Walks in Kato Paphos, Ktima and Akamas
Paphos District offers three very different walks: a flat seafront promenade, an old-town stroll with murals, and a hill trail on the Akamas peninsula. Summer heat reaches 35 to 40 degrees in July and August, so walk early or late. Sun hat, water and sturdy shoes are the basics everywhere.
Kato Paphos promenade
This self-guided route is about 4 to 5 km. Start near Poseidonos Avenue and follow the harbour boardwalk to Paphos Castle, then take the paved coastal path round the lighthouse towards Faros Beach and the headland beyond. The path is paved, level and lit after dark, so it suits all fitness levels and is free. You pass fishing boats, harbour tavernas and the edge of the archaeological park. Entry to the park (EUR 4.50) and the castle (EUR 2.50) is extra if you want to go inside.
Ktima old town
Ktima is the upper town, on a rise about 2 km inland. Allow two to three hours. Start at the Municipal Market, then go to 28th October Square with the Town Hall and the neoclassical library. Continue to Ibrahim’s Khan on Konstantinou Kanari Street, then to Kennedy Square and the Mouttalos quarter, where renovated stone lanes and coffee shops sit beside large murals painted when Pafos was European Capital of Culture in 2017. There are viewpoints over the lower town and the sea. Ask at a tourist information office whether guided walks of Ktima are running, and look at visitpafos.org.cy for events.
Aphrodite Trail on the Akamas
The trail starts at the Baths of Aphrodite, on the Akamas coast near Polis. It is a loop of about 7.5 km that climbs some 370 metres to the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas and the summit of Moutti tis Sotiras, with views of Cape Arnaoutis and Chrysochou Bay. Allow 3 to 4 hours. The surface is rough limestone and loose gravel with steep sections, so wear hiking boots. There is no water or shade on the trail, and you should carry at least 2 litres per person. Do not walk it in the midday heat.
Walks to avoid
Avakas Gorge is closed to visitors, with a chain and signs at the entrance. Flash floods, falling rock and landslides are the hazards, and the Forestry Department accepts no responsibility for anyone who enters. Check with the Department of Forests before any plan. Lara beach is closed at night in nesting season, and you must not walk there after dark. Keep well back from cliff edges on the Akamas coast.
Getting to the start
Route 615 reaches Coral Bay from Kato Paphos harbour, and the Kato Paphos promenade begins on the harbour itself. For the Akamas trail, a hire car is simplest, but standard rental insurance excludes unpaved tracks, so stay on tarmac and check your contract. Timetables are on pafosbuses.com .
Read more: Sightseeing in Paphos District describes the sites you pass on these walks.
Booking help
Guided walks and food tours can be compared on GetYourGuide .