Tombs of the Kings Paphos: Cyprus’ UNESCO necropolis
Rock-cut tombs with Doric columns, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and just a quarter of an hour from Coral Bay – with opening times, entrance fee and tips
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- What: an ancient necropolis of underground rock-cut tombs from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.
- Where: about two kilometers north of Paphos harbour, on Tombs of the Kings Road between Kato Paphos and Coral Bay.
- From Coral Bay: about 11 km, roughly 15 minutes by car.
- Opening times: daily, 16 April to 15 September 8:30am–7:30pm, otherwise 8:30am–5pm.
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit.
What are the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, Cyprus?
The Tombs of the Kings are a large necropolis on the west coast of Cyprus. Underground tombs and burial chambers were cut into the limestone by the sea – some with courtyards, colonnades and staircases leading deep into the rock.
The archaeological site lies between Kato Paphos and Ktima, about two kilometers north of Paphos harbour. It is part of the Paphos Archaeological Park and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, together with the ruins of ancient Paphos and the Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Kouklia – the World Heritage listing covers Paphos and Kouklia.
Despite the name, no kings were buried here. The name refers to the grandeur of the tombs. They were the burial sites of wealthy families, high officials and aristocrats of the city.
History of the Tombs of the Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
These ancient tombs date back to the 4th century BC and the 3rd century BC, when Cyprus was ruled by the Ptolemies, the Greek dynasty that governed Egypt from Alexandria (294–58 BC). Nea Paphos was the capital of the island, and many of those buried here were probably officials of the Ptolemaic administration. The necropolis was used until the 3rd century AD, well into the Roman period.
The design combines Greek architecture with Egyptian models, and the tombs closely resemble those in Alexandria – a sign of the close ties between the two cities. Some tombs imitate the houses of the living: an open atrium surrounded by a peristyle of Doric columns, with burial chambers leading off it.
Later, early Christians hid in the tombs during times of persecution, and in the Middle Ages people lived in the chambers and altered them. Over the centuries grave robbers took most of the grave goods.
Richard Pococke described the site in the 18th century. In 1870 the US consul Luigi Palma di Cesnola dug here, mainly looking for treasure, and in 1915 Menelaos Markides, curator of the Cyprus Museum, led the first scientifically supervised excavations. Systematic excavations began in 1977 under Sophocles Hadjisavvas. Stamped handles of Rhodian wine amphorae still help to date the tombs.
Tomb 3, tomb 4 and Doric columns: the most impressive tombs
There are three types of tomb on the site: simple shaft graves, chamber tombs with a staircase (dromos) leading down to a rectangular room with burial niches, and the elaborate atrium tombs. The tombs are numbered and connected by paths, so you can explore the tombs at your own pace. Many of the tombs have underground chambers you can walk into.
- Tomb 3: the best-known tomb, with a large courtyard surrounded by Doric columns carved straight out of the rock. Above them you can still see the frieze with triglyphs.
- Tomb 4: with burial chambers and the typical wall niches (loculi) where the dead were laid to rest.
- Tomb 8: with arched passages and an atrium. One interpretation links it to Ptolemy of Cyprus, the island’s last king, who died in 58 BC when Rome annexed Cyprus. This is not proven.
- Tombs 5 and 6: the atrium of tomb 5 was later walled up when someone lived in it. Tomb 6 has a funerary pillar in the middle of its courtyard.
Between the tombs you have sea views. Many chambers are reached by steep, uneven steps. A torch or your phone light helps in the darker chambers.
Paphos: Half-Day City Tour with Tombs of the Kings Entry
About 4 hours with guided visits to the Tombs of the Kings and the House of Dionysus in the archaeological park, a photo stop and free time in the old town. Hotel pick-up and entry tickets included. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from over 170 reviews on GetYourGuide (October 2026).
If you book through this link, we earn a small commission – the price stays the same for you.
Opening times and entrance fee
- 16 April to 15 September: daily 8:30am–7:30pm.
- 16 September to 15 April: daily 8:30am–5pm.
- Closed: on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday.
- Entrance fee: €2.50 per person according to the Cyprus tourism authority, 20% off for groups of more than 10 people. The €4.50 you may see quoted is the fee for the archaeological park.
- Day pass: for €8.50 one card covers all sites of the Department of Antiquities for a day, including the mosaics in the Paphos Archaeological Park. There are also 3-day and 7-day passes.
Opening times and prices can change at short notice. There is very little shade on the site itself.
Getting to the Tombs of the Kings
By car: from Coral Bay, follow the coast road towards Paphos. It becomes Tombs of the Kings Road and runs right past the site. The drive is about 11 km and takes around 15 minutes without traffic. From our villas Asteria and Halia it is one of the shortest trips you can make.
By bus: bus 615 runs from Paphos harbour to the Tombs of the Kings. Check the timetable and stops with the bus operator before you go, as frequencies change with the season.
On foot: from the harbour in Kato Paphos it is a 30 to 40 minute walk along the coast.
Best time to visit and tips for the Tombs of the Kings
- Best time to visit: in summer the open site gets very hot at midday. It is nicest just after opening in the morning or in the late afternoon.
- Sturdy shoes: the steps into the tombs are steep and uneven, so flip-flops are not a good idea.
- Water and sun protection: bring enough to drink, a hat and sunscreen.
- Bring a light: the back chambers are dark.
- Use the day pass: if you also visit the archaeological park with the mosaics on the same day, the day pass is worth it.
- Respect the site: it is protected. Do not climb on walls or columns.
Ancient sites in Paphos to combine with the Tombs of the Kings
- Paphos Archaeological Park: the famous mosaics in the House of Dionysus, the Odeon and Saranta Kolones castle, about two kilometers further south.
- Paphos harbour and Paphos Castle: promenade, cafés and fish tavernas.
- Aphrodite’s Rock: the birthplace of the goddess, about 40 minutes from Coral Bay. Read more in our guide to Aphrodite’s Rock.
- Blue Lagoon: boat trips from Latchi in the north, see our guide to the Blue Lagoon in Cyprus.
You will find all destinations with driving times in our guide to things to do around Coral Bay.
Tombs of the Kings Paphos: frequently asked questions
Were kings buried in the Tombs of the Kings?
No. The name refers to the grandeur of the tombs. They were the burial sites of wealthy families and high officials from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
How old are the Tombs of the Kings?
The oldest tombs date from the 4th and 3rd century BC. The necropolis was used until the 3rd century AD.
What are the opening times of the Tombs of the Kings?
The site is open daily, from 16 April to 15 September from 8:30am to 7:30pm and from 16 September to 15 April from 8:30am to 5pm. It is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday.
How much is the entrance fee?
€2.50 per person according to the Cyprus tourism authority. The €4.50 you may see quoted is the fee for the Paphos Archaeological Park. A day pass for all sites of the Department of Antiquities costs €8.50.
How long do you need at the Tombs of the Kings?
Allow 1 to 2 hours. If you want to explore every tomb in detail, plan a little longer.
How far are the Tombs of the Kings from Coral Bay?
About 11 km. By car it takes around 15 minutes, and the road runs right past the archaeological site.
Last updated: October 2026. Sources: opening times and entrance fee from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com), history and excavations from Wikipedia and UNESCO, driving time via route planner (OSRM, 9 October 2026), tour details from the provider on GetYourGuide. Cover photo: Anastasius / Unsplash.
Your base near the Tombs of the Kings
Our two villas in Coral Bay are just a quarter of an hour from the Tombs of the Kings and Paphos. Private pools, sea views and booked directly with your host.
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