Paphos Castle: A Coastal Fortress Through the Ages
Explore Paphos Castle: a historic fortress with stunning harbor views, shaped by Byzantine, Crusader, Venetian, and Ottoman influences.
Paphos Castle stands proudly at the western end of Paphos Harbour, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Originally a Byzantine fort built to protect the harbor, it has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting the island's turbulent history. The castle was initially constructed to defend against Arab invaders and pirates. The Lusignans rebuilt and expanded it in the 13th century after an earthquake in 1222 destroyed the original fortress, transforming it into a Crusader castle. The Venetians further modified the castle, adding to its fortifications. The structure that stands today is largely the result of the Ottoman restoration in 1592 of the western Frankish tower, incorporating Venetian additions. An inscription above the entrance commemorates this restoration. Inside, the castle features a central courtyard and a large square tower. The ground floor contains a central hall with small rooms that were once used as prison cells during Ottoman rule. The rooftop features 12 battlements, which once held cannons. Over the centuries, the castle has served various purposes, from a defensive stronghold to a prison and even a salt storage facility under British rule. Today, Paphos Castle is a popular tourist attraction, hosting thematic exhibitions and cultural events, including the annual Paphos Outdoor Cultural Festival.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there are uneven surfaces and stairs to climb within the castle.
- Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of Paphos Harbour and the coastline.
A brief summary to Paphos Castle
- QC34+FQ4, Kato Paphos Harbour, Coastal Broadwalk, Paphos, CY
- +35726306217
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From the Kato Paphos harbor area, the castle is easily accessible on foot via the coastal promenade. The walk is flat and offers scenic views of the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea. The castle is located at the end of the promenade. Allow 20-25 minutes walking from the main tourist area.
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Public Transport
The Paphos Harbour Station is a main bus terminal, a short walk from the castle. Bus routes 610, 615, and 631 stop here. A single bus fare within Paphos is approximately €1.50 , and a day ticket costs around €5.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Paphos and can take you directly to Paphos Castle. A taxi ride from within Paphos typically costs between €8-€12. Ensure the taxi is metered or agree on a fare before starting your journey.
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Parking
If driving, ample parking is available near the harbor. There are both free and paid parking options. The Paphos Harbour car park requires payment via the 'Paphos Now' app or by texting the parking bay number to 9191. Some free parking is available near the Church of Panagia Theoskepasti. Expect to pay around €0.20 per hour at parking meters. Some private car parks charge €0.50 for a half day.
