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

Should you visit Paphos or Palermo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Palermo, 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Palermo

Palermo is a dynamic, fun, and colorful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Paphos and Palermo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Palermo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Palermo than Paphos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Palermo is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Paphos is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Paphos is more touristy than Palermo and is known for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. Palermo is well known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. Also, Palermo is famous for The Cathedral.

How is Paphos different from Palermo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paphos is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Paphos on the map. 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.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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

Paphos is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

Is Paphos or Palermo Better for Nightlife?

Palermo is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Palermo know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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 Palermo Better for Resorts?

Paphos is very popular for its resorts. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Palermo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find notable snorkeling or scuba diving in both Paphos and Palermo.

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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Is Paphos or Palermo Better for Beaches?

Paphos is very popular for the beach. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Many people visit Palermo for it's beautiful beaches. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Is Paphos or Palermo Better for its Old Town?

Paphos is a town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Paphos offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Palermo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Palermo and Paphos.

Paphos is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Palermo is well-known for its shopping. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Is Paphos or Palermo Better for Families?

Paphos and Palermo are both high quality 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, Palermo is very family-friendly. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

Is Paphos or Palermo Better for Couples?

Paphos is very popular for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Paphos or Palermo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Paphos is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Is Paphos or Palermo Better for Students?

Palermo is a nice place to visit for students. However, Paphos is not popular with students.

Palermo is popular with students. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Paphos is not popular with students.

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

Paphos is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Paphos or Palermo a more walkable city?

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

Palermo is very walkable. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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 Palermo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palermo or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Palermo?

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

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

In Paphos, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Palermo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Paphos or Palermo?

In Paphos, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Palermo 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 Palermo?

Paphos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paphos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Palermo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paphos. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Paphos. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun destination of Palermo. This city 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Palermo?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Palermo, 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 Palermo?

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 Palermo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Palermo. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Paphos is generally around the same temperature as Palermo. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 27°C (80°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Palermo during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 347 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Palermo. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paphos or Palermo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Palermo. Many travelers come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Palermo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Paphos is around the same temperature as Palermo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Palermo fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the autumn, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Palermo. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 204 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Palermo. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Palermo in the Winter?

Both Palermo and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Paphos in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Paphos is around the same temperature as Palermo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Palermo averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Palermo during winter. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 133 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paphos usually receives more rain than Palermo. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paphos or Palermo in the Spring?

Both Palermo and Paphos during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Paphos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Paphos is generally a little warmer than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the spring, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Palermo. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 219 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Palermo. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palermo and Paphos