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

Should you visit Paphos or Como?

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

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

Como

Como is a fun, vibrant, and scenic lake area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food.

Paphos and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Como?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paphos than Como, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paphos is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Como is more popular for its hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Paphos and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Paphos is well known for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. Also, Paphos is famous for Paphos Archaeological Park.

How is Paphos different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paphos is renowned for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Paphos has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at amazing restaurants in both Paphos and Como.

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 Como have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

Is Paphos or Como Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Paphos or Como 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 Como has a few options to choose from. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Paphos or Como Better for Resorts?

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

Paphos offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Como is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Como Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Paphos has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Como Better for Beaches?

Paphos is renowned for the beach. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Paphos are among the best in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Como. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Is Paphos or Como Better for its Old Town?

Paphos is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

Paphos has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Paphos or Como Better for Hiking?

Como 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 Como. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Paphos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Como?

Como is renowned for shopping. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Como is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

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.

Is Paphos or Como Better for Families?

Paphos and Como are both superb 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, Como is very family-friendly. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

Is Paphos or Como Better for Couples?

Paphos and Como are both amazing 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.

Como is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Is Paphos or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos and Como are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Many backpackers visit Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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

Paphos is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Paphos. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Paphos or Como a more walkable city?

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

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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 Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Paphos or Como. 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 Como.

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Paphos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Como. 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 Como?

Paphos is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Como 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 Como?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the ancient destination of Paphos. This town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

The overlooked town of Paphos offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the trendy destination of Como. This lake area 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Como. The summer months attract visitors to Paphos because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In July, Paphos is generally a little warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 27°C (80°F), and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Como. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the summer, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Como. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in July than Como. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Paphos is a little warmer than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Como during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Como. In October, Paphos usually receives less rain than Como. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paphos or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Paphos during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paphos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Como in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Como can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Paphos is much warmer than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Como. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Como. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Como in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Como. Many visitors come to Paphos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Paphos is generally a little warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Como during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paphos usually receives less rain than Como. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Paphos