Located on the southwest coast of Cyprus, Paphos is a popular resort town that is an eclectic blend of priceless archaeological sites and tourist-centric establishments. It is also fantastic for families and has plenty to offer for a balanced holiday for all!
It goes without saying that the beaches are great for children; out of 27 beaches in the region, 16 are awarded the Blue Flag eco label of cleanliness and quality. Popular beaches that have shallow seawaters and conveniences include Coral Bay, Vrysoudia and Paphos Municipal Beach.
Paphos Aphrodite Water Park
Keeping with the water theme, Paphos is home to one of the island’s three major water parks. The themed Paphos Aphrodite Water Park, which added new rides in 2021, is not a cheap day out (especially when you add food and drink to the ticket price), but it is a full day out! One-day or two-day family tickets are available with the two-day ticket working out to be much better value. Younger children are well catered for with the Pirate Ship and Magic Splash structures and mini versions of other attractions.
Paphos Aphrodite water Park
Pafos Zoo
Paphos is also home to the island’s biggest zoo (there is only one other zoo on the island in Limassol). The privately owned Pafos Zoo was once a bird park (the bird show is still a popular part of the experience) before expanding to house a large variety of different animals that will delight children. I would advise visiting at cooler times of the day as it can get very hot walking around the lovely grounds. I particularly like seeing the Mouflon (Cyprus’ national animal – a horned mountain sheep) as I wouldn’t otherwise encounter this very shy creature in its natural habitat in the Troodos Mountain Range.
Paphos Zoo
Pafos Luna Park
The island’s second permanent fairground (after the Agia Napa Parko Paliatso Luna Park) opened in Paphos a few years ago and has proven to be highly popular. The Pafos Luna Park is much smaller than the Agia Napa fairground but has a variety of rides for younger and older children. The wristband for unlimited rides may seem expensive but gives you a sense of freedom that you don’t have to keep buying – and adding up the cost of – tokens for individual rides.
Ferris Wheel at pafos luna park
Kings Avenue Mall
The Kings Avenue Mall (named after Tombs of the Kings in the area) is a large, modern mall with a cinema and arcade, and is great for getting out of the heat and grabbing a cheap meal at one of the fast food franchises of the food court… after the kids have reached their limit of behaving at nice tavernas!
kings avenue mall
Cosmic World
Conveniently located by the mall is Cosmic World which incorporates bowling lanes with soft play, arcade games and even dodgems. Note: there is no entrance fee, but you will need to pay the bowling, soft play entry and dodgems separately.
If all this isn’t enough to fill your time, there are also a host of cultural attractions, but if your children are anything like mine, they will be more enamoured with the fun and thrilling activities, than a pile of rocks at an archaeological site!
cosmic world
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