A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Cefalu for Attractions, Food, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Paphos or Cefalu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Cefalu, 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. 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.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a historic, touristy, and charming fishing village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Paphos and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Cefalu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paphos. Although Paphos and Cefalu are popular destinations, Paphos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paphos is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Cefalu attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Paphos is famous for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. It is also well known for Paphos Archaeological Park. Cefalu is famous for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Paphos different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paphos is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Cefalu offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time on the beach or getting lost in the town's charm, but if you're looking for specific sights and museums you can check out the Cathedral, Museo Mandralisca, or Tempio di Diana.

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

Paphos is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Paphos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Dining out in Cefalu is an experience not to be missed. Despite being a popular tourist hot spot, there are still charming restaurants around town that serve up local dishes made with local ingredients. Many seaside restaurants have a charming atmosphere and a unique Sicilian flare.

Is Paphos or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

Paphos is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Paphos. 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.

Cefalu is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The town is small and mellow without a huge party scene. There are some beach resorts with bars and clubs attached where you can enjoy a drink by the water.

Is Paphos or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Paphos is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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.

Cefalu is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Is Paphos or Cefalu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cefalu 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.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Paphos is a world-class destination for the beache. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

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.

Cefalu is considered a top beach destination. The town has nice beaches with good swimming and kayaking opportunities. Some of the beaches can get quite crowded but the water is blue and the views are nice. Some of the best beaches near town include Cefalu Beach, Kalura Beach, and Lido Angeli Del Mare.

Is Paphos or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

Many visitors go to Cefalu to see the historical old town. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

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 Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Paphos is not a hiking destination.

Cefalu has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a few walking trails outside of town but the most popular is hiking to the top of La Rocca. It's at least an hours walk to the top but from there you can enjoy one of the best views of the harbor.

Paphos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Cefalu?

Paphos is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options 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.

Cefalu has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. It's a small, touristy town, so shopping isn't the main attraction. There are some interesting shops that are fun to pop into though.

Is Paphos or Cefalu Better for Families?

Paphos is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Paphos is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cefalu. Kids will enjoy beach time or wandering down the promenade, Lungomare. You can swim or simply relax by the water. Another fun activity is to climb the nearby mountain of La Rocca. The kids might even spot a local animal.

Is Paphos or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Paphos and Cefalu are both world-class 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.

Cefalu is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's natural beauty and Italian atmosphere make this a perfect couples destination. There are water activities for the adventurous as well as beautiful beaches and great restaurants.

Is Paphos or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options 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.

Cefalu is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a big backpacker vibe to the town, and you won't find tons of hostels, but there are affordable places that budget travelers can stay.

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

Paphos is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Paphos can get you around easily. 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cefalu. Public transit is limited but taxis are a good alternative for getting out of town and into the surrounding areas.

Is Paphos or Cefalu a more walkable city?

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

Cefalu is very walkable. The town is small enough 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 Cefalu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Cefalu?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Paphos and Cefalu. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paphos than in Cefalu. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paphos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cefalu.

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

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.

Cefalu might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Paphos or Cefalu?

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.

Cefalu 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 Cefalu?

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 Cefalu. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Cefalu?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the ancient 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.

Cefalu is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Cefalu?

Paphos has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Cefalu, 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 Cefalu?

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 Cefalu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Cefalu. Many travelers come to Paphos for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cefalu in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the summer, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in July than Cefalu. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Cefalu in the Autumn?

Both Cefalu and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Paphos in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cefalu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Paphos is generally a little warmer than Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 21°C (70°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paphos usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paphos or Cefalu in the Winter?

Both Cefalu and Paphos during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Paphos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Paphos is a little warmer than Cefalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Cefalu fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets more rain in January than Cefalu. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Cefalu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Cefalu. The spring months attract visitors to Paphos because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

In the spring, Paphos is a little warmer than Cefalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paphos in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Cefalu averages at about 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paphos usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Paphos