Tombs of the Kings

This well-preserved necropolis features a series of sunken graves and underground chambers pocked with niches, although only minimal traces of the original stuccos and colorful frescoes remain. One of the tombs was converted into a chapel during early Christian occupation, and evidence of pottery work indicates that the catacombs were used as dwellings or workplaces during the Middle Ages. One of the most popular attractions in Paphos, the Tombs of the Kings are a stop on many area tours; going with a guide can be useful as there isn’t much in-depth signage at the site.

• This archaeological site is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient history.

• Wear sturdy shoes and bring sun protection as the ground here is uneven and much of the site is exposed.

• The Tombs of the Kings do not accommodate wheelchair users.

• Combination passes are a good deal for travelers planning to visit multiple sites, with 1-, 3-, and 7-day passes available.

The Tombs of the Kings site is located right off the main road (E701) that runs along the southwestern coast of Paphos, about a 10-minute drive north of Paphos Archaeological Park. There is plenty of free parking in a lot in front of the site, and buses to and from the city center stop on the main road, a few minutes' walk away.

The Tombs of the Kings archaeological site is open throughout the year, except on Christmas, Orthodox Easter, and New Year's Day. Open hours are 8:30am to 5pm from mid-September to mid-April, extended to 7:30pm between mid-April and mid-September.

Archaeologists don’t believe kings were buried at the Tombs of the Kings (especially as the tombs were built after Cyprus’ kingdoms were abolished following the Ptolemaic conquest). It’s likely that the site instead gets its name from the grandiosity of its architecture. However, at one tomb, archaeologists found two statues of eagles (the royal emblem of Ptolemais), and some postulate that a king from the Ptolemaic dynasty may have been interred here.

Yes, the Tombs of the Kings are open daily to the public, except on specific public holidays such as Christmas Day and Orthodox Easter Sunday. To visit the site, which includes a walk down inside the tombs, you will need to pay an entrance fee.

During a tour of the Tomb of the Kings, see ancient underground tombs carved into solid rock that date from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. As you explore the site, you can learn about its ruins by scanning QR codes that direct you to relevant information.

Many visitors find that they need between one to two hours to properly explore the Tombs of the Kings. Some tours that visit the Tombs of the Kings allow this long, while others only allow 30 minutes, which if you’re interested in a deeper visit, may not be enough time.

Yes, visitors can see inside the main seven tombs in the Tomb of the Kings complex. Stairs lead down into the tombs, so visitors can get a close look at what remains of these ancient tombs. Visitors also have access to the other minor remains around the site.

Not really—the Tomb of the Kings has limited access for visitors using wheelchairs. While the paths around the site are wheelchair accessible, there are barriers for heading down to the tombs and often throughout the areas above the tombs as well. Traveling across the site’s gravel paths, informal trails, and uneven terrain is tough.

Yes, there is a large parking lot outside the entrance to the Tomb of the Kings where visitors can park for free. This paved parking lot features areas with some shade, which may be useful when visiting the Tomb of the Kings during the summer months.