Paphos Harbour and Castle: Seafront, Boat Trips and Tips (2026)
Medieval castle, seafront promenade with cafés and boat trips in Kato Paphos – with opening times, entrance fee, parking and tips from Coral Bay
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Paphos Harbour is the liveliest spot on the west coast of Cyprus: fishing boats and tour boats, a long seafront promenade lined with cafés, bars and restaurants, and at the end of the breakwater the medieval fort known as Paphos Castle. From Coral Bay you can be there in just over 20 minutes – perfect for an evening stroll or to start a boat trip.
Paphos Harbour at a Glance
- Where: in Kato Paphos (Pafos), right next to the Archaeological Park.
- From Coral Bay: about 13 km, roughly 22 minutes by car.
- Paphos Castle: entry €2.50, open daily from 8:30.
- Best for: a harbour walk, sunset, boat trips and dinner by the water.
- Time needed: an hour for the castle and the breakwater, longer with a boat tour.
History of Paphos Harbour and Port
The harbour is older than the castle. At the end of the 4th century BC, King Nikokles moved the city from Old Paphos near Kouklia to the sea and founded Nea Paphos around this port. In Hellenistic and Roman times Nea Paphos was the capital of all Cyprus, and the ruins of the ancient city lie just behind the seafront today. Tourism brought new life to the harbour area: today it is a favourite meeting point for travellers and locals alike.
Paphos Castle: the Medieval Fort on the Harbour
Paphos Castle is the landmark of the harbour and one of the best-known sights of the Middle Ages in Cyprus. A Byzantine fort originally stood here to protect the port. After an earthquake destroyed the older castle of Saranta Kolones in 1222, the Lusignans built a new fort by the water in the 13th century. The Venetians partly dismantled it in 1570 so it would not fall to the Ottomans. In 1592 the Ottomans rebuilt the western Frankish tower – an inscription above the only entrance records this.
Under Ottoman rule the ground floor held prison cells and quarters for the guards, and cannons stood on the roof. When the British took over the administration in 1878, the cannons were removed and the castle was used as a salt store. Since 1935 it has been protected as an ancient monument.
What You Will See Inside
The entrance over the small bridge leads into a hall with the former cells. A staircase takes you up to the roof, with beautiful views over the harbour, the colourful fishing boats, the seafront and the Mediterranean. The castle is small – 20 to 30 minutes are enough for a visit.
Opening Times and Entrance Fee
- 16 April to 15 September: daily 8:30–19:30.
- 16 September to 15 April: daily 8:30–17:00.
- Closed: on public holidays.
- Entrance fee: €2.50, groups of more than 10 people get 20% off.
- Day pass: €8.50 for all museums and sites of the Department of Antiquities in one day; 3 days €17, 7 days €25.
Opera at the Castle: the Pafos Aphrodite Festival
Every year in early September, the square in front of the castle becomes an open-air opera stage. At the Pafos Aphrodite Festival 2026, Donizetti’s “L’Elisir d’Amore” was performed on 4 and 5 September. Tickets usually sell out early.
Harbour Walk on the Paphos Seafront: Restaurants, Bars, Shops and Hotels
Around Paphos Harbour you will find fish tavernas, cafés, bars and restaurants with sea views, plus souvenir shops and small local shops. The promenade runs east from the harbour past the hotels of the tourist area. In the other direction, a coastal path starts behind the castle and leads to the lighthouse and Lighthouse Beach. In the evening, when the sun sets behind the fort, the seafront is the most popular place to relax in Kato Paphos – and a great spot for candid photos.
Boat Trips and Tours from Paphos Harbour
Many tour boats depart from the harbour: glass-bottom boats, half-day cruises with a swim stop and sunset trips. A classic is the trip up the coast to Coral Bay, where the boats anchor for swimming and snorkelling. You can buy tickets at the kiosks on the harbour or book online. Further north, boat trips to the Blue Lagoon on the Akamas peninsula start in Latchi near Polis.
Paphos: Wave Dancer Half-Day Cruise with BBQ and Open Bar
About 4 hours from Paphos Harbour, departing at 11am, with a swim stop in Coral Bay (weather permitting), a BBQ lunch on board and drinks. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from almost 300 reviews on GetYourGuide (October 2026).
If you book through this link, we earn a small commission – the price stays the same for you.
Sightseeing in Cyprus Near the Harbour: Things to Visit and Explore
- Paphos Archaeological Park: the entrance is just a few steps from the harbour. The park has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1980. Here you can see the Roman villas with their famous mosaics, such as the House of Dionysus and the House of Theseus, plus the Odeon and the ruins of Saranta Kolones.
- Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa: a Byzantine church built on the ruins of an early Christian basilica, with St Paul’s Pillar, where tradition says the Apostle Paul was whipped.
- Tombs of the Kings: the ancient necropolis of Nea Paphos, about 3 km north. Despite the name, no king was buried here.
- Old Town (Ktima): the municipal market and the Ottoman quarter up on the hill, ten minutes by car.
Getting There, Bus and Parking
By car: From Coral Bay, take the coast road to Kato Paphos. The route is about 13 km and takes around 22 minutes. There are several paid parking areas around the harbour; on summer evenings they are often full.
By bus: Paphos town buses stop at the harbour, with connections to Coral Bay and the old town, among others. Check the timetable with the bus operator before you travel.
From the airport: Paphos Airport is about 15 km away. Coming from Limassol, allow around an hour on the motorway.
Tips for Walkers and Visitors to Paphos Harbour
- Come for sunset: the castle glows in the evening light.
- Visit the castle before 17:00 in winter: from mid-September to mid-April it closes in the afternoon.
- Use the day pass: with the Archaeological Park and the Tombs of the Kings on the same day, the €8.50 pass pays off.
- Book boat trips early: in high season the popular tours fill up quickly.
FAQ: Paphos Harbour and Castle
How much does it cost to visit Paphos Castle?
€2.50 per person. With the €8.50 day pass you can also visit the Archaeological Park and the Tombs of the Kings.
When is Paphos Castle open?
From 16 April to 15 September daily from 8:30 to 19:30, and from 16 September to 15 April from 8:30 to 17:00. It is closed on public holidays.
Where can I park at Paphos Harbour?
There are paid parking areas around the harbour. On summer evenings it is best to arrive early or take the bus.
Which boat trips leave from Paphos Harbour?
Glass-bottom boats, half-day cruises with a swim stop in Coral Bay and sunset cruises.
How far is Paphos Harbour from Coral Bay?
About 13 km. By car you will be there in around 22 minutes.
Last updated: October 2026. Sources: castle opening times, fee and history from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com) and Wikipedia, festival from visitcyprus.com, drive time by route planner (OSRM, 09.10.2026), tour details from the provider on GetYourGuide. Cover photo: Sergei Gussev via Unsplash.
Where to Stay: Our Villas in Coral Bay
Our two holiday villas in Coral Bay are about 20 minutes from Paphos Harbour – close enough for an evening on the seafront, quiet enough for a lie-in. Private pools, booked directly with your host.
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