A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Milan for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Paphos or Milan?

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

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

Milan

Milan is a cultural, trendy, and chic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Paphos and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Milan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Milan than Paphos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Milan is better known for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Paphos is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Paphos is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. Milan is well known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. Also, Milan is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Paphos different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paphos is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Paphos and Milan.

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 Milan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

Is Paphos or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is renowned for nightlife. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Milan is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

If you're looking for night time activities Paphos has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Paphos or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is renowned for live music. However, Paphos is not a live music destination.

Milan is a world class music destination. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Paphos is not a live music destination.

Is Paphos or Milan Better for Resorts?

Paphos is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milan 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.

Milan is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Milan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos is a town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milan 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.

Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Milan Better for Beaches?

Paphos is an amazing town to visit for the beach. However, Milan 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.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Paphos or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Milan is one of the most recognized in the world. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

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 the Shopping Better in Paphos or Milan?

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

Milan is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

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 Milan Better for Families?

Paphos is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Paphos. 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.

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Paphos or Milan Better for Couples?

Paphos is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Milan is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Is Paphos or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos and Milan are high quality 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 Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

Is Paphos or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is renowned for students. However, Paphos is not popular with students.

Milan is a great destination for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

Paphos is not popular with students.

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

Milan is renowned for its public transit. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Milan has a great public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

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.

Is Paphos or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is renowned for its walkability. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Milan on foot is easy. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Milan?

In either Paphos or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Milan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Milan than Paphos. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paphos, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

Families should spend more time in Paphos than Milan. 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 Milan. 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 Milan than Paphos 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 Milan.

One day in Paphos or Milan?

In Paphos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this ancient 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.

Milan is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Milan?

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.

Milan 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 Milan?

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 Milan. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Paphos or Milan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the overlooked 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the trendy big city of Milan. This city 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Milan, 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 Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Paphos during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the summer, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Milan. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Paphos or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Milan. Many travelers come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Milan in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Milan during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Paphos or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Milan. Many visitors come to Paphos in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

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

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

Should I visit Paphos or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Paphos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Milan because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Milan during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Milan and Paphos