Exploring Paphos beyond the guidebooks reveals hidden gems that capture the soul of this ancient coastal city. Whether you’re dreaming of good hotels in Paphos or simply looking to wander off the beaten path, this list of ten unique experiences will open your eyes to a side of Paphos you never knew existed.
1. Private Starlit Picnic in Aphrodite’s Rock Cove
Just south of the famous rock formation, a narrow path leads to a tiny cove barely known to tourists. Arrange through your concierge or a local guide to set up an intimate picnic complete with blankets, fairy lights, and a hamper of halloumi, loukoumades, and local wine. As the sun dips below the horizon, savour every bite under the Milky Way—a memory no brochure can capture.
2. Traditional Pottery Workshop in Salamiou Village
Venture inland to the mountainous village of Salamiou, where third-generation artisans craft terracotta pots by hand. Many Paphos all inclusive hotels concierge desks can arrange this half-day workshop. Under the guidance of a master potter, you’ll learn to mold and paint your very own souvenir, deepening your connection to Cypriot heritage.
3. Hidden Byzantine Chapel Hunt
The Paphos countryside is dotted with tiny Byzantine chapels, most unmarked on any map. Join a local historian for a guided hike through olive groves to discover frescoed gems like the lesser-known successors of Agios Neophytos Monastery. Each chapel whispers tales of medieval monks and secret faith—a spiritual treasure hunt that evades the standard sightseeing circuit.
4. Coral Reef Snorkel at Secret Anemone Garden
While many head to Coral Bay, true explorers whisper about a secret reef near the eastern flank of the Akamas Peninsula. Accessible only by kayak or small boat, this underwater garden bursts with sea anemones and vibrant fish. If you’re staying at the best hotels in Paphos Cyprus, ask the dive shop to set up a private excursion to this aquatic ballroom.
5. Sunset Jazz at a Rooftop Olive Mill
An abandoned olive mill just outside Paphos town has been transformed into an intimate pop-up music venue. On select summer evenings, you can sip local wine atop crumbling stone walls while a jazz trio plays under the olive trees. This hidden concert series relies purely on word-of-mouth—making it all the more exclusive.
6. Forest Bathing and Photography in Akamas
Ditch the beach for a mindful day in the Akamas forest, accompanied by a professional nature photographer. You’ll practice shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), slowly breathing with the cedars and pistachio trees while capturing images of hidden waterfalls and endemic flora. Even guests at the best all inclusive hotels in Paphos often discover this mindful adventure only through local recommendations.
7. Wine Harvest Sleepover at a Family Estate
Instead of a large tour group, arrange a sleepover at a small, family-run vineyard during the September grape harvest. Roll up your sleeves alongside generations of winemakers, then retire to a cozy guest cottage overlooking vine-laced hills. Wake to the scent of fermenting grapes and help press the morning’s picks—an immersive oenophile’s dream.
8. Early-Morning Falconry Demonstration in Tsada
Rise before dawn to the pine-scented air of Tsada in the Troodos foothills for an exclusive falconry display. A local falconer will demonstrate training techniques for hawks and eagles as mist swirls around ancient trees. For travellers staying at the top hotels in Paphos, this private encounter can be arranged through specialized local guides, offering a glimpse into a timeless bond between human and raptor.
9. Underground Wine Cellar Tasting in Peyia
Beneath an unassuming farmhouse in Peyia lies a subterranean cellar carved into bedrock. Here, vintages mature in cool silence, far from tourist crowds. Entry is granted through local introductions, and inside you’ll taste rare varietals alongside aged halloumi preserved in olive oil—an unrivalled pairing that distils the essence of Cyprus.
10. Artisan Distillery Tour with Raki Masterclass
Move beyond wine with a tour of boutique distilleries crafting zivania and raki from ancestral recipes. In a spirited masterclass, you’ll crush grapes by foot, oversee distillation, and bottle your own spirit. As night falls, toast your creation with new friends under the stars—a fiery elixir that Cypriot families have shared for centuries.
Paphos is celebrated for its archaeological sites and golden beaches, but the real magic lies in these off-the-radar adventures. Whether you return each evening to Paphos family hotels all inclusive or unwind at a boutique hideaway, these experiences will leave you with stories worth sharing. Step off the well-trodden paths, embrace the unexpected, and discover Paphos beyond the brochures.