If you’ve been to Cyprus before, you probably think of beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the sea. But tucked away in the hills above Paphos is a little secret that feels like a totally different world: Kritou Terra Waterfall (locals also call it Kremiotis Waterfall).
It’s one of those places that makes you say, “Wait, this is Cyprus too?”
Getting There
The waterfall sits just outside the sleepy village of Kritou Terra, about 30 minutes from Paphos. The drive is easy, winding through vineyards and little stone houses. When you arrive, you’ll find a small picnic spot where the trail starts. Parking isn’t huge, so come early if you can.
The Walk In
The path down to the waterfall is short (about 10 minutes each way) but fun – part trail, part scramble. You’ll wander under shady trees, hop over rocks, and hear the sound of rushing water before you even see it.
One quirky bit: to get the best view of the waterfall, you’ll need to duck through a little tunnel/cave. It’s dark, damp, and just narrow enough to feel adventurous — kids usually love it, adults pretend they’re not nervous.
The Waterfall Itself
The first glimpse is magic. A curtain of water tumbles down mossy rocks into a cool, shallow pool. The whole place feels like a hidden garden – green, shady, and a few degrees cooler than the village above.
The water is freezing (okay, “refreshing”), but if you’re brave, you can dip in. Even just sitting by the pool and dipping your feet feels amazing on a hot Cyprus day.
Why We Loved It
- It’s not crowded, most visitors are locals or hikers.
- The scenery is straight out of a fairytale.
- It’s small, but it feels special, like you’ve found a secret spot.
- You can pair it with a stroll through Kritou Terra village after; cobbled lanes, old stone houses, and a taverna or two.
Handy Tips
- Wear decent shoes – flip-flops won’t cut it on the slippery rocks.
- Bring swimwear & a towel if you want to take the plunge.
- Avoid rainy days – the trail gets muddy and slippery.
- Pack water & snacks – there’s no kiosk nearby.
Final Thoughts
Kritou Terra Waterfall won’t blow you away with size – it’s not Niagara. But that’s exactly why we loved it. It feels intimate, hidden, and a little wild. If you’re exploring Cyprus and want a break from beaches and ruins, this is the perfect mini-adventure.
Sometimes the best memories come from the places you didn’t plan to visit – and for us, this was one of them.
Need directions to Kritou Terra Waterfall (car park) – click on the link below!
