Coastal Walk Kato Paphos

With all of the food places I have been sharing with you here in Paphos, it's only fair that I also present a healthy activity that you could do to burn off some calories. This will require a lot of walking, a lot of accu power of your phone or camera and a bottle of water would also be handy. My healthy proposal that I would like to share with you is the beach walk here in Paphos that is absolutely perfect for that afternoon period just when the sun is about to set.

Other than being high up in the hills or the mountains, the best place to catch the sunset is right in front of it, just in front of the sea. The best place to go to for this would be the strip of paved walk way that stretches from the castle in Kato Paphos harbour to the Elysium Hotel or even the Venus Beach Hotel, as some claim. Many of us are not very happy that the town has put some money into making this coastal walk proper, with concrete pavements cleared from the bushes and everything.

I usually don't walk here during the middle of the day because it's simply too hot. The paved walkway does not have a roof, which will leave you completely exposed to the strong sunlight. Even to hardcore sunbathers or people who just love getting tanned I would not recommend doing this since Cyprus is very close to the equator and the heat of the sun could literally knock you out. I am also saying this because there aren't a lot of people walking around during daytime, so if something happened to you it could take a while before someone realised what's happening.

Having said this, I would highly recommend going for a walk in the late afternoon when the sun is less strong. This is also because this is sunset time and the best time to be walking along the coastal walk. You will see a lot more activity both on the beach and the coastal walk as people will begin jogging and walk around. As nice as the pavements and the view are, you are not allowed to bring bicycles beyond the designated point. This only is for safety reasons and, without lifeguards watching over you, safety really cannot be compromised. It is during this late afternoon period that you (finally) get some breeze from the sea. It's the perfect place to be, really.

There are also other activities for you to enjoy, if you happen to be around the coastal walk area. For a starter, I would recommend starting from the side further away from the harbour so that you arrive at Kato Paphos Harbour at the end of your walk. This is simply because there is a lot more to see and to do at the harbour like the medieval castle that marks the finish line of your journey. During daytime you should have no problem seeing the castle, but it becomes less visible in the evening. To add to that, just before you arrive at the harbour, you will also see the famous lighthouse. Also, around the area of the light house, you might be lucky to see some of the ancient ruins and artefacts. There is certainly no shortage of things to see along your coastal walk and this is exactly why you should have your phone or your camera with you during the walk!

You may also benefit from this paved area by going for a morning run! A lot of people actually do take advantage of this since there are no gates or official opening and closing hours. Regarding this, the coastal paved way is a fantastic exercise route for those who would like to maintain the same healthy lifestyle while breathing the fresh air and the cool breeze from the sea. I also find that in the early morning when the sun is not too strong, yet, you can get a fantastic view overlooking as far as Coral Bay. As you could see on the picture that I managed to capture one morning, the sky was super clear and the visibility was flawless.

Some other activities that may be of interest to you are the pull-up bars about halfway of the walk. There is a little rest pit stop for you to sit down, relax, stretch and do what you have to do. Also, here are the bars that you can do pull-ups on, which I find very appropriate for this activity. You don't necessarily have to do fully sets or anything, but it's just a fun change from jogging or walking! The best part is that they're usually free so that there is no queueing like at your gym.

Believe it or not, there is more and the best is yet to come. Towards the end of your walk - the opposite side of Kato Paphos Harbour, if that helps, - there will be a beach soccer field as well as two beach volleyball courts. I have not personally seen people playing sports on these courts, but I assume that you can and that it's open to the public. I had always wanted to go there and play beach volleyball, but unfortunately never got the chance to do so. Now that you know that these courts exist, you can be the first to play! Someone told me that these sports courts are quite recent since there was a tournament of some sort last year.

Just next to these courts, you have a section of the coastal walk which is the best for swimming. This is because other parts of the walk are separated from the sea by rocks and stuff that you have to climb over which are a safety hazard. Having said this, the area just next to the courts are rather beaches for you to lie down and suck in the sun, go for a swim and just relax. There is also a little beach house for you to go into the shade, grab something to eat, and something cold to drink. They also have food here, the usual, like burgers. I have never tried this place because there are so many other great restaurants around Paphos and was convinced that this one was not worth a try.

Believe me there's more to do just around the corner! So, I mentioned that you could get a bite or have a drink here, but believe it or not, you can also work out here. Work out in this case refers to the exercises you can do in a gym. This means lifting weights and all that stuff to work out and reach that beach body summer goal of yours. There are a few machines for you to use, but I am not sure whether this is free for the public. If you're interested, there is no harm in doublechecking with the people there. Plus, I have also seen people using these machines and the place is actually quite busy with shirtless guys just doing their thing. I see this as a really neat idea since you're just on the beach, by the water, and you can work out at your own pace. If you're done with the work out just walk about fifty steps and jump into the sea! This is really like living in paradise, isn't it?

If you do choose to do the coastal walk the way I recommended, that means towards the harbour of Kato Paphos, then you may be interested in stopping by a kebab shop to reward yourself. The photo below was taken of a kebab shop close to the shopping mall Debenham's, and just steps away from Baan Thai Kitchen. I really don't remember the name of this place, but they make really good kebabs here, and are quick making them, too! So, if you're feeling super hungry and super exhausted kebab with some french fries should cheer you up and bring you back to your feet quite nicely. Or if you would feel guilty taking on some french fries and a kebab you could just get a glass of fresh orange juice to go with your tuna salad, like my mother had done.

And this is the end of this version of what you can do after you are done feasting at all the places I recommended to you. If you haven't taken a look at those yet you will regret it. Return to my previous posts and see what I have to say for about best food in Paphos as well as the places that are just, meh, while others are in, maybe some to avoid. I am like a Paphos local, but at the same time always curious to discover and suck in new things like an average tourist. Now, that summer is just around the corner, the pace in Paphos will speed up and there will be a lot more activities for you to enjoy.

Paphos has also been elected The European Capital of Culture 2017. This is a massive honour and this only means Paphos is working hard to create cultural activities as well as other activities in general to generate interest in the town. If you're interested in visiting Cyprus and in particular Paphos this is a very good time. For more information on what it means to be one of Europe's Capitals of Culture, how Paphos earned its rank as well as what's happening in and around Paphos, be sure to check out the official website just at the bottom of this page!

And just before I forget, make sure to head over to:

• Stavros Taverna and Restaurant up in Moutallos' Town Square for delicious local Cypriot meal like no other, with their fantastic, fresh meze menu.
• Kourides Restaurant for another side of the Greek Cypriot cuisine where take aways, quick service, and home-cooked foods are their pride.
• Baan Thai Kitchen for the real deal, authentic Thai food in the harbour of Kato Paphos, just next door to shopping mall Debenham's.

Wear something comfortable, bring your sun glasses, apply some sun screen, bring a bottle of water, and, of course, a fully charged camera and mobile phone, and get out there already!

Paphos 2017 - The Official Web Page for Paphos 2017 The European Capital of Culture

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