On Foot in Paphos District
Walking in Paphos District is easier if you match the route to the time of day. Evenings suit the harbour, mornings suit the old town, and the Akamas trail needs a long, cool morning. Entry fees are 2026 amounts in euros.
Evening: the Kato Paphos harbour path
Allow an hour or more for the 4 to 5 km shoreline route. The path leaves from the Poseidonos Avenue end, runs along the boardwalk past Paphos Castle and continues around the lighthouse towards Faros Beach and the Elysium headland. Surfaces are paved and level, there is lighting after dark, and the walk costs nothing. Old harbour walls, fishing boats and taverna terraces make good stops. The archaeological park costs EUR 4.50, and the castle EUR 2.50, if you choose to go inside.
Morning: Ktima and Mouttalos
The upper town of Ktima is about 2 km from the harbour, and the circuit takes two to three hours. Begin at the Municipal Market and cross to 28th October Square for the Town Hall and neoclassical library. Ibrahim’s Khan sits on Konstantinou Kanari Street, and Kennedy Square follows. Mouttalos, the last stop, has renovated stone lanes and cafes, and its walls carry murals painted for the Pafos 2017 European Capital of Culture. Viewpoints open up over the sea. Local tourist offices and visitpafos.org.cy can tell you about guided walks.
A long morning: the Aphrodite Trail
The trail begins at the Baths of Aphrodite on the Akamas, close to Polis. It loops for about 7.5 km, rising 370 metres to Pyrgos tis Rigainas and the summit of Moutti tis Sotiras. At the top you see Cape Arnaoutis and Chrysochou Bay. Count on 3 to 4 hours. Paths are rough limestone with loose gravel, so wear boots. There is no water or shade along the way, so carry 2 litres or more for each person, and start early in summer.
Routes to skip
The Avakas Gorge nature trail is shut to visitors. A chain and warning signs stand at the entrance, and the Forestry Department takes no responsibility for people who go in. The Department of Forests can confirm the position. Do not walk on Lara beach after dark. On the Akamas coast, keep clear of cliff edges.
Getting there
From Kato Paphos harbour, route 615 carries passengers to Coral Bay. A hire car is the easy way to reach the Akamas trailhead, but standard hire insurance leaves out unpaved roads, so keep to tarmac.
Read more: Sightseeing in Paphos District describes the places on these routes, and the 3 day Cyprus itinerary adds structure.
Booking help
Walking tours can be compared on GetYourGuide .