Location

The charismatic harbour is a sheltered little dock that is usually packed with local fishing boats and tourists’ yachts located in the heart of the city, which is the locals and tourists most preferred location, surrounded by a manifold of shops, restaurants, bars, clubs and traditional taverns! This is the place to be when seeking a night on the town as the area is full of impressive nightclubs and bars that have one purpose, to offer unforgettable nights of fun!

When travelling by boat you have the chance to anchor at the charismatic Paphos Limanaki and explore the city! Anchoring at the harbour, you should grab the opportunity and visit the surrounding area. Being in the centre of Paphos, makes it tremendously easy to explore the vicinity by foot, since all the shops, clubs, bars and taverns are within close proximity.

At the ancient Paphos Limanaki you also have the chance to rent a boat and yacht and embark on an adventure! When sailing you have the chance to enjoy the splendid coastline of the island from the comfort of your own yacht! The trained crew on board the yacht will always be at your disposal to cater to your every need! All you need to do is sit back, relax, soak in the sizzling sun and sip on scrumptious champagne or cocktails! In general, sailing in Cyprus is an unforgettable experience. This is because the winds are stable making the voyage more enjoyable. You will have the chance to view the stunning scenery of the landscape from the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean. When cruising either by yacht or fishing boat, you have the chance to try fishing while sailing in to the sunset! Watching the sun meeting the horizon from the middle of the sea is probably the most impressive view you will ever have the pleasure of experiencing. It is truly a sight for sore eyes!

Whether you wish to simply visit the Paphos Limanaki and the surrounding area, anchor at the little harbour or go on a yacht or boat cruise the experience will be memorable for sure. The Paphos Limanaki is such a charismatic location in the centre of Paphos that you all have to visit!

The ancient fort is a rather small castle built exclusively by limestone blocks. You can only access it through the only gate created, which lies on the eastern side. The fortress also has plentiful little windows and consists of a single grand tower which is surrounded by a wall and has a terrace on the top floor.

During its long and rich history, the Medieval Castle of Paphos was not only used as protection from possible invaders. It was also used as prison cells and to store salt when the island was a British colony. Many years later, in 1935 it was proclaimed as an ancient monument and at present it is viewed as one of the most important landmarks in Paphos but also the whole of the island of Cyprus.

Today, a manifold of cultural events are held in the square in front of the castle. One of the most important and celebrated events organised at the castle is the annual Paphos Aphrodite Festival. The Paphos Aphrodite Festival organises different operas performed by various notable artists and is incredibly popular with the locals and tourists alike!

Paphos Zoo is the largest zoo in Cyprus, located in a blossoming and unspoiled environment of approximately 100,000 square metres. The zoo is famed as being one of its top tourist attractions on the island and houses a large range of birds and animals from all over the world. Its unique collection of parrots and snakes is amongst one of the largest in Europe. The zoo proudly houses around 1200 animals of which 210 are different species. Some of the species are in danger of being extinct, thus the zoo’s staff takes pride in taking care of them and contributing to their preservation.

The Paphos Zoo is truly an incredible wildlife experience, where visitors admire giraffes, crocodiles, kangaroos, albino wallabies, white lions and much more! Nobody should miss on the chance of viewing the performances of the macaws and owls which amaze all their spectators with their hilarious and smart tricks performed daily at the zoo’s amphitheatre.

Visitors also have the opportunity to spend a whole day in the midst of nature, surrounded by the lyrical sounds of the animals in a beautiful surrounding packed with ponds, lakes and blossoming gardens.

The primer aim of Paphos Zoo is the welfare of the animals which are in the comfort of their natural habitat. Visitors have a day filled with fun and joy, while meeting the animals in the magnificent surroundings of nature.

The zoo is open 365 days, including national holidays, throughout the year. It can be found just a few minutes out of the city of Paphos.

Without a single doubt, one of the most gorgeous beaches on the island is Lara Beach, which can be found on the Akamas peninsula in Paphos, north of the city. This magical bay, houses the most magnificent sea-creature, the Caretta Caretta turtles, which are protected in the area. The famed turtle beach is actually a turtle sanctuary that protects the impressive Caretta Caretta turtles.

The long beautiful strip of bay is deserted as it is a protected area. Once visiting the beach you will have the pleasure of encountering the only inhabitants of the area which are wild goats, birds, monk seals (if you are lucky) and of course turtles. As a result of being a protected area, the beach and the trees are undamaged making it a small utopian paradise on the island. The golden soft sand and crystal blue waters are perfect for a dip!

In the past the Caretta Caretta turtles were made into turtle soup. Until recently these magnificent creatures were on the verge of extinction because they were killed by humans to become a delicious meal. It is the truth! Over 100,000 turtles were killed in the Mediterranean from 1920-1960. To make matters worse, manifold of turtles were caught in local fishermen’s nets or remote beaches were unexpectedly turned into crowded tourist attractions leaving the Caretta Caretta turtles homeless.

Fortunately, the Authorities of Cyprus soon recognised the urgency of the problem and declared specific beaches as protected areas, like Lara Beach. The declaration of protected areas offers the turtles safe refuges to reproduce and give birth.

Sea turtles give birth every 2 to 3 years, more precisely they lay eggs in Cyprus during the hot sunny summer months, from the end of May to early August. Astoundingly, each one gives birth to approximately 80 eggs in each nest and they only have babies when they are over 15 years old!

Once the eggs have been laid, which have an incredibly fragile shell, the turtles cover their nests with sand to ensure their protection before returning to sea. Approximately two months after, the eggs hatch at midnight. The moment they are hatched is truly touching and should not be missed! Those who have been fortunate enough to experience this marvel of nature have never forgotten it! The little turtles, slowly and steadily, head for the sea where their marine life begins!

On Lara beach, specialised cages have been set in the areas where the turtles lay their eggs in an attempt to protect the eggs before hatching. The cages are then reburied in the sand to ensure their safety. Great care has been put in the attempt to preserve the Caretta-Carretta turtle, and Lara Beach is the ideal location in Paphos to experience the magical birth. Do not miss it!

There a several ways to reach Lara Beach. You can either drive up there using a four-wheel as it is an off-road journey and adventure or you can catch a boat from Paphos to Lara beach, which is more idyllic if you want to travel by sea and enjoy the journey!

Do not miss on the opportunity to visit the beach; you will be dazzled by its natural beauty!

The best option available to explore this true gem in Paphos is by going on one of the walks-hikes. All the routes are equally impressive, offering visitors the opportunity to view rare plants and breathtaking views of various beaches. Enjoy the walk!

The Aphrodite trail is a circular route which starts from the Baths of Aphrodite. The duration of the walk is estimated to be 3 hours and covers 7.5 kilometres. The route encompasses an upward path towards Moutti tis Sotiras, which is a hill about 370 metres high, then downwards towards the Castle of Rigena, also known as the Queen’s Tower. There are two springs along the way which offer drinkable water. The first is at the Castle of Rigena, which and the second at Kefalovrisia. The route can be done in either direction since it is circular.

The most impressive spots are the Baths of Aphrodite. According to myth, this is the place the goddess Aphrodite met Adonis and fell in love. Locals say that the waters hold special powers, and that women who splash their faces with it will remain young and beautiful for eternity. Another notable attraction is the ruins of Castle of Rigena, which are believed to have been a medieval monastery. Along the way, one can enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and beaches from above.

Similarly to the Aphrodite’s trail, Adonis trail is also a 7.5 kilometre circular route that starts at the Baths of Aphrodite. Unlike the previous, Adonis route takes a southern direction, then strikes north towards the Castle of Rigena, where it joins the Aphrodite trail. Along the way, hikers come across two springs along the way which offer drinkable water. The first is at the Castle of Rigena, and the second at Kefalovrisia.

Trekkers have the chance to enjoy the view of various beaches found in the vicinity like the famed Lara Beach, which houses the most magnificent sea-creature, the Caretta Caretta turtles. Hikers also come across the Baths of Aphrodite and the ruins of the Castle of Rigena.

Fontana Amoroza (Fountain of Love) is one of the easiest trails to take a stroll in Akamas. The trail, once again, begins from the Baths of Aphrodite that follows a 6 kilometre coastal path until Fontana Amoroza and back. Fontana Amoroza is a tiny spring which was named by an Italian poet who possibly mistook the spring for the Baths of Aphrodite.