Quick answer
Kourion is one of Cyprus's most important ancient city-kingdoms, on a clifftop about 19 km west of Limassol on the road to Paphos. Its highlights are a restored Greco-Roman theatre that still hosts summer performances, the mosaic floors of the House of Eustolios and an Early Christian basilica. As of 2026, standard entry costs €4.50 and the site opens daily, with longer hours in summer.
- Kourion is about 19 km west of Limassol, above the coast on the road to Paphos.
- The city was destroyed by an earthquake in 365 AD.
- The theatre dates from the 2nd century BC, was extended in the 2nd century AD and is used for open-air performances, mainly in summer.
- As of 2026, standard entry is €4.50; the site opens daily and closes only on Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Orthodox Easter Sunday.
- The Kourion museum in Episkopi has been closed for upgrade works since 1 August 2026.
Kourion sits on a cliff above the sea west of Limassol, and few ancient sites in Cyprus have a better setting. You come for the theatre and the mosaics, and you stay for the view over Kourion beach. This guide covers what to see, tickets, timing and what to add nearby.
What is Kourion?
Kourion (also spelled Curium) was one of the most important city-kingdoms of ancient Cyprus. It stood on hills above the fertile Kouris river valley, and local tradition linked its founders to Argos in the Peloponnese. The city thrived through the Hellenistic and Roman periods until an earthquake destroyed it in 365 AD. Much of what you see today is Roman and Early Christian.
Where is Kourion and how do you get there?
Kourion is about 19 km west of Limassol on the road to Paphos, just past Episkopi village.
- By car: Head west from Limassol on the road to Paphos and follow the signs from Episkopi. There is parking at the site.
- By bus: Some intercity and local routes pass along the Paphos road. Check current timetables before relying on them, and see our public transport guide.
- From Paphos: Drive east towards Limassol; Kourion is signposted from the Paphos road.
What can you see at Kourion?
The theatre
The Greco-Roman theatre is the centrepiece. It was built in the 2nd century BC and extended in the 2nd century AD, and it has been restored for modern use. It faces the sea and hosts open-air performances, mainly in summer: concerts, opera and ancient Greek drama. Tickets are sold separately for each event.
The House of Eustolios
This was a private villa that became a public recreation centre in the Early Christian period. It has four 5th-century mosaic floors and a bath complex with cold, warm and hot rooms and underfloor heating. A roof protects the remains, and walkways let you look down on the mosaics.
The Houses of Achilles and the Gladiators
These two villas are named after the scenes on their mosaic floors, one showing Achilles and the other gladiators in combat.
The agora and basilica
The Roman agora dates from the early 3rd century and has marble-columned porticoes, a public bath and a nymphaeum, a small shrine to the water nymphs. Nearby, the 5th-century Early Christian basilica has a separate baptistery on its north side.
Tickets and opening hours
- Entry: As of 2026, Visit Cyprus lists standard entry at €4.50. Groups of more than 10 get 20% off.
- Multi-site cards: Department of Antiquities cards cover its museums and monuments. As of 2026 they cost €8.50 for one day, €17 for three days and €25 for seven days.
- Opening periods: Open daily all year, with longer hours from mid-April to mid-September (into the early evening) and shorter winter hours. Closed on Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Orthodox Easter Sunday.
- Closures: The site occasionally closes for conservation work, as it did for a week in December 2025. Check the Visit Cyprus page before you go.
- Access: Partial disabled access. An audio guide is available.
When is the best time to visit?
Go in spring or autumn, or early in the morning or late in the afternoon in summer. The site is on an exposed clifftop with very little shade. Late afternoon light on the theatre is beautiful. If you can, book a summer performance and arrive early to walk the site before sunset.
Practical tips
- Water and sun: Bring water, a hat and sun cream.
- Shoes: Wear sturdy shoes. Paths are uneven and the theatre steps are steep.
- Performances: Bring a cushion for the stone seats and a light layer, as it can be breezy on the cliff after dark.
- Kourion museum: The Local Archaeological Kourion Museum in Episkopi has been closed for upgrade works since 1 August 2026, with no reopening date announced.
What else is nearby?
- Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates: A short drive west, one of the main religious centres of ancient Cyprus, dedicated to Apollo as god of the woodland.
- Kourion stadium: About 1 km west on the Paphos road.
- Kourion beach: Directly below the cliff, with tavernas. Check the flags before swimming, as the sea here can be rough.
- Kolossi Castle: A medieval tower linked to the Knights of St John and the origins of Commandaria.
- Village life: Our Erimi area guide covers the villages around Kolossi.
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Contains affiliate linksFrequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Kourion?
As of 2026, Visit Cyprus lists standard entry at €4.50. Department of Antiquities multi-site cards (€8.50 for one day, €17 for three, €25 for seven) are also accepted.
How long do you need at Kourion?
Allow about two hours to see the theatre, the House of Eustolios, the agora and the basilica. Add an hour for the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates and the stadium.
Can you watch a show at Kourion theatre?
Yes. The theatre hosts open-air concerts and plays, mainly in summer, including ancient Greek drama. Tickets are sold for each event.
Is Kourion suitable for children?
Yes, but the site is exposed and the ground is uneven. Visit early or late in the day in summer and bring hats, sun cream and water.
How do you get to Kourion from Limassol?
Drive west from Limassol on the road to Paphos, past Episkopi, and follow the signs. Some bus routes run along the Paphos road; check current timetables.
