Tombs of the Kings, Paphos: visitor guide

The name is a myth — the site is not

No kings were buried at the Tombs of the Kings. The monumental scale of the funerary complex — rock-cut chambers descending into subterranean atria framed by Doric columns — led ancient visitors and local folklore to conclude that only royalty could have commissioned such tombs. In reality, the complex served Paphos’s wealthy ruling class: senior officials, landowners, and prosperous merchants of the Hellenistic and early Roman periods (4th century BC – 3rd century AD).

But the scale is genuinely impressive, and the mythology matters less than the experience. Walking down into one of the better-preserved tombs, past columns that still bear their architraves, into chambers where Alexandrian-period Cypriots were laid in hewn niches — this is the kind of encounter with antiquity that photographs only partially convey.

What you will see

The site covers approximately 2 km of low clifftop terrain overlooking the sea. Eight main tomb complexes (numbered 1–8) are accessible, spread across the site. Not all are equally impressive — the highlights are:

Tomb 3: The best preserved. A large Doric peristyle court with columns on three sides, descending to underground burial chambers. The columns in this tomb have been partially reconstructed but the overall form is authentic. Excellent for photography.

Tomb 4: The most complex plan — multiple interconnected courtyards cut from the rock, with subsidiary chambers radiating from the central atria. The spatial experience of moving through the levels is striking.

Tomb 8: Located at the north end of the site with excellent sea views and relative quiet from other visitors.

Early Christian graffiti: Several tombs show cross-hatched Christian symbols carved by early Christians who used the tombs as refuge during persecution periods (3rd–4th centuries AD) — an unexpected layer of later history.

The Hellenistic Egyptian connection

The architectural style of the main tombs — rock-cut courtyards with Doric peristyle colonnades — is directly derived from Ptolemaic Egyptian funerary architecture of the 3rd century BC. Cyprus was a Ptolemaic possession from 294 to 58 BC, and the ruling class adopted Egyptian burial fashions as a mark of status. The same design appears in the royal necropoleis of Alexandria (now largely destroyed). The Paphos tombs are among the best-preserved examples of this Hellenistic-Egyptian fusion style in existence.

Practical information

Location: On the coastal road (Tombs of the Kings Road) north of Kato Paphos, approximately 2 km from the Paphos Archaeological Park.

Getting there: By car from Paphos harbour: 5 minutes. Buses run from Paphos town (route 11). Walking from the Paphos Archaeological Park is possible along the seafront promenade but takes 25–30 minutes in the sun.

Opening times (2026): Daily 08:30–17:00 (winter), 08:30–19:30 (summer). Confirm via the Department of Antiquities website.

Ticket prices: Approximately €2.50 adults, €1.50 reduced. Combined tickets with the Paphos Archaeological Park are sometimes available.

Duration: 1–1.5 hours for a thorough visit, including all eight tombs.

Facilities: Small car park, toilets, a kiosk. No restaurant on site.

Shade: Limited. The site is exposed limestone clifftop. In July and August, visit early morning (08:30–10:00) or late afternoon (after 17:00). Bring water.

Combining with the Paphos Archaeological Park

The Tombs of the Kings and the Paphos Archaeological Park are 2 km apart and easily combined in a half-day Paphos archaeology circuit. Logical order: start at the park (where the mosaics are best seen in morning light), take lunch in the old town, then visit the tombs in the afternoon. Both sites are included in Paphos city tour packages.

Paphos: Half-Day City Tour with Tombs of the Kings Entry Authentic Paphos: Culture, Flavors & Traditions

Frequently asked questions about the Tombs of the Kings

Why is it called Tombs of the Kings if no kings are buried there?

The name dates from at least the medieval period and reflects the monumental scale of the complex. Medieval locals — and later travellers — assumed that only royalty could have built such elaborate underground chambers. Archaeological evidence shows the occupants were wealthy Hellenistic and Roman-era Cypriots, not monarchs.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?

Partially. The upper level pathways between tomb complexes are mostly level. The descent into the underground chambers involves steps and rough rock surfaces that are not accessible by wheelchair. Contact the site in advance if you need specific information.

Can you go inside the tombs?

Yes — most of the main tombs have open stairways leading down into the underground chambers. There is no artificial lighting, so your eyes adjust to the lower light levels. Bringing a torch or using your phone’s torch is helpful in deeper chambers.

What is the difference between the Tombs of the Kings and the Paphos Archaeological Park?

The Paphos Archaeological Park (near the harbour) contains the famous Roman floor mosaics — the artistic highlight of Paphos. The Tombs of the Kings is the Hellenistic funerary complex north of the park. They are separate sites with separate tickets and different character. Both are UNESCO World Heritage listed as part of the Paphos site designation.

Is there a gift shop or café at the Tombs of the Kings?

A small kiosk sells drinks and a few souvenirs at the entrance. There is no restaurant. Bring water. The nearest restaurant area is 1–2 km south near the Paphos harbour.