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

Should you visit Paphos or Taormina?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Taormina, 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.

Taormina

Taormina is a historic, beautiful, and exclusive town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Paphos and Taormina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Taormina?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paphos than Taormina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paphos is better known for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Taormina is more popular for its nightlife and small town charm. Paphos is well known for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. Also, Paphos is famous for Paphos Archaeological Park. Taormina is well known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Paphos different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paphos is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

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

Paphos is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Taormina makes for a great culinary experience. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

Is Paphos or Taormina Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Taormina know how to have a good time. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

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 Taormina Better for Resorts?

Paphos is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

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.

There are plenty of resorts in Taormina to choose from. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Is Paphos or Taormina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Taormina Better for Beaches?

Paphos is very popular for the beach. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Taormina offers a nice beach destination. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Is Paphos or Taormina Better for its Old Town?

Paphos is a town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina 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.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Taormina?

Paphos is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Taormina is a great destination for shopping. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Is Paphos or Taormina Better for Families?

Paphos is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known 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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Paphos or Taormina Better for Couples?

Paphos is very popular for couples. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Taormina is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Is Paphos or Taormina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

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

Paphos is a great town for times when you don't have a car. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

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.

Taormina has a few public transit options. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Is Paphos or Taormina a more walkable city?

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

Taormina is very walkable. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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 Taormina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Taormina?

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

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

The beautiful town of Paphos offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Paphos or Taormina?

Paphos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Taormina 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 Taormina?

Paphos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paphos, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Taormina?

Paphos is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Taormina is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Taormina?

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

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 Taormina in the Summer?

Both Taormina 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. Also, many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the summer, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in July than Taormina. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Taormina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Taormina. Many travelers come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Taormina in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Paphos is around the same temperature as Taormina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Taormina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Paphos usually receives less rain than Taormina. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paphos or Taormina in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Paphos is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Taormina averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Taormina. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Taormina in the Spring?

Both Taormina 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 Taormina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Paphos is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Taormina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paphos usually receives less rain than Taormina. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Taormina and Paphos