Tombs of the Kings, the royal necropolis of Paphos
On the coast north of Paphos lies one of the most extraordinary places in Cyprus: the Tombs of the Kings. No kings, in fact — this is where high officials and aristocrats of the fourth century BC had their final resting places carved directly out of the limestone rock.
Underground palaces
Stone staircases lead you down into open courtyards surrounded by Doric columns — complete underground villas for the dead, built on the Egyptian model. Some burial chambers are remarkably intact, with niches, traces of frescoes and carved details. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage of Paphos and lies beautifully by the sea, among the prickly pears.
Combine with the Archaeological Park
Ten minutes' drive away lies the Paphos Archaeological Park, home to some of the finest Roman mosaics of the Mediterranean. Together, the two sites tell the story of a thousand years of an ancient harbour city.
Niki's insider tip
I always tell my guests: in summer, set off early so you can visit the tombs before the real heat arrives — shade is scarce there. End the morning in the nostalgic harbour of Paphos, with a coffee by the water next to the medieval castle.
