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

Should you visit Paphos or Athens?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Athens, 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 cultural, coastal, and overlooked town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Paphos and Athens: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Athens?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Athens than Paphos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Athens is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Paphos is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Paphos is well known for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. Athens is well known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis.

The Acropolis

How is Paphos different from Athens?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Paphos and Athens have world-class landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

The museums and tourist attractions in Athens are world-renowned. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at world-class restaurants in both Paphos and Athens.

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 Athens have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Is Paphos or Athens Better for Nightlife?

Athens is renowned for nightlife. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Athens is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

If you're looking for night time activities Paphos has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Paphos or Athens Better for Resorts?

Paphos is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Athens is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Paphos for its luxury resorts. 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.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Athens Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Athens Better for Beaches?

Paphos is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Paphos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Paphos or Athens Better for its Old Town?

Athens 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 Athens is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

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 the Shopping Better in Paphos or Athens?

Paphos is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Paphos. 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.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Paphos or Athens Better for Families?

Paphos and Athens are both great 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, Athens is very family-friendly. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Is Paphos or Athens Better for Couples?

Paphos is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Paphos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Paphos or Athens Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is renowned for backpackers. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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.

Is Paphos or Athens Better for Students?

Athens is a great destination for students. However, Paphos is not popular with students.

Athens is a great city to visit as a student. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Paphos is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Paphos and Athens.

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.

The public transit in Athens can get you around easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Is Paphos or Athens a more walkable city?

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

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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 Athens Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Athens or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Athens?

Both Paphos and Athens have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Paphos. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paphos, and 3-7 days is enough time in Athens.

Families should spend more time in Paphos than Athens. 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 Athens. 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 Athens than Paphos 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 Athens.

One day in Paphos or Athens?

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.

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Paphos or Athens?

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.

Athens 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.

Five days in Paphos or Athens?

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 Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Paphos or Athens?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful 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.

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Athens, we can see that Athens 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Athens?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Athens, 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 Athens?

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 Athens in the Summer?

Both Athens and Paphos during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paphos for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Paphos is generally around the same temperature as Athens. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 27°C (80°F), and Athens fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the summer, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Athens. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Athens receives 357 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in July than Athens. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Athens receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Athens in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Athens. Many visitors come to Paphos in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Paphos is around the same temperature as Athens in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Athens fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Athens during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Athens receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paphos usually receives less rain than Athens. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Athens receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paphos or Athens in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Athens. Most visitors come to Paphos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Paphos is a little warmer than Athens. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Athens averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Athens. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Athens receives 143 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets more rain in January than Athens. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Athens receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Athens in the Spring?

Both Athens and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Paphos because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year.

In April, Paphos is generally around the same temperature as Athens. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Athens fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Athens during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Athens receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paphos usually receives less rain than Athens. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Athens receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Athens and Paphos