The third largest island within the Mediterranean, you want far multiple household vacation to discover Cyprus – however should you’re deciding the place to base your self, there are such a lot of issues to do in Paphos with youngsters that it’s at all times my favorite vacation spot.
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Whereas we visited in summer time, it’s additionally a fantastic choice should you’re in search of someplace nearer to dwelling quite than a long-haul escape to search out some heat exterior peak season, for some winter solar in Paphos.
We stayed round a five-minute drive from Coral Bay, and solely round 20 minutes from Paphos itself, so even should you aren’t staying within the metropolis, it’s very simple to go to and discover – the 615 bus travels alongside the primary coast street, or automobile rent doesn’t break the bank (plus should you’re coming from the UK, you drive on the left in Cyprus as a bonus!)
Paphos Fortress
Simply on the fringe of the harbour, previous the string of waterfront eating places and never removed from the archaeological website of Nea Paphos, you possibly can see the squat golden tower of Paphos Fortress.
Initially in-built 1222 as a Byzantine fort to guard the harbour, it was repeatedly added to, destroyed and rebuilt, with the present model of the citadel created by the Ottomans within the sixteenth century and used as a jail.
It was then given over to the British in 1878 who used it as salt storage – you possibly can see a number of the historical past within the inscription above the citadel entrance in addition to on the knowledge inside.
Whereas a lot of the inside is gone, you possibly can nonetheless see the form of the rooms and the place the higher ground would have been, in addition to imaginging the place the deepest dungeon was.
Top-of-the-line elements (aside from the relative cool inside on a summer time’s day!) is heading as much as the roof to take a look at the views alongside the coast and again to Kato Paphos, because the harbour space is understood – plus some nice breezes.
It’s free for youths and solely a few Euros for adults, and doesn’t take too lengthy to go searching, so it’s a very good choice in case your youngsters have a brief consideration span as nicely. Handily, there’s someplace to purchase ice cream proper on the doorstep too.
The Tombs of the Kings
Cyprus is filled with archaeological websites from over its lengthy historical past, however one of the well-known is the Tombs of the Kings, simply on the sting of modern-day Paphos.
The sunken tombs date again to the Hellenistic and Roman durations – the earliest are from across the third century BCE with the newer ones created within the third century CE, however some are astonishingly nicely preserved.
Regardless of the title, there have been no kings buried right here. As an alternative, they have been used for high-ranking officers and aristocracy – the title comes from the grand structure of the tombs, a few of which have a number of flooring, in addition to ornamental columns and pillars.
There are eight essential tombs scattered round with QR codes to present data or extra on the app for the Paphos archaeological websites – there are not any maps although, and typically complicated instructions, so don’t be shocked should you don’t discover all of them!
As soon as they might have been filled with gold and different valuable gadgets, however between tomb robbers and rapacious excavators, there’s little or no left at present.
The tombs themselves are nonetheless spectacular although, and you may even spot a number of the colored plaster on the wall of 1, in addition to searching for particulars like nicely and carvings for small altars.
A number of the tombs are designed to mimic the homes of the dwelling, a method that was influenced by historic Egyptian custom.
It’s nicely value getting there early to discover very first thing when the gates open at 8.30am earlier than the worst of the warmth, particularly in peak season when it may simply be 30C+ by 9am. Alternatively, attempt to time your go to on the finish of the day – enable round 60-90 minutes to discover. Youngsters go free.
Nea Paphos Archaeological Park
One of the crucial vital archaelogical websites in Cyprus, Nea Paphos is a Unesco World Heritage website, in-built across the 4th century BCE because the ‘new’ city to exchange the occasion older Palaipaphos which was round 800 years older.
The sprawling website is especially well-known for its mosaics, a few of which have been left within the ruins of the traditional metropolis (though some have been eliminated to museums), in addition to being dwelling to websites and monuments from the Ptolemaic Odeon proper as much as medieval occasions, though quite a bit is from the Roman period.
There’s an app to obtain with extra data and a map (nicely value having), in addition to free WiFi to entry it, plus strategies of various trails to observe – the highlights tour is an effective choice for households, and lasts round 90 minutes however takes you to all the important thing websites.
The total tour can take as much as 4 hours, which is nicely past my daughter’s tolerance for historic ruins (and my very own, when the temperature is within the excessive 30s!)
Don’t miss the Home of Dionysus for a number of the finest mosaics, and it’s nicely value strolling over in direction of the lighthouse for some nice views and some welcome breezes.
The stays of the Agora, the city’s market, and the Asklepieion, its temple devoted to the god of medication are a bit laborious to visualise, however the nice amphitheatre, the Odeon, can be on that facet of the positioning as nicely.
As with Tombs of the Kings, get there for 8.30am opening to beat the worst of the warmth, or go within the late afternoon, however enable at the very least 90 minutes if you wish to attempt to see the entire website. Youngsters go free.
If you happen to’d wish to discover additional to see extra of the historic websites close to Paphos with youngsters, Kouklia is among the oldest websites, dwelling to the Sanctuary of Pafia Aphrodite
Discover Paphos City
In case your youngsters are bored of historic Paphos, save a while to discover the trendy metropolis – the perfect locations for wandering are round Paphos Market and the top of Archbishop Makariou avenue.
Don’t be tempted to move to the world marked Outdated City on Google Maps, it’s fairly boring with not a lot to see there until you’re visiting the Archaeological Museum.
If you happen to’re in search of souvenirs, there are retailers aplenty, all filled with jewelry, knick knacks, mementoes and extra – it’s all fairly related, with most issues at pocket cash costs (although a number of are pricier, should you’re in search of one thing particular) and loads of little cafes additionally dotted across the white-washed streets.
If you happen to wander the size of Makariou, you’ll get to Kennedy Sq. (principally boarded off and underneath building once we visited) in addition to Paphos City Corridor and the Municipal Gardens, a shady spot for youths to play.
Paphos Archaeological Museum
In case your youngsters’ eyes are rolling on the considered extra historic historical past, Paphos Archaeological Museum is nicely value a go to – it’s not big, so it’s fast to get round (we spent about half an hour), it’s free for all, and it’s air conditioned.
However the reveals themselves together with some fascinating finds. It’s organized chronologically, so you possibly can see 5,000-year-old pots, in addition to each day gadgets – lamps, statues, cash, even gold jewelry.
Add in a number of weapons, the pinnacle of a Roman emperor (most likely), a stone lion, sarcophagi and some different eye-catching designs formed like animals and open-mouthed heads and there’s normally one thing to maintain youngsters .
My daughter and I performed our common recreation of ‘what would you’re taking dwelling’ and located one thing to tempt us in each show – plus because it’s a comparatively small assortment, you don’t get overwhelmed by countless shows of pottery, which makes even my eyes glaze over.
It’s strolling distance from Paphos market – round a 20 minute stroll away – or there’s parking close by. Obtain the Paphos Now app to pay on-line: it’s fairly low cost at round 50 cents per hour, however until you have got a Cypriot cell, it’s possible you’ll not be capable of pay in any other case (and might’t use money).
Paphos seashores
A visit to Paphos wouldn’t be full with out some household seaside time and there’s loads of golden sand in and across the metropolis, the place youngsters can construct sandcastles, splash round within the crystal-clear waters, and benefit from the heat Mediterranean solar.
Coral Bay is among the hottest family-friendly seashores in Paphos, with its lengthy stretch of sand and shallow water that’s excellent for swimming. The seaside additionally has loads of amenities, together with sunbeds, bathrooms, showers, retailers, and even watersports for youths and adults to get pleasure from.
Alykes and Vrysoudia Seashores, situated close to busy Paphos Harbour, are extra handy choices should you’re staying in Paphos itself, with a energetic ambiance and simply accessible from quite a lot of the accommodations within the space.
For a extra peaceable and pure seaside, Latchi sits on the northern coast for households who need to escape the crowds. You’ll need to have your individual automobile to drive there and there are some twisting mountain roads – although nothing too difficult – however it’s a enjoyable day trip if you wish to discover extra broadly.
If you happen to’re planning to rent a automobile to discover Cyprus with youngsters, one in every of my favorite websites is Zest Automotive Rental which I used for our journey to Paphos
Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark
In case your youngsters love water parks, you’ll discover a number of the larger accommodations have their very own slides however it’s laborious to beat a enjoyable household day trip at Aphrodite Water Park, the most important waterpark within the Paphos area.
The massive aqua journey centre has loads of rides and sights for youths of all ages. Little ones will love the splash pads and mini slides, whereas older youngsters and youths can get their adrenaline pumping on the kamikaze, plummet 50ft on the free fall, and get aggressive on the velocity racers.
There’s additionally a lazy river, wave pool, and rafting for the entire household to get pleasure from, in addition to loads of sunbeds and eating places so you can also make it a full day trip in Paphos with youngsters.
Pirate Boat Tour
Leap on board the Jolly Roger and set sail on a half-day pirate boat cruise from Paphos that youthful youngsters particularly are certain to like.
The normal ship takes you on a journey alongside the attractive Paphos shoreline and is manned by a crew of costumed pirates. The crew preserve little ones entertained with pirate-themed exhibits, songs, and interactive video games.
The cruise features a kid-friendly buffet lunch and the chance to stroll the plank into the water in addition to a refreshing swim midway by way of the journey.
Extra Paphos boat excursions
If you happen to take a wander to Paphos Harbour, you’ll discover a complete string of different family-friendly boat excursions departing right here.
Set off on the largest glass-bottomed boat in Cyprus for an opportunity to see a shipwreck in addition to the marine life, plus swimming within the sea your self and a slide off the boat. Or get even nearer on a Yellow Submarine swim cruise, the place you possibly can look out from the underwater cabin, in addition to time for a swim.
Or be a part of a tour for the Blue Lagoon – nearly all of these depart from Latchi (or Latsi) harbour, so in the event that they present pick-up from Paphos, you’ll have a drive throughout to the opposite nook of the island for the cruise itself.
It’s nonetheless a very good choice should you don’t have your individual transport, however should you’ve bought a automobile, it can save you the fee and the time by reserving a Latchi departure – learn on for extra particulars of the one we booked.
Paphos Turtle watching sea scooter journey
One thing between a ship trip and a snorkelling expedition, one of the uncommon approach to get near the marine life is on a Paphos Turtle watching snorkeling sea scooter journey.
The four-hour journey contains recommendations on find out how to use the ocean scooters in addition to snorkeling recommendation – it’s appropriate for age 1+ though realistically it’s higher with youngsters who can swim and are assured within the water quite than young children.
Keep in mind you’ll have to share the ocean scooters, so received’t have it for the total swimming a part of the journey (which is round 90 minutes, excluding the time to get to the vacation spot).
However the likelihood of swimming with turtles is tough to beat, so it’s a fantastic choice for youths who love animals.
Paphos Zoo
Bored of seashores and historical past? For a enjoyable day trip in Paphos for little animal lovers, don’t miss Pafos Zoo, the most important licensed zoo in all of Cyprus.
The wildlife reserve is dwelling to over 350 species of animals from the world over, together with lions, giraffes, monkeys, meerkats, kangaroos, and extra. It’s even dwelling to one in every of Europe’s largest collections of venomous snakes and unique birds, with a parrot and owl present in the course of the day too.
The zoo is dedicated to animal care and conservation, with loads of shows and demonstrations to show guests concerning the animal’s pure behaviours and habitats too. There’s additionally a youngsters’s playground, common chook exhibits, and a feeding and petting nook the place youngsters can rise up near some pleasant giants.
It’s round a 30-minute drive from Paphos itself, 10 minutes past Coral Bay, so that you’ll want your individual transportation to get there until you e-book a tour with transport included, equivalent to this full-day journey to Paphos Zoo and the Blue Lagoon.
Purchase tickets to Pafos Zoo with free cancellation
Argonaftis Donkey Farm
Within the countryside close to Paphos, the Argonaftis Donkey Farm provides youngsters the prospect to work together with pleasant Cypriot donkeys and find out about their significance to the island’s historical past and tradition.
As soon as each household in each village would have had their very own donkey as transport and to assist with rising and promoting greens, wine and different creations, however today the numbers have dropped dramatically.
The farm gives shelter and take care of these donkeys whereas operating a breeding program to stop the native species from turning into endangered.
On a go to to the farm, youngsters can take a brief donkey trip by way of the attractive surrounding farmland to go to the Unesco Sindi Monastery.
You may also pattern the farm’s locally-made merchandise or stick round for his or her well-known “Cyprus Tradition Evening,” a family-friendly night of native meals and leisure.
Paphos Sea Caves
Stretching north alongside the coast from Paphos City, the gorgeous sea caves are one in every of western Cyprus’s defining options, shaped over 1000’s of years by the Mediterranean Sea.
You possibly can take a stroll alongside the cliffs to see a number of the lagoon swimming pools from above, or extra adventurous households can discover the caves.
Stroll the clifftops at Peyia to admire the rugged shoreline and dramatic rock formations from above, together with some shallow lagoon swimming pools in shades of greeny blue and turquoise, in addition to flat rocks protected against the waves.
Or head to the Coral Bay sea caves the place you possibly can swim into the coves at low tide.
Spot the Edro III shipwreck
Not removed from the ocean caves, don’t miss the Edro III shipwreck, wedged on the rocks a brief drive from Coral Bay – it foundered in 2011 and has grow to be an attraction in its personal proper.
Fashionable for images at sundown, you possibly can count on larger crowds on the finish of the day. Flip up earlier within the morning and also you’ll most likely have it to your self to snap a number of photos and eye up the dramatic sight.
There’s additionally a stunning little restaurant close to the waterfront right here – opened as a bit of cafe earlier than the wreck, the proprietor had picked a fortunate spot as round a yr later, this quiet nook of the coast grew to become a must-visit vacation spot!
By the way all of the crew on board have been saved and the ship has been secured in order to not pollute the water – for now, it’s caught quick, though someday, the pounding waves may but return it to the ocean. Unlikely to be any day quickly although.
ADONIS Botanic Backyard
For a peaceable household attraction in Paphos, spend a few hours strolling across the ADONIS Botanic Backyard. The beautiful backyard is stuffed with unique timber, vegetation, herbs, and flowers, together with many species native to Cyprus.
Youngsters can find out about native life on the backyard’s small village museum right here too, watch an outdated oil press crush olives to supply olive oil, choose herbs to brew their very own tea, and even get pleasure from a dip within the backyard’s pure spring pool and waterfalls.
It’s round 20 minutes from Paphos, and round 10 minutes from Coral Bay.
The most effective days out from Paphos with youngsters
Whereas Cyprus is a giant island, there are nonetheless some simple day journeys you can also make from Paphos with youngsters, with out having to drive for hours – should you do need to discover additional, keep in mind it’s an hour to Limassol, 90 minutes to Larnaca and nearly two hours to Ayia Napa. Right here’s my choose of the perfect.
Blue Lagoon boat tour
The Blue Lagoon is among the hottest locations for boat journeys to go to in Cyprus – and for good purpose, the clear turquoise water right here is completely beautiful.
You possibly can take journeys from Paphos itself, though examine once you’re reserving as quite a lot of boats depart from Latchi quite than Paphos Harbour in order that they’ll add a protracted bus journey on to the beginning. Even higher, in case you have your individual automobile, drive over to Latchi your self to get the boat, as we did.
Cyprus Mini Cruises do three excursions day-after-day in summer time – two 2.5 hour journeys in the course of the daytime, and a four-hour cruise which leaves at 4pm and returns to Latchi harbour at sundown.
The longer cruise additionally features a BBQ with grilled hen and pork, bread, tomatoey couscous and salad.
Alongside the way in which, you sail previous the baths of Aphrodite. The coast will get its title from a small pool simply inland the place the goddess was stated to wash, and the place you will get everlasting youth or discover love by taking a dip within the waters – that’s not allowed at present, so that you simply must benefit from the views!
There’s additionally time to snorkel and swim on the Blue Lagoon (carry your individual snorkel) with round an hour in the course of the longer cruise – head over to the rocks for the perfect sea life.
Plus after the meals, the crew inflate a slide to whizz down into the ocean from the decrease deck or there’s time to leap in and swim a bit of extra earlier than cruising again because the solar units.
The Steni Museum of Village Life
The Steni Museum of Village Life is a stunning little family-friendly museum all about rural life in Paphos and Cyprus, and an effective way for youths to find out how life was lived on the island not way back.
The free museum options real looking scenes of individuals going about their day-to-day lives in a conventional Cypriot village in the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, with a set of artefacts starting from clothes to farming instruments.
There’s additionally a youngsters’ playground proper exterior the museum and a neighborhood taverna throughout the street the place you possibly can seize lunch, making for a enjoyable household day trip. It’s round 40 minutes from Paphos itself, however solely about quarter-hour from Latchi, so it’s simple to mix with a Blue Lagoon tour.
Akamas Nationwide Park peninsula tour
Up on the western tip of the north coast Cyprus lies the Akamas Nationwide Park – till just lately, there was no improvement allowed in any respect, and whereas a street is now being constructed, don’t attempt to discover right here with out a 4×4.
As our little rent automobile wouldn’t stand as much as off-roading, we booked a day tour with Sunshine Safari Excursions which included a go to to the Avakas Gorge – learn on for extra particulars – in addition to an opportunity to identify turtles at Lara Bay and at Agios Georgios harbour, plus a go to to the little turtle museum and a few Cypriot espresso in Ineia.
To not point out an entire lot of off-roading, driving alongside tough paths to take in the views, attempt carob pods straight from the timber, spot mountain goats and get our hearts racing on the slopes.
Avakas Gorge
One of many highlights of a go to to the Akamas Nationwide Park is a stroll by way of Avakas Gorge.
Do put on smart footwear right here (ideally waterproof sandals, however one thing with first rate grip in any other case) however it’s simple sufficient for youths to attempt should you do.
Beginning with a large path, you’ll move a number of the island’s endemic timber, together with fairly pink flowering Oleander (poisonous regardless of its enticing look) in addition to an olive tree that’s considered 800 years outdated alongside the way in which.
You’ll additionally spot lizards dashing away into the undergrowth, butterflies and possibly even hear the shrieks of eagles as you go.
The trail will get narrower and narrower, clambering throughout stepping stones till you attain one of many thinnest sections of the gorge, round 2-3m huge.
If you happen to’ve bought a automobile which might deal with the roads resulting in the automobile park, it’s simple to discover independently, or you possibly can go to simply as a part of a tour – we noticed it on our Sunshine Safaris day tour (and in contrast to a number of the different excursions, our information additionally got here with us to clarify what we have been seeing and cease us getting misplaced).
See Aphrodite’s Rock
Top-of-the-line-known myths hooked up to Cyprus is that its the birthplace of Aphrodite, and you may nonetheless go to the spot at present at Aphrodite’s Rock.
Its actual title is Petra tou Romiou; in keeping with legend it was thrown into the ocean by a hero and solely later did the goddess of affection and sweetness emerge from the waves close by – today, the rock and the seaside are very firmly Aphrodite’s although.
It’s stated should you swim as soon as across the rock, you’ll get good luck. If you happen to solely have time for a brief go to, we swam out to the touch it and again in about 10 minutes! The seaside is pebbly so water sneakers are a good suggestion.
There’s additionally a secure route from the automobile park underneath the street to the seaside, so that you needn’t dodge site visitors – it narrows to a reasonably skinny darkish tunnel earlier than rising once more into the daylight.
When you may drive alongside to the rock from Paphos – it takes round 20 minutes – there’s not quite a bit else to do close by when you’ve completed with the seaside, so it’s higher to mix with one thing else, such because the Troodos Mountains.
Troodos Mountains
For an extended day journey from Paphos that’s preferrred for older youngsters, head up into the Troodos Mountains to discover a distinct facet of Cyprus.
If you happen to’re visiting exterior peak season, don’t be shocked to search out the roads lined with snow within the winter months, so solely drive should you’re ready. In the course of the summer time, the roads are good (if twisty, that is the mountains) so you possibly can discover independently.
Having had such a very good time on our Sunshine Safari tour to the Akamas Peninsula earlier in our journey, we determined to swap our plan of setting out on our personal for an additional day journey with Konstantinos, whose mom was born (and presently lives) in a village within the Troodos Mountains.
I’m so glad we did too, as we visited locations I doubt I’d ever have discovered solo, in addition to a bit extra off roading by way of the mountains away from the primary roads (which my little rent automobile positively wouldn’t have coped with).
Alongside the way in which, we noticed the second largest dam in Cyprus, earlier than strolling alongside a dried-up river mattress and over a 500-year-old Venetian bridge.
Then on to go to the Chantara waterfalls the place we had a dip within the swimming pools (mountain recent water, excellent for cooling you down – carry water sneakers should you can), noticed the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Omodos, in addition to stopping within the fairly village for lunch.
We additionally found a household enterprise making loukoumi (Cypriot delight – positively not Turkish delight!) in addition to a vineyard making blue wine (they use purple grape skins to get the color) and tried native halloumi and Cypriot espresso.
If you happen to’re not taking a tour, Platres is one other great spot to cease, and we may fortunately have spent longer wandering by way of Omodos too – it’s value realizing that it will get even busier at weekends, as quite a lot of Cypriots will go to then, together with to go to the monastery.
You may also make a brief detour to Aphrodite’s rock – we stopped on the way in which again to Paphos to complete our day with a fast sea swim.
*First revealed 2013, final up to date 2024*
Disclosure: This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions on the perfect issues to do in Paphos with youngsters are my very own (and my daughter’s)
Donkey/waterslide photos courtesy Depositphotos, all different photos copyright MummyTravels
