UNESCO site · Paphos

Paphos Harbour and Archaeological Park

A harbour with a small castle, and Roman floor mosaics a few steps away.

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Wow 5/5

Ease 5/5

Value 5/5

Quiet 3/5

Our own marks out of 5. Quiet 5 means rarely crowded. How we score

Guide

This is the heart of ancient Paphos and part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing since 1980. Four Roman villas, known as the Houses of Dionysos, Theseus, Aion and Orpheus, still hold their original floor mosaics, with scenes from Greek myth in remarkable detail.

Beyond the villas the park opens onto a small theatre (the Odeon), the ruined castle of Saranta Kolones and a lighthouse on the headland. Everything sits a short walk from the harbour, so you can come without a car and finish with lunch by the water.

The catch. Almost no shade and the site is large. In July and August midday is draining. Only parts of it suit wheelchairs.

Local tip. Arrive at opening, start with the covered mosaic houses, then walk the open ruins before the heat builds.

House of Dionysos

The best-known villa in the park, named after the god of wine who appears in its mosaics. The floors are under a roofed shelter, so this is a good place to be at midday.

Turn the 3D model of House of Dionysos →