How to Experience the Best of Paphos and Limassol in 24 Hours

Trying Cyprus local cuisine at a tavern is something you must experience
Trying Cyprus' local cuisine at a tavern is something you must experience | © Vladimir Zhoga / Shutterstock
Eleni Philippou

The southwest of Cyprus is known for great archaeological wonders, endless Mediterranean blue water and traditional produce. With so much to choose from, here are the best things to do in Paphos and Limassol if you have just 24 hours.

Morning

Have breakfast at Kika’s Garden

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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The best way to get around the area is by renting a car visiting Kallepia village (about 20 minutes from central Paphos) to have a mouthwatering brunch at Kika’s Garden Homemade Food & Produce. Kika, a retired dentist, has transformed her backyard into a must-visit breakfast spot in Paphos offering homemade breads, jams, eggs, vegetables and fruit, all organically grown in her garden. Enjoy your first meal of the day with a stunning view of the mountains, or under Kika’s fig trees on the porch.

Kika’s tasty brunch includes vegetarian and vegan options

Visit the Tombs of the Kings

Get a taste of the island’s grand heritage at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where ancient tombs stand tall. Though they didn’t belong to royalty, the underground tombs and chambers are from the Hellenistic and Roman periods and got their title from their majestic appearance. A visit here is well worth your time.

Tombs of the Kings necropolis in Paphos

Drive through the villages

The district of Paphos is made up of numerous villages, so much so that you might not realise when you’ve moved on from one to another! Driving from the tombs up to Kathikas village, you’ll pass through Kissonerga and Peyia. Stop by the villages to briefly explore and have a chat with the locals.

Lunch in Kathikas village

It’s time for meal number two – adapt to the local lifestyle and indulge frequently in the local cuisine. Kathikas is renowned for its taverns, and some to look out for are Imogen’s Inn, with its cute green garden, and To Petradaki, with a more modern twist and vegetarian dishes. You won’t be disappointed.

A plate of juicy lamb kleftiko is a summer dish meat lovers have to dive into

Afternoon

Stop at Aphrodite’s Rock

Head towards Limassol and you’ll be greeted by Aphrodite’s Rock on your right. Pause here to admire the location where the goddess of love and beauty was born; you can visit the site and take a photo if you have time to spare. To reach the rock, climb down the steps and walk through the narrow tunnel to the beach.

Adventurers can carefully climb up to the top of Aphrodite’s Rock for views of the horizon

Visit Kourion Archaeological Site

Cyprus’s most famous archaeological site, Ancient Kourion, is situated between Paphos and Limassol. As one of the most important city-kingdoms in antiquity, it is believed to date back to Neolithic times. Its ruins are well preserved and are spread over a large area. To see the full size of the site, head to the visitor centre to see a model of it: the Roman amphitheatre is the star of the whole site, with stunning views of the horizon, and continues to be used today for concerts and theatre performances. Catching a performance here at sunset is unforgettable.

The stunning coastal view from the top of Kourion

Walk the narrow streets of Old Limassol

Once in Limassol, leave the car behind and explore the town on foot. One of the best areas to explore is the Old Town, which is picturesque, with charming alleys and beautiful neoclassical buildings such as the Municipal Library. Pay a visit to the medieval castle where it is believed that Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre were married, before she was crowned queen of England in 1191. Pay attention to the town’s walls, as they are decorated with stunning street art that has recently evolved all across the island.

Evening

Dine at Heroes Square

Time to eat again. Still within the Old Town, Heroes Square is surrounded by numerous taverns where you can relax and dine. Accompanying your meal with a bottle of local wine is definitely recommended here, as Limassol is also known as the wine capital of Cyprus, and is home to dozens of vine-growing villages.

End your day with a cocktail

Kick back and unwind with a tasty and refreshing cocktail at some of Limassol’s atmospheric bars. If you’re a fan of gin, Library Bar is a must. It’s set in a green garden with low lighting, and serves beautiful gin cocktails. For a more groovy time, head to Sousami, a colourful bar that hosts various local and international DJs and also has a small garden.

Get a taste of the island’s cocktails
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