A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Annecy for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Paphos or Annecy?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Annecy, 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 overlooked, ancient, and beautiful town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Annecy

Annecy is a charming, stunning, and breathtaking alpine town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Paphos and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Annecy?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paphos. Although Paphos and Annecy are popular destinations, Paphos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paphos is very popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Annecy attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Annecy is more touristy than Paphos and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Paphos is famous for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. It is also well known for Paphos Archaeological Park.

How is Paphos different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Annecy 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 Annecy?

Paphos is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Paphos are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at terrific restaurants in both Paphos and Annecy.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Paphos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Many restaurants in Annecy have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Is Paphos or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Paphos or Annecy 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 Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Paphos or Annecy Better for Resorts?

Paphos is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Annecy is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Paphos is a perfect 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.

Annecy is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Annecy Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Paphos. 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.

Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Paphos is renowned for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Paphos is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Paphos or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Annecy is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Paphos. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings.

Is Paphos or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Paphos is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Annecy. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Paphos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Annecy?

Paphos is a great town for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Paphos is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Annecy to go shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Paphos or Annecy Better for Families?

Paphos and Annecy are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Annecy is very family-friendly. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Is Paphos or Annecy Better for Couples?

Paphos and Annecy are both terrific to visit as a couple.

Paphos has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Annecy is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Is Paphos or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

Many backpackers 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

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

Paphos is a great town for times when you don't have a car. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its public transit.

Paphos has some very good public transit options. 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.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Paphos or Annecy a more walkable city?

Annecy is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Annecy is very walkable. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

Paphos is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Paphos or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Paphos due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paphos, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

Families should spend more time in Paphos than Annecy. 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 Annecy. 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 Annecy 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 Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Paphos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Paphos or Annecy?

Paphos is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Annecy is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paphos. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal destination of Paphos. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This alpine town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Paphos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Paphos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paphos and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy than you might in Paphos.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Annecy, 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 Annecy?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Paphos or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Paphos during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Paphos for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Paphos is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paphos in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Annecy averages at about 22°C (71°F).

In Annecy, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the summer, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Annecy. The autumn months attract visitors to Paphos because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In October, Paphos is generally much warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 21°C (70°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paphos usually receives less rain than Annecy. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paphos or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Annecy. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Annecy. Paphos is much warmer than Annecy in the winter. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets more rain in January than Annecy. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Paphos for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Paphos is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paphos in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Annecy averages at about 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paphos usually receives less rain than Annecy. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Paphos