Attraction
Pafos Zoo
Short answer
Pafos Zoo (often searched as Paphos Zoo) is a privately run wildlife park outside Peyia, set in landscaped gardens with lakes and ponds. According to the zoo, it opened in 2003, covers more than 100,000 m² and grew out of a private bird collection. It is one of the better half-day options for families who want a break from beaches and ruins — but it is not a must-see if you are short on time and here for history.
Why visit Pafos Zoo
- One of the few big family attractions in the Paphos area that isn't a beach or an ancient site.
- The daily bird show and animal encounters give children something to look forward to beyond walking past enclosures.
- It fits easily into a day around Peyia and Coral Bay.
What to see
The animals
The zoo lists hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles, and is particularly known for its collections of parrots and venomous snakes. Species on show change over time — check the zoo's website if you're going for a particular animal.
Parrot and owl show
A daily bird display in the zoo's amphitheatre featuring macaws and owls, mixing entertainment with information about the species. There are three shows a day — see the show times below.
Animal encounters
The zoo offers interaction experiences such as feeding giraffes from a platform and entering the lemur enclosure, subject to availability. Ask at the relevant enclosure on the day.
How long to spend
Two to three hours; longer if you time your visit around the bird show.
Best time to visit
Arrive at opening (09:00), when it's cooler and the animals are more active, and walk round before the 12:00 bird show. In summer, the later shows fall in the hottest part of the day.
Opening hours and tickets
- November–March: 09:00–17:00
- April–July: 09:00–18:00
- August: 09:00–19:00
- September–October: 09:00–18:00
According to the official Pafos Zoo website (checked October 2026). Open every day of the year; hours and show times can change.
Paid entry. We don't publish ticket prices because they change — check the official website. Tickets can be booked online for a chosen date; you receive an e-ticket by email to scan at the entrance. Animal encounters may cost extra.
How to get there
The zoo is in the hills beyond Peyia towards Agios Georgios — around 25–30 minutes' drive from Paphos, and signposted on the approach. Without a car, the zoo runs its own transfer bus from Paphos with pick-ups from most hotels in the region: daily from April to October and three times a week from November to March, according to the zoo. Pick-ups run between 08:30 and 10:30; book the transfer ticket on the zoo's website and you'll be emailed your exact pick-up point, pick-up time and return time.
Who might skip it
You have only a day or two and came for archaeology and the coast — the Archaeological Park and Tombs of the Kings rank higher.
Bird show times
| Months | Daily shows |
|---|---|
| January–March | 12:00 · 14:00 · 16:00 |
| April–September | 12:00 · 14:30 · 17:00 |
| October–December | 12:00 · 14:00 · 16:00 |
Combine it with
Pair a morning at the zoo with an afternoon swim at Coral Bay and sunset at the Peyia sea caves. More ideas in Paphos with kids.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need at Pafos Zoo?
Two to three hours for most families. Plan a little longer if you want to catch the bird show.
Can you get to Pafos Zoo without a car?
Yes. The zoo runs its own transfer bus from most Paphos hotels — daily from April to October, three times a week from November to March. Pick-ups are between 08:30 and 10:30 and must be booked in advance on the zoo's website; your exact pick-up and return times are emailed after booking.
What time is the bird show at Pafos Zoo?
There are three shows a day: 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 from October to March, and 12:00, 14:30 and 17:00 from April to September, according to the zoo. Check at the entrance on the day.
Is Pafos Zoo good for young children?
Yes. It's one of the main family attractions in the Paphos area. Go in the morning to avoid the heat, and bring hats and water.
Plan around it
Beach
Coral Bay
Sandy, sheltered and fully organised — the classic family beach of the Paphos area.
- Coral Bay
Area
Peyia & Coral Bay
Hillside village above Coral Bay — the best-known sandy beach near Paphos.
- Peyia & Coral Bay
Family
Paphos With Kids
Planning Paphos with children: the beaches, ancient sites and activities that work for kids, how to plan around the heat, and where families should stay.
Attraction
Peyia Sea Caves & Edro III Wreck
Wave-cut caves and a stranded cargo ship on the rocky coast north of Coral Bay.
- Peyia & Coral Bay
- 30–60 minutes
- Free
Things to do
Things to Do in Paphos
The best things to do in Paphos, Cyprus — ancient sites, beaches, the Akamas, wine villages and day trips — with how long each takes, who it suits and what to skip.
Itinerary
7 Days in Paphos
A week in Paphos: the town, the Blue Lagoon, the Akamas, wine villages, a rest day at Coral Bay and a day in the Troodos mountains — planned geographically.
- 7 days
- Car: yes