A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Alesund for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Paphos or Alesund?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Alesund, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Paphos

Paphos is a coastal, overlooked, and ancient town. Paphos is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Paphos travel costs.

Alesund

Alesund is a friendly, scenic, and laid back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Alesund is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Alesund travel costs.

Paphos and Alesund: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Alesund?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paphos. Although Paphos and Alesund are both popular with visitors, Paphos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paphos is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Alesund is known for its big city activities. Paphos is more touristy than Alesund and is known for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. It is also home to Paphos Archaeological Park. Alesund is popular for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords.

How is Paphos different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alesund and Paphos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paphos or Alesund?

Paphos is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Paphos that are not to be missed. The area is well known for its impressive archeological ruins, many of which are found at Paphos Archaeological Site. Other impressive sights include the Tombs of the Kings, the Chrysopolitissa Basilica & St. Paul's Pillar, Agia Paraskevi, and Paphos Fort.

Alesund offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.

Is the Food Better in Paphos or Alesund? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paphos is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Paphos is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is a huge part of the culture and family life in the area. The cuisine is influenced by the surrounding areas and you'll see similarities to Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Popular dishes include koupepia (vine leaves stuffed with a filling called gemista), souvlaki (a meat and salad filled pita), and makaronia tou fournou (a pasta dish made with halloumi and béchamel sauce).

Alesund has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

Is Paphos or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Paphos or Alesund has a better nightlife scene.

Paphos has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Most people think of history, culture, beaches, and wine, but the city also has its share of clubs and bars. It's not the party-hard beach destination that you'll find at some Mediterranean tourist areas, but there are still plenty of bars and clubs with atmosphere and style. Head to Agiou Antoniou Street for the most action.

If you're looking for night time activities Alesund has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Is Paphos or Alesund Better for Resorts?

Paphos is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Alesund is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Paphos is a great choice. The area is filled with all types of resorts. There are many all-inclusive resorts that cater to families, honeymooners, or luxury vacationers. If you want to experience more of the local culture, there are also smaller boutique hotels or local apartments available.

Alesund is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Alesund Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Alesund is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Paphos has a few good snorkeling spots. There are many snorkeling and dive spots that aren't far away. You'll also find a number of scuba or snorkeling excursions that you can join. The water conditions for snorkeling and diving are best during the summer months.

Alesund is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Alesund Better for Beaches?

Paphos is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Alesund is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Paphos. Many people head to the area specifically for the beaches. This region has the longest coastline of any region in Cyprus, but keep in mind that some of the best beaches are found outside of the main tourist areas. However, they most are usually accessible by city bus with many remote stretches found along the Akamas Peninsula. Within town the beaches are often rocky and pebbly.

Alesund is not a beach destination.

Is Paphos or Alesund Better for its Old Town?

Paphos is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Alesund does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Paphos to see the historical old town. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings. The area was revitalized in 2017 and there are many historical sites. It's also fun to go shopping at Kennedy Square and Makariou Avenue.

Alesund does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Alesund?

Paphos is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Paphos is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are outdoor markets, major shopping streets, and international fashion brands. You can pick up local souvenirs or beach gear that you may have forgotten.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alesund. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Is Paphos or Alesund More Beautiful?

Paphos is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

Paphos is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The area is known for its world-renowned archeological ruins, stunning beaches, and beautiful outdoor setting.

Alesund is a beautiful place to visit, too. The architecture, viewpoints, and nearby fjords make this a great stop off on any Norwegian adventure.

Is Paphos or Alesund Better for Families?

Paphos is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Paphos is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Head to the beach or take a walk along the coastline. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to the zoo, bird park, or aquarium and young thrill seekers will enjoy a day at the Aqua-park of Aphrodite. And, of course, there's also the ruins that kids can have fun exploring.

Alesund is a family-friendly town. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.

Is Paphos or Alesund Better for Couples?

Paphos is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Paphos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners who enjoy history, nature, beaches, and culture will find it all in the area. There are stunning beaches where you can relax in the sun, world renowned archeological ruins where you can immerse yourself in a historical world, and beautiful views around every corner. There are also excellent restaurants and wine tasting opportunities that will make for a memorable trip.

Alesund makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.

Is Paphos or Alesund Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Paphos. The area is generally accessible with a few good hostels and budget accommodation options sprinkled about. There are great beaches and restaurants as well as plenty of beautiful places to enjoy a walk.

Alesund is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a limited number of hostels in town so apartments may be the best option for backpackers. It's also hard to get around the region without a car.

Is Paphos or Alesund Better for Students?

Alesund is a nice place to visit for students. However, Paphos is not popular with students.

Alesund is popular with students. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

Paphos is not popular with students.

Is Paphos or Alesund Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paphos is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Paphos can move around easily with public transportation. It's possible to get around by city bus to most places. Buses connect many touristy areas such as Kato Paphos, Tombs of the Kings, Chloraka, Kissonerga, Coral Bay and Paphos Center.

Alesund has some public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.

Is Paphos or Alesund a more walkable city?

Paphos and Alesund both are good when exploring on foot.

Paphos is somewhat walkable. The main tourist area is Kato Paphos which is small, compact and easy to walk around, but if you want to head to areas further away then you likely won't be able to travel on foot. It's important to understand where your hotel is located if you're planning to explore on foot.

Alesund is a somewhat walkable place. The city center can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Paphos Worth Visiting? and Is Alesund Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Alesund?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Paphos and Alesund. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paphos than in Alesund. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paphos, and 2-3 days is enough time in Alesund.

Families should spend more time in Paphos than Alesund. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paphos, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Paphos than Alesund. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paphos that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paphos than Alesund if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Paphos.

One day in Paphos or Alesund?

In Paphos, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Alesund. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Paphos or Alesund?

In Paphos, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Alesund is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Paphos or Alesund?

Paphos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paphos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alesund. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Paphos or Alesund?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paphos. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Paphos. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Alesund. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Paphos and Alesund, we can see that Paphos is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Paphos Expensive? and Is Alesund Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Alesund?

Alesund has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Alesund, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Paphos or Alesund?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Paphos or Alesund in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Alesund. Many visitors come to Paphos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Alesund for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Paphos is much warmer than Alesund in the summer. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Alesund. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paphos or Alesund in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Alesund. Most visitors come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Alesund because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Paphos is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paphos in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Alesund averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Alesund. Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Alesund. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Alesund in the Winter?

Both Alesund and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Paphos because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

It's quite cold in Alesund in the winter. In January, Paphos is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 12°C (53°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. In January, Paphos usually receives less rain than Alesund. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paphos or Alesund in the Spring?

Both Alesund and Paphos during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alesund. Paphos is much warmer than Alesund in the spring. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Alesund. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alesund and Paphos