A previous post covered the first set of things that popped into my head, but I quickly realized that there were so many more! As a budget traveller I value this kind of information, so though I should create another list. Here are 5 more free things to do in Paphos to keep you entertained and busy.
Old Town
There are two parts to Paphos, separated by terrain. The lower area is where the original city used to be, 2,000 years ago called Nea Pafos. The upper area is where many hundreds of people fled to during Roman times. This area became deserted and stayed that way for hundreds of years until the British arrived in the 1870’s.
Then began the building of a new part of Paphos which is what Old Town is today. Up until recently this neighbourhood was not the best, but today reconstruction is in full gear. Old stone buildings are getting a face lift and the municipality is bringing life into this quaint and charming area.
Here you will find pedestrian only streets, the original but updated municipal market, little pockets of green space, souvenir & boutique shopping and an overall friendly place to explore.
City Hall, The Library & The Garden
Across a large roundabout intersection from Old Town is the municipal square. A fountain runs down the middle and on either side at one end is City Hall and the Library. Both of these grand buildings are built in the neoclassical style with large columns adorning the entrances. I was allowed into city hall to have a look around, so very pretty, all decorated for Christmas.
Right beside this square is the Municipal Gardens. A large space, full of tall shade trees, benches, fountains and peace. Being winter, there was not a lot of plant life, but I have a hunch this might be different as spring approaches.
Paphos Archaeological Museum
Completely free! Take a wander down the street from City Hall, it is about a 10-minute walk away. You will reach the museum and be guided inside to see the beautiful ancient treasures found around Paphos. Most of these are from the Roman city of Nea Pafos. There are however, quite a large collection of older items from the bronze age etc.
Inside glass cases are a large collection of pottery, coins, statues, bronze, iron & stone tools and so many interesting finds. Outside is a covered area filled to the brim with large pieces of carved marble from the ancient city.
Early Christian Basilica Chrysopolitissa
Located near Fabrika Hill is this incredible site of the early Christian Basilica built between the 4th & 7th centuries. What remains today is a clear foundational outline of the enormous structure complete with mosaic flooring. There is an overhead walkway to provide you a birds-eye view, when I visited it was undergoing repair.
Also on this site is the old stone Greek Orthodox church still in use today. Please enter quietly and have a wander around. There is something so special about being inside these old limestone buildings, the quiet and peace are astounding. A favourite thing for me in here was the antique crystal chandelier.
Venus Beach
Paphos is located right on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and I would be remiss if I did not recommend a great spot, both for views and swim or sun bake. Venus Beach wins. You will find this glorious sandy beach right next to the Kings of the Tombs.
The sand is soft, the water is incredibly clear and both are clean. There is a break water a little ways out, so the swimming is safe and easy. Connecting this beach to other areas is an excellent promenade. Should you feel the need for a good long walk with the most beautiful scenery you can imagine, take a right when facing the water and walk as far as you want.
I hope this gives you some ideas for your next visit to Paphos. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and can definitely see myself returning at some point in the future. It has everything, sun, surf, friendly people, amazing food, history and so much to do.
