Tombs of the Kings, Paphos, Cyprus by Mgiganteus1

Approach to the Tombs of the Kings

At first sight during my visit there appeared to be very little of interest to be seen, just a craggy outcrop of rocks, as the tombs are almost entirely underground.  It was only as I ventured around the side of the site that the detail of how it had been used became apparent.  It was amazing to think of these tombs being chiseled by hand from the soft limestone, and then completely excavated to form rectangular rooms with about three feet of thick rock above them as a ceiling.

A subterranean adventure

Seven of the eight tombs have been excavated, and I found them to be extremely well preserved.  Their overall design is quite unusual for this part of the world since, although they date from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, their architecture tends more towards Macedonian in style.  Some of the tombs were constructed to look like dwelling places for the living rather than burial sites for the dead.  It is possible to see fragments of the original frescoes, and the atriums (central courtyards) are largely intact, so that the overall structure – complete with porticos and columns – is clearly evident.

Tombs of the Kings, Paphos, Cyprus by Romeparis

Getting around the site

To gain access to the underground tombs there are stone staircases leading downwards, although tomb number three has an additional wooden staircase that was installed during the excavation, making it easier to negotiate.  Great care is needed when descending into any of the tombs, as the stone steps are quite uneven.  The best time to visit is early morning before the heat of the day builds up, and it is sensible to wear comfortable shoes and take a hat and bottled water, as the site is quite large.  Touring the whole of it can easily take a minimum of two hours.

Tombs of the Kings, Paphos, Cyprus by Romeparis

Getting to the Tombs of the Kings

There is a good bus service from Paphos city center to the Tombs of the Kings, and it is worth taking the bus, as the neighborhood around the site is a little shabby.  Admission prices are very reasonable and, along with cheap flight deals available to Paphos International Airport, I found a vacation in Cyprus to be both affordable and rewarding.  Besides the historic Tombs of the Kings, there are many other visitor attractions, including Aphrodite’s Rock, Coral Bay, the Adonis Baths Waterfalls and Kato Paphos Archaeological Park.

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Fort of Paphos / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by simon.hedge

Many of us are looking for ways to tighten our belts and make sure not a penny is wasted, without sacrificing our annual holiday. Choosing a destination that has lots of low-cost attractions is therefore a good choice, and holidays to Paphos certainly fall into this category.

Indeed, while there are plenty of luxurious hotels in the city – which you should be able to find some great deals for online – this does not mean it is lacking in affordable activities. From awe-inspiring historical sites to glorious beaches, some of the destination’s best attractions can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.

Seek out the best harbour views at the Fort of Paphos

One of the simplest ways to make the most of your break is to take a walk and soak up the excellent views. Among Paphos’s most scenic spots is its harbour; to see it at its best, head to the Fort of Paphos.

Kids will especially love going here, because to reach it you have to cross a stone bridge perched over a moat. Once you’re at the fort itself, which is home to cannons pointing out in several directions, you’ll enjoy the finest views of the harbour to be had in the city.

Hit Municipal Beach

Another easy way to get the most out of your Paphos break for less is to hit the beach. Indeed, many of us visit destinations such as Cyprus purely for the warm weather, so heading to the coast is bound to feature on your to-do list.

Many of the local stretches of sand have Blue Flag status, making them great for family holidays. The Municipal Beach, which is perfect for swimming, is a particular favourite.

Paphos hotels, Cyprus / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Verity Cridland

Explore the Tombs of the Kings and other archaeological sites

The city’s most famous attractions are its archaeological sites and, fortunately, they do not cost a lot to visit. So, even if you are on a tight budget, you should be able to explore them fully.

Among the best places to see are the Tombs of the Kings, which are spread out over a fairly large area. This series of chambers and tombs was used to bury residents belonging to the higher classes – but not, as its name suggests, kings – between the 3rd century BC and the 3rd century AD.

What draws many visitors is their impressive interiors, the Doric pillars of which earned the Tombs of the Kings its regal name, as well as their peristyle court structure inspired by Egyptian architecture. While the tombs are certainly impressive, you should not expect to see many treasures and artifacts inside, simply because over the years they were stolen by grave robbers.

If you’re keen to explore the local history a little further, head to the House of Dionysus, where you can see a splendid, well-preserved mosaic laid out on the floor. There are several old houses which have this kind of mosaic flooring – often depicting myths – but the House of Dionysus is the most famous.

By choosing to visit low-cost – yet still very exciting – attractions such as these, you can really make the most of your getaway without blowing your budget.

Author Bio: As a fan of Greek history and architecture, Matt has travelled much of the region. This summer he’s looking to escape the chaos in London and has arranged his Sani holidays

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