Attraction · UNESCO World Heritage
Sanctuary of Aphrodite (Palaepaphos)
Short answer
At Kouklia, 16 km east of Paphos, are the remains of Palaepaphos — "Old Paphos" — and its Sanctuary of Aphrodite, one of the most important pilgrimage sites of the ancient Greek world. The ruins themselves are fragmentary, but the site museum in a medieval manor house helps make sense of them. It is part of the Paphos UNESCO World Heritage Site and combines naturally with Petra tou Romiou on the same road.
Why visit Sanctuary of Aphrodite (Palaepaphos)
- Historical weight: the cult of Aphrodite at Palaepaphos was famous across the ancient world.
- It turns the Aphrodite's Rock stop into a more meaningful half-day.
How long to spend
About an hour, 1.5 hours with the museum.
Best time to visit
Morning or late afternoon, combined with Petra tou Romiou.
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 We do not publish a price until we have verified the current one; check the official site or pay at the gate.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
In Kouklia village, signposted from the B6 coast road east of Paphos. Around 20–25 minutes by car.
Who might skip it
You want visually impressive ruins — the Kato Paphos Park is far more spectacular. Come here for the story.
Plan around it
Day trip
Petra tou Romiou & Kouklia
Aphrodite's Rock and the ancient sanctuary at Kouklia — an easy half-day east of Paphos.
- Petra tou Romiou
- Half day
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
- €
Area
Geroskipou
Town east of Paphos known for loukoumi and the five-domed church of Agia Paraskevi.
- Geroskipou
Couples
Paphos for Couples
A couples' guide to Paphos: the best sunset spots, which boat trip to book, wine-village afternoons and the areas to stay for a romantic trip.
Itinerary
2 Days in Paphos
A two-day Paphos itinerary: ancient Kato Paphos on day one, the Old Town and Aphrodite's coast on day two — with timings, lunch stops and sunset spots.
- 2 days
- Car: optional
Itinerary
3 Days in Paphos
Three days in Paphos, planned geographically: ancient Kato Paphos, a north-coast day with the Blue Lagoon, and the Old Town plus Aphrodite's coast.
- 3 days
- Car: optional