Travel writing based on first-hand experience
Are you ready to uncover the hidden gems in Paphos? Join us on a journey through the best-kept secrets of this coastal gem in Cyprus.
From breathtaking gorges to hidden caves and ancient necropolises, Paphos is filled with remarkable sites waiting to be explored. Prepare to delve into the lesser-known wonders of this enchanting city and make your visit an unforgettable adventure.
Table of Contents
Hidden Gems in Paphos
Discovering the forgotten historical sites of Paphos
As we go looking for the hidden gems in Paphos, we quickly realize some of the most memorable ones are not flashy at all. They are the forgotten historical sites, the places that feel as though time simply wandered off and left them behind.
Wander a little beyond the obvious, and you will find hidden archaeological treasures that quietly tell the story of the city’s layered past. We are talking ancient ruins, crumbling fortifications, and even the remains of a long-forgotten temple that still manage to stir the imagination.
From the intricate mosaics at the Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos to the haunting grandeur of the Tombs of the Kings, each stop feels like a small portal into the civilizations that once shaped this corner of Cyprus.
Explore Paphos’ off-the-beaten-track attractions
If Paphos has one trick up its sleeve, it is this: just when you think you have figured it out, it throws you into the wild. Lace up your hiking boots and head into the rugged landscapes around Paphos, where trails and viewpoints pull you far from the usual beach-and-restaurant routine.
One of the best places to start is the Adonis Nature Trail, a route that winds through beautiful natural scenery and serves up sweeping views across the Akamas Peninsula. It is the kind of walk that makes you stop every five minutes for “just one more photo.”
If you want something wilder and a little more dramatic, make your way to the Avakas Gorge Trail, famous for its towering cliffs, unusual rock formations, and native flora and fauna. It is not exactly a lazy promenade, but that is part of the appeal.
Hidden culinary delights in Paphos
Now for the delicious part. One of the easiest ways to fall for Paphos is through its hidden culinary gems, tucked into villages and local neighborhoods where the atmosphere is relaxed and the food does not need to shout to impress. This is where we leave the tourist menus behind and lean into the real thing.
You will find traditional taverns and cozy local restaurants serving the kind of Cypriot dishes that make long lunches dangerously easy. Think souvlaki, grilled halloumi, meze spreads, and hearty home-style plates full of flavor. For an authentic meal, head to Kingfisher Taverna, where classic dishes like souvlaki and moussaka take center stage.
Another excellent stop is Mandra Tavern, a hidden gem in a small village where the meze comes generous, the ingredients are fresh, and the setting feels wonderfully unfussy in the best possible way.
Visit Agios Georgios: A Tranquil Escape Near Paphos
Just 20 km from Paphos, the peaceful village of Agios Georgios makes an easy half-day trip if you are craving somewhere quieter. As the last village on Cyprus’ west coast, it feels like a soft, scenic threshold before the landscape opens into the Akamas Peninsula.
This is not a place you visit for a jam-packed checklist. You come for the natural beauty, the calm pace, and that lovely sense that there is nowhere you urgently need to be. Spend time by the beach, explore the nearby sea caves, or simply sit with the view and let the coast do its thing.
Meze at 7 St George’s Tavern: A Culinary Experience Not to Miss
A meze is one of those meals that is less “dinner” and more “glorious edible commitment,” and if there is one place in Paphos to do it properly, it is 7 St George’s Tavern. For many visitors, it is not just one of the best meals in town, but one of the most memorable food experiences on the island.
Instead of ordering from a menu, you simply settle in and let the evening unfold. Over the course of around two hours, your host, Ben, brings out roughly twenty home-cooked dishes, each one rooted in traditional Cypriot cooking and made with fresh local ingredients. Expect generous servings of dishes such as kleftiko, moussaka, and tender pork ribs, along with plenty of Mediterranean comfort in between.
If you want an authentic Cypriot meze, this is the place to book. Dinner starts at 7 PM, and despite what some listings may suggest, the tavern does not open for lunch. The full experience costs €22 per person, which feels almost suspiciously reasonable for how much food arrives at the table.
Pro tip: Show up hungry. Seriously. This is not the night for a “small snack” beforehand.
Petra tou Romiou / Aphrodite’s Rock: A Legendary Landmark
Just outside Paphos, on the old coastal road toward Pissouri, you will find the dramatic rock formation known as Petra tou Romiou, better known as Aphrodite’s Rock. Legend says this is the birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, which is already a strong start for a roadside stop.
Mythology aside, it is one of the most striking coastal landmarks in Cyprus and an easy addition to any wider Cyprus itinerary. The sea, the rock formations, and the open coastline come together in a way that feels properly cinematic. For one of the best views, continue a little further along the coastal road and look back toward the rock from a distance.
Although swimming is not recommended because of the strong currents, the beach itself is still worth visiting for a peaceful walk and a few long moments of sea-gazing, ideally when the crowds are thinner.
Getting there:
- By car: It is just a 20-minute drive from Paphos, making it one of the easiest scenic stops in the area.
- By tour: As public transport is limited, joining a guided tour is a simple, low-stress alternative.
A secret, magical house in Moutallos, Paphos
In Moutallos, Paphos, the Blue House with Shells feels like something lifted straight from a fairy tale. Decorated with shells gathered from Cyprus’s beaches, this one-of-a-kind home was created over many years by a woman whose patience, imagination, and love for beauty turned it into a living artwork.
Every corner tells a story, from the shell-covered walls to the handmade details in the yard. Visitors are welcome to step inside, hear the story behind the house, and even see the small chapel in the courtyard, crafted with the same care and creativity.
More than just a house, it is a lovely reminder that art can grow out of everyday life and brighten an entire neighborhood. If you are in Paphos, it is well worth stopping in Moutallos to see this magical little place for yourself.
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