A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Quepos for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Paphos or Quepos?

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

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

Quepos

Quepos is a local, laid-back, and relaxed town. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Quepos travel costs.

Paphos and Quepos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Quepos?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paphos than Quepos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paphos is more touristy than Quepos and is popular for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. Also, Paphos is famous for Paphos Archaeological Park. Quepos is well known for its big game sport fishing.

How is Paphos different from Quepos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paphos is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Quepos is lacking in good 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.

Quepos offers a few options for museum-goers. You won't find much as far as museums go around town.

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

Paphos is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Paphos has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Quepos offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of cafes, fine dining, and seafood restaurants in the area. You can get traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as a more international flavor depending on your preference.

Is Paphos or Quepos Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Paphos or Quepos 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 Quepos has a few options to choose from. You'll find a few bars and clubs around town, but it is a small town and the selection can be limited.

Is Paphos or Quepos Better for Resorts?

Paphos is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Quepos is lacking in good options for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Paphos is a perfect choice. 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.

Quepos has a few resort options worth checking out. It's a fishing town with a local vibe, so you'll likely want to stay outside of town if you're looking for an upscale resort.

Is Paphos or Quepos Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Quepos is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Quepos is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Quepos Better for Beaches?

Paphos is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Paphos is a very popular vacation 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.

Quepos has a beach worth visiting. If you want to be close to the beach, you'll do better to stay at nearby Manuel Antonio. Quepos does have a waterfront and access to deep sea fishing.

Is Paphos or Quepos Better for its Old Town?

Paphos is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Quepos 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. 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.

Quepos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Quepos?

Paphos is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Paphos. 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.

Quepos is a great destination for shopping. You'll find boutique shops around town that sell everything from clothing to art.

Is Paphos or Quepos More Beautiful?

Paphos is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Quepos is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Paphos attracts visitors from all around. The area is known for its world-renowned archeological ruins, stunning beaches, and beautiful outdoor setting.

Quepos is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Paphos or Quepos Better for Families?

Paphos and Quepos are both excellent 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, Quepos is very family-friendly. Most of the beaches are kid-friendly and the children will love the wildlife. You'll also find zipline tours in the area as well as canopy walks.

Is Paphos or Quepos Better for Couples?

Paphos and Quepos are both terrific 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.

Quepos is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The beaches and resorts make this a favorite honeymoon destination for couples. There are many great restaurants and plenty of activities like horseback riding or surfing nearby.

Is Paphos or Quepos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Quepos is renowned for backpackers. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Quepos is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's one of the more popular destinations in Costa Rica, so you'll find plenty of hostels and other backpackers to hang out with.

Many backpackers 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.

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

Paphos is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Paphos can get you to most 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.

You'll find some public transit in Quepos, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of buses that pass through town. There are also buses that travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

Is Paphos or Quepos a more walkable city?

Paphos and Quepos both are notable 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.

Quepos is a somewhat walkable place. It is a relatively walkable town.

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

Should I spend more time in Quepos or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Quepos?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Paphos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Quepos. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Paphos or Quepos?

Paphos is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Quepos 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 Quepos?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paphos. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the ancient destination of Paphos. This town 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the local destination of Quepos. 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, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.

When comparing the travel costs between Paphos and Quepos, 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. Even though Paphos is in Europe and Quepos is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Paphos Expensive? and Is Quepos Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Quepos?

Paphos has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Quepos, 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 Quepos?

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

Should I visit Paphos or Quepos in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Quepos. Most visitors come to Paphos for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.

In July, Paphos is generally around the same temperature as Quepos. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 27°C (80°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the summer, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Quepos. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Quepos. Paphos usually gets less rain in July than Quepos. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Quepos in the Autumn?

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

Paphos is cooler than Quepos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In October, Paphos usually receives less rain than Quepos. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Quepos is December to April. The hurricane season in Quepos is May to November.

Should I visit Paphos or Quepos in the Winter?

Both Quepos and Paphos during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.

In the winter, Paphos is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Quepos averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Paphos often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets more rain in January than Quepos. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Quepos in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Quepos. Many travelers come to Paphos for the beaches and the natural beauty. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Paphos is generally much colder than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos 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 Quepos during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paphos usually receives less rain than Quepos. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Quepos is the dry season. May to November is the hurricane season in Quepos.

Typical Weather for Quepos and Paphos