Paphos Castle

Paphos Castle which includes military items
Paphos Castle featuring château or palace, rugged coastline and heritage architecture
Paphos Castle featuring a bay or harbour
Paphos Castle which includes a sunset, military items and a memorial
Paphos Castle showing general coastal views and a ruin


Relish the panoramic view from atop a fort that dates back a millennium. It survived the rule of Byzantine, Ottoman and British empires.

Paphos Castle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks due to its rich history and striking appearance. Initially, it was built as a Byzantine fortress to protect the harbour, but it was destroyed and rebuilt several times as the centuries passed. It has been a fort, a prison and, most recently, a salt warehouse during British occupation. Admire the imposing look of the castle, which looms over the harbour as a reminder of the city’s complicated past.

Take photos of the large stone castle against a picturesque backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. Cross the bridge over the water surrounding the castle. Inside the fort, enjoy its cool protection from the outside heat. Listen to the echo of your footsteps as you retrace the paths walked by many others over the centuries.

Learn about all the uses of the castle since its construction about a millennium ago. Byzantine, Lusignan, Venetian, Ottoman and British dynasties are all entwined in its history.

Make your way to the top of the castle for an excellent view of the harbour, the sea and the archaeological park. As you stand on the fort’s roof, imagine fending off an attack in the Byzantine era or being held prisoner in one of the cells.

Attend the cultural events held in the plaza in front of the castle. Come for the Aphrodite Festival that takes place annually for a week in September and enjoy an operatic performance.

Explore several small shops in the area where you can purchase snacks, refreshments and souvenirs. Dine at one of the restaurants and bars, which are lively in the evenings, before taking an after-dinner stroll around the harbour’s boats.

Castle entry requires a small fee. It is open from morning until late in the afternoon. During the summer, the castle stays open several hours later.

You can find Paphos Castle on the city’s main harbour at the most southwestern tip of Cyprus. It is just south of Paphos Archaeological Park and near several beach areas.

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Top Paphos Castle Hotel Deals

Elysium

Elysium

5 out of 5
Queen Verenikis Street, Paphos
Elysium
Annabelle

Annabelle

5 out of 5
Poseidon Ave, Paphos
Annabelle
Anemi Hotel & Suites

Anemi Hotel & Suites

4 out of 5
Iasonos Street, No 1, PO Box 6140, Paphos
Anemi Hotel & Suites
Aquamare Beach Hotel & Spa

Aquamare Beach Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Poseidonos Ave, Geroskipou, Paphos
Aquamare Beach Hotel & Spa
Almyra

Almyra

5 out of 5
12 Poseidonos Avenue, Paphos
Almyra
Amphora Hotel & Suites

Amphora Hotel & Suites

4 out of 5
48 Poseidonos Avenue, Paphos
Amphora Hotel & Suites
Princessa Vera Hotel Apartments

Princessa Vera Hotel Apartments

3 out of 5
17 Tombs of the kings avenue, Paphos
Princessa Vera Hotel Apartments
Artemis Cynthia Complex

Artemis Cynthia Complex

3 out of 5
Agiou Fotiou 2, Paphos
Artemis Cynthia Complex
Alexander The Great Beach Hotel

Alexander The Great Beach Hotel

4 out of 5
Poseidon Avenue, Paphos
Alexander The Great Beach Hotel
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