Paphos Castle, Adonis Baths Waterfalls Travel Guide

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Explore Paphos Castle: a historic fortress offering stunning views, rich history, and cultural events on the Paphos Harbour.

Paphos Castle, a historical landmark at the edge of Paphos Harbour, boasts a rich history dating back to Byzantine times. Originally a fort, it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century and later modified by the Venetians and Ottomans. Today, it stands as a popular tourist attraction offering panoramic views and hosting cultural events.

A brief summary to Paphos Castle

QC34+FQ4, Kato Paphos Harbour, Coastal Broadwalk, Paphos, CY
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Monday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
Sunday 8:30 am-7:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Paphos Castle.

Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs to reach the rooftop battlements.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Paphos Archaeological Park to explore more of the area's ancient history.
Check the schedule for the Paphos Aphrodite Festival if you're visiting in late August or early September to enjoy an opera performance in a unique historical setting.
Take advantage of the free parking available at the harbor if you're arriving by car, but be aware that it can get crowded during peak season.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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adonis baths

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Explore Paphos Castle on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Paphos Castle, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Paphos Castle is located at the end of the Coastal Broadwalk in Kato Paphos, easily accessible by foot from most hotels and attractions in the area. From the Kato Paphos Main Bus Station, it's a short, approximately 5-minute walk along the Coastal Broadwalk to the castle.
Public Transport

Several bus routes serve the Kato Paphos area, including routes 606, 610, 611, and 631. Take any bus heading to the 'Paphos Harbour Station' or 'Kato Paphos Main Bus Station'. A single bus fare costs €2, and a day pass is available for €6.50. From the bus station, it's a short walk to the castle along the Coastal Broadwalk.
Driving

If driving, head towards Kato Paphos and follow signs for 'Paphos Harbour'. Ample free parking is available near the harbor, but it can get crowded during peak season. Arrive early to secure a parking spot. From the parking area, walk towards the Coastal Broadwalk, and the castle will be directly in front of you.
Taxi

A taxi to Paphos Castle from within Paphos costs approximately €10-€15. Taxis are readily available throughout the city.

Discover more about Paphos Castle

Paphos Castle, prominently situated at the western end of Paphos Harbour, is a testament to the island's diverse history and strategic importance. Originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbor, the castle has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting the influences of various rulers and conquerors.Initially constructed to defend against Arab invaders and pirates, the fort was significantly expanded by the Lusignans during the Frankish era in the 13th century. However, a devastating earthquake in 1222 destroyed much of the original structure, necessitating its reconstruction. The Lusignans rebuilt and strengthened the fortress, turning it into a key Crusader castle. The castle then saw modifications by the Genoese in 1373. In the 15th century, another earthquake demolished one of the castle's towers. Fearing an Ottoman invasion, the Venetians destroyed the remaining tower.The structure that stands today is largely an Ottoman reconstruction from 1592, incorporating elements of the previous Frankish tower and Venetian additions. An inscription above the entrance commemorates this restoration. During Ottoman rule, the castle served as both a prison and a military garrison. The ground floor's central hall was divided into small rooms used as prison cells. The roof was equipped with 12 battlements, each housing a cannon.In 1878, the British took control of Cyprus, and the castle was repurposed as a salt storage facility until 1935 when it was declared an Ancient Monument. Today, Paphos Castle is a major tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and stunning views of the harbor and surrounding coastline. The castle also serves as a venue for various cultural events, including the annual Paphos Aphrodite Festival, which features opera performances in the open courtyard.