Exploring Paphos, Cyprus: History, Hidden Gems & Mezze Forever
// I was a guest of Jet2Holidays and the Cali Resort & Spa by Louis Hotels
If you’re wondering if Spring is a good time to visit Paphos, Cyprus, then let me jump right in there and yell, YES! YES, IT IS! March/April is an absolutely perfect time to visit. Holidays in Cyprus are ALWAYS going to be good, but there’s something about visiting in Spring that’s just bliss. It’s warm but not too warm, everything is open and it’s not too busy… and if you can grab flights outside of the school Summer hols, then you’re saving your pennies too.
Paphos is drop dead gorgeous, and I want to share with you all the wonderful things we did on our magical little trip in March. We spent only a few days there, but packed in so much, with ease. I was a guest of the Cyprus tourist board, Jet2Holidays and Cali Resort & Spa by Louis Hotels, and I couldn’t have had better hosts – our trip was a knockout.
Here are my highlights from our gorgeous trip to Paphos – a truly beautiful part of Cyprus
Hiking the Aphrodite Nature Trail
This hike was stunning, a little challenging (7km with some climbing) and steeped in Greek mythology. You walk a beautiful loop, from the Baths of Aphrodite – the goddess of love and beauty – which takes you all the way up to the Akamas peninsular for some of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen. You will pass wild artichoke, carob trees, ancient olive trees, juniper, wild garlic and thyme… you can literally follow your nose. It’s an enchanting walk and carries with it, the heartbeat of the country. The pride, the magic, the myth… it’s beautiful.
Lunch at Yiangos & Peter Fish Tavern in Latchi
After we had completed the Aphrodite Nature Trail, we rewarded ourselves with the best fish meze in the world. (I obviously haven’t got a leg to stand on with this statement, but I’m going to say, there’s a good chance I’m right). On the harbour, this family-owned restaurant stands proudly and simply… and you don’t seem to have to order anything – they just bring never ending plates of food until you fall on the floor. Some calamari, some prawns, some Greek salad, and then whatever has come off the boats that day. This seemed to be a theme in Cyprus – food happens to you. All the time. And it’s delicious and wonderful and endless. And BIG! I miss it.
Address: Latchi Harbour, E713, Polis Chrysochous 8852, Cyprus
The House of Sofia and Andreas
This was such a highlight for me. Sofia and her husband, Andreas, live in Letymvou in Paphos, where Sofia makes delicious bread, halloumi and ricotta. The story goes that a couple of tourists were passing by one day and she invited them in to have a go at making bread themselves – they loved their experience and so word spread. Now you can book to go, meet them, cook, bake and eat a meal they prepare for you.
The lemon tree in their garden was heaving with the weight of the fruit, as I watched Sofia calmly prepare and bake around 20 loaves in her enormous fire oven in the garden. She then offered us all some of her freshly made ricotta (heaven and unlike any ricotta I’ve tried before) before we sat down to a meal in her home, where pots and dishes of delicious food, that she had cooked herself, kept arriving. A truly beautiful experience and one to book when you visit Paphos.
There is no website, but you can call to make a booking: ‪+357 26642224
Tombs of The Kings
The renowned ‘Tombs of the Kings’ are located within the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, one of Cyprus’s most significant historical sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. And it is blow-your-mind-amazing.
The impressive underground tombs are hewn from solid rock and date to the 3rd century BC and then through the Hellenistic and Roman eras. You walk amongst them, through them, around them… it’s almost overwhelming how close you can be to something so unbelievably old and breathtaking. It’s worth mentioning that no kings were actually buried here – but they were reserved for the more wealthy and aristocratic people at that time.
Wine Tasting at Tsangarides Winery
It turns out that Cypriot wine has improved immeasurably over the last few years, due to a change in climate, more knowledge and a few clever tricks (none were disclosed). So if you are headed to Paphos and you enjoy your wine, book yourself a wine tasting at Tsanagrides Winery. We sat on the terrace and enjoyed a number of different wines, by this family-run winery, in Lemona, Paphos. The owners’ great-great grandfather planted the first vineyards here many years ago, and today they continue his legacy and are carving out new traditions.
We sat in the dipping sun, sipping wine and indulging in the delicious fruit and cheese plates they provided.
Lemona, Paphos 8545, Cyprus
Lara Beach and Turtle Conservation
Lara Beach is is in a protected nature area and Green turtle habitat, at Lara Bay. There are various times that you are unable to visit the beach, as the Turtle Conservation Station sets up to watch over the turtles who come here every year to nest. They are also on hand to ensure the baby sea turtles survive and make it into the sea. To find out more about this conservation work, you can visit The Turtle Museum in Ineia, Paphos.
The beach itself is expansive and beautiful, with the water being as crystal clear as it gets. In fact, the water quality on Cyprus beaches has been recognised as the best in the European Union. (Take note, Southwest Water).
The Shipwreck of Edro III
EDRO III was a cargo ship, built in 1966 in Norway.
In 2011, the ship ran aground during a fierce storm. All nine crew members survived, but the story didn’t end there. For years after the accident, the captain reportedly refused to abandon his vessel, continuing to live aboard until the conditions became impossible.
Now permanently wedged into the rocks, the Edro III remains a surreal sight. Rusting quietly under the Mediterranean sun, it’s both eerie and beautiful – a perfect cinematic backdrop. If you’re chasing atmosphere, look no further.
Our transport 
Find it: Glykou Nerou Street, Peyia 8560, Cyprus
Yiannis Taverna, Kathikas
More meze! But in the charming village of Kathikas. This is a superb traditional Cypriot taverna, with a welcoming host, plenty of seating outside and inside, and a never-ending plethora of delicious dishes and flavours to get excited about. The highlight for me was the slow-cooked kleftiko and the above Galaktoboureko – a traditional Cypriot custard pie, soaked in a sweet syrup. You’re welcome.
George Kleanthous 11,, Kathikas, Cyprus
A Craft Workshop at The Place
Discover ‘The Place’ in the heart of Old Town Paphos – a vibrant hub of Cypriot culture and creativity. Meet local artisans, try your hand at pottery, mosaics, or wood burning, and create your very own keepsake (I made the above mosaic magnet). Sample homemade food, award-winning wines, and shop unique handmade gifts and jewellery by the in-house artists. It’s a very charming place to be and their homemade lemonade was top notch too 🙂
56 Konstantinou Kanari str.8010 Old Town Paphos
Explore the White Cliffs
The White Cliffs near Peyia in Paphos are one of those spots that stop you in your tracks. With their bright limestone walls and deep blue sea views, the contrast is striking. It’s a place that’s perfect for a peaceful, reflective walk, or just to sit and take in the calm. And if you visit when we did – just before sunset – the sea and the cliffs will glimmer and shimmer… it’s breathtaking…other-worldly.
Paphos Archaeological Park
This amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with history — from prehistoric times all the way through the Middle Ages and Roman era. And the highlight? The incredible floor mosaics. Some of the best and most intricate you’ll find in the eastern Mediterranean, they’re unbelievably well-preserved and full of colour, depicting scenes straight out of Greek mythology.
We also got to see the Nea Paphos Amphitheatre, which boggles the mind when you think of people creating performances, plays and shows, all those years ago…
Chapel of St George
Agios Georgios Church, or Saint George of Peyia, is a beautiful little chapel with a history that goes all the way back to the 13th century. The one pictured here is the original one that we visited. There is a new chapel that has now been built, just next door, which has since been used in movies and for many a wedding!
Kâmil Toçan, Baf 8016, Cyprus
Dine at Leona in Paphos Old Town
Another extraordinary meal and another enormous feast. We ordered nearly everything on the menu and it was all completely divine. Highlights were the moussaka, the lamb with leeks and the stuffed veggies. Oh, and the fish. And the pork chops. Ok, all of it.
Votsi 6 Street, Paphos, Cyprus
And here are some more snaps from wandering through Paphos old town…
How to get to Paphos
We travelled with Jet2Holidays and, as always (remember my last incredible trip with Jet2?) the experience was a joy. Our flights to Paphos with Jet2 were a delight and if you haven’t yet booked a trip with Jet2, this is your sign to. Friendly, helpful staff, punctual flights and the shortest queues at the airport, at both Stansted and Paphos.
I loved that we had flights from London Stansted Airport, as it’s the closest airport to me (I’m in Walthamstow). A quick cab ride or even train from Tottenham Hale, makes the whole travelling thing a piece of cake.
Where to stay in Paphos
We stayed at the stunning Cali Resort & Spa and it was dreamy.
A modern and luxurious hotel and spa, right by the sea, with wonderful service, a killer breakfast buffet, a beautiful pool (with oodles of shady options) and carefully designed rooms with comfortable mattresses, big showers and gorgeous treats in the evenings… I felt very spoilt. This is the perfect spot for adult only holidays – only grownups are allowed in 😉
And did I mention the sunset from the hotel?
It was the most magical trip and I am now plotting to go back with my family.
Thank you for having us, beautiful Paphos!
