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

Should you visit Paphos or Eilat?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Eilat, 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 Eilat?

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.

Eilat

Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.

Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.

Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.

Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 Israel, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel.


Which place is cheaper, Eilat or Paphos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €97, while the average daily cost in Eilat is €131. 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 Eilat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paphos 48
    Eilat 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paphos 96
    Eilat 174
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Eilat

Looking for a hotel in Paphos or Eilat? 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 Eilat


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 Eilat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Eilat 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:

  • Transfer from Paphos Airport PFO to Limassol City by Luxury Van: $102
  • Private Transfer from Paphos Airport to Larnaca in Minivan(Taxi): $192
  • Private Transfer from Paphos Airport PFO to Polis City by Sedan: $69
  • Private Transfer Paphos Airport PFO to Nicosia City by Luxury Van: $167
  • Paphos:Ocean Vision BBQ Sunset Cruise with food and transfer: $42
  • Ocean Vision Sunset Cruise with BBQ, transfer, swim stop: $54
  • Ocean Vision BBQ Cruise with transfer, swim stop & food: $54
  • Night Cruise w/Dance Show, Food, Open Bar & Transfer: $68
  • Choirokitia & Famagusta Guided Tour with Transfers: $43
  • 180 Minutes BBQ Cruise with food & Transfer: $42
  • Paphos Airport (PFO) to Paphos city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
  • From Nicosia Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Transfer: $30

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:


  • Local Bus
    3.49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat

Also for Eilat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
  • Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Eilat?

Prices for flights to both Eilat 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 38
    Eilat 33

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: $53
  • Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $54
  • Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Eilat 15

Tours and Activities in Paphos

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

  • Guided Tour of Limassol with Kourion and Kolossi Castle : $49
  • 100% Cyprus - Tour to Troodos mountains and villages (From Paphos) : $53
  • 6 hour Buggy Tour Akamas incl lunch and Adonis Falls: $210
  • 6-Hour Quad or Buggy Tour incl Lunch and Entrance to Adonis Falls: $88
  • Adonis Falls Lazy Sunday Quad and Buggy Adventure : $66
  • Afternoon Quad and Buggy Tour to Adonis falls approx 2 hours: $60
  • Akamas Jeep Safari Tour from Paphos: $62
  • Akamas Panorama: Private Mini Bus Tour With Local Guide: $592
  • Akamas Peninsula Full Day 4x4 Winter Tour: $71
  • Ancient Kourion, Kolossi Castle, Omodos & Winery Tour - Paphos: $94
  • Baths of Aphrodite, Latchi and Blue Lagoon Cruise Tour: $41
  • Blue Lagoon (Akamas) Cruise: $35

Tours and Activities in Eilat

For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
  • From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $65
  • Red canyon jeep tour in Eilat: $70
  • Timna park Jeep tour adventure: $70
  • Red Canyon: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Timna Park Tour from Eilat: $150
  • Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
  • Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
  • 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
  • Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
  • Private Scuba Diving Tour with Transportation and Guide : $220

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paphos 9.98
    Eilat 25

Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:

  • Wine tasting and winery tour at Fikardos Winery: $29
  • Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $70
  • Regional Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings: $102
  • WINE TOUR from Paphos: $104


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Eilat, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. And not only is Paphos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paphos is in Europe and Eilat is in Middle East, 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 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 Eilat would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Eilat 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 Eilat Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Paphos or Eilat?

Eilat has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Eilat, 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 Eilat?

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

Should I visit Paphos or Eilat in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Eilat. Many visitors come to Paphos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat throughout the year.

It's very hot in Eilat this time of the year. In July, Paphos is generally cooler than Eilat. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 27°C (80°F), and Eilat fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the summer, Paphos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Eilat. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Eilat receives 384 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets rain in July Eilat. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Paphos 27°C (80°F) 
    Eilat 33°C (91°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Eilat in the Autumn?

Both Eilat and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Paphos is cooler than Eilat in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Eilat fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Eilat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives less sunshine than Eilat during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Eilat receives 295 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paphos usually receives more rain than Eilat. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Paphos 21°C (70°F) 
    Eilat 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Eilat in the Winter?

Both Eilat and Paphos during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Paphos because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round.

In the winter, Paphos is cooler than Eilat. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Eilat averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Paphos often gets less sunshine than Eilat. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Eilat receives 234 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets more rain in January than Eilat. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Paphos 12°C (53°F) 
    Eilat 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Eilat in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Eilat. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Paphos is generally cooler than Eilat. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Eilat fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Eilat this time of the year. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Eilat during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Eilat receives 282 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paphos usually receives more rain than Eilat. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Paphos 17°C (62°F) 
    Eilat 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Eilat and Paphos

Paphos Eilat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 0 mm (0 in) 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 0 mm (0 in) 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in) 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)