Paphos is one of Cyprus’ most popular destinations. With its UNESCO-listed archaeological sites and a dramatic stretch of coastline, this seaside city offers the perfect mix of culture and relaxation. If you’re short on time, 2 days in Paphos is the sweet spot.

Palm trees on the promenade of the famous resort of Paphos on the Mediterranean coast.
Contents show

I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using my affiliate links.

This 2-day Paphos itinerary gives you enough time to explore the ancient ruins, stroll the harbour at sunset, and even squeeze in a side trip to Aphrodite’s Rock. And if you’ve got an extra day, the Akamas Peninsula adds a dose of wild adventure to your itinerary.

👋 I’m Hazel, the travel writer behind this blog. I’ve explored Cyprus from the divided streets of Nicosia to the ghost town of Varosha, the beaches of Ayia Napa to the villages of the Troodos Mountains. This Paphos itinerary is based on my own travels around the island.

Day 1 – Ancient Treasures & Harbour Life 🗓️

Morning – Archaeological Wonders

Start at the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, a vast UNESCO site right in town. Here you’ll find some of the best-preserved Roman mosaics in the Mediterranean (check out the Houses of Dionysos, Orpheus, and Theseus).

Ruins of an ancient temple, what is left are temple columns, Kato Paphos Archeological Park. Sandy color of the construction. Clear and blue sky.
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park

Wander the ancient Odeon amphitheatre and lighthouse for sweeping views of the coast.

🍽️ Lunch

Head to the harbour promenade, lined with seafood tavernas.

Try The Pelican Restaurant (quirky but iconic, complete with a resident pelican called Koko) or Ta Mpania for meze by the sea.

Pelican inside a seaside restaurant with blue checkered tablecloths and colourful murals, showcasing a unique dining atmosphere in a travel-themed location.
A wooden board with five small dishes of assorted dips, a pile of pita bread, and a few olives, set on a blue-checkered tablecloth in a restaurant in Paphos, Cyprus.
Photos from the Pelican Restaurant in Paphos.

Afternoon – Tombs of the Kings

Just north of town lies the Tombs of the Kings, a sprawling necropolis carved into rock. Despite the name, no kings were buried here, but the scale and atmosphere are unforgettable.

Square cutout into an underground tomb supported by ancient columns, in Cyprus
Tombs of the Kings

Bring water and a hat, as the site is mostly open sun. Cyprus is hot!

Evening – Harbour & Sunset

Stroll the Paphos Harbour as the sun dips behind the medieval castle.

Dinner in the old town: try 7 St. George’s Tavern (famous for its meze) or Laona for traditional Cypriot dishes with a homely touch.

Night view of a waterfront fort in Paphos, Cyprus illuminated with purple lights, surrounded by small boats and piers, with streetlights reflecting on the water.
Paphos castle at night

Day 2 – Myth & Coastline 🗓️

Morning – Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou)

Drive east to the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. According to myth, the goddess of love rose from the waves here.

Strong swimmers can brave the water (currents can be very strong) or simply enjoy the iconic coastal views and snap some pics.

A person strolls along a rocky beach in Cyprus, with majestic rock formations rising from the sea and a clear sky stretching overhead.

Late Morning – Kourion Ruins (Optional detour)

If you’re up for a longer drive, head towards Limassol to see Kourion, one of Cyprus’ most important ancient cities. Its Greco-Roman theatre overlooking the sea is breathtaking.

🍽️ Lunch

Stop at a seafront taverna en route back (I recommend Kyrenia Beach Taverna near Petra tou Romiou) or head back into Paphos town.

Ancient stone ruins with columns stand near a sandy courtyard, overlooking a bright blue sea and clear sky.
Kourion

Afternoon – Paphos Old Town

Wander the cobbled streets of Paphos Old Town: boutique shops, local crafts, and colourful street art.

Don’t miss the Paphos Ethnographic Museum for a peek into Cypriot village life.

Evening – Food & Wine

For a relaxed final evening, try Oniro by the Sea (a stylish bar-restaurant overlooking the sea caves north of Paphos). Perfect for cocktails and sunset vibes.

Palm-lined promenade in Paphos, Cyprus, with benches and streetlights at night, next to calm water and buildings with lit storefronts in the background.
Paphos promenade

Day 3 (Optional) – Akamas Peninsula 🗓️

If you’ve got an extra day, use it to explore the Akamas Peninsula, one of Cyprus’ last wild frontiers.

  • Take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon from Latchi – crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming.
  • Hike the Avakas Gorge or Aphrodite Trail for dramatic landscapes.
  • End with a seafood feast at Yiannis Fish Tavern in Latchi before heading back to Paphos.
Explore the rocky coastline of Paphos under a clear blue sky, where the turquoise sea stretches out with a large white boat in the distance and a small red boat closer to shore.
A wooden bench sits under a leafy tree on a dirt patch, overlooking the sea and coastline on a sunny day
Blue Lagoon and Aphrodite Trail.

Practical Tips for Your Paphos Itinerary 🗺️

Getting there: Paphos has its own international airport, with regular flights from Europe. It’s also about 1.5 hrs drive from Larnaca.

Getting around: A car is best for day trips (Aphrodite’s Rock, Akamas). In town, you can walk or use local buses. I recommend booking with Discover Cars.

Solo travel tip: Paphos is safe and sociable for solo travellers. Join a boat trip, wine tasting, or guided tour if you’d like to meet other travellers along the way.

Where to stay:

Map of This Paphos Itinerary 🗺️

See all the key stops at a glance, from ancient ruins to coastal legends.

🚗 Driving in Cyprus: What to Know

  • Drive on the left (same as the UK).
  • Roads are in good condition, though mountain and coastal routes can be winding.
  • Signage is in English and Greek, making navigation easy.
  • Renting a car is advised for flexibility. I recommend booking with Discover Cars to compare the best local deals and pick up at Larnaca or Paphos airports.

With a car, you’ll have the freedom to explore beaches, villages, and ruins at your own pace – the ultimate way to enjoy 2 days in Paphos.

FAQs for Your Paphos Itinerary 💡

Everything you need to know before planning your 2 day trip to Paphos.

Q: Is 2 days enough for Paphos?

A: Two days is perfect for seeing the main sites (mosaics, tombs, harbour, and Aphrodite’s Rock). Add a third day if you want to explore Akamas.

Q: Do I need a car in Paphos?

A: Not necessarily. You can walk to most of the main sites. But a car makes it much easier to reach Aphrodite’s Rock, Kourion, and Akamas.

Q: When is the best time to visit Paphos?

A: Spring and autumn are ideal, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is hot, but the coast keeps things breezy.

Q: Is Paphos good for solo travellers?

Yes, I loved it. Paphos is safe, walkable, and friendly. The harbour is a great spot for people-watching, and joining a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon or a wine-tasting tour is a fun way to meet other travellers.

✨ Final Thoughts

With ancient ruins, myth-laden coastlines, and a lively harbour, Paphos packs a lot into just a couple of days. This Paphos itinerary is the perfect balance of culture, history, and seaside relaxation. It’s a must for any Cyprus trip.

Related Reading 📚

More Cyprus inspiration to help you plan your trip.

🗓️ Nicosia Day Trip Itinerary
🗓️ Famagusta & Varosha Day Trip
🗺️ Complete Guide to Cyprus Border Crossings
🗓️ Cyprus Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Save This Paphos Itinerary for Later 📌

Here is a Pinterest image so you can pin it for your Cyprus travel planning:

Ancient Greek ruins with columns, picturesque lush green trees, vibrant coastal scenery with boats, and modern waterfront in Paphos, Cyprus, perfect for a two-day travel itinerary.

👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.

Tags: , , ,