Cyprus, the island where Aphrodite is said to have risen from the sea, blends ancient myth with sunlit shores and village hospitality. Expect golden beaches, a tapestry of Greek and Roman ruins, and a cuisine shaped by olive groves, vineyards, and sea breezes. English is widely spoken, driving is on the left, and the weather is mild most of the year—hot in summer, blissfully temperate in spring and fall.

Paphos on the island’s southwest coast is a dream base for a romantic long weekend. It’s compact yet full of sights: UNESCO-listed mosaics, sea caves, and bougainvillea-clad lanes in the Old Town. You’ll find easy access to the Akamas Peninsula, Coral Bay, and the famed Blue Lagoon—plus a lively dining and nightlife scene tailored to sunset lovers.

Practical notes: Cyprus uses the euro; card payments are common, but keep cash for small tavernas. Book boat trips and safaris in advance during summer. For beaches, pack reef-safe sunscreen. For archaeology sites, carry water and a hat; midday sun can be intense.

Paphos

Paphos (Pafos) marries sea air and deep time. Wander Kato Paphos Promenade past fishing boats and the medieval castle, then step into the Archaeological Park to see some of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved Roman mosaics. Photographers love the Edro III shipwreck at sunset and the sculpted coastline around Cape Drepanon.

Food here leans rustic and generous—think meze that arrives in waves, grilled octopus by the harbor, and village wines poured with pride. Nights hum softly along the water with beach clubs, wine bars, and cafés that stay open late.

Where to stay (mid-range to upscale, romantic picks):

• Elysium Hotel (resort elegance, spa, sunset views): Check availability
• Aliathon Resort (suites, lagoon-style pools, great for couples): Check availability
• Pyramos Hotel (budget-friendly, walkable to promenade): Check availability
• Browse more stays on Hotels.com: Paphos hotels or on VRBO: Paphos vacation rentals

Getting to Paphos: Fly into Paphos International (PFO) or Larnaca (LCA). For flights to Cyprus (Europe), compare on Omio. From PFO to Paphos town: taxi ~20 minutes (~€25–€35) or local bus ~30 minutes (~€2–€3). From LCA: Intercity bus to Paphos ~2–2.5 hours (~€10–€15) or rental car ~1.5 hours (watch for left-side driving).

Day 1: Ancient mosaics, seaside strolls, and a sunset toast

Morning: Travel day. Aim for an early flight so you arrive by afternoon. Check in, freshen up, and lace up comfy shoes—Paphos is best admired on foot your first day.

Afternoon: Start at Paphos Archaeological Park for the House of Dionysus and Orpheus mosaics—astonishing color and detail (allow 1.5–2 hours). Walk the Kato Paphos Promenade to the medieval castle; it’s a great photography angle with fishing skiffs in the foreground. Coffee and a light bite at Ta Mpania (by the Municipal Baths) or Suite48 for beachfront smoothies and halloumi salad.

Evening: Dinner meze at 7 St. Georges Tavern—seasonal, garden-grown plates arrive progressively (reserve; go hungry). Alternatively, Laona in the Old Town serves home-style Cypriot classics—stifado, afelia, and baked kolokasi—with gracious service. For a romantic nightcap, head to Antasia Beach Club for craft cocktails over the surf or to Muse Cafe Kitchen Bar for panoramic city-and-sea views.

Optional nightlife experience (Fridays, seasonal): Set sail on the Wave Dancer Fireworks Night Cruise—live music, dancing, and a fireworks finale over the sea (a swoon-worthy date night; typical duration ~3.5 hours). Wave Dancer Fireworks Night Cruise

Day 2: Blue waters, sea caves, and a harbor dinner

Morning: Head west for iconic photo stops: the Peyia sea caves and the Edro III shipwreck (best light early). Grab breakfast by the water at Sea You Beach Bar—strong espresso, avocado toast, and sea views—or return to town for flaky bourekia at a local bakery.

Afternoon: Drive or transfer to Latchi (about 1 hour from Paphos) for a Blue Lagoon boat trip—translucent water, snorkeling, and coastal cliffs. Many departures are 3–4 hours and include wine and fruit on board. BLUE LAGOON BOAT TRIP | Waterslide | Music | Wine |

If you’d prefer to stay closer to Paphos, opt for this half-day coastal cruise with a BBQ lunch and swimming stops departing the harbor: Ocean Vision | Half Day with BBQ Cruise

Evening: Back in town, dine by the harbor. The Pelican has a loyal following for fresh fish (try the octopus or sea bream). For a quieter, stylish setting, Porto Bello offers handmade pasta and a good Cypriot wine list. Nightlife ideas: stroll to the castle for moonlit photos, then slip into Antasia or Suite48 for late cocktails; both keep the beachy, romantic vibe going.

Day 3: Wild Akamas or Aphrodite’s Rock, then departure

Morning: For something adventurous and photogenic before your afternoon departure, join a half-day ATV/buggy ride from Coral Bay through sea caves, Lara Bay (turtle nesting area in season), and the Adonis Waterfalls—expect rugged scenery and refreshing swims (allow ~3–3.5 hours; confirm start times vs. flight). Value for money Quad & Buggy Tour to Lara Bay and Adonis Falls

Prefer something gentler? Drive 25 minutes east to Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock) for sunrise photos and a beach walk, then continue to Kouklia village for a traditional brunch at Gabriel’s Tavern—warm pitta, grilled halloumi, village sausages, and Cypriot coffee.

Afternoon: Quick lunch in town—Laona’s daily specials or a casual souvlaki wrap from a local grill—then head to the airport. If time allows, stop by Tombs of the Kings (1 hour) for atmospheric, honey-colored rock-cut chambers and one last set of dramatic photos.

Evening: Departure day—safe travels with a camera roll full of sunsets and mosaic details.

Extra options if you add time: A guided day into the Troodos Mountains mixes village life, Byzantine churches, and wine tastings; from Paphos, consider this culture-and-nature sampler: 100% Cyprus - Tour to Troodos mountains and villages (From Paphos)

Foodie favorites to bookmark:

• 7 St. Georges Tavern (Kato Paphos): slow-food meze built around seasonal produce and foraged greens—no fixed menu; dishes keep arriving.
• Laona (Old Town): homestyle Cypriot plates, from pork afelia to baked beans with cumin; warm service and fair prices.
• Suite48 Grill & Lounge (seafront): Mediterranean bowls, grilled seafood, and cocktails with a sunset line-of-sight.
• The Pelican (harbor): long-standing spot for fish and seafood; ask for the catch of the day.
• Muse Cafe Kitchen Bar (Old Town ridge): brunch to dinner with the best panoramic view in town.

Logistics & budget tips (aimed at a mid-range budget):

• Boat trips and safaris typically run about $40–$80 per person depending on inclusions; book ahead in July–September.
• Car rentals from Paphos Airport often start around €25–€40/day; parking near the promenade uses meters and municipal lots.
• Meze for two with wine at a taverna is commonly €40–€70; coffee €2–€4; museum entries modest—carry some cash.

Three days in Paphos gives you mythic shores, cinematic sunsets, and plates that tell the island’s story. With day cruises, scenic drives, and soft-afterglow nightlife, it’s a romantic Cyprus itinerary you’ll want to repeat—next time with an extra day for the Troodos villages.