Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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- jintyg5967 contributionsLovely way to spend a few hoursWell worth a visit if you are staying or visiting Paphos. Very large area to stroll about at leisure, with lots to see. Lovely mosaics that have been preserved. You can easily spend a few hours there, and very reasonably priced at 4.30 Euros, free if you are over 65.Visited March 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 18, 2023
- AliceMaudreyAntwerp, Belgium269 contributionsVery large archeological siteThis site is larger then you would expect. We missed the whole section at the right-side. Make sure to take a photo of the map at the entrance. If you go clockwise, don’t forget to visit the remnants of the castle at the end. There is a pretty remaining arch. When I visited mid March, many of the outdoor frescoes were not present, which was a pity.Visited March 2023Traveled soloWritten March 31, 2023
- Stilton54Bristol, United Kingdom80 contributionsExcellent classical remains and mosaics. Well worth a visit.Classical Greek and Roman remains, with some very well preserved mosaics, forums, amphitheatres, etc. On a large scale: bring some good shoes, a water bottle, and a hat if it's sunny. Need a couple of hours at least. Free if you're over 65!Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 1, 2023
- Guto W7 contributionsTake plenty of time and plenty of water!huge area to cover if you want to see everything. It's a lovely walk and there's more to see more than the ruins and mosaics. There's paths all around the nature reserve area with lots of plant and bird life to take in. Make sure to take comfortable shoes and take a picture of the map at the entrance as the signage leaves a bit to be desired. Download the app for commentary - although we struggled to get the app to work properly. Give yourself a good 2-3 hours to see the whole place.Visited April 2023Written April 8, 2023
- Chloe Allison5 contributionsInteresting, stunning mosaics, easy to get toWe spent an interesting two hours here. More than worth the €4.50 entrance. Lots to see and the mosaics are astoundingly well preserved and very beautiful. There were times when I wanted more information about what I was seeing but given it is a working archeological site, it is very well presented. It’s very easy to find and there is loads of parking. Right on the sea front so you can pair it with an explore of the harbour front.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 8, 2023
- Giles D4 contributionsSpectacular mosaics but lots to see besidesAt 4.5 euros an adult and free for over 65s this is a must see for everyone. World Heritage site for its mosaics, most obviously in two covered houses but masses of other historic buildings to see, ranging from classical to medieval times. Plus a photogenic lighthouse.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 11, 2023
- MausarIver, United Kingdom45 contributionsApril visitFascinating site off the quayside entrance. Download the app for use of the QR code visitor and historical information. Good wifi. Great value. Great views and photos oops. Wear trainers as it’s very dusty also very exposed if a hot day. Huge site so take water .Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 21, 2023
- MrSmitcherTacoma, Washington578 contributionsOne of the 3 reasons we came to PaphosThis is one of the largest archeological sites we've ever visited & it took some time to visit the many buildings. But it taught me a lot about eastern Med ancient history. Well worth setting aside a full 1/2 day.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 26, 2023
- EllebeeSouthport, United Kingdom1,174 contributionsAvoid on hot daysSprawling ancient ruins with amazing mosaics spread out over a large area. Not overly easy if in a wheelchair or buggy but there are ramps. Seriously wouldn’t go in heat of day as there’s little shade. Entrance fee is good value.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 27, 2023
- melvyngilbertNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom361 contributionsWander and wonder.This site is large. It is very large and it's packed with fallen down stuff. It is historically very important: I learnt that off the internet. What I liked most about the site was the total lack of fuss. It cost nearly nothing (€4.50) to enter and offered almost nothing within the site except the archeological ruins of which there are many varieties. I loved it for that. No cafes, shops, tour groups, tour guides, etc, etc. You are left to wander around and soak it all up and if you want to learn about it all you can go on a website later. Just relax and enjoy. Even take a book.Visited March 2023Written May 2, 2023
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david s
netanya, israel534 contributions
Jul 2021
If there is only one "must-see" site in Paphos, the archeological park is definitely the one. It is only a walking distance from Posedonos Avenue and the port area and definitely warrants a visit. The day we went there was pretty hot, and since there are only a few places with a covered roof would recommend going there when temperatures are lower, or later in the day. The main attractions on this large site are the large mosaics, some measuring 20x10 meters and more, from the Hellenic era ( 3rd-4th century A.d) with pictures showing animals, hunting scenes, and geometric designs, some fantastically preserved. One can only wonder how painstakingly long it took to create these mosaics from tiny painted stones. Kudus to the Cyprus Antiquities Authority which maintains this site and built over the more impressive mosaics covered roofs, which serve both a preserving the mosaics and refuge from the heat, where the visitor can take his time and observe the scenery in relative comfort. The price for seniors is a mere Euro 2.25. Highly recommended not only to history buffs but to the public at large.
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elina Michaelidou
London, UK584 contributions
Aug 2020
A good place to spend a couple of hours. However, when we visited we didn't really enjoy our visit because it was too hot and most of the outdoor mosaics were covered. If it wasn't for the inside rooms and the House of Dionysus, which have some covered mosaics, I would say that the place was not worth it. Unfortunately, we didn't visit the whole place as it was too hot (visited at around 2 pm).
The only thing I want to note is that the staff could have been friendlier. Apart from requiring a couple of minutes to notice you and come to the window, they are not the friendliest as when I asked which sites the daily ticket includes, the person there told me that I don't need it as it covers all archaeological places in Cyprus and I wouldn't have time to visit them all since it's already past noon. However, we did have time to visit a few sites in Paphos and the ticket would have been paid its money had he sell it to us (but the difference would be only 1 euro so I didn't bother arguing more with someone not interested in helping me).
The only thing I want to note is that the staff could have been friendlier. Apart from requiring a couple of minutes to notice you and come to the window, they are not the friendliest as when I asked which sites the daily ticket includes, the person there told me that I don't need it as it covers all archaeological places in Cyprus and I wouldn't have time to visit them all since it's already past noon. However, we did have time to visit a few sites in Paphos and the ticket would have been paid its money had he sell it to us (but the difference would be only 1 euro so I didn't bother arguing more with someone not interested in helping me).
Written October 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave Puls
Nottingham, UK1,050 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
This very large site is well worth the EUR 4.50 entrance fee (children free) as the mosaic floors are absolutely amazing. Many of the mosaics have been covered up, do you need to watch the short film. Definitely worth seeing is the Odeon, which is a complete Roman open air theatre. Quite a long walk and no refreshments, so take water and plan for a lovely meal by the harbour afterwards.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hyoga83
Bordeaux, France716 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Very big area, specially beautiful because of its location and the incredible mosaics in both villas unearthed.
Entrance opens at 08.30, 4.50€ (or free for students) and that is a good starting time in summer as it gets VERY hot.
Furthermore I had the priviledge to see the mosaics alone.
I would recommend installing the app UNESCO PAPHOS as it explains the itinerary and the stops, with audio/written info on all mosaics. App could be improved though, as if the phone locks or you take a picture the audio file stops altogether and you need to restart it...
I did the whole area (even the remains of the walls and agora etc) walking quickly but talking my time for the villas, and it was a bit less than 2H.
The theatre, agora and walls are interesting but nothing special.
Entrance opens at 08.30, 4.50€ (or free for students) and that is a good starting time in summer as it gets VERY hot.
Furthermore I had the priviledge to see the mosaics alone.
I would recommend installing the app UNESCO PAPHOS as it explains the itinerary and the stops, with audio/written info on all mosaics. App could be improved though, as if the phone locks or you take a picture the audio file stops altogether and you need to restart it...
I did the whole area (even the remains of the walls and agora etc) walking quickly but talking my time for the villas, and it was a bit less than 2H.
The theatre, agora and walls are interesting but nothing special.
Written September 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d0r54
High Wycombe, UK30 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
(My husband was on his motorised scooter ) easy access ramp into ticket area, because it isn’t fully accessible no fee was required. Even so there was plenty to visit and if you are able then walking into the buildings to see the fantastic mosaics is a must. It’s hard to believe how old it is, being so well preserved. Work is ongoing to maintain and show more of these amazing archaeology artefacts of our past.
There are plenty of seats to rest on and eat your packed lunch, water taps are dotted around the park to. Toilets at the entrance are very well maintained, but the others signposted weren’t available. ( out of season ? )
There are plenty of seats to rest on and eat your packed lunch, water taps are dotted around the park to. Toilets at the entrance are very well maintained, but the others signposted weren’t available. ( out of season ? )
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig L
Perth and Kinross, UK179 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Visited this today and spent a long time walking around the site. Marvelling are the way it must have once been put together. At only €4.5 each to get in makes it a real bargain as there is so much history to be intrigued by.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrissyH9
Leigh-on Sea, UK9 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We arrived expecting to see the mosaics and did not realise that we would be able to see a small amphitheatre, roman columns and ruins, the city walls and the lighthouse. We also enjoyed looking out for the snake eyed skinks which seemed to be in lots of the grasses and plants. We also saw one larger lizard scuttle between some ruins.
We spoke to a mother and daughter who had a full braille guide and noticed that most signs also had braille descriptions. Interestingly the braille guide they had seemed to include a lot more information than was listed on display boards as they told us some really interesting facts!
An absolutely stunning area with so much to explore and experience. I would suggest leaving at least two hours if not more to walk around. You could easily spend a lot longer here if you wanted.
As with other similar historical sites in Cyprus, there did not appear to be a gift shop or cafe although the information centre sold a few items and I saw a sign for vending machines. This was not a problem for us as we bought drinks in, but in the heat of the summer I would suggest coming prepared with plenty of water.
We spoke to a mother and daughter who had a full braille guide and noticed that most signs also had braille descriptions. Interestingly the braille guide they had seemed to include a lot more information than was listed on display boards as they told us some really interesting facts!
An absolutely stunning area with so much to explore and experience. I would suggest leaving at least two hours if not more to walk around. You could easily spend a lot longer here if you wanted.
As with other similar historical sites in Cyprus, there did not appear to be a gift shop or cafe although the information centre sold a few items and I saw a sign for vending machines. This was not a problem for us as we bought drinks in, but in the heat of the summer I would suggest coming prepared with plenty of water.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laineylou171
great britain27 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Visited feb half term.
Children free. 4.50.per adult which was worth that
Last visited 20 years ago and wasnt all in one area then.
They had run out of english guide maps.but was easy to find the various archeological areas
The mosaics are well preserved and under one roof.
There are several ruins of buildings and an amphitheatre and lighthouse too you are able to walk around with detailed history on boards in english to read about at each area
There is also an app you can download to your phone.
Our daughter would have enjoyed an audio tour too though these were not available
Very open so needed hats and water.
Our 5 year old enjoyed the half day we spent here
Children free. 4.50.per adult which was worth that
Last visited 20 years ago and wasnt all in one area then.
They had run out of english guide maps.but was easy to find the various archeological areas
The mosaics are well preserved and under one roof.
There are several ruins of buildings and an amphitheatre and lighthouse too you are able to walk around with detailed history on boards in english to read about at each area
There is also an app you can download to your phone.
Our daughter would have enjoyed an audio tour too though these were not available
Very open so needed hats and water.
Our 5 year old enjoyed the half day we spent here
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gwespyr
Rhyl, UK2,036 contributions
Nov 2022
This is a very large site so if you are visiting during hot, sunny weather make sure you take enough water with you and wear a hat as there is limited shade along the walking routes.
The major places of interest are at the start of the trail and they are The Houses of Dionysos, Theseus and Aion. The House of Dionysos is the most interesting as the most complete mosaics are located there and the house is covered by a modern 'barn type' structure to protect the site. The mosaics are very impressive and there are small information boards explaining what each mosaic represents and the story it tells.
The major downside for me was the fact that all but one of the mosaics that are contained on this site, that were not under a roof, were covered in either sand or gravel. We presumed that this was to protect them from the elements but it took away from the experience of the visitor.
The Agora area, including both the Odeon and the Asklipieio, was impressive and gave some scale of how large the town/city was in it's hey day.
The more modern lighthouse was also worth a visit as it is sited on a small hill and so it affords a view of modern Pafos and the hills that form a backdrop to the town.
Another downside was the fact that there was a great lack of way markers so it was quite easy to stray off the route.
As I said it is a large area and I'm sure many more treasures are waiting to be discovered once finance becomes available. Due to the size of the site allow plenty of time to get around it and don't forget the water and sunscreen!
Refreshments are available but they are in vending machines and there is only a very limited souvenir shop in which to purchase a memento of your visit.
Finally, if you are of pensionable age, if you take proof of age the entrance fee is halved.
The major places of interest are at the start of the trail and they are The Houses of Dionysos, Theseus and Aion. The House of Dionysos is the most interesting as the most complete mosaics are located there and the house is covered by a modern 'barn type' structure to protect the site. The mosaics are very impressive and there are small information boards explaining what each mosaic represents and the story it tells.
The major downside for me was the fact that all but one of the mosaics that are contained on this site, that were not under a roof, were covered in either sand or gravel. We presumed that this was to protect them from the elements but it took away from the experience of the visitor.
The Agora area, including both the Odeon and the Asklipieio, was impressive and gave some scale of how large the town/city was in it's hey day.
The more modern lighthouse was also worth a visit as it is sited on a small hill and so it affords a view of modern Pafos and the hills that form a backdrop to the town.
Another downside was the fact that there was a great lack of way markers so it was quite easy to stray off the route.
As I said it is a large area and I'm sure many more treasures are waiting to be discovered once finance becomes available. Due to the size of the site allow plenty of time to get around it and don't forget the water and sunscreen!
Refreshments are available but they are in vending machines and there is only a very limited souvenir shop in which to purchase a memento of your visit.
Finally, if you are of pensionable age, if you take proof of age the entrance fee is halved.
Written November 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas H
1 contribution
Nov 2021 • Couples
Pro’s-
Very cheap (€4.50 entry)
The mosaics really are world class (particularly if your mosaic experience has been largely British)
Really extensive excavations, particularly on the southern part
Open and beautiful parkland
Really useful and informative app that negates the occasionally missing signage and had great pictures
Surprisingly striking and unexpected crusader castle
Good toilets and east exits all across the boundary
Cons-
The park is pretty vast, with the excavated portions with anything worth seeing very concentrated in 3 areas (the south east, round the Odeon and the north east)
We visited in low season and quite a few of the mosaics had been covered by staff with sand/pebbles. Clearly to protect them for winter which is fine, but nowhere advertised.
The visitor centre was closed (presumably for winter or covid) so you can’t buy a guide etc, however the app negates this somewhat
All in all, well worth it if you have even a passing interest in history, but as with so much of this sort of the worlds heritage, there could be so much more made of it. I would like to come back in high season and see it in its full glow.
Very cheap (€4.50 entry)
The mosaics really are world class (particularly if your mosaic experience has been largely British)
Really extensive excavations, particularly on the southern part
Open and beautiful parkland
Really useful and informative app that negates the occasionally missing signage and had great pictures
Surprisingly striking and unexpected crusader castle
Good toilets and east exits all across the boundary
Cons-
The park is pretty vast, with the excavated portions with anything worth seeing very concentrated in 3 areas (the south east, round the Odeon and the north east)
We visited in low season and quite a few of the mosaics had been covered by staff with sand/pebbles. Clearly to protect them for winter which is fine, but nowhere advertised.
The visitor centre was closed (presumably for winter or covid) so you can’t buy a guide etc, however the app negates this somewhat
All in all, well worth it if you have even a passing interest in history, but as with so much of this sort of the worlds heritage, there could be so much more made of it. I would like to come back in high season and see it in its full glow.
Written November 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenn M
Washington DC, DC37 contributions
What are the hours the park is open and are tours offered?
Ashlea1996
London, UK210 contributions
In winter they close at 16:30
Vic_W_101
London, UK64 contributions
We are staying in Paphos now and are really keen to visit this site however due to the heat we are hoping to go early evening when it’s a bit cooler. How long do you think is needed to see everything/the best bits? Is it correct it opens until 7.30pm?
Rachel A
2 contributions
It is large so, I can remember exactly how long we were there for but I would give 1-2 hours. I don't know what time it is open until though you are right to go out of the middle of the day. I wemt at the end of last month and it was very hot walking around with little shads around
Jessybelle
Aberdeen, UK248 contributions
Is there disabled access for people with mobility issues?
jh0m0lka
Prague, Czech Republic249 contributions
I am sure people with mobility issues can enter the area, but yes, the walkways are a bit bumpy, though...
yana v
Puurs, Belgium40 contributions
is it accessible with a buggy?
Carly Rolph
London, UK3 contributions
We had a hard time with the buggy/pram/stroller and ended up carrying baby in the end. The paths can be a bit rocky in areas. I would bring a baby carrier to wear.
Dean M
Liverpool, UK11 contributions
What is included in the price? - Are certain sites restricted? I've read that you have to pay a little more to see the tomb of the kings, is this true?
321skelly
Thornton Cleveleys, UK291 contributions
They are two completely different sites with separate admission prices.
Aerosmithy
Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom16 contributions
Hi Does anyone know if this is open on Monday? As it is a public holiday. Thanks
eleanor c
London, UK99 contributions
I’m sorry I can’t answer
But it may have info in the website regarding openng times and bank hols
Hello,
Is it possible to leave my luggage somewhere during the time of visiting? I only have one small luggage
Wheeler123
17 contributions
I did not see anywhere to leave luggage. Sorry.
Hello,
Is it possible to leave my luggage somewhere during the time of visiting? I only have one small luggage
holmfirthhewie
Holmfirth, West Yorks27 contributions
There is a small luggage room in reception
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
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