Attraction
Paphos Castle
Short answer
Paphos Castle (also called the Paphos Fort) stands at the end of the harbour breakwater. The current building dates from the Ottoman period, on the site of earlier Byzantine and Lusignan fortifications. It is the symbol of Paphos and photographs beautifully from the promenade; inside, it is small — a vaulted ground floor and a roof with views over the harbour.

Why visit Paphos Castle
- The view from the roof over the harbour and coastline.
- It is on the way: you will walk past it on the promenade anyway.
How long to spend
20–30 minutes inside. Most of the experience is the walk out along the harbour.
Best time to visit
Late afternoon, then stay on the harbour for sunset. Check closing time — sunset can fall after the castle closes.
Opening hours and tickets
Opening hours change with the season (longer in summer, shorter in winter). We have not yet verified this season's hours — check the Department of Antiquities before you go.
There is an entrance fee set by the Department of Antiquities. We do not publish a price until we have verified the current one; check the official site or pay at the gate.
How to get there
At the western end of Paphos harbour in Kato Paphos — walk along the harbour from the Archaeological Park entrance.
Accessibility
The interior and roof are reached by steps. The harbour approach is flat.
Who might skip it
You are short on time and happy with the outside view — the interior is modest.
Frequently asked questions
Is Paphos Castle worth going inside?
Only briefly. It is small; you are paying for the roof-top view. If you are short on time, the outside and the harbour walk deliver most of the experience.
Plan around it
Attraction
Paphos Harbour & Seafront Promenade
The harbour, castle and coastal promenade — Paphos' evening walk and boat-trip departure point.
- Kato Paphos
- 1–2 hours
- Free
Attraction
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
Roman villas with some of the finest mosaics in the Mediterranean, an odeon and a ruined castle, by the harbour.
- Kato Paphos
- 2–3 hours
- €
Attraction
Tombs of the Kings
Underground rock-cut tombs with columned courtyards, on the coast north of the harbour.
- Tombs of the Kings area
- 1.5–2 hours
- €
Experience
Paphos Boat Trips
Harbour cruises, Blue Lagoon trips from Latchi, sunset sails and private charters — which one to pick.
- Kato Paphos
- 2–6 hours
- €€
Itinerary
1 Day in Paphos
One day in Paphos, planned properly: the mosaics and Tombs of the Kings in the cool of the morning, the harbour at sunset — all on foot from Kato Paphos.
- 1 day
- Car: no
Things to do
Things to Do in Paphos
The best things to do in Paphos, Cyprus — ancient sites, beaches, the Akamas, wine villages and day trips — with how long each takes, who it suits and what to skip.