A Weekend in Paphos, Cyprus

One of my favorite things about living in Israel is it’s close proximity to amazing weekend travel destinations like Greece and Cyprus. Last year, I got an email from Skyscanner that flights to Cyprus were just $36. I didn’t even take time to think- I clicked a few buttons and booked a ticket immediately. Only after I booked my tickets did I text some friends to come with me, I was going even if I was going alone.

I logged onto booking.com and found a 2 bedroom apartment with a kitchenette at Panareti Paphos Resort, for only $30 a night. It was little ways away from downtown but we were totally happy with it! It’s located on the beach with an onsite pool, free breakfast, and a little market which sells ciders and great late night snacks.

Upon arrival, we were super hungry so we went to the restaurant next door to our hotel, Tea for Two. We weren’t expecting much but to our surprise, it was actually a great meal. We even went more than once during our trip because we loved the jacket potatoes. Tea for Two, which has been around for over 25 years, serves up delicious breakfast and desserts. With a few locations around Paphos, it is a great stop for brunch or a snack. Portions are huge- so go hungry.

For our first full day, we took a day trip to Kourion Ancient Theater, Kolossi Castle, and Cyprus villages tour from Viator. With a wonderful tour guide who sang to us and told us old tales of love and Greek Gods, we set off for a full day of adventure. Stopping along the way to throw rocks into the ocean in hopes of finding true love, we had a wonderful day learning about the history of the island. The tour included a delicious lunch at a hidden tavern surrounded by hills and greenery. For only $69, this tour is a steal!

Day 2 included a hike of Aphrodite’s Trail in Latchi. It is a beautiful trail with a few different options of length. Though we meant to do the 8k hike, we got a little bit lost and ended up doing over 15k. Wandering around lost with no snacks and way too little water I couldn’t help but be at peace. The views on top of the mountain over the Mediterranean were gorgeous.

After the hike, we headed to 7 St Georges Tavern for one of the best meals of my life. It’s a one price menu- but not you’re average all you can eat meal. George and his sons have been at this tavern thing for a long time. All of their vegetables are grown in their garden and everything is made from scratch daily. They also make their own wine which they serve by the carafe. George greets you when you arrive and lets you know it will be a long slow meal but that he will keep bringing food for as long as you keep eating, which for us was 4 hours! I told him I was a vegetarian and allergic to gluten and his face lit up, “Don’t worry! I’ll have vegetables coming out of your ears.” And he did.

About halfway through out meal, George sat down next to us at our table somehow guessing we were Israeli. He told us stories of Israelis coming to the port and helping them get what they needed. George told us, “If anything ever happens there, make your way to Cyprus and I will take care of you.” Such a wonderful, sweet family and the experience of a life time. If you go to Paphos and miss 7 St. Georges, you will regret it!

Finally, our last morning was spent wondering around the old part of town up the mountain. We went to find The Traditional Coffee Shop which was closed for renovations. Instead, we found a delicious bakery, coffee shops with a view of the Mediterranean from above (Sykamainia Café), art galleries and a spot to sip on delicious local ciders (The Wooden Pub). After a long day of walking we headed back to our room to grab our bags and hit the airport.

Paphos, which is only a 1 hour flight away from Tel Aviv, it is the perfect little 3 day vacation. If you go, say hey to George from me!