Best Day Trips From Paphos

Paphos is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Cyprus. With its golden beaches, year-round sunshine, ancient archaeological sites and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, it’s a fantastic place to spend a week or two.

While there are plenty of amazing things to do in Paphos itself, one of the biggest advantages of staying here is its location. Many of Cyprus’ most beautiful beaches, mountain villages, wineries, hiking trails and historical sites are within easy reach, making it an excellent base for exploring the island.

From swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon to wandering through traditional villages in the Troodos Mountains or crossing the Green Line in Nicosia, some of Cyprus’ most memorable experiences are just a short drive away from Paphos.

In this guide, we’re sharing the best day trips from Paphos to help you make the most of your Paphos itinerary. Whether you’re looking for beautiful beaches, scenic mountain drives, ancient ruins, authentic villages or unforgettable food and wine experiences, these day excursions from Paphos showcase some of the very best places to visit in Cyprus.

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7 Best Paphos Day Trips

1. Akamas Peninsula & Blue Lagoon 

This part of Cyprus combines some of the island’s most beautiful coastal scenery with crystal-clear water, dramatic landscapes and a touch of Greek mythology. It’s one of our favourite areas in Cyprus and a place we find ourselves returning to again and again. A visit to the Blue Lagoon is definitely one of the best things to do in Cyprus.

The day starts with a scenic drive to Latchi, a small fishing harbour about 50 minutes from Paphos. From here, most visitors head out to the famous Blue Lagoon, one of the most photographed spots in Cyprus. The water really is as blue as it looks in the photos and the visibility underwater is excellent. So, don’t forget your snorkel mask.

The best way to experience the Blue Lagoon is by boat. You can either join a boat cruise departing from Latchi Harbour or rent your own self-drive boat (we always rent here) for a few hours. We personally love renting a boat as it gives you the freedom to explore the coastline at your own pace and linger a little longer in your favourite swimming spots.

Before heading back to Paphos, make a stop at Aphrodite’s Baths. According to mythology, this is where Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, used to bathe. The short nature trail and peaceful surroundings make it a worthwhile stop before returning to Paphos.

If you’re looking for one of the best day trips from Paphos by car, it’s hard to beat the combination of beautiful scenery, turquoise water and laid-back coastal charm that the Akamas Peninsula offers.

If you’d rather not drive yourself, you can also join a fully organised tour from Paphos instead.

You may also want to read: The Ultimate Paphos Itinerary

2. Troodos Mountains 

If you’re looking to escape the coast for a day, a trip to the Troodos Mountains is one of the best day tours from Paphos and something we think is worth including in every Cyprus itinerary. You’ll swap beaches and seaside promenades for winding mountain roads, traditional villages, historic monasteries and cooler temperatures, which can be a welcome break during the height of summer.

The Troodos Mountains are around 50 minutes from Paphos, making them very easy to reach. Along the way, you’ll pass through vineyard-covered hills and some of the most scenic landscapes in Cyprus.

One of the most popular stops is Omodos, a charming village known for its cobbled streets, stone houses and traditional character. While it attracts plenty of visitors, it still feels authentic and is a great place to browse artisan shops, pick up local products and enjoy a leisurely coffee in the village square. It’s also home to the Holy Cross Monastery, one of the most important religious sites in Cyprus.

If you don’t plan on doing a dedicated wine-tasting day, this is also a great opportunity to visit one of the region’s wineries. The Troodos foothills are home to some of Cyprus’ best-known wine producers, and many offer tastings with views across the surrounding vineyards.

From Omodos, continue deeper into the mountains to Kykkos Monastery. As the most famous monastery in Cyprus, it’s an impressive place to visit, with ornate interiors, religious artefacts and mountain views stretching across the surrounding valleys.

For the return journey, we recommend driving back through Paphos Forest. The route offers a completely different side of Cyprus, with dense pine forests, quieter roads and plenty of scenic viewpoints along the way.

If you prefer not to drive, you can also join a guided day trip from Paphos to the Troodos Mountains. Below are some of our favourite tours.

You might also be interested in: Renting a Car in Cyprus: All You Need to Know

3. Avakas Gorge

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines adventure with some time by the sea, Avakas Gorge is a great choice. Located on the edge of the Akamas Peninsula, this spectacular limestone canyon is one of the most impressive natural attractions in Cyprus.

Start early and hike through the gorge’s towering rock walls, narrow passages and unique limestone formations. Most visitors simply walk into the gorge and back, making it an ideal half-day trip from Paphos, while more experienced hikers can tackle the longer 10 km (6.2 miles) circular route.

After your hike, continue along the coast and make a quick stop at the Sea Caves and the Edro III Shipwreck before heading to Coral Bay. With its golden sand and calm, crystal-clear water, it’s the perfect place to spend a few relaxing hours after a morning on the trails.

Located around 40 minutes from Paphos, this day trip offers a little bit of everything, from dramatic landscapes and coastal viewpoints to one of the area’s best beaches. If you enjoy exploring beyond the coast, it’s also one of our favourite outdoor activities in Cyprus.

Prefer not to drive? Here are some of our favourite guided day trips from Paphos to Avakas Gorge:

You might also be interested in: Best Photo Spots in Cyprus

4. Kourion & Limassol

A day trip to Kourion and Limassol combines ancient history, mythology and one of Cyprus’ most vibrant cities. Start with a stop at Aphrodite’s Rock, the legendary birthplace of the goddess of love. According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite emerged from the sea here before making her way ashore, and the dramatic coastline remains one of the most iconic sights in Cyprus.

From there, continue to Kourion, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cyprus. Set on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, the ancient amphitheatre, mosaics and Roman ruins make this a must-visit for history lovers. Even if you’re not usually interested in archaeological sites, the location alone is worth the visit, with sweeping views across the coastline providing a spectacular backdrop.

Before heading into Limassol, consider stopping at Kolossi Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress that once played an important role during the Crusader period. It’s a relatively quick stop but an interesting glimpse into another chapter of Cyprus’ long and fascinating history.

Finish the day in Limassol, Cyprus’ second-largest city and one of its most vibrant urban centres. Explore the charming old town, visit Limassol Castle, which now houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum, and browse the shops, cafés and restaurants that line the surrounding streets. If time allows, take a stroll around Limassol Marina, where luxury yachts, waterfront restaurants and sea views create a completely different atmosphere from the historic centre.

5. Wine Tasting Tour

Many visitors are surprised to learn that Cyprus has one of the oldest wine-making traditions in Europe. In fact, the region around Paphos is home to some of the island’s most famous wine routes, making a wine-tasting day trip an excellent way to experience a different side of Cyprus.

The foothills of the Troodos Mountains are dotted with family-run wineries, traditional villages and rolling vineyards. From Paphos, you can easily explore several of the island’s official wine routes, stopping at wineries to tour their cellars, learn about local wine production and sample some of Cyprus’ most celebrated varieties.

Be sure to try Xynisteri, the island’s most widely planted white grape, as well as Commandaria, a sweet dessert wine often considered one of the oldest named wines in the world.

Many wineries also offer beautiful views across the vineyards and surrounding mountains, making the journey just as enjoyable as the tastings themselves. For the full experience, pair your wine tour with a traditional meze lunch in one of the nearby villages.

If you’re looking for a slower-paced day trip from Paphos that combines local culture, food and spectacular scenery, a wine-tasting tour is hard to beat.

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6. Larnaca & Pano Lefkara

If you’d like to explore another side of Cyprus, combine a visit to Larnaca with the traditional village of Pano Lefkara. This day trip offers a mix of seaside charm, local culture and one of the island’s most beautiful villages.

Start your day in Pano Lefkara, a picturesque village known for its narrow streets, stone houses and centuries-old lace-making tradition. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to slow down, wander through the alleyways and browse the small artisan shops that have made the village famous throughout Cyprus.

From there, continue to Larnaca, one of the island’s oldest cities. Stroll along the palm-lined Finikoudes Promenade, visit the Church of Saint Lazarus and enjoy lunch overlooking the sea. If you’re visiting outside the peak summer months, you may even spot flamingos at Larnaca Salt Lake.

With its combination of traditional village life and a relaxed coastal atmosphere, this day trip offers a different perspective on Cyprus beyond the Paphos region. Both Pano Lefkara and Larnaca are around 90 minutes from Paphos, with only a short drive between the two.

For visiting Larnaca and Pano Lefkara, we highly recommend hiring a car from Paphos. Organised tours don’t usually allow enough time to fully explore both places, while driving yourself gives you much more flexibility.

You may also want to read: Best Beaches in Cyprus

7. Nicosia

For a completely different experience, spend a day exploring Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital city. A visit here offers a fascinating insight into Cyprus’ complex history and the events that continue to shape the island today. Take a private walking tour with a local guide to get an insider’s perspective on the attractions and the city’s history, enhancing your visit with deeper insights.

The most unique thing of any visit is crossing the Green Line, which separates the Republic of Cyprus from the Turkish-controlled north Within just a few minutes, you’ll move between two distinct cultures, currencies and atmospheres, something you won’t experience anywhere else in Europe.

Take time to wander through the old town on both sides of the divide, explore the historic streets and browse the local shops and cafés. If you’re interested in the island’s past, Nicosia is also home to several excellent museums that help tell the story of Cyprus from ancient times to the present day.

At just under two hours from Paphos, Nicosia is one of the longer day trips on this list. However, if you’re interested in history, culture and understanding Cyprus beyond its beaches and resorts, it’s well worth the drive.

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Whether you’re looking for crystal-clear swimming spots, mountain villages, ancient ruins or local food and wine experiences, there’s no shortage of incredible day trips from Paphos. One of the things we love most about staying in Paphos is how much of Cyprus is within easy reach, allowing you to experience a completely different side of the island every day.

If you’re short on time, we’d prioritise the Akamas Peninsula and Blue Lagoon, the Troodos Mountains and Kourion. Together, they showcase some of the very best scenery, history and culture that Cyprus has to offer.

Whichever day trips you choose, getting beyond Paphos itself will give you a much deeper appreciation of the island and help you discover why Cyprus is so much more than just a beach destination.

Madeleine & Carsten

FAQ – Day Trips from Paphos

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