
Tombs of the Kings Paphos
Explore ancient underground burial chambers carved into rock, once thought to be royal tombs, showcasing impressive Hellenistic and Roman architecture...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Tombs of the Kings Paphos
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient underground burial chambers carved into rock, once thought to be royal tombs, showcasing impressive Hellenistic and Roman architecture.
"Blown away by the power of it - maybe all those rich souls floating in the ether."

Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe: You'll be glad you wore them!
Stay Hydrated!
It gets very hot, especially midday. Bring plenty of water. :droplet:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tomb of the Kings
Main burial complex
Explore impressive underground burial chambers carved into rock, once thought to be royal tombs.

Tomb 1 (House of Columns)
Northwest section
Discover a tomb with Doric columns and a striking atrium, showcasing ancient architectural prowess.

Tomb 3
Central area
Marvel at this tomb's unique design, featuring a large courtyard and intricate carvings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Access & Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe: You'll be glad you wore them!
Stay Hydrated!
It gets very hot, especially midday. Bring plenty of water. :droplet:
Check Access Times
Some tombs have limited opening hours or require advance booking. :calendar:
Explore Beyond the Main
Don't miss the smaller, less-visited tombs for unique discoveries. :magnifyingglasstilted_left:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe: You'll be glad you wore them!
Stay Hydrated!
It gets very hot, especially midday. Bring plenty of water. :droplet:
Check Access Times
Some tombs have limited opening hours or require advance booking. :calendar:
Explore Beyond the Main
Don't miss the smaller, less-visited tombs for unique discoveries. :magnifyingglasstilted_left:
Book Tickets Online
For specific access times, purchasing tickets online is recommended. :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are generally impressed by the historical significance and unique rock-cut architecture of the Tombs of the Kings, finding it a vast and atmospheric site. However, some express frustration over limited access to certain tombs and specific opening hours, which can detract from the overall experience despite the reasonable entry fee.
"This Archaeological site is very big by area and there are lot of tombs. You can have a peaceful walk all around the tombs and you can spend a good 2 to 3 hours if you visit every tomb. Great site to explore the local history, reasonably priced it has many individual burial chambers some more impressive than others but all interesting. The area is open and can get very warm in the middle of the day and there is a fair bit of walking involved to get round it all. I hadn't had high expectations of this site but was blown away by the power of it - maybe all those rich souls floating in the ether. The archeology is beautiful but the landscape is boundless with stone cairns and windswept beach grasses, like a Star Wars movie set."
Alex Drukpa.
"Newly open to public during specific times! Tuesday’s and Thursday’s in the morning, they let a set number of people enter each day it seems. We arrived at about 11:45 and were the last two. Pretty cool! Although you cannot go into the tombs. 10NIS each to enter"
Amanda Lee
"An amazing site - burial caves from the first century. This site was excavated back in the 19th century and today is controlled by the French. Till recently it was almost impossible to visit the site because it was locked. But a few months ago after many requested to have access to the site finally the French agreed to allow visits to the site - but one must purchase a ticket on line and the site is open only two mornings a week. Worst is that they charge an entrance fee but don't permit visiting the burial cave itself - which is actually the highlight of the site. SO sad that such an amazing site isn't properly open to the public."
Nachum Applbaum
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tombs of the Kings are located north of Paphos harbor. You can reach them by bus (routes like the Paphos Tombs of the Kings bus are frequent) or by taxi. If driving, there is parking available. Many hotels are also located nearby on Tombs of the Kings Avenue.
Yes, it's straightforward. You can take a taxi directly from Paphos Airport (PFO) to the Tombs of the Kings, which is about a 20-30 minute drive. Alternatively, you can take a bus into Paphos town and then transfer to a local bus heading towards the Tombs of the Kings.
It's a pleasant walk, approximately 30-40 minutes along the coast road. You'll pass by hotels and shops on Tombs of the Kings Road. It's a good option if you enjoy a stroll and want to see more of the area.
Local buses are a convenient and affordable way to travel between the Tombs of the Kings and other Paphos attractions like the harbor or archaeological park. Taxis are also readily available.
Yes, Tombs of the Kings Avenue is lined with numerous hotels, including options like the Avlida Hotel, Kings Hotel, and Tomb of the Kings Hotel, making it a very convenient location for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening times can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Cyprus Department of Antiquities website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours. Generally, they are open daily, but some specific areas might have restricted access.
The entrance fee is generally reasonable, often around 10 NIS per person, but prices can change. It's advisable to check the latest ticket prices online or at the entrance.
Yes, for certain areas or specific access times, purchasing tickets online is recommended, especially if you plan to visit during limited opening periods.
Not all tombs are open for entry. Some are primarily viewed from the outside or have restricted access due to preservation efforts or limited opening schedules.
While not always available, inquire about combined tickets that might cover the Tombs of the Kings along with other major archaeological sites in Paphos to save money.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the site thoroughly, visiting most of the individual burial chambers and appreciating the scale of the complex.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Take your time to wander through the various tombs, many of which are carved directly into the rock. Some offer more impressive architecture than others.
While official guided tours might not always be available, you can often find local guides offering their services. Alternatively, informational signs provide some context about the history and significance of the tombs.
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the ancient tombs and imagining life in ancient times. However, supervision is recommended due to the uneven terrain and open shafts.
Despite the name, these were not royal tombs but elaborate burial places for high-ranking officials and Ptolemaic nobles. They date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods and showcase impressive underground architecture.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'House of Columns' (Tomb 1) offers dramatic shots with its Doric columns. The open courtyards and intricate rock carvings in various tombs also provide excellent photographic opportunities. The surrounding landscape can feel like a 'Star Wars movie set'.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of any posted signs or restrictions. Avoid using flash inside enclosed spaces to preserve the ancient structures.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warmer glow. The golden hour can create a magical atmosphere.
Drone usage is typically restricted at archaeological sites to protect the heritage and for safety reasons. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the tombs and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the grand architectural elements. A tripod might be helpful for low-light conditions inside tombs, but check if it's permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystery of the 'Kings'
One of the most intriguing aspects is the ownership and management of parts of the site. Some sections are controlled by the French, leading to historically limited public access. This has caused frustration among visitors who find certain areas inaccessible or only open during very specific, short windows, despite paying an entrance fee.
Architectural Marvels Carved in Stone
Visitors often remark on the scale and atmosphere of the site. The open, windswept landscape surrounding the tombs, dotted with stone cairns, has been likened to a 'Star Wars movie set,' adding to the otherworldly feel. Exploring these subterranean chambers, some more elaborate than others, provides a tangible connection to Paphos's rich past and the lives of its former inhabitants.
Navigating Access and Visitor Experience
Despite potential access challenges, the historical and archaeological significance of the Tombs of the Kings makes it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The site offers a peaceful walk and a chance to delve into local history, with many individual burial chambers, each with its own unique character. Remember to bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as the open site can get very hot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit