Things to Do in Paphos, Cyprus: Walking Guide

Paphos is a seaside city in southwest Cyprus where ancient myths, Roman mosaics and medieval forts meet a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Its mix of archaeological sites, seaside walks and lively tavernas makes it a rewarding destination for travelers who want both culture and beach time. Neywo provides a free audio guide for Paphos with 18 narrated places, letting you hear the story of each site as you walk at your own pace.

Explore Paphos’s highlights

Paphos Archaeological Park

The park spreads across the remains of ancient Nea Paphos, which served as the island’s capital under Ptolemaic and later Roman rule and acted as a major maritime trading hub in the eastern Mediterranean. Visitors can walk streets lined with villas, public buildings, tombs and a harbour complex. The site is celebrated for its floor mosaics—large, richly colored pavements that show intricate geometric patterns and lively scenes from classical mythology, regarded among the best‑preserved in the Mediterranean.

Paphos Castle

At the western end of the harbour stands a compact stone stronghold that has become a symbol of the city. Its origins lie in a Byzantine fort built to protect the harbour. After an earthquake destroyed the earlier Saranta Kolones fortress in 1222, the Lusignan rulers rebuilt the castle in the thirteenth century. The Venetians demolished it in 1570, and the Ottomans later rebuilt and strengthened it with extra fortifications. Since 1935 it has been a protected building and now hosts cultural events each September.

Saranta Kolones

Just north of the harbour lies the ruined medieval fortress known as Saranta Kolones, meaning “Forty Columns.” Built as a Byzantine stronghold probably at the end of the seventh century to guard the port against Arab raids, it was later remodeled by the Lusignans. Its walls were three metres thick, with four large corner towers and four additional towers along the connecting walls. A moat surrounded the fortress, entry was via a wooden bridge, and inside lay a square courtyard thirty‑five metres on each side. The main entrance passed through a fifth tower with a horseshoe‑shaped design. The fortress was destroyed by an earthquake in 1222 and then abandoned; modern excavations have revealed its layout.

Turkish Baths, Ktima‑Paphos

In the upper town you can see the former Turkish baths, also called the Ottoman Hamam or Ottoman Hammam. This historic site offers a glimpse of the area’s Ottoman‑era heritage.

Odeon of Paphos

The Odeon of Paphos is an ancient Greek odeon situated at the Asklepieion of Paphos. It once hosted musical performances and remains a quiet reminder of the city’s Hellenistic past.

Agios Theodoros Cathedral

This Orthodox cathedral stands in Paphos and serves as a notable religious landmark for the local community.

Τάφος 1 (Tomb 1)

Identified as a grave, this quiet archaeological feature invites you to pause and consider the people and stories that may once have been connected with the spot.

Agia Faneromeni

The church of Agia Faneromeni provides a peaceful stop while you explore the surrounding area.

Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church

Also known as Agia Kyriaki, this Byzantine Orthodox church was built in the thirteenth century on the site of a much older Christian basilica dating from the fourth century. That earlier basilica was once the largest on the island, originally with seven aisles later reduced to five, and stood near the palace of the local bishop. The present church is smaller than its predecessor but remains a characteristic example of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture. Although dedicated to Saint Kyriaki, it continues to be called by its older name, Panagia Chrysopolitissa. The church serves local Catholic and Anglican congregations, and its surrounding archaeological site preserves remains of the early Christian basilica, the bishop’s palace and a Catholic church from the Kingdom of Cyprus. Nearby stands a pillar traditionally linked to the Apostle Paul, who is said to have been flogged here during his visit to the city.

Agia Marina Church

This Byzantine church in Paphos belongs to the Byzantine tradition, making it a distinctive place to pause during a walk through the town.

Saint Anthony Church, Paphos

Another Byzantine church in the city, Saint Anthony offers a historic place of worship to notice as you explore Paphos.

Church of Agioi Anargyroi

Located in Paphos, this church adds to the town’s rich tapestry of religious buildings.

Church of Panagia Theoskepasti

Set within the area inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1980, this Byzantine church of the Church of Cyprus has an original building dating from the tenth century, while the form visible today dates from 1923.

Experience Paphos with Neywo

Neywo’s free audio guide for Paphos includes two self‑guided walking tours. The first, “Aphrodite’s Harbour City: Castle, Mosaics and Byzantine Churches,” covers 3.57 km in about 112 minutes and stops at nine places: Paphos Castle, Saranta Kolones, House of Aion, Paphos Archaeological Park, Odeon of Paphos, Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church, Church of Panagia Theoskepasti, Saint Anthony church, Paphos, and Agia Marina Church. The second, “Ktima Old Town: Cathedral, Churches and Ottoman Hammam,” is 2.32 km long, takes roughly 56 minutes and visits four stops: Church of Agioi Anargyroi, Agios Theodoros Cathedral, Saint Kendeas church, Paphos, and the Turkish Baths, Ktima‑Paphos.

As you reach each location, the app plays a narrated story automatically, allowing you to explore at your own pace with no group and no schedule. Narration is available in 11 languages. Download Neywo to hear the history of Paphos’ mosaics, forts and churches while you walk the city’s scenic streets.