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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- JayneUnited Kingdom128 contributionsInteresting visitReally nice visit, would have liked more information. Wonderful views, would recommend sensible shoes/trainers and on a day when it’s not too sunny as there’s no shade. Only option to buy water is at the entrance. Our visit took a couple of hours, really cheap entry fee at 4.50 euro.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 October 2023
- Lizzie0909Munlochy, United Kingdom3,335 contributionsInteresting ruinsVery interesting place, lots of ruins! Ask for over 65 ticket and you get in free, this applies to all of these sites. Very hot, take water and a hat, no shade at all. Don’t go in flip flops as the ground is very uneven. You can now exit onto the new headland pathway. There are one way exits , makes for a good walk. Well worth a visit.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 October 2023
- FarAway184539712464 contributionsReview of Paphos Archaeological ParkIt was a nice place to visit, with a lot of interesting things to see and learn. The price was 4,5 euros, so I think it is affordable because the tour can last for a few hours. My advice is to visit it earlier in the morning or on a colder day because it involves a lot of walking, so it is a bit difficult to do when it's very hot.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 October 2023
- good_antsDoha, Qatar643 contributionsGood history lesson in nice groundsBecause the area is largely open & exposed, the sun/heat may be the only deterrent to visiting the Paphos ruins. A relatively quick history lesson - we were there for about 75 minutes - this is a "nice" stop, easily accessed via the lovely waterfront. Affordable with smooth gravel walking paths. Worth a visit!Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 21 October 2023
- Travelcelt_10Norwich, United Kingdom241 contributionsWorld class mosaicsThis should not be missed. The site is a large swathe of land near the port and has its entrance near some free car parks right next to the harbour. Entrance was just 4.5 Euros. There is a lot of walking, but there are two covered areas for some of the important mosaics. The sheer amount of excavated ruins is overwhelming. The floor mosaics are absolutely outstanding. Allow 2 hours.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 November 2023
- jrapeterBude, United Kingdom907 contributionsWorth the low entry feeI’m not one for paying to see a load of fallen down stones or the remains of buildings at foundation/ground floor level but in fairness this site was extensive and had a lot if very well preserved mosaics. It is cheap to visit and is a good hour+ of wandering about. Worth a visit given the great location right by the harbour, price and scaleVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 November 2023
- Louise HBuckinghamshire, United Kingdom1,487 contributionsA Jewel of historyEasy to locate at edge of harbour only €4.50 entry. The site is very spread out, we particularly enjoyed all of the mosaics kept undercover from House of Dianisis. Amazing to see ancient history spread before us in a lovely setting by the coastVisited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 February 2024
- LauraManchester, United Kingdom31 contributionsWonderful mosaics and buildingsAmazing site. Well worth a visit but it is quite large and so you might want to break it up into two shorter visits if you find long walks tiring. Beautiful views and a well preserved theatre. Plus the mosaics are wonderful!Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 March 2024
- Pat PPoole, United Kingdom86 contributionsBrilliant, but wear good shoes it is huge.This is a huge site. According to my daughter's fitbit we walked over six miles going around it. There is an introductory room, but most of the site is badly labelled if you don't do QR codes. Most is in the open air, so while we were OK in March, I would not want to spend too long at the height of summer. There are two covered houses the House of Aion, and the House of Dionysus (which sadly was closed the week we were there). The mosaics are astonishing, and in such good condition.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 March 2024
- biertonscout1Aylesbury, United Kingdom244 contributionsA beautiful day outWifey, friend, friends teenager & I visited here today. The car parks were heaving with coaches & cars as there was a raise liner in port and at least 34 tour groups going in & around. We managed to get in pretty fast and started to look round. The archaeology and mosaics do not disappoint and there is always something new to see and the tour groups weren’t too bad. There is now a vending area half way round, outside one of the buildings and this cool room with cheap drinks was a welcome stop in the stifling heat as was a stop at the Mr Whippy in the car park on the way out !Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 30 March 2024
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4.5
7,856 reviews
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542
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21
david s
netanya, israel517 contributions
July 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 11 July 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, UK705 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 16 October 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, UK2,189 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 17 February 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, France703 contributions
Sept 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 25 September 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, UK31 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 7 March 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, UK187 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 26 February 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 22 February 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 britain26 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 29 February 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, UK2,050 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 24 November 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
5 contributions
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 15 November 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.
What are the hours the park is open and are tours offered?
Written 26 August 2019
In winter they close at 16:30
Written 26 December 2019
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?
Written 20 June 2019
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
Written 21 June 2019
Is there disabled access for people with mobility issues?
Written 15 June 2019
I am sure people with mobility issues can enter the area, but yes, the walkways are a bit bumpy, though...
Written 19 June 2019
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.
Written 7 June 2023
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?
Written 10 March 2019
They are two completely different sites with separate admission prices.
Written 15 March 2019
Hi Does anyone know if this is open on Monday? As it is a public holiday. Thanks
Written 6 March 2019
I’m sorry I can’t answer
But it may have info in the website regarding openng times and bank hols
Written 10 March 2019
Is there any transport available around the mosaics site.
Written 3 October 2018
Hi Brian
The best mosaics are in the House of Dionysus which is in a covered area within the Park, which is a short walk from the entrance.
Regards, john
Written 4 October 2018
Hello,
Is it possible to leave my luggage somewhere during the time of visiting? I only have one small luggage
Written 31 March 2018
Hello,
Is it possible to leave my luggage somewhere during the time of visiting? I only have one small luggage
Written 31 March 2018
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