10 Unusual things to do in Paphos | Cyprus

The southwest of Cyprus hosts Paphos, a city nestled in its midst. Thanks to its flamboyant ancient architecture in 1980 it became included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Many foreign tourists visiting this place think of activities like swimming or sunbathing the most. But some of them may prefer to explore something different. This article is here to help them to achieve such goals  – the unusual things to do in Paphos.

The Mosaics of Paphos

The majority of the mosaics are in Paphos Archeological Park near the harbor area. Just look for the House of Dionysos, the House of Theseus, the House of Aion, and the House of Orpheus. Additionally, you can visit Agia Kyriaki church and Chrysopolitissa Basilica. Both reconstructed their earlier versions on the ruins. There is also no entrance fee. Some of the ruins include floors with well-preserved mosaics.

Polemi concentration camp

Before Cyprus became independent of Britain the camp used to be a place where many Cypriot resistance fighters ended up in the 1950s. There were another 7 British camps during the Cyprior War of Independence. If you visit the site you will be greeted with just some structures like a guard tower and some old military vehicles. 

Linos to Charilaou

When translating the name into English it means Omodos Wine Press. The site is basically the oldest medieval wine press in Cyprus. The soil on this island is the best for winemaking. Omodos is a village in the Troödos Mountains with many vineyards. The medieval wine press offers insight into a small room full of winemaking gadgets like vats, cauldrons, and many others with the Omodos Wine Press in the center. The site is probably 700 to 800 years old. Nowadays regional winemakers tend to use more modern grape-pressing methods – so if you are a fan of wines, their production, and history you should check this place.

The Edro III Shipwreck

As the name suggests the site is a shipwreck. EDRO III was a cargo ship built in 1966 in Norway. The accident happened in 2011 on the 8th of October. 9 crew members of the ship were rescued by local helicopter. The ship lies near the sea cave area. It is 80 meters long and weighs more than 2300 tons. Nearby near the Tombs of the Kings, you can find another shipwreck M/V Demetrios II.

Tombs of the Kings

Another quite popular archeological site with a desert-like environment is only a 5 min drive by car from Paphos main bus station. Though it may not be that unusual but I think it belongs to the list of unusual things to do in Paphos too. There are 9 tombs scattered around and carved into stones. Some also include catacombs, many of which have airy atriums. The place is also great for anyone interested in landscape architecture photography.

Anti Gravity Road

The road lies between Paphos and Polis. The place is something also called an anti-gravity hill. You can experience an optical illusion where a slight downhill slope appears to be an uphill slope.

Berengaria Hotel

If you happen to visit the highest village in Cyprus, Prodromos, and you like urbex then do not forget to check out Verengaria/Berengaria Hotel. In 1930 it used to be a luxurious hotel for the rich and famous. It was named after Queen Berengaria of Navarre, the wife of King Richard the Lionheart. The hotel made of stone is a combination of classical and colonial styles with majestic columns and verandas. According to the latest available information the hotel is being restored with the aim to reopen it in Spring 2026. It will offer 30 rooms and a spa.

The Grivas Monument and Museum

The museum is only 4 km away north of Kato Pafos. You can reach it by bus n. 615 as well. It was built in the spot where Agios Georgios landed in November 1954 with the aim to overthrow British colonial rule together with the EOKA rebel Georgios Grivas. Two months later, authorities arrested the rebels during their attempt at a second landing.

Foinikas

Foinikas is an empty village right next to Asprokremmos Reservoir. The village now resembles some old medieval castle ruins located on a green hill you can find in central Europe. The best time to visit the place is probably in spring when the flowers start to bloom and enhance the wild vegetation with a pinch of romanticism. Back in the past during the years 1881-1973, the number of residents was mostly increasing. However, after the Turkish occupation, people were forced to leave and move to the occupied part of Cyprus. If you decide to visit, get yourself a SUV car since the dirt roads are in bad shape.

Vouni village

The above list is definetaly not full. There might be more unusual things to do in Paphos or its near surroundings (for example watching pink flamingos) – it all depends what you are looking for.