Paphos Harbor and Castle
A recognized sea entry point and the medieval fortress of Paphos
The story
Paphos harbor has been here since ancient times: remains of the ancient harbor lie under water, and today’s port stands on the same spot. On the western breakwater stands a small castle. The Franks built towers here in the thirteenth century, after the earthquake of 1222. Before the Ottoman conquest of 1570 the Venetians blew up the fortifications, and the Ottomans later rebuilt the western tower and turned it into a prison. Under the British the castle was used to store salt, and in 1935 it was declared an ancient monument. Today the harbor is one of the recognized sea entry points into the Republic of Cyprus. In 1974, during the Turkish invasion, its old pier was damaged by bombing.
The recognized (legal) sea entry points into the Republic of Cyprus are Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and Latchi; the airports are Larnaca and Paphos. The Republic of Cyprus considers entry through ports and airports in the north of the island illegal.
Visiting
According to the Department of Antiquities page (checked in October 2026), the castle is open every day: September 16 to April 15 from 8:30 to 17:00, April 16 to September 15 from 8:30 to 19:30; hours may differ on holidays. Ticket €2.50. The castle is not wheelchair accessible. The seafront by the harbor is open for walks at any time.
Sources
- Department of Antiquities — Pafos Castle (English)
- Τμήμα Αρχαιοτήτων — Κάστρο Πάφου (Greek)
- Αρχή Λιμένων Κύπρου — Λιμάνι Πάφου
- Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus) — Entry Requirements
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