The beaches of Paphos are a bit of a mixed bag. Paphos in general isn’t known for its beautiful beaches. Most of Cyprus’s best beaches are over on the east side of the Island in Ayia Napa and Protaras.
However, there is so much more than just the beaches of Paphos, with lots of places to visit, see, eat, drink and do.
Whilst the beaches in Paphos aren’t the best that Cyprus has to offer, most are still awarded a blue flag. This means you’re guaranteed some crystal clear waters to relax and cool off in!
I thought I would get this little blog together about the best things to do in Paphos for your visit. This includes some of our favourite beaches in Paphos, along with restaurants, bars and our recommendations of other things to do.
Let’s check out the best things to do and beaches in Paphos!
The Best Beaches in Paphos
The beaches in Paphos are mostly rocky and pebbly, with the sandy beaches on the other side of the island in Protaras. There are a few sandy beaches in Paphos, but these will usually be a mixture of sand and pebbles.
Most of the beaches in the town centre of Paphos are rocky and/or pebbly. You have to travel a little from the centre to reach the wider and more sandy Paphos beaches.
Here are a few of our recommendations for beaches in Paphos.
Coral Bay – Best beach in Paphos for Families
Coral Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Paphos. It is around 12km from the centre of Paphos.
The Bay has thin golden sand, which is rare in Paphos! It also has clear, shallow water which makes it one of the best beaches in Paphos for families, especially those with young children.
Lifeguards are also on duty throughout the summer months. There are good facilities and water sports on the beach.
Whilst it is a great beach for families, it is also party central during the summer! Beach parties are often held in the evenings if you like to have a few drinks and a dance on the sand.
There are lots of taverns, restaurants, bars and cafes located near this beach too. So, grab yourself refreshments (beer) during the day whilst the kids play!
Laourou Beach – Sandy beach in Paphos
Next to Coral Beach lies Laourou Beach or Corallia Beach. The names seem to be used interchangeably!
It’s an absolutely beautiful beach with bright blue, clear and calm water. It’s also easy to get to by bus, just hop on the 615 from Paphos Harbour. If you’ve rented a car, there is free parking – winning!
Again, it is a sandy beach which is rare in Paphos and therefore can get busy but it’s totally worth it. For me, it’s one of the best sandy beaches in Paphos.
Lara Beach – Best beach in Paphos for Wildlife!
I wouldn’t recommend Lara Beach to anyone with kids. In fact, unless your kids are older, it’s probably a no-go anyway. This is because it’s accessed by a dirt road and you probably should hire a quad bike to get there.
I’d recommend that you visit Lara Beach at the same time as Akamas Gorge as it’s located in the Akamas Peninsula (see below!).
Lara Beach is a wild, secluded beach in Paphos district. You won’t see loungers here. It’s more a go for a swim, bring your towel and pitch up on the sand and go for a swim kind of vibe.
You should also bring snacks and water with you as there is nothing around. It is a secluded slice of paradise. Perfect for escaping the summer crowds on the other, more connected beaches in Paphos.
I’ve featured Lara Beach on my list because it’s a bit of an adventure. If you like getting out and about when you’re away, this might really float your boat. It has beautiful views and if you visit at the right time of year, it’s where turtles nest! Peak hatching season is in August and September!
If you make the journey and you like a quiet, hidden gem then I would definitely recommend Lara Beach. It has to be one of the best beaches in Cyprus.
Vrisoudia II Beach – City Beach
Our top choice of the beaches in Paphos centre is Vrisoudia II or B, a Paphos municipal beach. There is a thin, but a sandy strip of sand here. It is a good choice for relaxing, reading a book and having a swim, all whilst being within walking distance of the amenities in Paphos town.
There aren’t a huge number of loungers at this beach. If you’re visiting between June – September, I’d recommend getting there early.
There is a man here that cleans the beach of rubbish and seaweed, so this beach is always pristine!
Antasia Beach Club
Book a lounger at Antasia Beach Club. It’s located close to Vrisoudia II but has a lovely beach with 30 sun loungers available which you can book online.
€20 covers two sunbeds, one sun umbrella, beach towels and high-speed Wi-Fi. There is full beach service too so the only movement you’ll be doing is raising your glass!
Best Things to Do Beyond the Beaches in Paphos!
Besides the beaches in Paphos, there are plenty of other things to do! From national parks to water parks and everything in between.
Below I have rounded up some of our favourite things to do in Paphos besides the beaches.
Akamas National Park
One of our favourite things to do in Paphos is to explore the Akamas National Park. And fortunately, it is also home to some of the clearest water and hidden beaches in Paphos!
Akamas National Park covers an area of 230 square kilometres from just north of Paphos up to the northern tip of Cyprus. Within the National Park, precious flora and fauna are preserved and protected.
We are reliably informed that it is home to 168 varieties of birds, 20 types of reptiles, 16 butterfly species and 12 different mammals!
Equally, it is home to some incredibly beautiful bays and gorges. It is also surrounded by the clearest water you will find in Cyprus!
Given the size of the National Park, there are a few highlights worth aiming for if you are planning a trip to the National Park.
Blue Lagoon
This is one of the highlights of Akamas National Park. Blue Lagoon in Ayia Napa may be more famous but I think this one is better!
You can access the blue lagoon either by boat from Latchi (the closest town) or through the park overland.
Once there, you will find a small beach enclosed by a small bay. In front of you, you will find some of the bluest water on the island! It is a really beautiful place to swim and cool off in the heat.
During the day, this is a popular tourist area with a number of boats that will turn up from Latchi so it can get a little congested further out. But if you come overland then you are likely to have the shore to yourself. The beautiful waters are perfect for swimming!
There are plenty of paths and tracks leading to the blue lagoon. That said, there are no signposts inside the park so take a map!
Akamas View Point
If you want spectacular views, head to the viewpoint! The trip up to the peak of Akamas National Park is not easy but it is very much worth it!
If you are going to walk then set off early in the morning or late at night to miss the hottest part of the day. Alternatively, take a quadbike and power your way up the steep tracks. It is not easy, with lots of loose rocks to bounce over but the quads will get up.
Once you reach the top, you get to see these amazing views over the whole of the Akamas Peninsula. Again, there are no signposts so take a map and plenty of water!
Avakas Gorge
Avakas Gorge is an impressive gorge carved into the rock within Akamas National Park. It is located on the western tip of Akamas.
Avakas Gorge is approximately 2.5 kilometres long and its sides reach up to 260 feet in height. It can get narrow, down to 10 feet in width at its narrowest point!
It is an impressive natural formation and a cool place to visit. Inside the gorge, you can find mountain goats as well as rare reptiles and plants.
Again the only way to reach the gorge is by 4×4 or quadbike so get hold of a map! Given this, it is not very touristy and you may have the gorge to yourself when you visit!
Getting around Akamas National Park
The main starting point for heading into the National Park is the nearby town of Latchi. Here you can organise your transport to head into the National Park.
On Foot
There are three main ways of exploring Akamas National Park. The easiest route is on foot. The National Park has an extensive network of nature trails and tracks to follow and explore. Maps are also available to help you find your way.
If you are going to explore by foot, you can visit the Baths of Aphrodite on the edge of the National Park. You can also reach the Blue Lagoon on foot. For those experienced hikers, you can reach the viewpoint but as I say, go early or late to avoid the midday sun.
There are no signs or shops within the Park so take a map, plenty of water and sunscreen!
Over Land
There are jeeps that run in and out of the National Park. These run between the Baths of Aphrodite, Blue Lagoon and Fontana Amoroza (another beach further along the coast from Blue Lagoon).
The jeeps shuttle back and forth all day and depart from each location roughly every hour.
Alternatively, you can hire quadbikes in Latchi and head further into Akamas National Park. This is our favourite way to explore the Park as you reach the hidden gems of Lara Beach and head up to the viewpoint.
Quadbikes are available close to National Park but I would recommend booking in Latchi at Rent a Car. You can even book a guide to take you through the Park which I would definitely recommend as the trails are not marked. You can focus on enjoying the ride rather than trying to focus on google maps!
By Boat
If you want a more relaxing option then you can jump on a boat in Latchi which will take you out to Blue Lagoon. You get a very different perspective of the Lagoon here.
Your boat will anchor for an hour or so (depending on your tour). This will give you time to swim in the beautiful waters and get those all-important snaps!
Here are some examples of boat trips available for you to take a look at.
Paphos Harbour
A stay in Paphos wouldn’t be complete without at least one trip to Paphos harbour! Located right in the centre of Paphos, it is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the beaches of Paphos.
The harbour comprises a promenade, the harbour and its historic walls and its castle.
The promenade is full of bars and restaurants. All of these are tucked away from the main road and make for a relaxing place to eat and drink. The harbour walls and the castle are lovely places to wander and explore.
The castle was first built as a fort and later used as a prison. Now it remains a local landmark and an iconic reference to Paphos’ history. You cannot go to the castle, but it is worth a wander down to the castle and along the walls, especially at sunset.
Paphos Waterpark
I love a waterpark, so Paphos waterpark was always going to feature on this list of things to do in Paphos!
Paphos waterpark is one of the most popular parks in Cyprus and so it will be busy, especially in high season.
That said, it is great fun! If you have kids, there are plenty of rides and pools for all ages. And if you don’t have kids, then there are some great ‘bigger’ rides to keep you entertained all day!
Paphos Aphrodite water park is located on the coastal road and is easily accessible by car or a local bus which drops off outside the park.
Tickets for adults are €31 per person if bought online at the Aphrodite Waterpark website. Children from the age of 3 to 11 years old are €18 each online.
Family tickets, multi-day tickets and food vouchers can all be bought online and in advance. You can also buy tickets on the day and at the entrance although prices may be a little higher.
Inside, you will find rides for all ages. Free fall, gravity, kamikaze, nautilus screw and cannon drop are just some of the adrenaline-fuelled rides!
For younger ones, the pirate ship, magic splash and mini volcano will keep them entertained for hours. Complete with a lazy river, bars and restaurants, there is something for everyone!
Aphrodite Hills Golf Resort
If you’re a keen golfer then a trip to Aphrodite Hills shouldn’t be missed! This 18-hole PGA championship course is spectacular. It is located amongst the Aphrodite Hills resort which resembles a purpose-built village with hotels, villas, restaurants, bars, shops, spas and more.
As a result, a round of golf doesn’t come cheap. It is around €100 a round during the summer. There are discounts for early and late tee times. Alternatively, you can use the driving range for much less at €5 for a bucket of balls and golf clubs available to hire.
Even if you are not into golf, it is worth a trip. It is very close to Aphrodite’s rock so a good stop off on the way back to Paphos. You can head into the clubhouse and sit on the terrace. It is a very relaxing place to enjoy a drink and look out over the course!
Check it out for yourself at the Aphrodite Hills website.
Best Restaurants in Paphos
There are a lot of restaurant options in Paphos and most of them are pretty good. Here I have picked out some of my favourite spots in Paphos for food.
La Sardegna da Gino
If you’re up for Italian, this is a great place for both pizza and pasta. It’s around a 20-minute walk from the harbour, towards the centre of town and away from the sea. It’s good value for money here and it is always busy, so we’d recommend booking a table, particularly in the summer.
Be warned, the pizzas here are HUGE. Which is just the way I like them!
Kingfisher Tavern
For seafood lovers, this is the place to go! Local, fresh and so tasty. It’s super popular with locals which is a great sign. Red mullet, sea bream, and squid in garlic are all amazing and cooked perfectly.
The Cypriot white wine is amazing too. It is rated one of the best restaurants in Paphos and deservedly so. For that reason, you must book a table in advance here to avoid disappointment.
Antasia Beach Club
Featured in the best beaches in Paphos, it’s also a great place to eat. A really good day-to-night place with AMAZING views over the sea. I’d recommend sushi and cocktails at sunset as the venue is beautiful.
It would also be a lovely place for a family lunch to take a break from the heat, or for a relaxing morning coffee.
You can book a table here online.
Beach Snacks!
I have to sneakily put in Zorba’s Bakery. They’re all over Cyprus and a chain, but wow they do some amazing savoury pastries and sweet treats. We’d usually go before heading to the beach, stock up (they do amazing mini pastries with savoury fillings) and snack on them through the day.
Nothing fancy but if you’ve had a few too many Keos (the best Cypriot beer) the night before, you’ll thank me for this recommendation.
Coral Bay Recommendations
Coral Bay Avenue is the main strip for bars and restaurants in the Coral Bay area. I didn’t spend too much time here but here are a couple of recommendations from us!
Corallo Restaurant
For great local food in Coral Bay, check out Corallo. The traditional fish meze is super tasty, and there was lots of it. It was good value for money. They also have some other traditional food on the menu including moussaka and chicken souvlaki if you don’t fancy a huge meal or fish.
Samisen Japanese Teppanyaki Restaurant
For something a bit different/if you’ve had enough meze to last a lifetime, this teppanyaki restaurant is so cool. Not only is the food amazing, but the chef really gets everyone involved when cooking the food. The kids were loving watching the chef, who was a real entertainer.
Another restaurant is located on Coral Bay Avenue if you’re staying close to this resort.
Getting Around Paphos
The different areas and beaches in Paphos are relatively spread out, but there are some incredible places to see across the region.
There are buses that will take you between Kato (lower) Paphos to Coral Bay, the City Centre or to the Airport. You can view the timetables here.
The buses run a good service and if you’re travelling on a budget, then they are ideal for getting around Paphos. A ticket will cost you €1.50 and is payable directly to the bus driver.
If you want to travel further afield, maybe you want to explore Peyia, travel to a Cypriot village in the Troodos Mountains, head to the Akamas National Park or visit Nicosia or Limassol, the most affordable option is to rent a car.
To book taxis, transfers or tours to ALL of these places will definitely add up price wise. If you want to rent a car, I recommend using Discover Cars. They offer excellent service and the cars are in great condition. It’s also very affordable, even in the peak season (July & August). All costs are given to you upfront, and it’s really easy to use.
Enjoy the Beaches in Paphos!
We hope you’ll see that there is much more to Paphos than just the beaches in Paphos! Hopefully, this blog helps you plan your time there.
We haven’t spent that much time in Paphos, so we’d love to hear your recommendations for bars and restaurants for us to try when we return. Let us know in the comments below!
Have a great time!
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