Attraction · UNESCO World Heritage
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
Short answer
The Archaeological Park covers much of ancient Nea Paphos, the capital of Cyprus in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, and is part of the Paphos UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reason to come is the floor mosaics in the Roman villas — the Houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Aion and Orpheus — which are exceptional by any standard. Allow two to three hours, go early, and bring water: there is very little shade.
Why visit Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
- The Roman floor mosaics are the single best reason to visit Paphos for history — detailed mythological scenes, many still in place where they were laid.
- It is a 5-minute walk from the harbour, so it fits into any itinerary without transport.
- Several sites in one ticket: villas, the odeon, the agora area, the Asklepieion, the Saranta Kolones castle ruins and the lighthouse.
What to see
House of Dionysus
The largest villa and the one to prioritise. Its mosaics include the triumph of Dionysus and scenes from myth such as Pyramus and Thisbe, under a protective roof.
House of Theseus
A huge villa complex, possibly the Roman governor's residence. The central mosaic shows Theseus fighting the Minotaur.
House of Aion
Smaller but with one of the most complex mosaic compositions on the site, built around the god Aion.
The Odeon
A restored 2nd-century AD theatre of limestone seating. Little shade, but a good place to understand the scale of the ancient city.
Saranta Kolones
The ruins of a Byzantine fortress named after its many granite columns, later rebuilt and then destroyed by an earthquake in the 13th century.
The lighthouse
A 19th-century lighthouse in the middle of the site — a useful landmark rather than an attraction in itself.
How long to spend
Two hours covers the main villas and the odeon at a steady pace. Allow three if you want to read the panels and walk out to Saranta Kolones and the lighthouse.
Best time to visit
First thing in the morning, ideally at opening time. From late spring to autumn the site is exposed and hot by late morning. In winter, any time of day works.
Opening hours and tickets
Opening hours change with the season (longer in summer, shorter in winter). We have not yet verified this season's hours — check the Department of Antiquities before you go.
There is an entrance fee set by the Department of Antiquities. We do not publish a price until we have verified the current one; check the official site or pay at the gate.
How to get there
The entrance is next to Paphos harbour car park in Kato Paphos. From most Kato Paphos hotels you can walk along the seafront promenade.
Accessibility
The villas with the best mosaics have raised walkways; the wider site is uneven ground and gravel paths. We have not verified current step-free routes.
Who might skip it
You have no interest in archaeology and only half a day in Paphos — though the mosaics convert many sceptics.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need at Paphos Archaeological Park?
Plan on two to three hours. The mosaics in the House of Dionysus alone deserve 30–45 minutes.
Can you combine the Archaeological Park and the Tombs of the Kings in one morning?
Yes, if you start at opening time. Do the Archaeological Park first (2–2.5 hours), then take a short taxi or bus to the Tombs of the Kings (1.5 hours). In summer, this is a hot morning — carry water and a hat.
Is the Paphos Archaeological Park suitable for children?
Older children who like myths usually enjoy the mosaics. Younger children may struggle with heat and distances; go early and plan a short route.
Plan around it
Attraction
Paphos Mosaics
The Roman floor mosaics of Nea Paphos — what they show and where to see the best ones.
- Kato Paphos
- 1–1.5 hours
- €
Attraction
Tombs of the Kings
Underground rock-cut tombs with columned courtyards, on the coast north of the harbour.
- Tombs of the Kings area
- 1.5–2 hours
- €
Attraction
Paphos Castle
Small harbour fort with roof-top views — a 20-minute stop rather than a destination.
- Kato Paphos
- 20–30 minutes
- €
Itinerary
1 Day in Paphos
One day in Paphos, planned properly: the mosaics and Tombs of the Kings in the cool of the morning, the harbour at sunset — all on foot from Kato Paphos.
- 1 day
- Car: no
Things to do
Things to Do in Paphos
The best things to do in Paphos, Cyprus — ancient sites, beaches, the Akamas, wine villages and day trips — with how long each takes, who it suits and what to skip.
Transport
Paphos Without a Car
Can you do Paphos without a car? Where to stay, what is walkable, what the buses cover, and which tours replace a car for the Akamas and day trips.