Listen to the tour introductionA short audio preview of this tour
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Paphos: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour of Ancient Ruins incl. St Paul's Pillar
Welcome to Paphos, Cyprus, a city where ancient history meets modern charm on the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast!
Nestled on the island’s southwest shores, Paphos is a captivating blend of stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and centuries-old legends. It’s said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, and her enchanting presence seems to linger in the air, from the glistening beaches to the ancient ruins.
Wander through Kato Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where Roman villas reveal intricate mosaics, and the mighty Paphos Castle sands watch over the bustling harbor. Whether you’re drawn to the myth-laden sites like the Tomb of the Kings, or the vibrant modern lifestyle of the city’s cafes and tavernas, Paphos offers a journey through time that will both thrill and relax you.
With its idyllic beaches, serene landscapes, and a year-round Mediterranean climate, Paphos is the perfect getaway for those seeking a mix of history, adventure, and tranquility. Whether you’re diving into crystal-clear waters, exploring ancient mysteries, or enjoying local Cypriot delicacies, Paphos promises an unforgettable experience.
So let’s get walking yeah?
Top landmarks and attractions included in this English self-guided 1h:23m walking tour in Paphos
For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant () to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
Route Preview
Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place 1
Church of Agion Anargyron Recommended starting point
Distance: 0.15 mi · Attraction: Church
618, Agapinoros, Paphos 8049, Cyprus
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Our first stop of the day on our right is the Church of Agion Anargyron. Dedicated to the Saints Cosmas and Damian, also known as the “Holy Unmercenaries”. These saints were known for their healing abilities and their charitable nature, offering medical care without asking for payment, hence the name “Anargyroi,” meaning “without silver” or “without payment.”
This small but serene church holds a special place in the religious life of Paphos. Located near the heart of the town, it serves a peaceful retreat where locals and visitors alike come to offer prayers and seek spiritual solace. The interior is adorned with traditional Orthodox icons, creating a reverent atmosphere typical of Cypriot churches. The simplicity of the design enhances its spiritual presence, with the soothing ambiance inviting quiet reflection.
Although not as large or ornate as other churches in the area, the Church of Agion Anargyron is significant for its connection to healing and compassion. Many people visit the church, especially on the feast day of Saints Cosmas and Damian, which is celebrated on November 1st.
Distance: 0.03 mi
QC68+7CG, Ikarou, Paphos 8041, Cyprus
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As we begin our walking tour through Paphos, Cyprus I think it’s important to touch on the history of this amazing city. It is a place stepped in thousands of years of rich history, myth, and culture, stretching back to the neolithic period. In antiquity, there were two main Paphos cities: Old Paphos (Kouklia), a center for Aphrodite worship, and New Paphos, founded around 320 BCE. The latter, located near the modern city, became the administrative capital of Cyprus under the Ptolemaic dynasty and later the Roman Empire. During Roman times, Paphos flourished and became a prominent cultural and political center. Many Roman villas were built here, adorned with exquisite mosaics that survive to this day, which we will see later in our tour!
One of the city’s defining moments in history came in 45 CE, when the apostles Paul and Barnabas visited Paphos during their missionary journey. This event is significant in CHristian history because the Roman governor Sergius Paulis converted to Christianity, making Paphos one of the first places in the word where a high-ranking Roman official embraced the new faith.
In more modern times, Paphos remained a small town until Cyprus gained independence in 1960. Since then, it has grown into one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. It is not only a city of ancient wonders but a lively space that we will get to witness today.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms. Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay / Android / Android Auto].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (iOS users) and Android Auto connection (Android users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
Food and drinks
Physical tour guide.
Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
What does this tour include?
This self-guided walking tour includes 24 stops, covering top attractions such as Church of Agion Anargyron, History of Cyprus, Hellenistic Circuit Wall Remains, Agio Agapitkios, Roman Aqueduct.
Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Church of Agion Anargyron (Address: 618, Agapinoros, Paphos 8049, Cyprus). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided walking tour designed to be completed on foot through walkable areas and city highlights.
Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided walking tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you.
Is this a walkable tour?
Yes, this tour is fully walkable and designed to follow a comfortable route through pedestrian-friendly areas.
Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There is one thing that you need - A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour) and comfortable walking shoes! But here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a mobile charger/battery. 2. Bring earphones for the best experience. 3. Bring a bottle of water and dress appropriately according to the weather forecast.
How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. Just follow the route (cross streets carefully using crosswalks) and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue the from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
What known landmarks and main sites does this tour have?
The top landmarks and main sites on this tour include St Paul's Pillar, Hellenistic Roman Theater, Birthplace of Aphrodite, Roman Aqueduct, Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and Medieval Baths. In total, the tour has 24 points of interest along the route.
Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!
Walking (OffRoad) tour
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
