Paphos is a coastal city in south-west Cyprus, legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, with UNESCO-listed Roman mosaics, a medieval harbour fort, rock-cut royal tombs and beaches.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Paphos.
-
1
Paphos Archaeological Park
UNESCO-listed Roman-era complex of villas, the Odeon, Agora, Asklepieion and the Saranta Kolones fortress, with some of the finest mosaics in the Mediterranean.
Tip: Arrive at opening time or in the last two hours to avoid midday heat and tour groups · Carry water and wear a hat; shade is limited outside the mosaic shelters · Wear closed, grippy shoes for uneven stone paths · Allow 2-3 hours and combine with Saranta Kolones and the harbour · Confirm seasonal hours at mcw.gov.cy before visiting
-
2
House of Dionysos
Second-century Roman villa with about 2,000 square metres of mosaic floors showing Dionysos, Theseus and the Minotaur, and hunting scenes.
Tip: Visit at the first entry slot to see the mosaics before groups arrive · The park ticket covers the villa; no separate ticket is needed · Avoid flash and do not step off the walkways · Combine with the House of Theseus and House of Aion nearby · A short guidebook or local guide helps decode the myths
-
3
Saranta Kolones Fortress
Ruined Byzantine fortress named for its forty granite columns, built in the 7th century and destroyed by an earthquake in 1222.
Tip: Use the park ticket; no separate fee is listed · Late afternoon light suits photographs and is cooler · Take water and a hat; there is no shade inside the ruin · Combine with Paphos Castle and the harbour on foot · Watch footing on uneven stones and fallen column drums
-
4
Tombs of the Kings
Monumental rock-cut tombs of Hellenistic and Roman officials by the sea, with Doric columns carved into the stone and a courtyard around each burial chamber.
Tip: Visit early or in the evening in summer; there is little shade · Bring water, a hat and sun protection · Wear sturdy shoes for steps and uneven rock · Confirm seasonal closing time at mcw.gov.cy · Take a taxi or bus from the harbour; the site is not within the main park
-
5
Paphos Harbour
Working fishing harbour and promenade beneath the medieval fort, lined with cafes, tavernas and tour-boat ticket kiosks.
Tip: Come at sunset for the best light, and book a table in summer · Compare boat-trip prices at several kiosks before buying · Visit in the morning for a quieter walk · Combine with the castle and archaeological park · Waterfront restaurants cost more than streets a block inland
-
6
Paphos Castle (Medieval Fort)
Small fort at the harbour mouth, rebuilt by the Ottomans in 1592 on a Byzantine and Lusignan base; the roof gives views over the harbour and coast.
Tip: Visit in late afternoon for light and cooler roof temperatures · Expect a short queue at the small entrance in summer · Climb the steep stairs carefully and wear flat shoes · Combine with Saranta Kolones and the harbour meal · Check seasonal hours locally
-
7
Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and St Paul's Pillar
Byzantine-era basilica site and a pillar where tradition says St Paul was lashed; the 13th-century church is still used by Orthodox and Anglican congregations.
Tip: Visit in the morning for quiet and good light · Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered · Be quiet and respectful during services · Ask before photographing inside the church · Combine with Agia Solomoni catacomb nearby
-
8
Paphos Archaeological Museum
District museum of finds from Neolithic to Ottoman times, with Hellenistic and Roman sculpture, pottery and coins from Paphos and Palaepaphos.
Tip: Check hours before visiting; it is closed on Mondays and public holidays · Go on a weekday morning for the quietest galleries · Entry is reported free; confirm at the door · Pair with the Ethnographical Museum and Ktima old town · Visit before the archaeological park for context
-
9
Ethnographical Museum of Paphos (Eliades collection)
Private collection of folk art, costumes, tools, furniture and Neolithic to Roman objects housed in an old town house.
Tip: Confirm opening hours and price before visiting; they are reported only · Go on a weekday morning for a quiet visit · Ask staff about photography in each room · Combine with Kostis Palamas Square and the Archaeological Museum · Allow about 45 minutes
-
10
Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock)
Sea stack where legend says Aphrodite emerged from the foam, reached by an underpass from the car park to a pebble beach.
Tip: Visit at sunset on a weekday outside July and August · Use the underpass; do not cross the road · Take care swimming when the sea is rough · Wear shoes with grip for the pebbles · Ask the bus driver for the stop if travelling by intercity bus
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Archaeology
Paphos Archaeological Park
UNESCO-listed Roman-era complex of villas, the Odeon, Agora, Asklepieion and the Saranta Kolones fortress, with some of the finest mosaics in the Mediterranean.
House of Dionysos
Second-century Roman villa with about 2,000 square metres of mosaic floors showing Dionysos, Theseus and the Minotaur, and hunting scenes.
Saranta Kolones Fortress
Ruined Byzantine fortress named for its forty granite columns, built in the 7th century and destroyed by an earthquake in 1222.
Tombs of the Kings
Monumental rock-cut tombs of Hellenistic and Roman officials by the sea, with Doric columns carved into the stone and a courtyard around each burial chamber.
Palaepaphos (Sanctuary of Aphrodite) and Kouklia Museum
Site of the ancient cult centre of Aphrodite, with the Lusignan manor housing the Kouklia museum and the sacred black stone.
Museums
Paphos Archaeological Museum
District museum of finds from Neolithic to Ottoman times, with Hellenistic and Roman sculpture, pottery and coins from Paphos and Palaepaphos.
Ethnographical Museum of Paphos (Eliades collection)
Private collection of folk art, costumes, tools, furniture and Neolithic to Roman objects housed in an old town house.
Religious
Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and St Paul's Pillar
Byzantine-era basilica site and a pillar where tradition says St Paul was lashed; the 13th-century church is still used by Orthodox and Anglican congregations.
Agios Neophytos Monastery and Enkleistra
Hermit cave of Saint Neophytos with 12th-century Byzantine frescoes, plus a museum in the later monastery.
Geroskipou Village and Agia Paraskevi Church
Five-domed 9th-century church with frescoes, plus workshops selling Cyprus delight (loukoumi) and a small folk-art museum.
Landmarks_and_nature
Paphos Harbour
Working fishing harbour and promenade beneath the medieval fort, lined with cafes, tavernas and tour-boat ticket kiosks.
Paphos Castle (Medieval Fort)
Small fort at the harbour mouth, rebuilt by the Ottomans in 1592 on a Byzantine and Lusignan base; the roof gives views over the harbour and coast.
Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock)
Sea stack where legend says Aphrodite emerged from the foam, reached by an underpass from the car park to a pebble beach.
Baths of Aphrodite
Natural grotto pool in a fig-shaded garden, said to be where Aphrodite bathed, and the trailhead for the Aphrodite Trail.
Family_and_old_town
Aphrodite Waterpark
Mythology-themed water park with slides, wave pool, lazy river and a toddler area, close to the Kato Paphos hotel strip.
Ktima Old Town and Kostis Palamas Square
Upper Paphos with neoclassical townhouses, Kennedy Square and local tavernas away from the harbour crowds.
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- State archaeological sites follow 08:30-19:30 from 16 April to 15 September and 08:30-17:00 from 16 September to 15 April. Confirm at mcw.gov.cy; museums usually close on Mondays and public holidays.
- Fees
- Paphos Archaeological Park EUR 4.5 (about USD 5.17); Tombs of the Kings EUR 2.5 (about USD 2.88); Paphos Castle EUR 2.5 (about USD 2.88); Department of Antiquities multi-site pass EUR 8.5 (about USD 9.77) for 1 day, EUR 17 (about USD 20) for 3 days, EUR 25 (about USD 29) for 7 days (reported; confirm). Harbour, churches and Petra tou Romiou are free.
- Best Times
- April to early June and late September to November for 20-28 C. Visit the Archaeological Park at opening time in summer, when midday heat reaches 35 C.
- Booking
- No advance booking is needed for state sites; buy tickets at the gate with cash or card. Book Akamas boat trips and Troodos tours a day ahead in July and August.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Buy the Department of Antiquities multi-site pass if visiting the Archaeological Park, Tombs of the Kings and Kourion in the same week.
Kato Paphos (harbour, park, hotels) and Ktima (old town) are 2.5 km apart; use bus or taxi between them.
Visit the Archaeological Park first thing; shade is minimal and mosaics are best before tour groups.
Dress modestly for monasteries: covered knees and shoulders.
Carry water and a hat for all open-air sites from May to October.
Rent a car for a day to reach Aphrodite's Rock, Kouklia and the Baths of Aphrodite, which are poorly served by buses.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Paphos?
Three days cover Kato Paphos, Ktima and one coastal day trip; five days add Akamas and the Troodos mountains.
Is Paphos Archaeological Park worth the ticket?
Yes. The EUR 4.5 (about USD 5.17) ticket covers the House of Dionysos mosaics, the Odeon and Saranta Kolones, all UNESCO-listed (confirm price at the gate).
Can I reach Aphrodite's Rock by bus?
Intercity buses between Paphos and Limassol use the old coast road; ask the driver for the Petra tou Romiou stop. A taxi from Paphos costs roughly EUR 35-50 (about USD 40-58) each way; confirm before leaving.
Are the Tombs of the Kings really royal?
No. They are Hellenistic and Roman burials of local aristocrats and officials; the name comes from their grandeur.
What is the best time of day for the Archaeological Park?
Opening time at 08:30 or the last two hours before closing, when light is soft and temperatures are lower.