Stella's Guidebook
Coastal scenery and beaches
The best spots for swimming, exploring the beautiful coastline, or watching the sunset
You can enjoy a cliff top walk along the top of the sea caves, and admire the natural rock formations which create stunning arches and caverns along the coast. Or you can go down to the stony beaches between the crags and swim in and out of arches, inlets and bays, with a stunning backdrop above you.
Best to take a picnic and enjoy a sunset view as you sunbathe on a flat rock gazing out to sea.
You will need trainers or shoes with good grip, and a sense of adventure - the best bits are the bits you have to explore to find!
It is an 8 minute drive away, or a 1 hour and 10 minute walk. You could also rent bikes or a buggy from a center on Coral Bay Avenue if you don’t want to rent a car.
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Sea Caves
You can enjoy a cliff top walk along the top of the sea caves, and admire the natural rock formations which create stunning arches and caverns along the coast. Or you can go down to the stony beaches between the crags and swim in and out of arches, inlets and bays, with a stunning backdrop above you.
Best to take a picnic and enjoy a sunset view as you sunbathe on a flat rock gazing out to sea.
You will need trainers or shoes with good grip, and a sense of adventure - the best bits are the bits you have to explore to find!
It is an 8 minute drive away, or a 1 hour and 10 minute walk. You could also rent bikes or a buggy from a center on Coral Bay Avenue if you don’t want to rent a car.
Visit the mythical Baths of Aphrodite, a shaded grotto at the end of a short nature trail, which signposts the natural plants of Cyprus.
There are longer hiking trails which allow you to explore the wooded hills which overlook stunning clear blue waters below. You may be lucky and spot a Cyprus moufflon.
To cool off, go down to the pebble beach and enjoy a swim.
Word of warning - the restaurant there is not recommended (other than for drinks), but there are charming fruit sellers and a very nice ice cream cafe with local delicacies.
You will need a car to get here - it’s about a 45 minute drive.
There are also boat rides that offer day trips from the nearby beach town of Latching, you may be able to find a trip that includes your transport here and back, with an included visit to Aphrodite’s baths. Check out the tourist centers on Coral Bay Avenue to see what they can offer.
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Afrodites bad
E713Visit the mythical Baths of Aphrodite, a shaded grotto at the end of a short nature trail, which signposts the natural plants of Cyprus.
There are longer hiking trails which allow you to explore the wooded hills which overlook stunning clear blue waters below. You may be lucky and spot a Cyprus moufflon.
To cool off, go down to the pebble beach and enjoy a swim.
Word of warning - the restaurant there is not recommended (other than for drinks), but there are charming fruit sellers and a very nice ice cream cafe with local delicacies.
You will need a car to get here - it’s about a 45 minute drive.
There are also boat rides that offer day trips from the nearby beach town of Latching, you may be able to find a trip that includes your transport here and back, with an included visit to Aphrodite’s baths. Check out the tourist centers on Coral Bay Avenue to see what they can offer.
Lara beach is a secluded, sandy beach where turtles nest - you might be lucky enough to see some. The beach is off the beaten track, intrepid travellers to Lara beach will enjoy the journey through the unspoiled scenery of the Akamas countryside. There is an information hut at the far end which sometimes has little baby turtles (two types) and lots of I formation about turtles life cycles for visitors to see.
Take snacks and plenty of water as there are no services at the beach.
You will need a car (four wheel drive recommended ideally, but it’s been done without) to get here, although an intrepid cyclist may be confident enough to go on two wheels.
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Lara Beach
Lara beach is a secluded, sandy beach where turtles nest - you might be lucky enough to see some. The beach is off the beaten track, intrepid travellers to Lara beach will enjoy the journey through the unspoiled scenery of the Akamas countryside. There is an information hut at the far end which sometimes has little baby turtles (two types) and lots of I formation about turtles life cycles for visitors to see.
Take snacks and plenty of water as there are no services at the beach.
You will need a car (four wheel drive recommended ideally, but it’s been done without) to get here, although an intrepid cyclist may be confident enough to go on two wheels.
The legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love.
You will need a car to get here, it’s about a 50 minute drive from the Airbnb.
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Afrodites klippa
The legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love.
You will need a car to get here, it’s about a 50 minute drive from the Airbnb.
Food scene
Trendy place with a modern menu and beautiful scenic atmosphere by the sea - frequented by Cypriots and tourists in the know.
Best at sunset where you can enjoy a drink while watching the sun go down over the picturesque shipwreck off the coast. Great for cocktails and non alcoholic drinks as well.
This is about an 8 minute drive from the Airbnb or a 45 minute walk.
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Oniro By The Sea
05 Glikou NerouTrendy place with a modern menu and beautiful scenic atmosphere by the sea - frequented by Cypriots and tourists in the know.
Best at sunset where you can enjoy a drink while watching the sun go down over the picturesque shipwreck off the coast. Great for cocktails and non alcoholic drinks as well.
This is about an 8 minute drive from the Airbnb or a 45 minute walk.
Calling to reserve is a must - it’s a fashionable spot for Cypriots, with seasonal small plates and local produce, set in a beautiful example of traditional Cypriot architecture. The views over the main square which is lit up at night create a vibrant atmosphere.
You will need a car to get here, it’s about a 20 minute drive from the Airbnb
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Κουτουρού Καφενείο Ουζερί
Filippou AntoniaidiCalling to reserve is a must - it’s a fashionable spot for Cypriots, with seasonal small plates and local produce, set in a beautiful example of traditional Cypriot architecture. The views over the main square which is lit up at night create a vibrant atmosphere.
You will need a car to get here, it’s about a 20 minute drive from the Airbnb
This local 5 star hotel is just 10 minutes walk from Stella’s Place airbnb. It’s got a nice atmosphere for an afternoon coffee or try out one of its many restaurants with varied specialties.
The hotel also has a spa available for external visitors to book, with sauna jacuzzi steam room, as well as massages and facials.
Coral Beach Hotel & Resort
70 Coral Bay AveThis local 5 star hotel is just 10 minutes walk from Stella’s Place airbnb. It’s got a nice atmosphere for an afternoon coffee or try out one of its many restaurants with varied specialties.
The hotel also has a spa available for external visitors to book, with sauna jacuzzi steam room, as well as massages and facials.
Cliff top restaurant with fresh caught fish grilled over charcoal (chicken and meat for non fish eaters) and stunning sunset views overlooking a small is,and and picturesque fishing harbor. This restaurant might look humble from the outside but my family has been enjoying the fresh, high quality fish and unique views for generations, and I have faith you will have a great time.
It is possible to drive right down to the marina and swim at the sandy beach alongside it, but you must be aware of the little fishing boats coming in and out if you stray very deep into the water.
The restaurant is also next to an old 13th century church to St George, which has many beautiful and varied depictions of the Saint in different styles from different eras. This church has always been a popular site for pilgrimage by Christians and there still remain some accommodation available for pilgrims today.
There is also a modern Greek church to St George, which will give you an insight into the iconography and rituals (you can donate some change to light a candle) of modern Greek Orthodox traditions.
Check out the information in my guidebook under Archaeology to learn about the Agios Georgios archaeological site, and consider planning your afternoon to stroll through some mosaics, take a walk down to the marina, and finish with a delicious dinner overlooking the sunset.
You will need a car to get here - it’s about a 17 minute drive. Or you can cycle, which I have done, and then it’s up to an hour depending on how fit you are. There is a cycle path for some of the journey along the main road
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Agios Georgios Pegeias
Cliff top restaurant with fresh caught fish grilled over charcoal (chicken and meat for non fish eaters) and stunning sunset views overlooking a small is,and and picturesque fishing harbor. This restaurant might look humble from the outside but my family has been enjoying the fresh, high quality fish and unique views for generations, and I have faith you will have a great time.
It is possible to drive right down to the marina and swim at the sandy beach alongside it, but you must be aware of the little fishing boats coming in and out if you stray very deep into the water.
The restaurant is also next to an old 13th century church to St George, which has many beautiful and varied depictions of the Saint in different styles from different eras. This church has always been a popular site for pilgrimage by Christians and there still remain some accommodation available for pilgrims today.
There is also a modern Greek church to St George, which will give you an insight into the iconography and rituals (you can donate some change to light a candle) of modern Greek Orthodox traditions.
Check out the information in my guidebook under Archaeology to learn about the Agios Georgios archaeological site, and consider planning your afternoon to stroll through some mosaics, take a walk down to the marina, and finish with a delicious dinner overlooking the sunset.
You will need a car to get here - it’s about a 17 minute drive. Or you can cycle, which I have done, and then it’s up to an hour depending on how fit you are. There is a cycle path for some of the journey along the main road
Close to the Paphos Harbour, follow up your trip to the Mosaics with a sunset walk along the Harbour and then come here for brilliant traditional Cyprus charcoal barbecued meats (souvla and souvlaki) or the slow cooked speciality kleftiko.
I have personally eaten here many times since childhood, and now my children take their friends here - a guaranteed good meal.
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Hondros
Apostolou Pavlou AvenueClose to the Paphos Harbour, follow up your trip to the Mosaics with a sunset walk along the Harbour and then come here for brilliant traditional Cyprus charcoal barbecued meats (souvla and souvlaki) or the slow cooked speciality kleftiko.
I have personally eaten here many times since childhood, and now my children take their friends here - a guaranteed good meal.
Cute cafe and restaurant in the centre of the old town of Paphos. Stop here during the day after exploring local arts and crafts centres nearby (many offer activities for kids and adults to have a go at some traditional crafts), soaking up the traditional architecture, and perhaps a spot of shopping. Just down the road is “The Place Cyprus” which offers activities as well as hand made artisanal items.
The cafe has an affiliated ice cream parlour opposite which serves the best ice cream, Cyprus’s very own Papafilippou ice cream. My kids have grown up enjoying the most traditional flavor “Mastiha” made from the sap of a Mastic tree - its a bit of a love/hate flavor so ask to try a taste before you commit!
You will need a car to get here, it’s about a 20 minute drive. Or if you are more adventurous you can get the 651 bus which stops outside the Airbnb, take it to the Tombs of the Kings stop, then take a 20 minute walk from there to the Paphos Old Town and Beatriz.
To make an afternoon of it, explore the Old Town and local artisanal and modern shops, have a snack or ice cream at Beatriz or somewhere else nearby like Cake (see my entry under Food Scene). Walk over to the Ethnographic Museum to learn about traditional Cyprus ways of life over the past 200 years in a real preserved traditional property (see my entry under Traditional Cyprus), then head to Koutourou restaurant (see my entry under Food Scene) for dinner and drinks (they do excellent home made desert), and end with a taxi home.
BEATRIZ
36 Κωνσταντίνου ΚανάρηCute cafe and restaurant in the centre of the old town of Paphos. Stop here during the day after exploring local arts and crafts centres nearby (many offer activities for kids and adults to have a go at some traditional crafts), soaking up the traditional architecture, and perhaps a spot of shopping. Just down the road is “The Place Cyprus” which offers activities as well as hand made artisanal items.
The cafe has an affiliated ice cream parlour opposite which serves the best ice cream, Cyprus’s very own Papafilippou ice cream. My kids have grown up enjoying the most traditional flavor “Mastiha” made from the sap of a Mastic tree - its a bit of a love/hate flavor so ask to try a taste before you commit!
You will need a car to get here, it’s about a 20 minute drive. Or if you are more adventurous you can get the 651 bus which stops outside the Airbnb, take it to the Tombs of the Kings stop, then take a 20 minute walk from there to the Paphos Old Town and Beatriz.
To make an afternoon of it, explore the Old Town and local artisanal and modern shops, have a snack or ice cream at Beatriz or somewhere else nearby like Cake (see my entry under Food Scene). Walk over to the Ethnographic Museum to learn about traditional Cyprus ways of life over the past 200 years in a real preserved traditional property (see my entry under Traditional Cyprus), then head to Koutourou restaurant (see my entry under Food Scene) for dinner and drinks (they do excellent home made desert), and end with a taxi home.
Delicious home made cake and snacks, changing menu, and wonderful atmosphere and service.
I recently went there with a friend who cannot eat gluten, and the staff told me that they would bake something quickly from scratch as they didn’t have anything gluten free at the time - 10 minutes later my friend was enjoying a custom made chocolate fondant lava cake. Brilliant service!
The cafe is near the Old Town, Ethnographic Museum, and Koutourou restaurant, which I mention elsewhere in my guidebook, if you wish to combine activities. It is also a very short 5 minute drive from the Harbour.
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Let Them Eat Cake
2 Agiou TheodorouDelicious home made cake and snacks, changing menu, and wonderful atmosphere and service.
I recently went there with a friend who cannot eat gluten, and the staff told me that they would bake something quickly from scratch as they didn’t have anything gluten free at the time - 10 minutes later my friend was enjoying a custom made chocolate fondant lava cake. Brilliant service!
The cafe is near the Old Town, Ethnographic Museum, and Koutourou restaurant, which I mention elsewhere in my guidebook, if you wish to combine activities. It is also a very short 5 minute drive from the Harbour.
When Koutourou is fully booked, Cypriots come here for a great backup option - good food, good atmosphere.
Close to the Paphos Old Town. You’ll need a car to get here.
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Fettas Tavern
When Koutourou is fully booked, Cypriots come here for a great backup option - good food, good atmosphere.
Close to the Paphos Old Town. You’ll need a car to get here.
Archaeology and history
Discover the rich and varied history of Cyprus - from the Bronze Age, Ancient Greece, the Romans, Lusignans, Venetians, and more
Some of the best preserved mosaics in the Mediterranean - intricate and fascinating scenes of gods and nature from the Hellenistic era 2nd century AD, in a coastal archaeological park with sea views and scenic walks through ancient ruins.
It’s best to go in the cooler parts of the day (before 10, or from 3pm onward) so you can enjoy walking around the archaeological park at your leisure. Take a bottle of water.
The entrance to the Mosaics is at the Paphos Harbour, and the 615 bus goes directly there from the bus stop outside Stella’s Place Airbnb. There is also free parking at the Harbour.
If you would like to make an afternoon of it, follow up your mosaic trip with a walk down the harbour to the medieval Fortress, take a right just before you get there to find the coastal path that runs parallel to the archaeological park that will offer some lovely sunset views.
For dinner, skip the restaurants at the harbour (although if you order fresh fish many will do a great job) and walk 10 minutes back towards town to get to Hondros restaurant for traditional Cypriot barbecue frequented by Cypriots and tourists in the know. Check out my Food Scene entry for Hondros to learn more.
For dessert, stop off at one of many ice cream cafes along the harbour, the best one is close to the start of the harbour which offers locally made Cyprus ice cream by the brand Papafilippou
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Pafosmosaikerna
19 Pafias AfroditisSome of the best preserved mosaics in the Mediterranean - intricate and fascinating scenes of gods and nature from the Hellenistic era 2nd century AD, in a coastal archaeological park with sea views and scenic walks through ancient ruins.
It’s best to go in the cooler parts of the day (before 10, or from 3pm onward) so you can enjoy walking around the archaeological park at your leisure. Take a bottle of water.
The entrance to the Mosaics is at the Paphos Harbour, and the 615 bus goes directly there from the bus stop outside Stella’s Place Airbnb. There is also free parking at the Harbour.
If you would like to make an afternoon of it, follow up your mosaic trip with a walk down the harbour to the medieval Fortress, take a right just before you get there to find the coastal path that runs parallel to the archaeological park that will offer some lovely sunset views.
For dinner, skip the restaurants at the harbour (although if you order fresh fish many will do a great job) and walk 10 minutes back towards town to get to Hondros restaurant for traditional Cypriot barbecue frequented by Cypriots and tourists in the know. Check out my Food Scene entry for Hondros to learn more.
For dessert, stop off at one of many ice cream cafes along the harbour, the best one is close to the start of the harbour which offers locally made Cyprus ice cream by the brand Papafilippou
St George (Agios Georgios) has a lot to offer for an afternoon and evening - mosaics, a 13th century church, a modern Greek church, a traditional fishing harbour and sandy beach, and then a cliff top restaurant to enjoy the sunset while eating fresh fish. Check out my Food Scene recommendation for more about the restaurant and churches and photos of the sunset.
The Agios Georgios archaeological site is a small archaeological site which has some of the only examples of turtles, squid and other sea life depicted in mosaics. Have fun seeing if you can spot the different creatures in the intricate stones.
Excavations from 1952 onwards show that this was a large settlement from the 6th century AD, so dates from the age of Justinian - late Roman and early Christian. The settlement is interestingly not fortified, but perhaps its sea outlook and Clifton position helped to keep it safe.
The position of this settlement, on the tip of western Cyprus, placed it on the sea ‘road’ from Constantinople (in modern day Turkey) down to Alexandria in Egypt, and it is thought that this settlement was a station along that route used for wheat trade.
The settlement had a ‘cemetery’ formed of monumental tombs carved into the cliff side below - you can see these if you walk along the marina below.
Operating Hours:
April 16 - September 15, daily: 08:30 - 16:00
September 16 - April 15, daily: 09:30 - 17:00
Closed on Public Holidays.
Entrance Fee: €2,50
Archaeological Site of Agios Georgios at Pegeia
Agiou GeorgiouSt George (Agios Georgios) has a lot to offer for an afternoon and evening - mosaics, a 13th century church, a modern Greek church, a traditional fishing harbour and sandy beach, and then a cliff top restaurant to enjoy the sunset while eating fresh fish. Check out my Food Scene recommendation for more about the restaurant and churches and photos of the sunset.
The Agios Georgios archaeological site is a small archaeological site which has some of the only examples of turtles, squid and other sea life depicted in mosaics. Have fun seeing if you can spot the different creatures in the intricate stones.
Excavations from 1952 onwards show that this was a large settlement from the 6th century AD, so dates from the age of Justinian - late Roman and early Christian. The settlement is interestingly not fortified, but perhaps its sea outlook and Clifton position helped to keep it safe.
The position of this settlement, on the tip of western Cyprus, placed it on the sea ‘road’ from Constantinople (in modern day Turkey) down to Alexandria in Egypt, and it is thought that this settlement was a station along that route used for wheat trade.
The settlement had a ‘cemetery’ formed of monumental tombs carved into the cliff side below - you can see these if you walk along the marina below.
Operating Hours:
April 16 - September 15, daily: 08:30 - 16:00
September 16 - April 15, daily: 09:30 - 17:00
Closed on Public Holidays.
Entrance Fee: €2,50
This is an archaeological site where the first ancient (Mycenaean) Greeks settled in 1200 BC after emigrating from Greece where the Mycenaean kingdoms had collapsed.
The name ‘Maa’ is an old name for the local area. The name ‘Palaiokastro’ means ‘old fortress/castle’ and comes from the imposing defensive walls that ran on both sides and protected the settlement from the land, and from the sea.
There is a small museum with unusual architecture, and sea views of Coral Bay to enjoy as you walk around.
Operating Hours:
April 16 - September 15, Monday - Friday: 09:30 - 17:00
September 16 - April 15, Monday - Friday: 08:30 - 16:00
Closed on weekend.
Closed on Public Holidays.
Entrance Fee: €2,50
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Maa - Palaiokastro
This is an archaeological site where the first ancient (Mycenaean) Greeks settled in 1200 BC after emigrating from Greece where the Mycenaean kingdoms had collapsed.
The name ‘Maa’ is an old name for the local area. The name ‘Palaiokastro’ means ‘old fortress/castle’ and comes from the imposing defensive walls that ran on both sides and protected the settlement from the land, and from the sea.
There is a small museum with unusual architecture, and sea views of Coral Bay to enjoy as you walk around.
Operating Hours:
April 16 - September 15, Monday - Friday: 09:30 - 17:00
September 16 - April 15, Monday - Friday: 08:30 - 16:00
Closed on weekend.
Closed on Public Holidays.
Entrance Fee: €2,50
Tombs of the Kings
63 Tombs of the Kings AveSanctuary of Aphrodite
1 Γρίβα ΔιγενήKids activities
Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark
Poseidonos AvenuePafos Luna Park
1 Poseidonos AvenuePafos Zoo
Cosmic Bowling
If you are a cat lover, pick up a bag of cat food or treats to donate to the cat park and drive over to spend some quality time with our feline four legged friends. The staff are truly devoted to the welfare of the cats, and welcome all donations whether food or financial.
Follow up with a further 5 minute drive to the beautiful Monastery of Agios Neofytos, a saint who upon hearing his parents had arranged a marriage for him promptly fled to a cave in the mountains where he found God and built a small church into the hillside. The original church still exists with the original Byzantine paintings adorning the inside of the cliffs where the hermit saint prayed and slept. There is also now a full size expanded Monastery which includes a museum, and is a beautiful setting where weddings often take place with views over hills.
Agios Neofytos CatPark
Igoumenou Leontiou AvenueIf you are a cat lover, pick up a bag of cat food or treats to donate to the cat park and drive over to spend some quality time with our feline four legged friends. The staff are truly devoted to the welfare of the cats, and welcome all donations whether food or financial.
Follow up with a further 5 minute drive to the beautiful Monastery of Agios Neofytos, a saint who upon hearing his parents had arranged a marriage for him promptly fled to a cave in the mountains where he found God and built a small church into the hillside. The original church still exists with the original Byzantine paintings adorning the inside of the cliffs where the hermit saint prayed and slept. There is also now a full size expanded Monastery which includes a museum, and is a beautiful setting where weddings often take place with views over hills.
Traditional Cyprus
Arts and crafts centre, offering beautiful artisanal items and activities for kids and adults to get involved in creating your own traditional Cyprus crafts. Check the website to see when activities are on offer.
The Place
56 Constantinou KanariArts and crafts centre, offering beautiful artisanal items and activities for kids and adults to get involved in creating your own traditional Cyprus crafts. Check the website to see when activities are on offer.
Old Town of Paphos
Agios Neofytos was a saint who,upon hearing his parents had arranged a marriage for him promptly fled to a cave in the mountains where he found God and built a small church into the hillside. The original church still exists with the original Byzantine paintings adorning the inside of the cliffs where the hermit saint prayed and slept. There is also now a full size expanded Monastery which includes a museum with unique examples of Byzantine art, and is a beautiful setting where weddings often take place with views over hills.
There is a cafe where you can take a break, and there is a nearby cat sanctuary for feline fans to visit.
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Agios Neophytos Monastery
Agios Neofytos was a saint who,upon hearing his parents had arranged a marriage for him promptly fled to a cave in the mountains where he found God and built a small church into the hillside. The original church still exists with the original Byzantine paintings adorning the inside of the cliffs where the hermit saint prayed and slept. There is also now a full size expanded Monastery which includes a museum with unique examples of Byzantine art, and is a beautiful setting where weddings often take place with views over hills.
There is a cafe where you can take a break, and there is a nearby cat sanctuary for feline fans to visit.