The Tombs of the Kings is the most atmospheric of the Paphos sites and, for many visitors, the most surprising. Despite the name, no kings were buried here: the tombs, dating from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, held high-ranking officials and aristocrats, and their grandeur gave the place its royal title. Each tomb was cut down into the solid rock of the coastal plain. The finest copy the layout of a house, with burial chambers opening off a sunken peristyle courtyard ringed by Doric pillars, a style that closely resembles tombs in Alexandria and reflects the strong ties between the two cities. You climb down stone steps into these open courts and duck into the chambers, then come back up to a wide, rocky landscape running down to the sea. The site is part of the UNESCO-listed Kato Paphos Archaeological Park but has its own entrance and its own small fee. We link to the official Visit Cyprus page for hours and fees.
How it works: the tombs lie a short drive or a long seafront walk north of Paphos harbour, with parking at the entrance. Buy your ticket at the gate; the fee is small, and the Department of Antiquities one-, three- and seven-day cards also cover it. Winter hours, from mid-September to mid-April, are half past eight in the morning to five in the afternoon, every day except Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Orthodox Easter Sunday.
What to expect: the site is spread out, with signed paths linking the tombs. The most impressive are numbered and easy to find, with the sunken courtyards and pillars that make the place famous. Inside the chambers it is dim and cool, and you can still see the niches where the dead were laid. Between the tombs you walk over open rock and scrub with the sea on one side, which makes it feel more like a coastal walk than a museum.
Making the most of it: allow an hour and a half, and wear shoes with grip for the steps and uneven rock. A torch or phone light helps inside the darker chambers. Late afternoon in winter brings golden light across the stone. Combine it with the main archaeological park on the same day, using a Department of Antiquities day card.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk across a seaside necropolis, climbing down stone steps into rock-cut courtyards and burial chambers.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when the light is low across the stone and the site is at its quietest.
How long
About an hour and a half to see the main tombs without rushing, a little longer to explore every chamber.
Tips
Wear shoes with good grip for the steps and rock, and carry a small light for the darker chambers.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and anyone who enjoys exploring, since you can walk right down into the tombs rather than viewing them from a rope.
- Families
- Children love climbing down into the courtyards and peering into the chambers, but watch them near the unfenced drops.
- Couples
- Visit late in the afternoon for the golden light, then drive back to the harbour for dinner.
- Pair with
- The Kato Paphos Archaeological Park on the same day, using a single Department of Antiquities day card.
- Time needed
- About ninety minutes, plus travel from the harbour.
Good questions
Were kings really buried in the Tombs of the Kings?+
No, the tombs held high-ranking officials and aristocrats of Hellenistic and Roman Paphos. The name comes from their size and grandeur rather than from royal burials.
How far is it from Paphos harbour?+
The site is a short drive north of the harbour along the coast, and some visitors walk it along the seafront. There is parking at the entrance.
Is it open in winter?+
Yes, it is open daily all year except Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Orthodox Easter Sunday. Winter hours run from half past eight in the morning to five in the afternoon.
Is it suitable for young children?+
Yes, with supervision, since the courtyards are open pits with steps and some edges are unfenced. Most children find it one of the most exciting sites in Paphos.
Is there shade at the site?+
Very little above ground, so bring a hat and water even outside summer. The chambers themselves are shaded and cool.
