Paphos and Kourion Day Trip from Ayia Napa
Overview
This full-day guided coach trip takes you from the east coast of Cyprus to the island's ancient west. Highlights are the Greco-Roman site of Kourion with its cliff-top amphitheatre, Aphrodite's Rock, the sweet shops of Yeroskipou and the mosaics and harbour of Paphos. Hotel pickup from Ayia Napa, Protaras and Larnaca, an air-conditioned coach, an English-speaking guide and entry fees are included. It is a shared group trip for history lovers, couples and families who want Cyprus's best-known sights in one day.
Highlights
- Guided visit of ancient Kourion, with mosaics and a Greco-Roman amphitheatre above the bay
- Photo stop at Aphrodite's Rock, the legendary birthplace of the goddess of love
- Entry to the Paphos mosaics, part of a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological park
- Two hours of free time at Paphos Harbour for lunch, the castle or a stroll
- Tasting of traditional Cypriot sweets at Yeroskipou
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Ayia Napa, Protaras and Larnaca
- Air-conditioned coach and an English-speaking guide, with entry fees included
Full Description
Ancient Kourion and its amphitheatre
Kourion is the most impressive ancient site on Cyprus's south coast, set on a cliff above Episkopi Bay. It was a city-kingdom in the Greek era and a Roman town later, until earthquakes in the fourth century destroyed much of it. The highlight of a Kourion tour is the restored Greco-Roman theatre, still used for performances, with a view across the sea.
Your guide leads a walking tour of about 45 minutes through the mosaic floors of the Roman villas, including the House of Eustolios, and the remains of an early Christian basilica. Wear a hat and sturdy shoes, because there is little shade. Is Kourion worth visiting? For the mosaics and the view alone, yes, and the guided visit explains what you would otherwise miss.
Aphrodite's Rock, Petra tou Romiou
Aphrodite's Rock, called Petra tou Romiou in Greek, is a group of sea stacks on a pebble beach between Limassol and Paphos. Legend says the goddess of love and beauty rose from the foam here, which is why Cyprus is known as her island. It is one of the most photographed spots in the Mediterranean and the reason many people search for Aphrodite's Rock tours from Ayia Napa.
The coach stops here for about 20 minutes of free time, enough for photographs and a short walk down to the beach. Local tradition says swimming around the rock at midnight brings eternal youth, but the water can be rough, so the stop is for viewing rather than swimming. The cliffs and the coloured sea make the light best in the morning or late afternoon.
The Paphos mosaics and archaeological park
Paphos is one of Cyprus's oldest towns, and its archaeological park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. It holds some of the finest Roman mosaics in the eastern Mediterranean, mostly floors of grand villas dating from the third to the fifth century. The House of Dionysus is the best known, with scenes from Greek myth in crisp colour.
Entry fees and a guided tour of the Paphos mosaics are included in this trip, so you can walk the villas without buying separate tickets. Many visitors ask about Paphos mosaics tickets and opening hours, and the hours change by season, which is one reason a planned day trip is useful. Give yourself time to look closely, because the details of the tiles are remarkable.
Paphos Harbour and Yeroskipou
Paphos Harbour is the social heart of the town, with cafes and fish restaurants along the quay and a small medieval castle at the end of the breakwater. This trip gives you about two hours of free time, enough for lunch at a harbour restaurant, a visit to the castle or a walk along the waterfront. Lunch is not included, so budget for it separately.
On the way back the coach stops at Yeroskipou, a village famous for loukoumi, the soft sweet often called Cyprus delight. You taste traditional sweets here and can buy boxes as souvenirs. The trip also breaks briefly at the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia on the way out, and the timings are approximate because they depend on traffic.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickupThe coach collects guests from Protaras (about 07:20 to 07:45), Ayia Napa (07:50 to 08:10) and Larnaca Bay (about 08:30 to 08:45).
- Coach to ChoirokoitiaA drive of about an hour, with a 15-minute break at the Neolithic settlement.
- Ancient KourionA guided tour of about 45 minutes of the mosaics, basilica and amphitheatre.
- Aphrodite's RockAbout 20 minutes of free time for photographs on the coast.
- YeroskipouA 15-minute stop to taste traditional sweets.
- Paphos Harbour and mosaicsAbout two hours in Paphos, including the mosaics, then free time for lunch and the harbour.
- Return and drop-offA drive of about an hour and a half back to your hotel.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport in an air-conditioned bus
- English-speaking guide
- Entry fees and guided tour of Kourion and the Paphos Mosaics
- Tasting of traditional sweets
Not included
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Tips (optional)
Not suitable for
- Travellers with mobility impairments, because the archaeological sites involve uneven ground and steps
- Anyone who cannot sit on a coach for long journeys
- Guests who prefer a short trip, as the day lasts about ten hours
Meeting point
Hotel pickup is included from 31 pickup locations across Ayia Napa, Protaras and Larnaca. Protaras pickups run from about 07:20 to 07:45, Ayia Napa from about 07:50 to 08:10, Larnaca Bay near the Lordos Beach Hotel at about 08:30 and the Finikoudes bus stop at about 08:45. Be ready at your pickup point 10 minutes early, and you will be dropped back at the same area in the evening.
Important information
- This is a long day of about 10 hours, with much of it spent on the coach
- Wear comfortable, closed shoes because the archaeological sites have uneven ground
- Bring sunglasses, a sun hat and sunscreen; there is little shade at Kourion
- Lunch, drinks and optional tips are not included
- Opening hours at archaeological sites change by season, and stops may be reordered because of traffic
- Modest dress is appreciated if you enter any church or religious site
- Bring a small bag and some cash or a card for lunch and souvenirs
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Paphos and Kourion day trip cost?
The price depends on the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for the option, adult and child, so you can see the exact amount before you book.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off from 31 locations in Ayia Napa, Protaras and Larnaca. Choose your area in the booking panel and we will confirm your pickup time.
How long is the Paphos and Kourion tour?
The day lasts about 10 hours, including long drives each way with a short break. Pickup starts at about 07:20 in Protaras.
Are entry fees included?
Yes. Entry fees and a guided tour of Kourion and the Paphos mosaics are included. Lunch and drinks are not.
Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes for most children, and there is a child fare in the booking panel. The day is long and hot in summer, so bring hats, water and snacks for younger ones.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat and sunscreen. Kourion and the Paphos mosaics involve walking on uneven ground in the sun.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes, if places remain on the date you want. Choose the date in the booking panel, and note that pickup times start early in the morning.
Where do we stop for lunch?
Lunch is on your own account at Paphos Harbour, where there are many restaurants along the quay. You have about two hours of free time in Paphos.
Is Aphrodite's Rock a swimming stop?
The stop is for photographs and a short walk on the pebble beach. Currents can be strong, so it is not planned as a swimming stop.
Is a day trip to Paphos and Kourion worth it from Ayia Napa?
Yes if you want the island's major ancient sites without driving. One coach ride covers two archaeological sites, a famous seaside legend and a harbour town.
