Okay so last month I flew into Paphos for that hiking trip, right? Plane touches down, feeling kinda jet-lagged but pumped. But man, getting out of airports anywhere? Can be a maze if you don’t know where stuff is. Decided right then, screw it, I’m gonna actually walk around and find all the key spots in Paphos Airport myself. Figured snapping pics as I go would be super useful for anyone flying in after me.
The Scramble After Touchdown
First things first: stepped off the plane onto one of those air bridge things. Followed everyone else down this corridor that twists and turns. Felt like it took ages! Finally popped out into the main Arrivals Hall. Huge space, loads of people milling about waiting for their bags. Spotted the big baggage carousels over on the left. Looked chaotic – people crowding around. Took a quick pic showing where you come out facing the carousels. Remember this spot for luggage!
The Great Facilities Hunt
Alright, mission start. Pockets felt light – needed cash. Saw signage for ATMs. Found a couple tucked near the far end of the arrivals hall, right opposite where the taxis queue up outside. One was on the wall near some car hire desks. Snapped a picture of the machine. Looked reliable enough. Crisis averted.
Next target? Toilets. Crucial after a flight! Signs pointed downstairs from the main arrivals hall area. Followed them down and bam, clean, modern restrooms right there. Felt like finding an oasis. Definitely took a picture of the sign pointing downstairs. You will thank me later.
Suddenly remembered I’d need wheels. Saw loads of Car Hire desks. They were clustered together in the arrivals hall, all shiny logos – Europcar, Sixt, the usual crew. Took a wide shot showing them all lined up. Looked busy, so booking ahead probably smart.
Started feeling peckish, pre-coffee slump is real. Spotted signs for the Cafes. Kept walking past the baggage claim towards the exit doors. Found a decent sized cafe area just before you step outside. Grabbed a surprisingly expensive coffee (standard airport prices, sigh) and a pastry. Took a picture of the seating area and the coffee counter. Lifesaver.
Oh! Needed a SIM card. Saw the Mobile Shop kiosk. It was kinda hard to miss once I looked – a small, brightly lit stall setup near the main exit doors in arrivals. Snapped a pic. Looked like they sold chargers too. Handy.
Flight home later? Luggage scales! Saw a Weighing Scale tucked near the end where the shops start, just before security going upstairs to departures. Metal stand with a big digital readout. Took a picture of that beast. Avoid overweight fees!
Prepping for Departure
Came back a few days later, way earlier than needed (me being paranoid). Went upstairs to the Departures Hall. Much calmer vibe. Looked around and saw both Check-in Desks lined up, and further down, entrances to the gates and Security. Took a couple of overview pics showing the layout. Signs were clear.
Saw stairs and signs leading to the VIP Lounge. It’s up a level, accessible before security. Didn’t go in (my ticket wasn’t fancy enough), but grabbed a pic of the sign pointing upstairs. Looks peaceful up there.
Airport security is never fun, but the queues at PHS looked okay that day. Took a sneaky pic before the “no photos” signs kicked in, showing the general setup of the lanes inside departures. Felt a bit naughty doing that, but useful.
Mission Almost Accomplished (Pics Saved the Day)
Got through security eventually. Airside felt smaller. Found the Duty-Free shop quickly – it’s kinda right there once you clear security. Usual stuff – perfumes, booze, chocolates. Grabbed a pic of the entrance. Felt thirsty again. Signs pointed to a couple of Cafes/Bars airside. Found one tucked to the right, decent seats overlooking the tarmac. Had another coffee (still expensive!). Photo? Obviously. Proximity to the gates was good.
Started checking which gate I needed. Plenty of Flight Information Screens dotted around near the seating areas and along the walk to gates. Took a close-up of the screen. Info seemed clear and updated. Crucial.
The walk to the gates felt straightforward. Mostly just one long stretch with seating areas along the way. Took a picture looking down the corridor towards a gate area. Simple and functional.
Final Takeaway
Honestly, walking around Paphos Airport finding and snapping pics of all this stuff took way longer than I expected. Lugging a carry-on didn’t help! My phone gallery was suddenly full of blurry signs, cafes, and ATM corners. But you know what? Knowing exactly where the toilets are when you’re busting, or spotting that cash machine immediately? Totally worth the weird looks. Paphos Airport isn’t huge, but knowing the lay of the land absolutely saves stress. Hope my blurry photos and this walk-through help someone else land feeling a bit more prepared than I was! It’s a bit of a hot mess on arrival, but the key stuff is there.
