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

Should you visit Paphos or Cesis?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Cesis, 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 beautiful, cultural, and coastal town. The beauty of Paphos is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Paphos travel costs.

Cesis

Cesis is a traditional, quaint, and small town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Cesis is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Paphos and Cesis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Cesis?

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

How is Paphos different from Cesis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paphos is renowned for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paphos are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Paphos is renowned for its restaurant scene. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Paphos have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Cesis may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is small so there are a limited number of restaurants to choose from. You'll find some nice cafes and bakeries though where you can enjoy local foods and traditional Latvian dishes.

Is Paphos or Cesis Better for Nightlife?

Paphos is a town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its evening party 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cesis The town is small and many travelers visit as a day trip from Riga, so you'll find limited nightlife options around town.

Is Paphos or Cesis Better for Resorts?

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

Paphos is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Cesis is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Cesis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos is a town with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cesis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Cesis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Cesis Better for Beaches?

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

Paphos is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Cesis is not a beach destination.

Is Paphos or Cesis Better for its Old Town?

Paphos is a town with good options for its old town. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

Many people head to Paphos to see the 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.

The old town area in Cesis is worth visiting. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Is Paphos or Cesis Better for Hiking?

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

Cesis has hiking trails worth exploring. The town makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Gauja National Park, which has many hiking and cycling trails. Two of the most well known hikes are the Baltic Forest Trail and the Camino Latvia, both or which pass through town. There are also shorter day hikes to choose from as well.

Paphos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Cesis?

Paphos is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Paphos is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Paphos or Cesis More Beautiful?

Paphos is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Paphos is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The area is known for its world-renowned archeological ruins, stunning beaches, and beautiful outdoor setting.

Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Head outside of town to experience the hiking trails and natural beauty. The park is best explored during the summer months.

Is Paphos or Cesis Better for Families?

Paphos is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Paphos is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Cesis offers lots of family activities. The Cēsis Medieval Castle has a unique interactive set of tasks and games that the whole family can enjoy. Other fun family-friendly activities around town include adventure parks such as Supervāvere, the camel park of Rakši, and a farmhouse bakery where kids can learn about traditional baking and breadmaking.

Is Paphos or Cesis Better for Couples?

Paphos is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Paphos is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Cesis is a good town for couples to visit. There are a number of outdoor activities that adventurous couples can enjoy. The medieval castle is also a unique place to explore.

Is Paphos or Cesis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos is well known for backpackers. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Paphos is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cesis. Many people visit town as a day trip from Riga, so there are a limited number of hotels and hostels to choose from. If you want to enjoy hiking and the area's natural beauty, it is recommend that you spend more time here.

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

Paphos is well known for its public transit. However, Cesis is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Paphos can get you to some places 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 quite limited in Cesis. There are some bus options, but to thoroughly explore the surrounding area you'll really need access to a car.

Is Paphos or Cesis a more walkable city?

Paphos and Cesis both are nice 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.

Cesis is a somewhat walkable place. It's fun to explore old town on foot but many places in the surrounding countryside require a car to access.

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

Should I spend more time in Cesis or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Cesis?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paphos or Cesis to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paphos than Cesis because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paphos, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cesis.

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

In Paphos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this overlooked destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Paphos or Cesis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paphos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cesis 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 Cesis?

Paphos is a fun place to experience. In Paphos, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cesis. 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 Cesis?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the ancient destination of Paphos. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cesis is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus.

When comparing the travel costs between Paphos and Cesis, we can see that Cesis 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 Cesis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Cesis?

Paphos has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Cesis, 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 Cesis?

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 Cesis in the Summer?

Both Cesis and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Paphos is much warmer than Cesis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paphos in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Cesis averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Cesis. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cesis receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paphos or Cesis in the Autumn?

Both Cesis and Paphos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cesis in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Paphos is generally much warmer than Cesis. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 21°C (70°F), and Cesis fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Cesis. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cesis receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Cesis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Cesis. Many visitors come to Paphos in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cesis for the cuisine during these months.

Cesis can be very cold during winter. Paphos is much warmer than Cesis in the winter. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Cesis fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).

In January, Paphos usually receives more rain than Cesis. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cesis receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paphos or Cesis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Cesis. Most visitors come to Paphos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Cesis because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Paphos is much warmer than Cesis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paphos in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Cesis averages at about 5°C (42°F).

Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Cesis. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cesis receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cesis and Paphos