Paphos Cyprus Tombs of the Kings: Is It Worth Visiting?

The Paphos Cyprus Tombs of the Kings is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cyprus—and one of the easiest UNESCO sites to visit while staying in Paphos. Despite its name, you won’t find the tombs of ancient kings here. Instead, this sprawling seaside necropolis was the burial place of wealthy residents and high-ranking officials during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The tombs are carved directly into the rocky landscape, in some cases resembling underground homes, complete with courtyards, columns, passageways, and burial chambers. As an added bonus, while wandering the archaeological site, you’ll enjoy stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea. If you’re spending even a day or two in Paphos, we think the Tombs of the Kings deserves a place on your itinerary.

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What Are the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos?

The Tombs of the Kings are a collection of monumental underground tombs carved from solid rock. They date primarily from the Hellenistic and Roman periods and were used as burial places for members of Paphos’s elite. Despite the name, no kings are known to have been buried at this site. It’s likely that the name stemmed from the scale of the architecture, which was elaborate enough to seem appropriate for royalty.

Several tombs were designed to resemble houses for the living. You’ll see burial chambers surrounding open courtyards. Some tombs feature striking Doric columns carved directly from the bedrock. Architectural similarities with tombs in Alexandria also reflect the connections between Paphos and Egypt during the Hellenistic era. Rather than one single “Tomb of the King,” think of this as a large archaeological landscape that you explore on foot.

Are the Paphos Cyprus Tombs of the Kings Worth Visiting?

Yes—we think the Tombs of the Kings are absolutely worth visiting, particularly if you enjoy history, archaeology, photography, or simply exploring unusual places on foot. What makes it memorable isn’t necessarily any one tomb. It’s the experience of wandering across the site, descending stone staircases into underground chambers, walking between ancient columns, and then emerging again into the bright Cyprus sunshine.

We’d especially recommend the Tombs of the Kings if you:

• Enjoy exploring archaeological ruins rather than viewing them from behind barriers.
• Enjoy photography—the columns, courtyards, staircases, shadows, and weathered stone provide plenty of interesting compositions, especially with a glimpse of the sea in the background.
• Are already visiting sites around Paphos.
• Want an activity that combines history with an easy outdoor walk.
• Have only a few hours available and want to see one of Paphos’s most important historic sites.

If ancient ruins aren’t particularly interesting to you, you probably don’t need to devote half a day to the site. But given its convenient location and inexpensive admission, it’s still an easy addition to a Paphos itinerary.

A Brief History of the Tombs of the Kings

Ancient Paphos became an important political and commercial center in the eastern Mediterranean and eventually served as the capital of Cyprus during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. The necropolis outside the ancient city was constructed between about 4 BC to 4 AD.

The elaborate architecture of the tombs gives visitors insight into the wealth of the people buried here and the cultural influences reaching Cyprus. Particularly notable are the rock-cut tombs built around peristyle courtyards, which UNESCO considers important examples of ancient funerary architecture. Today, the Tombs of the Kings are included within the UNESCO World Heritage property of Paphos.

What to See at the Paphos Cyprus Tombs of the Kings

The “Tombs of the Kings” site is larger than you might expect, with eight major excavated tomb complexes spread across the archaeological site as well as some smaller sites. If you have time, plan to wander past all of the tombs, and the bonus ninth tomb. If you’re short on time, focus your time on a smaller set of tombs, such as numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8.

You can pick up a map of the site at the ticket booth, which is helpful, even if you, like us, enjoy wandering around the site looking for the tombs. The map helped when we realized we had missed a few of the tombs.

Tomb 3: The Must-See Tomb

We found tomb 3 to be the highlight of the Tombs of the Kings. It’s also the best place to see the architectural features the site is famous for. Descend the stone staircase into a dramatic open-air courtyard surrounded on all four sides by Doric porticoes carved from the rock. Standing at the bottom, it’s easy to see why these elaborate burial complexes are sometimes described as houses for the dead.

Explore the courtyard, looking into chambers cut into its sides. You’ll find a vaulted burial chamber containing several rectangular burial niches and also an ossuary beneath the northern portico.

If you look closely at the western burial chamber, you’ll see remnants of plaster bearing crosses, evidence that the ancient tomb was reused during the early Christian period.

Tomb 4: Columns and Burial Chambers

Head next to Tomb 4, another of the most impressive complexes and a good follow-up to Tomb 3.

A stepped passage takes you underground into a large atrium, where columns and pillars were carved directly from the natural rock. Once you’re in the courtyard, look opposite the entrance for the main vaulted burial chamber. Inside are loculi cut into the walls and pit graves in the floor. You’ll find additional burial spaces around the atrium and beneath its porticoes.

Tomb 5: The Massive Pillared Courtyard

One of the largest tomb complexes at the site, Tomb 5 is worth visiting for its sheer scale.

Instead of the more elegant columns you’ll see at Tomb 3, its large courtyard is surrounded by 12 massive rock-cut pillars. Seeing Tombs 3 and 5 relatively close together also gives you a better appreciation for the differences in design among the tomb complexes.

Tomb 6: Passageways, Niches, and Ossuaries

If you’re interested in how people were actually buried here, be sure to visit Tomb 6.

Approach the main complex along an approximately 20-meter-long stepped passage. This leads into a vaulted corridor. which contains loculi and ossuaries built into the passage.

Continue toward the burial chamber opposite the entrance, where you’ll find additional loculi as well as a pit grave.

Tomb 6 is particularly worthwhile because the burial features are relatively easy to identify once you know what you’re looking for.

Tomb 8: The Most Unusual Design

Quite different from the designs of Tombs 3 and 4, Tomb 8 has an open courtyard surrounded by columns, You’ll find a chamber carved into a large square mass of rock at its center, with a corridor running around it.

Its unusual layout makes it a worthwhile contrast to the other major tombs and a reminder that the necropolis wasn’t built according to a single design.

Don’t Overlook the Smaller Tombs

While we’d give priority to these five tombs, don’t feel that you need to walk directly from one numbered tomb to the next. Part of the fun of visiting the Paphos Cyprus Tombs of the Kings is exploring the wider archaeological landscape and descending into smaller chambers along the way.

Tomb 1, for example, is less monumental than Tomb 3 but is a good place to clearly see how individual burials were arranged. Its chamber contains five niches intended for adults and two smaller niches for children, along with traces of colored plaster. It was raining when we went by tomb1, and a cat joined us, getting shelter from the storm outside.

We found Tomb 9 to be an interesting stop because of the contrast to the other tombs. Unlike the grand columned courtyard of Tomb 3, this complex is less about monumental architecture and more about seeing another variation in the way the necropolis was laid out and used. Take a few minutes to explore the rock-cut spaces and burial areas and compare their design with the larger tombs you’ve already visited.

Tips for Visiting the Paphos Cyprus Tombs of the Kings

• Allow at least an hour. We think 1-2 hours is ideal for most visitors.
• If you only have 1 hour for your visit, we'd focus on Tomb 3 → Tomb 4 → Tomb 5 → Tomb 6 (with Tomb 8 if you have the time).
• Wear sturdy shoes. You'll encounter uneven stone, rocky paths, and stairs, which can be quite slippery when wet.
• Bring water. Much of the archaeological site is exposed to the sun.
• Go early on warm days. Cyprus can get extremely hot, and there's little shade outside of the tombs.
• Explore beyond the first tombs. Some of the most interesting structures require walking farther into the site.
• Bring your camera. The columned courtyards and underground spaces are particularly photogenic.
• Pair it with the Neo Paphos archaeological park. The two sites complement each other and provide a much better picture of ancient Paphos.

Tomb of the Kings Entry Fee and Opening Hours

At the time of writing, admission to the Paphos Cyprus Tomb of the Kings is €2.50 per person, making it one of the best-value historical attractions in Paphos. Hours and admission prices can change, so check the official information before your visit.

If you're planning to visit several archaeological sites in Cyprus, multi-day admission cards covering Department of Antiquities sites may also be available.

Accessibility at the Tomb of the Kings

The archaeological site isn't particularly accessible for travelers with limited mobility. Exploring many of the tombs involves uneven terrain, rocky paths, staircases, and underground chambers. Official visitor information describes the site as partially wheelchair accessible, with views of the tombs available from above.

Even visitors without mobility concerns should wear sturdy shoes and watch their footing around stairs with no handrails and uneven stone surfaces.

How to Get to the Tomb of the Kings

The Tomb of the Kings sits north of Kato Paphos and the harbor area, making it relatively straightforward to reach.

Best Time to Visit the Tomb of the Kings

We'd recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially during the warmer months. There is relatively little shade across much of the site, and exploring involves walking over uneven rocky ground and repeatedly climbing up and down steps.

Morning generally gives you cooler temperatures, while late afternoon can provide softer light for photography. In winter and the shoulder seasons, temperatures are much more comfortable for exploring, and you may be able to visit comfortably in the middle of the day.

Where to Stay Near the Tomb of the Kings

Staying around Tombs of the Kings Avenue puts you within easy reach of the archaeological site while still providing convenient access to the coast, Paphos Old Town, and Kato Paphos. These are a few of our top choices:

Tomb of the Kings vs. Paphos Archaeological Park: Which Should You Visit?

Ideally, visit both. If you only have time for one, we'd give a slight edge to the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park for first-time visitors because of its extraordinary Roman mosaics, wider range of ruins, and accessibility to the harbor area.

The archaeological park is about seeing the remains of the ancient city, while the Tomb of the Kings lets you explore its ancient necropolis. The Tomb of the Kings is also more atmospheric and interactive—you descend staircases and walk directly through underground spaces rather than primarily viewing ruins.

What to Combine With the Paphos Cyprus Tomb of the Kings

One of the advantages of visiting the Paphos Cyprus Tombs of the Kings is how easily it fits into a broader day of sightseeing. While in Paphos, be sure to visit:

• Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
• Paphos Harbor and Castle
• Paphos Old Town
• Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and St. Paul's Pillar

Is the Tomb of the Kings Worth It? Our Final Verdict

For us, the answer is an easy yes. The Paphos Cyprus Tombs of the Kings combines history, an unusual archaeological landscape, photo opportunities, and the chance to actively explore rather than simply look at exhibits.

Don't visit expecting Egyptian-style royal tombs filled with paintings and artifacts. The experience is much more about the architecture and setting. A visit includes descending into rock-cut courtyards, walking between ancient columns, peering into burial chambers, and imagining what this sprawling necropolis looked like more than 2,000 years ago.

It's inexpensive, easy to reach from central Paphos, and different enough from the Roman mosaics and ruins elsewhere in the city that visiting both doesn't feel repetitive. If you're planning a trip to Paphos, we'd put the Tomb of the Kings firmly on the must-see list.

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