Paphos Attractions

While it might be off the beaten path, you should have no problem finding this beach with its own private entrance and dirt road that leads to gorgeous views of blue waters from every angle!

The natural beauty here makes it an ideal spot to enjoy some time in nature or go for a hike along the coastal path that leads into Avakas Gorge. There you can see some beautiful rock formations. There are no services offered at this beach, so visitors will get their full dose of nature without any interference from humans!

The only transportation option to reach your destination is via private car, preferably a 4×4. You can take tours from Paphos, but please consider making the trek on your own. We took our rented car and managed just fine, thanks to plenty of caution when driving along those bumpy roads.

Lara Bay Turtles

One of the most exciting things about Lara Beach is that Lara Bay is a protected breeding ground for endangered turtles such as Green Turtles and Hawk’s Bill turtles. The best time for visiting comes at any point throughout August or September when the baby turtles hatch and make their way to the sea. Of course, you have to keep your distance, so make sure you bring those binoculars!

Swimming is allowed at Lara Beach but not in the central area due to the turtles.

Please make sure to include a trip to Lara Beach. It’s easy to have it as part of any visit to Avakas Gorge or the Blue Lagoon beach.

Video of the Drive to the Beach

Local Map

We all know the story of Aphrodite and Adonis and Cyprus contains baths dedicated to each of them. The Aphrodite baths are special from a mythological standpoint as it is supposedly the location where Adonis first laid eyes on Aphrodite and fell in love with her.

If you want to visit the baths of Aphrodite for yourself you need to head for the Akamas Peninsula National Park in the Paphos District. You can drive or take a bus to the city of Polis near the sea.

Once there you can catch a minibus that travels to the Park of Aphrodite. To reach the actual baths you will need to take a short walk along a beautiful but steep path. Be sure to take advantage of the amazing vistas you encounter during your walk.

The baths themselves are contained under a grotto of trees so that they are permanently shaded. It’s said that the waters themselves contain reproductive properties so they were quite popular with women looking to conceive.

No swimming is allowed in the baths but you might be able to dip your hands in. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and imagine how the baths must have looked oh so many centuries ago.

Photos of the Baths of Aphrodite

Once you’ve finished visiting the actual baths you can explore the area surrounding the grotto. There are lots of flora and fauna to observe so feel free to take part in some bird watching or gaze upon the wildflowers.

You may even find some goats to travel along the trails with you.

If you have not done so already, be sure to visit the Adonis baths also located in Paphos.

Video of the Baths

Map

Your visit to Cyprus can include multiple castles, so make sure you put Paphos on the list! This historic structure has survived earthquake, battle and even underwent a partial dismantling before it was rebuilt by the Ottomans in 1592.

Best Time To Visit

Cyprus offers generally lovely temperatures and is always tempered by the sea, but the best time to visit this island nation is from September to early December. The Aphrodite Festival in September features some of the world’s most famous operas, led by artists from all around the globe.

What to Expect at the Castle

Cyprus is vehicle friendly, but the best way to see ancient castles is on foot. Make sure to bring shoes that will protect your feet as you climb the levels of this and many other castles so you can enjoy the remarkable views from the top of this castle. Paphos Castle is located on the western coast of Cyprus. Join us for the sunset!

Within the castle, carefully review the construction history. This castle actually includes the walls build by the Frankish kings, constructed after the earthquake of 1222. The second Frankish tower, in ruins, is only 50 meters from the resurrected wall.

There are cells in the lower level, a main floor that served as a mosque and an upper space that contained cannons. Finally, the roof is just a short climb and gives visitors a wonderful view of sea and sky.

The castle is constructed of extremely large stones and has a stable connection to the harbor. You can have an enjoyable visit and a stroll along the water of the west coast of Cyprus.

Visitors should be aware that this castle was, in fact, a fortress. There are few windows for viewing. Be prepared to climb to the top to enjoy the ocean views and fresh coastal air.

What You’ll Spend in Cyprus

A tour of the castle will take less than an hour and cost less the three dollars. The hours are quite flexible and you can get in the castle starting at 8:30 in the morning. Winter hours are a bit shorter; the castle closes at 7:30 pm in the summer and at 5 pm in the cooler season.

Concerts and other events will include ticket prices, and there are often museum exhibitions in the space that may have an additional fee.

Where to Eat in Paphos

Since you brought good shoes to explore the castle, consider a walking tour of the region and enjoy the traditional foods of the region. You’ll also find several wineries that offer tasting tours and a wide variety of finger foods. Finally, there are many boat tours in this area that will feed you well as you skirt the island and study the site from the water.

Book Your Trip!

Travel to Cyprus is a wonderful way to get away from it all. There are many things to do on this small island, including laying on the beach where you can do nothing at all if you choose. If you’re looking for a vacation spot loaded with wonderful food, private accommodations and amazing history, come to Cyprus.

Video of the Castle

Location of Pafos Harbor

Beautiful Blue Lagoon Beach is one of Cyprus’s most remote and stunning beaches, providing a spectacular view of clear water. The small Khamilis Island lies right off the beach and is a popular spot to swim to.

The beach is located in the northwest of Cyprus, in the district of Paphos. The beach is open to the public, although getting there can be a little rough. The clear waters are different than most other beaches on Cyprus because it lies in a small bay which gives it warmer water. The beach itself is sandy and provides a nice place to relax in the water.

Around Khamilis Island there is a reef that is fun to snorkel around. There is no development around the Blue Lagoon beach so while there you can get a great view of the Mediterranean hills surrounding the area.

Traveling to the bay by road can be difficult. You should only travel here in a high-clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle. There are also boat tours from nearby Latsi village.

Aerial View of the Beach

Map of Blue Lagoon Beach

The Adonis Baths Waterfalls is one of prettiest locations in Cyprus. Its said by the locals that swimming in the water has positive effects on both men and women. There are even Statues of Adonis and Aphrodite at this location due to its connection to the old tale.

Adonis bath is where Adonis met his end. Its location on the island makes it a very peaceful peace. Traveling is very easy from Paphos.

The Adonis baths and waterfalls said to be the place where Adonis used to meet and bathe with Aphrodite, spending much of their time together here as it was their favorite place. It was also here that many of their children were supposedly born.

However, it was also the place where Adonis died in the arms of his lover Aphrodite after a man disguised as a wild boar fatally wounded him in battle.

Outside of the baths, there is a sign beside the statues of the lovers, which says

‘Ladies infertile who wish to become pregnant touch Adonis’s appendage and have many children thereafter.’

The baths lie below a waterfall with high cliffs on either side. Swimming in the Adonis baths is said to make women look younger and more beautiful, and men stronger.

Map of Waterfalls Location

Adonis Baths Video