A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Bocas del Toro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Paphos or Bocas del Toro?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Bocas del Toro, 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.

Where Should I go: Paphos or Bocas del Toro?

Paphos

Located on the southwestern tip of Cyprus, Paphos has many different archaeological sights and it is renowned as the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The town is situated between the coast and the Troodos Mountains and it has grown in recent years as a tourist destination. As such, the local government has made efforts to improve the quality of the tourism infrastructure including investing in hotels, restaurants and transportation. There is also a commercial center to the city as well as a newly built "promenade" that travels from the marina along a long coastal path. This route offers excellent views, especially during the morning or evening hours when the sun is low.

Bocas del Toro

The capital of the Bocas del Toro province, this city of the same name sits in the Caribbean West region of Panama. Bocas del Toro, or Bocas Town, is in the district of Bocas del Toro, which also includes the towns of Bastimentos, Cauchero, Punta Laurel, and Tierra Oscura. The district has a population of about 17,000 and covers a total area of 433.2 square kilometers, and the town has a population of about 13,000. The area is a tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving, and interesting culture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.


Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Paphos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Paphos Prices
    Cyprus Prices
    Bocas del Toro Prices
    Panama Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Paphos 125
    Bocas del Toro 82

The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €125, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is €82. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Paphos and Bocas del Toro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paphos 48
    Bocas del Toro 28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paphos 96
    Bocas del Toro 56
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Bocas del Toro

Looking for a hotel in Paphos or Bocas del Toro? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Paphos


Hotels in Bocas del Toro


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Paphos Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Bocas del Toro 8.73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:

  • Self drive boat hire Latchi + optional Paphos hotel transfers: $298
  • CO2-Offset Private Transfer Paphos Airport PFO to Nicosia City : $199
  • Private Paphos Airport Transfer via Vintage Mercedes: $179
  • Private Transfer from Paphos Airport to Limassol City: $101
  • Ocean Vision: Show & Dance Night with buffet, open bar & transfer: $94
  • Paphos Airport (PFO) to Paphos city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $86
  • CO2-Offset Private Car Transfer from Paphos Airport PFO to Polis: $80
  • Choirokitia & Famagusta Guided Tour with Transfers: $80
  • From Nicosia Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Transfer: $70
  • Private Transfer from Paphos city hotels to Limassol Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Paphos Airport to Paphos City: $51
  • Private Airport Transfer from Hotel to Paphos Airport in a 4-seater taxi: $46

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bocas del Toro

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:


  • Water Taxi
    2.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bocas del Toro

Also for Bocas del Toro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Bocas del Toro?

Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Paphos change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Paphos 65
    Bocas del Toro 40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paphos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Paphos.

  • From Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $62
  • Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $73
  • Cyprus: Cooking Class-Mousaka, Tzatziki & Greek Salad: $88
  • Moussaka Cooking Class at a Wine Village Villa in Paphos: $226

Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:


  • Lunch
    13
  • Breakfast
    12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Bocas del Toro 18

Tours and Activities in Paphos

Here are a few actual costs in Paphos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Blue Lagoon Adventure at Romantic Sunset from Paphos: $42
  • 100% Cyprus - Tour to Troodos mountains and villages (From Paphos) : $57
  • Afternoon 2 hour tour to Adonis waterfalls only !!!: $70
  • Akamas Jeep Safari Tour from Paphos: $80
  • Akamas, Baths of Aphrodite and Blue Lagoon Day Tour from Paphos: $54
  • Atlantis Turtle Watching Cruise & Snorkelling Adventure : $42
  • Authentic Gourmet Tour with Wine and Food Tasting from Paphos: $65
  • Baths of Aphrodite, Latchi and Blue Lagoon Cruise Tour: $46
  • Blue Lagoon (Akamas) Bus & Boat Tour with Water Slide From Paphos: $44
  • Blue Lagoon (Akamas) Bus & Boat Tour with Water Slide from Paphos: $48
  • Blue Lagoon Cruise with Sightseeing from Latchi Harbour : $30
  • Blue Lagoon Mediterranean One Boat Cruise from Latchi: $21

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bocas del Toro

For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Island Boat Tour
    21
  • Starfish Island Boat Trip
    17
  • Yoga Class
    4.26

Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.

  • Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
  • Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
  • Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
  • Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
  • Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
  • From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
  • Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
  • Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
  • Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
  • Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paphos 9.98
    Bocas del Toro 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:

  • Afternoon Tour to Agios Neophytos Monastery with Wine Tasting: $44
  • Paphos - Troodos Mountains 4x4 Tour with Free Wine Tasting: $70
  • Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $73
  • Wine tasting on-board the Demetris Chara BBQboat BlueLagoon tours: $89
  • Local Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings: $111
  • Troodos Mountains Vino Venture: All Inclusive Full Day Wine Tour: $138
  • Private Wine Tour with Tastings and Winery Visits: $762


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Paphos is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paphos is in Europe and Bocas del Toro is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bocas del Toro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bocas del Toro 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 Paphos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paphos than you might in Bocas del Toro.

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


Which is Bigger, Paphos or Bocas del Toro?

Paphos has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Bocas del Toro, 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 Bocas del Toro?

Paphos has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bocas del Toro experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?

Both Bocas del Toro and Paphos during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Paphos because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.

In the summer, Paphos is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paphos in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the summer, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.

Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Paphos usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Paphos 27°C (80°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Bocas del Toro. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Paphos is generally cooler than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 21°C (70°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Paphos usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Paphos 21°C (70°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Bocas del Toro. Many travelers come to Paphos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.

Paphos is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the winter, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Paphos usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Paphos 12°C (53°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?

Both Bocas del Toro and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Paphos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Paphos is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paphos in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In April, Paphos usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Paphos 17°C (62°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Paphos

Paphos Bocas del Toro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 76 mm (3 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)