The third largest island within the Mediterranean, you want far multiple household vacation to discover Cyprus – however in the event 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 an incredible choice in the event you’re in search of someplace nearer to house moderately than a long-haul escape to seek out some heat outdoors 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 in the event you aren’t staying within the metropolis, it’s very straightforward to go to and discover – the 615 bus travels alongside the principle coast highway, or automotive rent doesn’t break the bank (plus in the event 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’ll be able to 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 fortress 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’ll be able to see among the historical past within the inscription above the fortress entrance in addition to on the data inside.
Whereas a lot of the inside is gone, you’ll be able to nonetheless see the form of the rooms and the place the higher flooring would have been, in addition to imaginging the place the deepest dungeon was.
Among the best components (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 teenagers and solely a few Euros for adults, and doesn’t take too lengthy to go searching, so it’s 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 identify, there have been no kings buried right here. As a substitute, they had been used for high-ranking officers and aristocracy – the identify 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 primary tombs scattered round with QR codes to present info or extra on the app for the Paphos archaeological websites – there are not any maps although, and generally complicated instructions, so don’t be stunned in the event you don’t discover all of them!
As soon as they’d have been filled with gold and different valuable gadgets, however between tomb robbers and rapacious excavators, there’s little or no left at this time.
The tombs themselves are nonetheless spectacular although, and you’ll even spot among the colored plaster on the wall of 1, in addition to searching for particulars like nicely and carvings for small altars.
A few of the tombs are designed to mimic the homes of the residing, a method that was influenced by historical 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 might probably simply be 30C+ by 9am. Alternatively, attempt to time your go to on the finish of the day – permit round 60-90 minutes to discover. Youngsters go free.
Nea Paphos Archaeological Park
One of the crucial essential 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 house to websites and monuments from the Ptolemaic Odeon proper as much as medieval instances, though so much is from the Roman period.
There’s an app to obtain with extra info and a map (nicely value having), in addition to free WiFi to entry it, plus recommendations 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 complete tour can take as much as 4 hours, which is nicely past my daughter’s tolerance for historical ruins (and my very own, when the temperature is within the excessive 30s!)
Don’t miss the Home of Dionysus for among the greatest mosaics, and it’s nicely value strolling over in the 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 drugs are a bit arduous 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 permit a minimum of 90 minutes if you wish to attempt to see the entire website. Youngsters go free.
Should you’d wish to discover additional to see extra of the historic websites close to Paphos with youngsters, Kouklia is among the oldest websites, house to the Sanctuary of Pafia Aphrodite
Discover Paphos City
In case your youngsters are bored of historical 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 realm marked Outdated City on Google Maps, it’s fairly boring with not a lot to see there except you’re visiting the Archaeological Museum.
Should you’re in search of souvenirs, there are outlets aplenty, all filled with jewelry, knick knacks, mementoes and extra – it’s all fairly related, with most issues at pocket cash costs (although just a few are pricier, in the event you’re in search of one thing particular) and loads of little cafes additionally dotted across the white-washed streets.
Should you wander the size of Makariou, you’ll get to Kennedy Sq. (principally boarded off and below development once we visited) in addition to Paphos City Corridor and the Municipal Gardens, a shady spot for teenagers to play.
Paphos Archaeological Museum
In case your youngsters’ eyes are rolling on the considered extra historical 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 displays themselves together with some fascinating finds. It’s organized chronologically, so you’ll be able to see 5,000-year-old pots, in addition to day after day gadgets – lamps, statues, cash, even gold jewelry.
Add in just a few 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 often one thing to maintain youngsters .
My daughter and I performed our typical sport of ‘what would you are taking house’ and located one thing to tempt us in each show – plus because it’s a comparatively small assortment, you don’t get overwhelmed by limitless 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 except you’ve got a Cypriot cellular, you might not be capable to pay in any other case (and might’t use money).
Paphos seashores
A visit to Paphos wouldn’t be full with out some household seashore 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 seashore additionally has loads of amenities, together with sunbeds, bogs, showers, outlets, and even watersports for teenagers and adults to take pleasure in.
Alykes and Vrysoudia Seashores, situated close to busy Paphos Harbour, are extra handy choices in the event you’re staying in Paphos itself, with a vigorous environment and simply accessible from numerous the resorts within the space.
For a extra peaceable and pure seashore, Latchi sits on the northern coast for households who need to escape the crowds. You’ll need to have your personal automotive to drive there and there are some twisting mountain roads – although nothing too tough – but it surely’s a enjoyable day trip if you wish to discover extra extensively.
Should you’re planning to rent a automotive to discover Cyprus with youngsters, considered one of my favorite websites is Zest Automobile Rental which I used for our journey to Paphos
Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark
In case your youngsters love water parks, you’ll discover among the larger resorts have their very own slides but it surely’s arduous to beat a enjoyable household day trip at Aphrodite Water Park, the largest waterpark within the Paphos area.
The large aqua journey centre has loads of rides and sights for teenagers of all ages. Little ones will love the splash pads and mini slides, whereas older youngsters and teenagers 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 take pleasure in, 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
Soar on board the Jolly Roger and set sail on a half-day pirate boat cruise from Paphos that youthful youngsters particularly are positive to like.
The standard ship takes you on a journey alongside the attractive Paphos shoreline and is manned by a crew of costumed pirates. The crew maintain little ones entertained with pirate-themed reveals, 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
Should you 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’ll be able to look out from the underwater cabin, in addition to time for a swim.
Or be 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 choice in the event you don’t have your personal transport, however in the event you’ve received a automotive, it can save you the price 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 journey 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 tips about 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 moderately than babies.
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 probability of swimming with turtles is difficult to beat, so it’s an incredible choice for teenagers 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 biggest licensed zoo in all of Cyprus.
The wildlife reserve is house to over 350 species of animals from internationally, together with lions, giraffes, monkeys, meerkats, kangaroos, and extra. It’s even house to considered one of Europe’s largest collections of venomous snakes and unique birds, with a parrot and owl present through 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 fowl reveals, and a feeding and petting nook the place youngsters can stand 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 personal transportation to get there except you ebook a tour with transport included, resembling 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 offers 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 lately the numbers have dropped dramatically.
The farm offers shelter and take care of these donkeys whereas working a breeding program to stop the native species from changing into endangered.
On a go to to the farm, youngsters can take a brief donkey journey by way of the attractive surrounding farmland to go to the Unesco Sindi Monastery.
It’s also possible to pattern the farm’s locally-made merchandise or stick round for his or her well-known “Cyprus Tradition Night time,” 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 considered one of western Cyprus’s defining options, shaped over hundreds of years by the Mediterranean Sea.
You possibly can take a stroll alongside the cliffs to see among 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’ll be able to 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 develop into an attraction in its personal proper.
Fashionable for images at sundown, you’ll be able to anticipate 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 just a few footage and eye up the dramatic sight.
There’s additionally a beautiful little restaurant close to the waterfront right here – opened as a bit cafe earlier than the wreck, the proprietor had picked a fortunate spot as round a 12 months later, this quiet nook of the coast turned a must-visit vacation spot!
By the way all of the crew on board had been saved and the ship has been secured in order to not pollute the water – for now, it’s caught quick, though at some point, 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 full of 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 provide olive oil, decide herbs to brew their very own tea, and even take pleasure in 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 very best days out from Paphos with youngsters
Whereas Cyprus is a giant island, there are nonetheless some straightforward day journeys you can also make from Paphos with youngsters, with out having to drive for hours – in the event 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 decide 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 test once you’re reserving as numerous boats depart from Latchi moderately than Paphos Harbour so that they’ll add an extended bus journey on to the beginning. Even higher, if in case you have your personal automotive, drive over to Latchi your self to get the boat, as we did.
Cyprus Mini Cruises do three excursions every single day in summer time – two 2.5 hour journeys through 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 rooster and pork, bread, tomatoey couscous and salad.
Alongside the best way, you sail previous the baths of Aphrodite. The coast will get its identify from a small pool simply inland the place the goddess was mentioned to wash, and the place you may get everlasting youth or discover love by taking a dip within the waters – that’s not allowed at this time, so that you simply need to benefit from the views!
There’s additionally time to snorkel and swim on the Blue Lagoon (deliver your personal snorkel) with round an hour through 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 extra earlier than cruising again because the solar units.
The Steni Museum of Village Life
The Steni Museum of Village Life is a beautiful little family-friendly museum all about rural life in Paphos and Cyprus, and an effective way for teenagers to find out how life was lived on the island not way back.
The free museum options lifelike scenes of individuals going about their day-to-day lives in a conventional Cypriot village through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, with a group of artefacts starting from clothes to farming instruments.
There’s additionally a youngsters’ playground proper outdoors the museum and a neighborhood taverna throughout the highway the place you’ll be able to 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 straightforward 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 lately, there was no growth allowed in any respect, and whereas a highway is now being constructed, don’t attempt to discover right here with no 4×4.
As our little rent automotive 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 a complete lot of off-roading, driving alongside tough paths to absorb the views, strive carob pods straight from the timber, spot mountain goats and get our hearts racing on the slopes.
Take a look at my full overview of our tour of Akamas Nationwide Park and Avakas Gorge with youngsters
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 wise footwear right here (ideally waterproof sandals, however one thing with respectable grip in any other case) but it surely’s straightforward sufficient for teenagers to strive in the event you do.
Beginning with a large path, you’ll move among the island’s endemic timber, together with fairly pink flowering Oleander (poisonous regardless of its engaging look) in addition to an olive tree that’s regarded as 800 years outdated alongside the best way.
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 vast.
Should you’ve received a automotive which may deal with the roads resulting in the automotive park, it’s straightforward to discover independently, or you’ll be able to go to simply as a part of a tour – we noticed it on our Sunshine Safaris day tour (and in contrast to among the different excursions, our information additionally got here with us to clarify what we had been seeing and cease us getting misplaced).
See Aphrodite’s Rock
Among the best-known myths connected to Cyprus is that its the birthplace of Aphrodite, and you’ll nonetheless go to the spot at this time at Aphrodite’s Rock.
Its actual identify is Petra tou Romiou; in accordance with legend it was thrown into the ocean by a hero and solely later did the goddess of affection and wonder emerge from the waves close by – lately, the rock and the seashore are very firmly Aphrodite’s although.
It’s mentioned in the event you swim as soon as across the rock, you’ll get good luck. Should you solely have time for a brief go to, we swam out to the touch it and again in about 10 minutes! The seashore is pebbly so water footwear are a good suggestion.
There’s additionally a secure route from the automotive park below the highway to the seashore, so that you needn’t dodge site visitors – it narrows to a reasonably skinny darkish tunnel earlier than rising once more into the daylight.
Whilst you might drive alongside to the rock from Paphos – it takes round 20 minutes – there’s not so much else to do close by when you’ve completed with the seashore, 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 excellent for older youngsters, head up into the Troodos Mountains to discover a special facet of Cyprus.
Should you’re visiting outdoors peak season, don’t be stunned to seek out the roads coated with snow within the winter months, so solely drive in the event you’re ready. Throughout the summer time, the roads are good (if twisty, that is the mountains) so you’ll be able to discover independently.
Having had such 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 one more day journey with Konstantinos, whose mom was born (and at present 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 principle roads (which my little rent automotive positively wouldn’t have coped with).
Take a look at what we considered our day tour of the Troodos Mountains with youngsters in my full overview
Alongside the best way, we noticed the second greatest 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 contemporary water, excellent for cooling you down – deliver water footwear in the event 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.
Should you’re not taking a tour, Platres is one other excellent spot to cease, and we might fortunately have spent longer wandering by way of Omodos too – it’s value realizing that it will get even busier at weekends, as numerous Cypriots will go to then, together with to go to the monastery.
It’s also possible to make a brief detour to Aphrodite’s rock – we stopped on the best way again to Paphos to complete our day with a fast sea swim.
*First revealed 2013, final up to date 2024*
Disclosure: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could 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 photographs courtesy Depositphotos, all different photographs copyright MummyTravels