Can you enter Paphos lighthouse in Cyprus?
Are you ready to uncover the secrets of Paphos Lighthouse, one of Cyprus’ most iconic historical gems?
Paphos is a place where history and culture come alive.
From ancient ruins to scenic coastal views, it offers something for every traveller!
Among its highlights is the Paphos Lighthouse, a must-see landmark located in the Nea Archaeological Park, a spot every visitor should explore.
But can you step inside this century-old structure? And what makes it so special?
During my recent trip to the coastal charm of Paphos, I found the lighthouse to be more than just a picturesque icon, it’s steeped in history and surrounded by beauty.
In this guide, I’ve included everything you need to know: fascinating history, iconic photo spots, and details about the lighthouse beach walk.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Cyprus or just curious about the ancient landmarks of Paphos, this guide is packed with tips and insights to make your visit unforgettable.
Don’t miss this historical treasure, it’s an important part of Cyprus tourism!
A selfie with Paphos lighthouse.
So can you enter Paphos Lighthouse?
Unfortunately, the Paphos Lighthouse is not open to the public.
While you can get close to the lighthouse and explore the surrounding area, the interior of the lighthouse is not accessible to visitors.
The closest I got to the inside was on the steps which run along the bottom of the building.
As the lighthouse is still active today, safety restrictions are in place.
How can you visit Paphos Lighthouse?
Visiting Paphos Lighthouse is a very straightforward and enjoyable experience.
It is located within the Nea Paphos Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning there are many highlights to see alongside the lighthouse.
Here's how you can visit:
First you need to head to Nea Paphos, which is located by the Harbour and Castle.
Begin by entering the Nea Paphos Archaeological Park, located near the Paphos Harbour. Tickets are required to access the site and can be purchased at the entrance for a cost of €4.50.
The park is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. I visited in winter time and its opening hours were: 8:30am until 5pm.
The lighthouse is situated toward the western side of the park. It is easy to spot due to its tall, whitewashed structure that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding ruins.
I found that the pathways are well-marked, making it easy to follow.
Entrance to Nea Paphos.
Is Paphos Lighthouse part of Nea Archaeological Park?
Paphos Lighthouse is located within the Nea Paphos Archaeological Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The lighthouse stands prominently in the park, surrounded by ancient ruins, mosaics, and other historical landmarks. Visitors often enjoy the lighthouse for its scenic views of the coastline and the park’s archaeological treasures.
Insider Tip: Visit the lighthouse during sunset for breathtaking views, which can be enjoyed with a leisurely stroll along the park’s coastal paths for an unforgettable evening.
Map of the archaeological park.
My favourite photo of the lighthouse.
Wandering around the vast archaeological park on the coast of Paphos revealed many interesting photo spots of the lighthouse.
However, there was only one winner in terms of an aesthetic highlight, and that was the photo below.
Standing inside the ancient amphitheatre includes the iconic white lighthouse as a backdrop, amongst clear blue skies.
The sound of the Mediterranean waves crashing against shore also adds to the sensory experience.
An awesome view of Paphos Lighthouse from the Nea Amphitheatre.
Visitors trying to enter inside.
Some history about the lighthouse.
Due to the strategic location of Cyprus in the Mediterranean, Paphos has historically been used as an important aspect of maritime navigation, and Paphos lighthouse has played a pivotal role in guiding ships into the island for over a century, with its light range of 16 nautical miles.
Since it was originally constructed in 1888 under British rule, it has been an iconic part of Paphos Harbour, along with Paphos Castle.
The original lighthouse was later replaced in 1905 by the current version of the picturesque landmark, which now stands at 20 meters (66 feet) tall, and is constructed from a solid white stone, featuring a distinctive circular tower, topped with a red lantern.
I found that despite the lighthouse being over a century old it is still modern compared to the other relics in Kato Paphos, therefore, it offers a very aesthetic juxtaposition for visitors.
A fact about Cyprus which I found to be interesting is that Nea Archaeological Park is around 2,300 years old, which puts in perspective the modernity of Paphos Lighthouse.
Information board.
The Paphos Lighthouse walk.
I enjoyed hitting my step count for the day by completing the Paphos Lighthouse coastal path route, which is a scenic 3.6 km (2.2 miles) walk running alongside the Mediterranean Coast.
I started at Paphos Castle and walked to the Venus Hotel, and back again, so 4.5 miles and 10,000 steps early in the morning, in the Cypriot sunshine.
I passed several iconic landmarks, including:
House of Theseus.
Paphos Mosaics.
The House of Dionysos.
The Odeon amphitheatre.
The Tomb of the Kings.
Lighthouse Beach (Faros Beach).
This walk is an ideal free activity to fill your morning up nicely.
Walking towards Paphos Lighthouse.
Another awesome shot.
Some other highlights in Paphos for you to visit.
Nea Paphos is without a doubt the highlight of Paphos in terms of ancient history, so it should be a priority for your visit.
I was on a shorter itinerary to Paphos but still managed to squeeze in the Tombs of the Kings, and some dark tourism, with a trip to the Edro III Shipwreck.
Longer travel itineraries should include these:
The Paphos Archaeological Museum.
Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou).
Coral Bay Beach.
Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Kouklia.
This tour is awesome for exploring with a knowledgeable guide.
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