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

Should you visit Paphos or Setubal?

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

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

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.

Setubal

Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Setubal 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 Setubal is €123. 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 Setubal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paphos 48
    Setubal 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paphos 96
    Setubal 118
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Setubal

Looking for a hotel in Paphos or Setubal? 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 Setubal


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 Setubal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Setubal 54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:

  • Private Transfer from Paphos Airport to Larnaca in Minivan(Taxi): $191
  • Private Transfer Paphos Airport PFO to Paphos City by Luxury Car: $138
  • Paphos Airport (PFO) to Paphos city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
  • Choirokitia & Famagusta Guided Tour with Transfers: $43
  • Private Airport Transfer from Hotel to Paphos Airport in a 4-seater taxi: $42
  • Blue Lagoon trip with slide, music & transfer from Paphos: $32
  • Paphos to Paphos Int Airport (PFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
  • From Nicosia Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Transfer: $30
  • Private Transfer from Paphos Airport (PFO) to Limassol Port: $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

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

  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22
  • Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197

Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Setubal?

Prices for flights to both Setubal 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
    Setubal 35

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: $52
  • Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $54
  • Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Setubal 12

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) : $52
  • 3 Hours Sunset Cruise in Atlantida Bay: $54
  • 6 hour Buggy Tour Akamas incl lunch and Adonis Falls: $209
  • 6-Hour Quad or Buggy Tour incl Lunch and Entrance to Adonis Falls: $87
  • Adonis Falls Lazy Sunday Quad and Buggy Adventure : $76
  • Akamas Jeep Safari Tour from Paphos: $62
  • Akamas Panorama: Private Mini Bus Tour With Local Guide: $588
  • Akamas Peninsula Full Day 4x4 Winter Tour: $71
  • Ancient Kourion, Kolossi Castle, Omodos & Winery Tour - Paphos: $94
  • Authentic Cyprus Historic Day Tour from Paphos: $33
  • Blue Lagoon (Akamas) Cruise: $31

Tours and Activities in Setubal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.

  • Evora Highlights Walking Tour Audio and GPS Guided: $7.59
  • Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Museu Nacional Frei Manuel do Cenáculo: E-ticket with Audio: $17
  • Boat Tour - Arrábida Coves: $38
  • Kayak tour from Sesimbra to Ribeira do Cavalo Beach, passing through the caves: $38
  • Half-Day Kayak Tour in Sesimbra: $38
  • Setúbal: Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour: $40
  • Arrábida: Rock Climbing Experience: $43
  • Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $44
  • Small Group Kayak Tour along Sesimbra - Arrábida Natural Park: $44
  • Tour to the caves of Sesimbra: $44
  • 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paphos 9.98
    Setubal 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:

  • Wine tasting and winery tour at Fikardos Winery: $28
  • Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $64
  • Regional Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings: $80
  • WINE TOUR from Paphos: $104

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $56
  • Monsaraz and Wine Tasting Tour from Évora: $71
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from Évora: $76
  • Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $106
  • Wine Tour, discovering the famous Setúbal Moscatel: $137
  • Private Full Day Evora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon : $152
  • Private Wine Tour from Lisbon to Arrábida: Wine & Cheese Tasting: $170


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


Which is Bigger, Paphos or Setubal?

Setubal has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Setubal, 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 Setubal?

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 Setubal in the Summer?

Both Setubal and Paphos during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Paphos for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Paphos is a little warmer than Setubal in the summer. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Setubal fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the summer, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Setubal. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 352 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in July than Setubal. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Paphos 27°C (80°F) 
    Setubal 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Setubal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Setubal. The autumn months attract visitors to Paphos because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Paphos is a little warmer than Setubal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paphos in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Setubal averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Setubal during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paphos usually receives less rain than Setubal. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Paphos 21°C (70°F) 
    Setubal 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Setubal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Setubal. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paphos this time of year.

In January, Paphos is generally around the same temperature as Setubal. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 12°C (53°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Setubal. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Setubal. Paphos usually gets less rain in January than Setubal. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Paphos 12°C (53°F) 
    Setubal 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Setubal in the Spring?

Both Setubal and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Paphos for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Paphos is around the same temperature as Setubal in the spring. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Setubal fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Setubal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Setubal during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paphos usually receives less rain than Setubal. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Paphos 17°C (62°F) 
    Setubal 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Setubal and Paphos

Paphos Setubal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)