Updated in September 2026, this Tombs of the Kings guide covers ticket prices, opening hours, parking, accessibility and what to see.
The Tombs of the Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage necropolis on the northern edge of Kato Pafos, Cyprus, dating to the 4th century BC. As of 16 September 2026, the site has switched to its winter opening hours (8:30am–5pm), down from the extended summer hours (8:30am–7:30pm) that ran from 16 April. This guide was updated in September 2026 and reflects that seasonal change, along with the site’s current admission price. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980, alongside the wider archaeological heritage of Pafos.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Winter (16 Sep–15 Apr): 8:30am–5pm; Summer (16 Apr–15 Sep): 8:30am–7:30pm |
| Ticket prices | Adult €2.50; free for seniors (65+) and students with ID; children free |
| Address | Tombs of the Kings Avenue, Kato Pafos, Cyprus |
| Nearest transport/parking | 2km north of Kato Pafos harbour; free on-site parking; local bus service |
| Typical time needed | 1 to 2 hours |
The Tombs of the Kings opening hours
As of 16 September 2026, the Tombs of the Kings has switched to its winter hours, open daily from 8:30am to 5pm.
- Summer hours (16 April–15 September) extend to 8:30am–7:30pm.
- The site is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday.
- Opening times and prices can change without notice, so it’s worth confirming before an early or late visit.
The Tombs of the Kings ticket prices
Adult admission costs €2.50.
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €2.50 |
| Seniors (65+, with ID) | Free |
| Students (with valid ID) | Free |
| Children | Free |
| Groups of 10+ | 20% discount |
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official Visit Pafos site and last updated in September 2026. You can check current details on the official Visit Pafos page.
The Tombs of the Kings is not part of a commercial city pass scheme such as Go City or CityPASS. It is covered by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities’ own entry cards — a 1-day card for €8.50, a 3-day card for €17.00, and a 7-day card for €25.00 — which also grant access to sites across Cyprus, including Kourion, Choirokoitia, Kition, and Amathous.
How to get to the Tombs of the Kings
The Tombs of the Kings is roughly 2km north of Kato Pafos harbour, on Tombs of the Kings Avenue.
The site is reachable by car, local bus from central Pafos, or on foot from Kato Pafos, a walk of around 30 to 40 minutes.
Parking at the Tombs of the Kings
Free parking is available on site.
How long to spend at the Tombs of the Kings
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours at the Tombs of the Kings, exploring the site’s eight main tombs.
Allow closer to 2 hours if you want to see everything without feeling rushed, particularly if you’re combining your visit with the nearby Paphos Archaeological Park on the same day.
Accessibility at the Tombs of the Kings
The site is partly accessible to wheelchair users, following guidance from on-site staff; the accessible route is not marked.
- The terrain includes uneven rock-cut staircases, so sturdy footwear is essential for most visitors.
- There is little natural shade across the site, so sun protection matters, especially in summer.
What to see at the Tombs of the Kings
Carved directly into solid limestone bedrock, the tombs date to the 4th century BC and were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
Despite the name, no kings were actually buried here. The tombs instead housed high-ranking officials and aristocrats of ancient Pafos, and it’s the sheer scale and grandeur of the structures that earned the site its royal nickname.
Many tombs feature Doric columns and underground atria, echoing the residential architecture of the era and reflecting the strong trade ties between ancient Cyprus and Egypt.
Among the eight main tombs, Tomb 3 is considered the site’s most photographed, Tomb 4 the best-preserved with the most complex layout, and Tomb 5 the most impressive, with a colonnade of 12 standing pillars.
Tomb 8 holds particular Ptolemaic significance and offers some of the site’s quietest corners along with sea views.
The tombs sit within a striking, almost desert-like coastal landscape, with views out over the Mediterranean adding to the atmosphere.
Many of the tombs were looted in antiquity, so few artefacts remain on site today; what survives is mainly the architecture itself, along with occasional fresco fragments and sculptural details in the better-preserved chambers.
Practical visitor tips
| Focus | Tip |
|---|---|
| Timing | Visit early morning or late afternoon, especially in summer, since there’s little shade across the site. |
| Layout | Wear sturdy shoes, since the site involves uneven rock-cut staircases. |
| On-site logistics | Bring water and sun protection, particularly outside the cooler winter months. |
| Entry process | Consider a combined Department of Antiquities pass if you’re visiting several Cyprus sites. |
| Crowds | Check current hours before visiting, since they shift on fixed seasonal dates (16 April and 16 September). |
Frequently asked questions about the Tombs of the Kings
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Tombs of the Kings free to visit? | No, admission costs €2.50, though seniors 65+ and students with ID enter free. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | No, tickets are bought on-site. |
| Is the Tombs of the Kings wheelchair accessible? | The site is partly accessible, though the accessible route isn’t marked; ask on-site staff for guidance. |
| Is the Tombs of the Kings part of the Paphos Archaeological Park? | It’s a separate UNESCO-listed site with its own ticket, located near the Paphos Archaeological Park. |
| What’s the best time to visit the Tombs of the Kings? | Early morning or late afternoon, especially in summer, to avoid the heat. |
Things to do near the Tombs of the Kings
- Paphos Archaeological Park (Nea Pafos) – Roman mosaics, an ancient theatre and a Byzantine fortress, roughly 2km south near Pafos Harbour.
- Pafos Harbour and Medieval Castle – a historic harbourfront and fortress, a short drive away.
- Paphos Lighthouse – an 1888 lighthouse within the Archaeological Park, a short drive away.
- Aphrodite Water Park – the biggest water park in the region, with several big thrill slides.
- Panagia Chrysopolitissa and St Paul’s Pillar – a free-entry early Christian site, a short drive away.
Alternative attractions
- Kourion, near Episkopi, Limassol District – an ancient city with a cliffside Roman theatre, roughly 1 hour’s drive.
- Palaipafos (Kouklia) – an ancient sanctuary of Aphrodite and Frankish manor house, roughly 30 to 40 minutes’ drive.
- Amathous, near Limassol – ancient ruins of one of Cyprus’s ancient city-kingdoms, roughly 1 to 1.25 hours’ drive.
- Choirokoitia (Khirokitia) – a UNESCO-listed Neolithic settlement, roughly 1.5 hours’ drive.
- Kition, Larnaca – ancient city ruins linked to the biblical Kittim, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours’ drive.
