A perfect break in Paphos: the complete five day winter itinerary
A guest post by Tal, a travel blogger, who has just returned from five days in Paphos and shares his full itinerary along with the recommendations worth having.
Introduction
This is an account of a trip for two to Paphos in December. In mythology Paphos is the birthplace of Aphrodite, and you will notice how many places around the city take their name from her. We travelled over the Christmas period and found a genuinely lovely Christmas destination. Our expectations of Paphos in winter were modest, and we were completely won over.
Day 1: arriving in Paphos and finding our feet
We flew into Paphos and were on the ground within about an hour of take off. Once we had collected our bags we picked up the hire car. Worth knowing: Cyprus drives on the left, with the steering wheel on the right, which will feel immediately familiar to anyone coming from the UK. Hiring a car in Paphos is well worth it, as rental is very inexpensive while getting around by taxi is not.
We stayed in Chloraka, an excellent area close to the beach and a short drive from the harbour, the old town and the shopping centre. Once we had settled in we drove down to the harbour, parked in the free car park nearby and enjoyed the souvenir shops and a lovely stretch of beach. We sat in one of the cafรฉs over good desserts and a wonderful atmosphere.
An investor’s note: This area is among the most sought after for short term letting, thanks to how close it sits to the main attractions.
Day 2: a winery and Kato Paphos
Late in the morning we drove out to the Vasilikon winery, about thirty minutes from Chloraka. The winery sits up in the hills and the views along the way are a genuine surprise. You can book a tour with a tasting. Afterwards we came back into town to Kato Paphos and had lunch at Pinguino, an excellent restaurant at reasonable prices. We stayed around the harbour until sunset, and spent the evening at Roofbar, a very good rooftop spot with cocktails, good food and music.
Day 3: Chloraka, the old town and shopping
We started the morning walking around Chloraka, went down to the lovely beach and followed it along, then wandered through the villa streets in the neighbourhood beside the sea, which has a wonderful feel to it. After lunch we headed to Kings Avenue Mall, a large shopping centre with plenty of free parking and a good range of shops. In the evening we returned to the old town and stopped at the pink cafรฉ Stephanie Rose, entirely pink and decorated with flowers.
Day 4: a drive to the village of Lefkara
In the morning we drove to Lefkara, a village at the foot of the Troodos mountains known for its lace making. We went for the Christmas market and its European feel, though it is well worth visiting outside the festive season too. The drive from Paphos takes about an hour and a half and climbs into the mountains, so plan to come back in daylight. The village is enchanting, with Christmas stalls, music and picturesque lanes that are a pleasure to wander.
Day 5: an off road trip through the Akamas peninsula
In the morning we took a jeep trip through the Akamas national park near Paphos. It took in off road driving and several beautiful spots: Lara Bay, home to sea turtles, viewpoints up in the hills, the Blue Lagoon with its clear turquoise water, a lunch stop in the village of Latchi, and the Baths of Aphrodite. We spent our last evening back around the harbour.
In summary
You may be surprised to find such a good Christmas destination within easy reach. Paphos is wonderful in summer, but it has real charm in winter too. If you are looking for somewhere close by with genuine festive atmosphere on a modest budget, Paphos in winter is very much for you.
Planning your next trip to Paphos and thinking of looking at some properties while you are there, or dreaming of a holiday home of your own on the island? Talk to us and we will happily share our recommendations, on the property and on the places worth seeing.