Paphos is a standout destination for walking tours because of its rich archaeological sites, charming harbor, and lively streets filled with history and culture. Strolling through the Archaeological Park or along the harbor, you get a tangible sense of the city’s past and personality—without the rush of bus crowds or the need for a car. Our favorite experience is the Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide, which offers a personalized way to explore the city’s highlights at a relaxed pace. It’s perfect if you prefer intimate insights and off-the-beaten-path stories.
While Paphos is compact enough to explore on foot, there are also options for combining history with nature, like the Caledonia Waterfalls Walking Tour, which takes you into the Troodos Mountains for a scenic hike. And for visitors during the holiday season, the Festive Christmas Private Walking Tour offers a cozy, decorated city stroll. For those looking for a more extensive expedition across Cyprus, the Famagusta, Salamis, and Varosha Walking Tour covers ancient ruins and modern ghost towns, making for a deep dive into Cyprus’ layered past.
1. Paphos: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide
At number one, this private tour offers an intimate experience guided by a professional who knows Paphos inside and out. It lasts about 3.5 hours and includes key stops at the Archaeological Park, the House of Dyonisos, and Paphos Harbour. The guide’s local expertise means you’ll see details missed by generic group tours, plus you can tailor your visit—ask about lesser-known legends or avoid busy times.
This tour is especially appealing because it balances archaeological sites with a scenic walk along the harbor, which often feels more authentic without the crowds. The guide will take you through the Kato Pafos Archaeological Park, providing fascinating insights into the mosaics and ruins, culminating with a visit to the Fortress and optional time at Paphos Castle. Reviewers love the guide’s attentiveness, with one calling it “a fantastic tour in every way,” emphasizing her depth of knowledge and friendly manner.
Bottom line: If you want a flexible, personalized experience with rich commentary, this tour is hard to beat for its combination of archaeology, scenic walks, and local stories.
2. From Paphos: Caledonia Waterfalls Walking Tour with Lunch
Number two on our list is a full-day adventure into the Troodos Mountains, perfect for nature lovers. Starting early, this 8-hour tour includes a 3 km hike through lush forests to the stunning Caledonia Falls. It’s a great way to see a different side of Cyprus—green, quiet, and away from the busy coast.
The tour features a stop in Platres village, where you can try homemade lemonade, and a hearty lunch at Psilo Dendro, known for its trout dishes. The hike itself is accessible and manageable even for those with little experience—many reviewers mention how it’s “do-able for beginners.” The guides are knowledgeable and caring, ensuring everyone stays comfortable and engaged. One reviewer appreciated the “amazing job” of the guide Andreas and the driver Kiriakos, noting the care and responsibility they showed.
A potential drawback is the long duration—11 hours total—so it’s best for active travelers with a full day to spare. The scenery, however, is a rewarding payoff, making this a top pick for those wanting a nature break from historic sightseeing.
Bottom line: This tour offers immersive nature experiences and a taste of mountain life, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those wanting to combine hiking with local lunch.
3. Festive Christmas Private Walking Tour in Paphos
For a shorter, seasonal experience, the Festive Christmas Private Walking Tour captures Paphos’ holiday spirit in just 2 hours. This private tour takes you through the decorated streets, illuminating the city’s festive charm, and includes visits to the Paphos Town Hall, Municipal Gardens, Agios Theodoros Cathedral, and Ivis Maliotou Park.
It’s perfect if you want a cozy, culturally enriching break during Christmas time or any winter visit. The guide shares stories about local Christmas legends and traditions, adding warmth and context to the decorated streets. The tour costs $1,255 per group of up to 4 people, making it a great value for a personalized holiday experience.
While reviews aren’t available, the itinerary’s highlights promise a charming, intimate look at Paphos’ winter celebrations. It’s best suited for families or couples who want a festive, relaxed walk with a local storyteller.
Bottom line: If holiday cheer and cultural tales appeal to you, this tour offers a cozy way to enjoy Paphos’ Christmas atmosphere with a private guide.
4. From Paphos: Famagusta, Salamis, and Varosha Walking Tour
Our final pick is an extensive 11-hour journey into Cyprus’ eastern side, ideal for history and modern history buffs alike. This tour covers the ancient city of Salamis, established in the 12th century BC, with its impressive theater and gymnasium ruins. It also explores Famagusta’s old town with its Venetian Castle and Othello’s Tower, plus the haunting ghost city of Varosha, abandoned since 1974.
This comprehensive itinerary balances archaeological exploration with a stark reminder of Cyprus’ recent division. The guide’s commentary delves into the complex history, making it more than just a walk. Reviewers highlight the tour’s depth and the emotional impact of walking through Varosha, which remains a powerful experience.
Because of its length and depth, this tour is best for travelers with a strong interest in history and politics or those wanting an in-depth cross-section of Cyprus’ past and present. Expect a full day but a meaningful, immersive experience.
Bottom line: This is a unique opportunity to see the layered history of Cyprus, suitable for serious history enthusiasts willing to spend a full day exploring.
How to Choose the Best Walking Tour in Paphos
When selecting your perfect walking tour, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend. If you prefer a personalized, detailed exploration of Paphos’ archaeological sites, the Private Walking Tour is ideal. For outdoor lovers craving fresh mountain air and waterfalls, the Caledonia Waterfalls Tour offers a scenic hike with a local touch.
Travelers during the holiday season might enjoy the festive Christmas walk, which combines culture and holiday cheer. History buffs with a full day to spare should consider the Famagusta tour, which dives into Cyprus’ layered past, including its more recent division.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons or Christmas, and check availability for times that suit your travel plans. Think about your fitness level—shorter tours like the Christmas walk are more relaxed, while the longer Famagusta tour demands stamina.
In summary, Paphos offers a diverse array of walking experiences—from private archaeological explorations and mountain hikes to festive city strolls and extensive history tours. For most travelers, the private tour strikes a great balance of personalized attention and comprehensive sights, while outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Caledonia Waterfalls for a nature escape. Those interested in Cyprus’ modern history and political landscape should consider the Famagusta tour.
Whichever you choose, these walks promise to make your visit to Paphos memorable—just don’t forget your comfortable shoes and curiosity!