Exploring the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, Cyprus.
Walking around an ancient necropolis on the coast of Paphos was certainly a different experience to my normal cold, wet January in England!
The Tombs of the Kings in Paphos is just one of the archaeological sites that makes the city a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Entering the tombs and catacombs leaves a lot to your imagination for sure!
This guide gives you all the practical information you need, so you can visit the tombs and learn some important history about the Hellenistic and Ptolemaic periods on the island.
There may even be undiscovered tombs on site!
The entrance sign.
How can you visit Tombs of the Kings?
The Tombs of the Kings is located on the Mediterranean coastline in Paphos, around 2 kilometres north of the Paphos Harbour and surrounding archaeological sites.
The time of year which you visit will dictate which method of transport you use to reach the site.
Walk.
It took around 20 minutes to walk to the Tombs of the Kings from Paphos Castle when I visited in January time. The weather was very pleasant, and not too hot.
There are well maintained paths and signposts on the way, along with many shops selling refreshments.
I imagine this walk would have been much tougher if I visited in peak summer months.
This is a great option if you enjoy exercise and want to get your steps in while the sun is out.
Bus.
The bus network in Paphos is awesome and very cheap. There are bus stops at all of the main sites in Paphos, so this is a viable option all year round.
The 615 bus route towards Coral Bay stops right outside the entrance and costs €1.50 each way from the Harbour Bus Station. There are buses every 15 minutes and the journey time is only around 5 mins form the Harbour.
A day pass can be purchased for €6.00 if you are planning on using the bus all day.
Taxi/Car.
There are taxis available in Paphos, if you want to travel in more comfort. This will cost you more than the bus.
If you rent a car and drive, there is parking on site at Tombs of the Kings.
The site is very well signposted.
Some history about the site.
When I was researching what to do in Paphos prior to my trip, the Tombs of the Kings jumped out immediately!
During my recent trip to Egypt, I enjoyed my fair share of tomb exploration, so I wanted to see how this famous site compared.
Unlike the tombs in Egypt, the tombs in Paphos have zero connection to royalty, although there is some influence from ancient Egyptian traditions, as the local wealthy people of Cyprus wanted tombs to demonstrate the high class which they lived by.
The sprawling necropolis is spread across the coast of Paphos and dates back to 3rd Century BC, with hundreds of aristocrats laid to rest on site.
As with the tombs in Egypt, you won’t find any treasure at the Tombs of the Kings, as they have been stolen by grave robbers over the centuries.
Although the site doesn’t resemble wealth as we would know it in today’s world, it definitely offers a glimpse back into how wealth was displayed in ancient times.
Inside a tomb.
Practical information for your visit to Tombs of the Kings.
Opening times:
The Tombs of Kings is open all year round, therefore, a very popular thing to do in Cyprus all year round, however, the reduction in sunshine hours means that there are reduced opening times in winter.
Summer months:
April – September 8.30am – 7.30pm (7.00pm last entry) every day.
Winter months:
September – April 15: 8:30am – 5:00pm (4.30pm last entry) every day.
Entrance costs:
€2.50 per person.
(Over 65’s and students can enter for free with ID)
The site is included in the €8.50 daily pass which covers all of the Paphos landmarks.
I purchased this pass from the ticket office on site, however, it can be purchased at any archaeological site.
How many tombs are there at the archaeological site?
There are seven excavated tombs on site, which are spread over a wide area.
You can plan your walk around the site as you enter.
What can you do during your visit?
After you enter Tombs of the Kings, you are free to wander around the whole site at your own leisure, and you can enter the tombs as many times as you like.
I even climbed up some of the rock structures to get a better view of the coastline. I noticed several visitors having some adventure and climbing up and down the different tombs.
Walking to the first tomb in the winter sunshine.
Is Tombs of the Kings a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Although the Tombs of the Kings isn’t solely a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is part of ‘Paphos’ which is designated as one.
The larger inscription called ‘Paphos’ was designated in 1980, as the archaeological importance of Paphos is recognised, encompassing several historical and cultural landmarks within the city.
I enjoyed Paphos Castle, Nea Archaeological Park, and the harbour area, which are also included.
You can fit all of these sites on a short Paphos itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Paphos?
Personal preference is the main factor in your decision.
Peak Season (June to October).
This is the most popular time to visit Paphos, with pleasant weather, warm sunshine, and clear blue skies.
Perfect for enjoying the beaches, outdoor activities, and exploring historical sites.
However, you will find that the prices for flights and accommodation are a lot higher, restaurants are packed full, and the temperatures will make exploring the sites uncomfortable for some visitors.
Low Season (November to March).
The weather is cooler and there is a chance of rain during these months.
However, there are good deals in the bars and restaurants that have remained open, along with very cheap accommodation and flights.
I paid £60 for flights and two nights in a popular hostel in January and still had a great time.
There were no crowds at Tombs of the Kings and pleasant 20 degree sunshine as I wandered around the site.
Shoulder Seasons (April, May, September, and October).
This is the best option for warm weather, but fewer crowds.
Entering one of the tombs.
An audio guide available to all!
I found the signage to be poor across the site, as I just stumbled across the different tombs in a random order.
However, there are QR codes at each tomb which you can scan to enjoy an audio guide in many different languages.
The official website, which you will end up on for the audio guide also offers a written description, video, and photos to guide you around the different tombs.
This is included in the cost of your ticket.
If you scan the QR code on your screen below as you read now, you will gain an idea of what you can expect while you explore the site.
You can enjoy audio commentary at every tomb.
Just scan the QR Code with your phone.
Why you should book an official tour.
I you are visiting Paphos on a shorter travel itinerary but want to visit all of the sites, booking a tour is a great way of doing so.
This half day city tour is an ideal choice, as It covers Tombs of the Kings, as well as the other archaeological sites in the city.
You will discover some interesting facts about the vast ancient past of the city of Paphos with an expert tour guide.
I love the fact that the logistics of this tour are all covered in the price, including entrance tickets, and return transport to and from your hotel.
The beautiful Mediterranean coastline.
How long is needed to see all of the tombs?
I managed to visit every tomb and listen to the audio guides in around 45 minutes. I did visit in low season when the weather was pleasant and fewer crowds.
In peak summer months, you should plan for 90 minutes.
My favourite tomb.
Tomb 3 was my favourite tomb on site as it had some columns guarding the rock cut tombs.
The pillars show signs of Greek architecture, with Doric style columns, similar to the Acropolis in Athens, and I also noticed similarities in the Temple of Philae in Egypt.
This tomb is definitely the most aesthetically pleasing and perfect for a Cyprus Instagram shot.
The columns surround a peristyle atrium as you would expect to see in the ancient Greek and Roman times.
I found it interesting to observe the courtyard from the shadows, which is also a break from the sun on hot days.
Looking down at the tomb is awesome also, as it is below ground level.
Tomb 3 was my favourite.
It offers a creepy vibe.
Tips for your visit.
I found all of the tourist spots in Cyprus to be very laid back for visitors, including North Cyprus.
Here are some tips to make sure that your trip goes to plan:
The site is open with little shade from the sun, so sun cream and a hat should be considered in warmer months.
There isn’t anywhere selling refreshments once you enter, so bring some water with you.
Be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces by wearing sturdy shoes.
Make sure you have adequate battery charge on your phone so you enjoy the audio guides.
You can exit the site from turnstiles around the site, so don’t worry about having to walk too far.
Consider catching a bus or taxi to the site in summer months to preserve energy for exploring all of the tombs.
Use your imagination to appreciate the grandeur of the site in ancient times.
Where to stay in Paphos.
Paphos is abundant with accommodation options, but for easy access to the Paphos Archaeological Park, Paphos Castle, & Tombs of the Kings, I would recommend staying in and around the Harbour area of the Old Town.
Here are some popular choices for you to consider:
Annabelle - Can walk to the surrounding archaeological sites, or catch the bus to the sites that are further out as the bus stop is very close to the hotel. Port views and a beautiful breakfast make this a great option in Paphos.
Almyra - Featuring a tropical garden and private pool overlooking the Mediterranean means that this option offers a picture perfect setting for your Paphos stay.
Elysia Park - A great chance to relax after your day exploring the ancient sites of Paphos, with a quiet private pool area.
Some other things to do in Cyprus.
Cyprus is an interesting country with many great things to do in Paphos, and its other cities.
Here are three dark tourism activities which I really enjoyed during my trip.
How about a shipwreck?
While in Paphos, you can visit one of the islands many shipwrecks.
The Edro III Shipwreck is located just over a mile away from the Coral Bay area, which is a beautiful area of the city for a coastal walk. I followed the coastline all the way round until I spotted the famed disaster zone.
Or a border crossing in the world’s last divided capital?
Nicosia, also known as ‘Lefkosia’ on the Turkish side of the border, is the last divided capital in the world.
Visitors are allowed to cross the border at Ledra Street, which offers a completely different experience to the Cypriot side, and the other cities in Cyprus.
I noticed the Turkish culture straight away with the offerings of Baklava and Turkish Delight, along with seeing the Turkish flag flying high, and the sound of the ‘call to prayer’ ringing around Lefkosia.
It felt like an authentic travel experience witnessing the change of culture in the same city.
An Abandoned Ghost city?
Once you have crossed into the other side of the island, you should visit Famagusta, and the famous ghost city of Varosha. The history around the city is harrowing but you should learn it from locals during your visit.
It is free to enter the city and to wander around, but you can pay to hire a bike or scooter to get around faster.
An official tour is the best way to appreciate the full experience, and the history behind the site.
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