organised day trip that combines both Nicosia and the charming village of Lefkara in one go — with the added bonus of hotel pickup and return straight from Paphos. It’s a brilliant way to tick off two fantastic destinations in a single, stress-free day.
Boat Tours from Paphos: Explore the Coast from the Water
No visit to Paphos would be complete without spending at least one day out on the water. The coastline of southwest Cyprus looks spectacular from the sea, and thankfully, there is no shortage of boat tours from Paphos to help you experience it. Whether you’re travelling with family, as a couple, or simply looking for an adventurous day out, there is something to suit every preference — from family-friendly cruises with entertainment on board, to romantic sunset dinners on the water, to snorkelling and swimming stops along the coastline.
One of the most popular routes is a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, and it’s easy to see why. The water here is an extraordinary shade of turquoise, and arriving by boat makes the experience feel even more special. One of the standout tours combines the Blue Lagoon with a visit to the stunningly beautiful Baths of Aphrodite, before stopping at the charming harbour town of Latchi. With its quaint seafront, you’ll have free time to stroll along the waterfront, sunbathe on its beach, or grab a bite to eat — the seafood here is an absolute must.
Tip:In high season, boat tours from Paphos get booked up extremely quickly. When the Cyprus summer heat peaks, everyone heads to the water, and spaces fill fast. To avoid missing out, it is highly recommended to book your preferred tour well in advance of your trip.
Explore More of Cyprus with This Travel Blog
Cyprus has so much more to offer beyond Paphos, and I’ve covered plenty of it over on this Cyprus travel blog. Whether you’re planning a solo adventure and want some inspiration, looking to map out an epic road trip across the island, or simply want to discover more hidden gems, you’ll find a wealth of guides and tips to help you plan the perfect Cyprus trip.
Written by Inessa Rezanova
I’m a travel writer, keen to see the world and share its stories. I’m Ukrainian, and I continue to explore my country even in times of full-scale invasion. Not just because I love it, but because I believe in showing the world the beauty, strength, and humanity that exists here, even now.
