My Solo Trip to Paphos, Cyprus: Sun, Sea & A Surprise Sore Throat

My Solo Trip to Paphos, Cyprus: Sun, Sea & A Surprise Sore Throat

Planning a solo trip to Cyprus? Here’s my honest experience staying in Paphos for 12 nights, including hotel recommendations, what it’s really like travelling alone, and tips for staying safe, relaxed, and prepared—especially if you're a woman over 30 looking for a chilled beach break.

Planning your own solo escape to Cyprus? I’ve also created a detailed Mini Paphos Solo Travel Guide with everything I wish I’d known before I went—perfect if you want all the best tips in one place.

👉 Check out the guide here

First Impressions of Paphos

At the end of September, I set off on what I hoped would be a relaxing solo escape to the sunshine-soaked shores of Cyprus. I booked 12 nights at the beautiful Athena Beach Hotel in Paphos, and despite a few unexpected twists, it ended up being one of the most peaceful trips I’ve ever taken.

The moment I arrived at the Athena Beach Hotel, I knew I’d picked the right spot. The hotel was lovely, and the adults-only section felt like a hidden oasis—peaceful, quiet, and perfect for unwinding. The hotel sits right on the beach, so I had easy access to our own little stretch of sand whenever I wanted some solo sunbathing or sea-gazing.

When Solo Travel Doesn’t Go to Plan

Originally, I had planned to book a few excursions to explore Paphos and its archaeological sites. But not long after I arrived, I came down with a horrible cough, lost my voice completely, and found myself really low on energy. Walking long distances became too much, so I took it as a sign to slow down and just rest.

The beach, thankfully, was just a few steps away. I spent time relaxing in the sun, sipping tea, and taking gentle strolls along the seafront to nearby hotels. Even though I didn’t get to do as much as I’d hoped, I still soaked up the calming atmosphere of Cyprus.

Hotel Kindness That Made a Difference

One of the standout things about this trip was how incredibly kind the hotel staff were. Even staff I hadn’t spoken to before were checking in on me, offering remedies and advice to help me get my voice back. It made me feel really looked after, which is such a comforting thing when you're travelling solo and feeling unwell.

However, not everything was perfect. On the hotel’s Cypriot night, because I was alone, I wasn’t allowed to sit outside with the other guests and was placed inside the restaurant by myself. It felt awkward and isolating, and it’s something I’d love to see change in the future—solo travellers deserve the same experience as everyone else.

Would I Recommend It for Solo Female Travellers?

Yes—if you’re looking for a calm, chilled-out break by the beach with a touch of luxury, this hotel is a great option. That said, I think one week would have been plenty. 12 nights felt a little too long, especially with limited activities when I wasn’t feeling 100%.

Top Tips for Solo Travel in Paphos

• Bring a hat if you’re planning to visit archaeological sites—there’s very little shade.

• Pack a mini health kit: paracetamol, and if you can, bring lemon, turmeric & honey tea bags. I swear this would’ve helped my voice recover faster.

• Locate the nearest pharmacy when you arrive—it’s always good to know where it is, just in case.

• Don’t be afraid to go solo. I felt very safe and genuinely welcomed, even when I was feeling rough.

✨ Need more help planning your Paphos getaway?

Grab my Mini Paphos Solo Travel Guide – created just for women travelling alone, based on real experience.

Inside you’ll find:

✅ When to go
✅ Where to stay (adult-only vibes, safe areas)
✅ What to do—even if you’re taking it easy
✅ Local pharmacy + transport tips
✅ What to pack (including my secret sore-throat remedy!)
And more.

👉 Download the guide now – instant digital PDF

Final Thoughts

Even though I didn’t get to explore as much of Cyprus as I’d planned, the trip reminded me that solo travel doesn’t have to be fast-paced to be meaningful. Sometimes it's about pressing pause, resting, and just enjoying being in a new space—sunshine, sea air, and all.