Paphos Zoo

Pafos Zoo is the first established and largest licensed zoo in Cyprus, located just a short distance from Paphos. Set in a natural environment of more than 100,000 square metres, it offers visitors the chance to see a wide variety of animals, birds, reptiles, gardens, lakes, and ponds in one of the island’s leading family attractions.

What makes it special

Get close to lemurs and elephants during encounters.

View diverse animal species from around the globe.

Find well-maintained spaces and lively bird shows.

The zoo began as a personal project by Mr Christos Christoforou, whose love of birds and wildlife inspired the creation of the park. It was originally intended to house his large bird collection, but he later decided to open it to the public so that more people could enjoy it and learn about the importance of caring for wildlife.

The Story Behind Pafos Zoo

Pafos Zoo took around three years to complete and opened to the public in September 2003. Its purpose was not only to display animals and birds, but also to educate the local community and visitors about wildlife conservation.

Today, the zoo continues with a mission focused on animal care, education, and helping people connect with the natural world.

Animals at Pafos Zoo

Pafos Zoo is home to animals and birds from different parts of the world. Visitors can see giraffes, monkeys, meerkats, crocodiles, kangaroos, albino wallabies, mouflon, white lions, tigers, and many other species.

The zoo is also known for its large collection of parrots and venomous snakes, described as one of the largest in Europe.

Birds, Reptiles, and Wildlife

Bird lovers will find plenty to enjoy at Pafos Zoo, especially because the park grew from a private bird collection. Colourful parrots, macaws, and other bird species are among the highlights.

The reptile collection is another important part of the zoo, with venomous snakes and crocodiles adding to the variety of wildlife on display.

The Amphitheatre Shows

One of the main experiences at Pafos Zoo is the Amphitheatre show, where macaws and owls perform daily tricks and displays. These shows are designed to entertain visitors while also showcasing the intelligence and character of the birds.

It is worth checking the show times when you arrive so you can plan your visit around them.

Gardens, Lakes, and Natural Setting

Pafos Zoo is set within a green environment with lakes, ponds, and gardens. This makes the visit feel more like a full day out in nature rather than only a walk between animal enclosures.

The setting is especially pleasant for families, as there is space to explore, stop, and enjoy the surroundings between animal areas.

Why Visit Pafos Zoo?

Pafos Zoo is a good choice for families, animal lovers, and visitors looking for a nature based activity near Paphos. It offers a wide range of animals, daily bird shows, and a large outdoor setting where guests can spend several hours.

It is especially suitable for children, but adults who enjoy wildlife, birds, and peaceful garden surroundings will also find it worthwhile.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Pafos Zoo is earlier in the day, especially during the warmer months. This gives you more time to explore comfortably and see the animals before the hottest part of the afternoon.

Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant, with milder weather for walking around the park.

Insider Tips

  • Check the Amphitheatre show times when you arrive.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the zoo covers a large area.
  • Bring sun protection and water during summer.
  • Allow a few hours if you want to explore the park properly.
  • Visit earlier in the day during hot weather.
  • Take time to enjoy the gardens, lakes, and ponds as well as the animals.

Key Points

  • First established and largest licensed zoo in Cyprus
  • Opened to the public in September 2003
  • Located just a short distance from Paphos
  • Set in more than 100,000 square metres of natural surroundings
  • Home to giraffes, monkeys, meerkats, crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, mouflon, white lions, tigers, and more
  • Known for a large collection of parrots and venomous snakes
  • Daily macaw and owl shows in the Amphitheatre
  • Includes gardens, lakes, and ponds
  • Good for families, children, and wildlife lovers

Final Thoughts

Pafos Zoo is one of the most established family attractions in Cyprus, offering a mix of animals, birds, reptiles, gardens, and educational experiences. Its story began with a love of birds and wildlife, and today it gives visitors the chance to enjoy a full wildlife day out near Paphos.

If you are looking for a family friendly activity away from the beach, Pafos Zoo is worth adding to your itinerary.

Ello says

Choose weekdays for quieter visits.

Check for timings of animal encounters before arrival.

If concerned about animal welfare, consider ethical options.

Support ethical sanctuaries or modern zoos that prioritize animal welfare if possible

Reviews

Google reviews sit at 4.4 from 7,818 reviews, while Tripadvisor is at 3.9 from 4,085, so the response looks consistent across both sources. Recent comments most often mention the food, its family-friendly setup, and the value for money.

Google
Google7,818 reviews
4.4/5
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor4,085 reviews
3.9/5

Google rating breakdown

5 stars5,083
4 stars1,567
3 stars600
2 stars218
1 star350
5/5

Rene Punane

7 January 2026from GoogleGoogle

In January it is the best time to visit the Paphos Zoo. The weather isn’t too hot and most of the animals are out. The bird show was nice but the sound and voices from speakers must be improved. Most of the instructors’ talk was hard to understand. Birds were nicely trained. The line to feed the Lemurs was over an hour. Way too long and when the wait was over , most of them got tired and went to sleep shortly. Luckily we still had a chance to spend some time with them. Don’t touch them under the belly! Rhinos and White Lions made their own shows. All the animals were outside and we could see them all nice and good. Spent some 3+hours in the Zoo. Not very crowded. Price range reasonable for tickets and snacks.

5/5

Andreas Schwandner

24 February 2026from GoogleGoogle

Pafos Zoo offers a well-maintained and spacious environment with a wide variety of animals, including giraffes, big cats, birds, and reptiles. The layout allows for an easy and relaxed walk through the park, with clear signage and shaded areas. Enclosures appear clean and thoughtfully designed. It is especially suitable for families, but also enjoyable for adults. Overall, a pleasant and well-organized zoo experience in the Paphos area.

5/5

Roksana Omar

23 November 2025from GoogleGoogle

The Paphos Zoo is one of the most wonderful places I’ve ever visited. You can feel so close to nature and to the animals. It’s truly magical. As an animal lover, this place absolutely stole my heart. Highly recommended! 🦁🌿✨

5/5

Rukhsar Patel

8 January 2026from GoogleGoogle

A really lovely zoo with a great variety of animals. We arrived first thing on a weekend and it was well worth it—quiet at first, with more visitors arriving as we were leaving. There’s plenty to see, and they also run a bird show at selected times throughout the day. Buying tickets at the counter was quick and easy. Free parking available on site

5/5

Stylianos Koursoumbas

13 December 2025from GoogleGoogle

We visited Pafos Zoo with our family as part of a corporate event, and it turned out to be a truly fantastic experience from start to finish. The zoo is well organized, clean, and very family-friendly. One of the highlights of our visit was definitely the parrot and owl shows. They were very well presented, educational, and entertaining for both children and adults. You can really see the care and effort put into the animals and the shows, which made the experience even more enjoyable. We also had lunch at the zoo, and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. Everything was fresh, tasty, and well prepared, making it a great addition to an already wonderful day. Overall, it was a great opportunity to spend quality time with the family while enjoying a well-maintained environment and engaging activities. We left with very positive impressions and great memories. Highly recommended for families, groups, and corporate events alike.

5/5

Laura Wilson

17 October 2025

A really good day out. Visited Pafos zoo with hubby and in laws. First impressions, from using the free transfer bus from Coral Bay, was great. It's a long, steep uphill road from the public bus stop and we wouldn't have made it without that minibus. Doesn't run weekends and is only a few a day, so check the times before you visit. Entrance price was great value compared to places we've been in the UK and we got some fish food to feed the fish just past the entrance as well. Everything is cash inside the zoo, but there's a machine at the entrance if you need one. Highlights were feeding the Lemurs which cost €5 and was brilliant. Also loved seeing the Rhino and Elephants, Giraffe, Lions, Tigers and Baboons. The reptile house was also fab and there's loads of birds too. We used one of the onsite refreshments stops for cold drinks and crisps and was again very impressed that the prices weren't sky high like similar UK sites. There is also a restaurant and museums on site and bird show and elephant experiences which we didn't check out. You could spend all day if you wanted to see everything but my in laws are getting on a bit and wanted to get back for a rest. All in all a really good day out, great value and well recommended for a break from the holiday norms.

3/5

Danny Barr

20 February 2026

Quite expensive for what it is. The zoo is showing its age in places and some of the enclosures need updating. There are plenty of animals, but the elephant and bear looked very sad, especially the bear that just paced around inside its den most of the day. I am all for conservation, but this isn't it. The bird show was good, but the rules talk was far too serious, felt like I was a child being told off! The food in flamingo restaurant was ok. The chicken burger was terrible and the souvlaki dishes really need some sauce or dressing. Kids liked the pizza and garlic bread. Ice creams very reasonable, gift shop a rip off as per. I don't think I would recommend a visit.

5/5

Shai Ken Dror

21 February 2026

A lovely little zoo not too far from Pafos. It clearly shows that the animals there are getting good care. Getting there from town might be a little bit challenging but it's definitely worth it. The bird show is an absolute must.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to help you plan your visit to Paphos Zoo.

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