How To Experience The Best Of Paphos And Limassol In 24 Hours

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

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

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.

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.

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