Explore the Paphos Archaeological Site - Your Car Rental Starting Point
The UNESCO World Heritage site at Kato Paphos is best explored at your own pace. Pick up your rental car with no deposit and no credit card - and arrive the moment the gates open, not an hour after the tour bus.
- No deposit required
- No credit card needed
- Free cancellation
- Unlimited mileage
UNESCO World Heritage
Exploring the Paphos Archaeological Park: Nea Paphos
The Paphos Archaeological Park, also known as Nea Paphos (New Paphos), is an expansive open-air museum located in the Kato Paphos district. Founded in the late 4th century BC by King Nicocles, Nea Paphos eventually became the administrative capital of Cyprus during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, replacing the old city of Palaepaphos. Today, this vast coastal site preserves monuments spanning from prehistory to the Middle Ages, making it one of the most significant archaeological treasures in the Mediterranean and a core pillar of Western cultural history.
The park is highly acclaimed for its magnificent Roman villas, public squares, religious complexes, and military fortifications. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1980 reflects the exceptional quality and density of its ancient ruins, which continue to reveal new secrets to international teams of archaeologists each year, uncovering layers of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations.
From the Roman Odeon to Byzantine Fortresses and the British Lighthouse
Beyond the famous mosaic houses, the park contains a wealth of architectural highlights. The Roman Odeon, built in the 2nd century AD out of well-hewn limestone blocks, is carved directly into the sandstone hillside and still hosts theatrical and musical performances under the stars today. Nearby sits the ancient Agora (market square), which served as the social and commercial heart of the Roman city. Walking toward the sea, you will find the ruins of Saranta Kolones (Forty Columns), a Byzantine castle built shortly after 650 AD to protect the harbour from Arab raids, named after the granite columns scattered around the site.
Towering over the ancient ruins is the Paphos Lighthouse, built by the British in 1894. The lighthouse headland offers spectacular panoramic views of the sea, the Kato Paphos harbour, and the entire archaeological park - making it a perfect vantage point for capturing the coastal sunset. Visiting these vast, spread-out ruins is a journey through millennia of Mediterranean history.
Plan Your Drive and Coastal Road Trip
The Paphos Archaeological Park main entrance is located in Kato Paphos, next to the harbour and the local bus station. If you are arriving from Paphos International Airport (PFO), a 15-minute drive via the B6 road takes you directly to the harbour area. From Coral Bay hotels, it is a 20-minute drive heading south along the coastline. Having a rental car is extremely beneficial for a full day of sightseeing, allowing you to easily carry gear, sun protection, and extra water, and then immediately drive to the Tombs of the Kings or cruise down the coast to Petra tou Romiou.
Visiting Tips & Parking: Because the park is large (spanning over 80 hectares) and mostly open to the sun, visitors should allow a full morning or afternoon to explore the ruins comfortably. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and plenty of drinking water are essential. A large public parking lot is situated directly opposite the entrance gate, offering affordable parking for your rental car. Always ensure you lock your vehicle and store your luggage safely in the boot before setting off to explore the park.
Ready to explore Paphos?
No deposit · No credit card · Free cancellation