Paphos Archaeological Park

There’s a lot of history at the spread-out Paphos Archaeological Park; to make the most of your time, go with a guide or as part of a tour. You won't want to miss highlights including the remains of Saranta Kolones, a Byzantine castle known for its 40 columns and the ancient Odeon amphitheater, which still hosts summer performances. Visit the four Roman Villas (the Houses of Theseus, Aion, Dionysos, and Orpheus) to see their floor mosaics.

• Paphos Archaeological Park is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient history.

• Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection as the park is large and exposed.

• Audio guides are available for download on the Cyprus Tourism Department website.

• The park is partially wheelchair accessible.

• The Department of Antiquities offers special combo passes if you plan to visit multiple sites, with 1-, 3-, and 7-day passes available.

Paphos Archaeological Park is located in the heart of Paphos, just south of Kings Avenue Mall and due west of Paphos Harbor. There's plenty of free parking in front of the site, and the Kato Paphos Main Bus Station is just a few minutes' walk away. Most area tours, particularly those focused on history, stop here and include transportation.

The park is open daily throughout the year, except on Christmas, Orthodox Easter, and New Year's Day. It opens early in the morning and closes early evening from mid-September to mid-April and opens an hour earlier from mid-April to mid-September. Visit first thing to avoid crowds and heat, especially in summer.

Be sure to make your way to the Mosaics of Paphos, a highlight of the park. Visit all four houses on the complex to see their elaborate mosaic floors. These mosaics were buried for thousands of years until a farmer discovered them in the early 1960s. Many are well preserved, and most depict scenes from Greek mythological tales, with Dionysos, Theseus, and Apollo making frequent appearances.