Shopping in Pafos Old Town

Known for having one of Cyprus' most extensive diamond collections, this prestigious jeweler offers exceptional craftsmanship and certified stones. Specializing in bridal jewellery, their selection includes exquisite solitaire, eternity, and diamond-encrusted wedding bands, all crafted in 18-karat gold or platinum. Each diamond comes with certification from international gemological laboratories, ensuring quality and authenticity. Beyond bridal pieces, Athos Diamonds carries luxury watches from Omega, Longines, and Raymond Weil, alongside Fabergé creations and South Sea pearls.

Shopping in Pafos has been through a lot of transformation over the last decade or so, with the emergence of many supermarkets and shopping centres together with the introduction of well-known high street brands. Also, do not forget to check out traditional souvenir shops and open-air markets also lined up with local restaurants for some unique gifts at reasonable prices.

The Old Town Market, set in the historic centre, offers more than just shopping — it’s a reflection of daily Cypriot life. The covered hall, built in the 1920s, once housed fishmongers and greengrocers but now shelters an eclectic mix of stalls. Leather shoes, handcrafted jewellery, and locally made souvenirs sit alongside designer labels and practical finds like sunglasses and spectacles. The atmosphere is unhurried, encouraging you to browse at your own pace. Adjacent to the main market, open-air stalls display seasonal fruit and vegetables, their vivid colours and fresh scents a reminder of the island’s agricultural roots. Nearby, small cafés and family-run restaurants provide shaded spots to rest, many with views stretching over the lower town towards the sea. The market’s elevated position means even a short stroll rewards with panoramas of Pafos’ patchwork of rooftops and coastline. Though modernised over time, the market retains its original purpose as a place where locals and visitors cross paths, whether hunting for bargains, sampling ripe figs, or simply soaking up the rhythm of Cypriot commerce.

Few sweet shops carry a legacy like Aphrodite Delights, a family-run confectioner in Geroskipou crafting traditional Cypriot treats since 1895. Founded by Sophocles Athanasiou, the store produces the famed Loukoumi Geroskipou. By 1925, the recipe earned recognition at London’s British Empire Exhibition, its packaging once stamped with a royal lion emblem. Over four generations, the business evolved from a village workshop to an ISO-certified factory, yet never strayed from its original methods. The shop today is a trove of honey-drenched brittles, chocolate-dipped loukoumi, and carob-syrup sweets, all available to sample before buying. The peanut brittle, laced with local honey, is a standout, as is the orange-infused chocolate delight. Owners greet visitors with warm hospitality, proudly sharing their heritage; it’s not uncommon to leave with a handful of free tastings. Though now exported worldwide, the flavours remain distinctly Cypriot — a testament to the family’s dedication. Situated en route to Pafos Airport, it’s a fitting last stop for edible souvenirs.

The Place stands out among Pafos’ souvenir shops by focusing squarely on authentic Cypriot craftsmanship. More than just a retail space, it functions as a working studio where visitors observe potters, weavers, and glassblowers creating pieces on-site. Shelves display the results: hand-thrown ceramics, intricate loom-woven textiles, and delicate glassware alongside pantry staples like herb-infused honeys and fruit preserves. Unlike mass-produced trinkets found elsewhere, most items here bear the subtle irregularities of being handmade. A small tasting counter offers samples of local wines and spirits, while the attached café provides space to linger over coffee while watching artisans at work. Staff take time to explain techniques, whether it’s the age-old process of making loukoumi or the significance of traditional pottery motifs. Prices reflect the labour involved but remain accessible — a small ceramic bowl or jar of carob syrup won’t break the bank.

Throughout the years and the standing of time, the reputation of Cypriot sweets surpassed the island's boundaries and are now exported to many countries worldwide. More importantly, they are the first products to be granted the protected Geographical Indication (PGI) by the European Union and so the Loukoumi Geroskipou and Koufeta Amygdalou Geroskipou are now recognized worldwide and heavily promoted by the European Union. The Loukoumi Geroskipou is a confectionary product with sugar being its main ingredient. It has a jello texture, intense sweet taste and it is shaped into small cubes. The product is offered in various flavours and packages which vary according to the added aroma. It is offered covered with icing sugar or desiccated coconut topping. Nuts, honey and bitter chocolate can be added to the product during production. The difference between Loukoumi Geroskipou from other similar products with other names is its vigour, elasticity and reduced sweetness. Also no glucose or gelatine are used in the production of the Loukoumi Geroskipou. It is mainly served as a dessert, coffee accompaniment, wedding treat or as a treat in various events. Koufeta Amygdalou Geroskipou is the second Cypriot Product after Loukoumi Geroskipou to be awarded with PGI. Fresh locally grown almonds are roasted before they are slowly covered with sugar syrup, resulting in a soft shell that simply melts in your mouth.