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

Should you visit Paphos or Varna?

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

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

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.

Varna

Varna is a coastal city on the Black Sea. It's the third largest city in Bulgaria and many people consider it the summer capital of the country. It's a major tourist destination and it can make for a relaxing escape at the beach if you're in Bulgaria during the summer. It is the only city in Bulgaria that cruises visit, and as such, it's tourist infrastructure has grown. In addition to being a tourist destination, Varna is also a business and university center, seaport, and the headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy and merchant marine.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria.


Which place is cheaper, Varna 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 Varna is €61. 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 Varna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paphos 48
    Varna 33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paphos 96
    Varna 66
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Varna

Looking for a hotel in Paphos or Varna? 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 Varna


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 Varna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Varna 8.77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
  • Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Kavarna to Varna (VAR) Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Varna?

Prices for flights to both Varna 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
    Varna 22

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
    Varna 8.04

Tours and Activities in Paphos

Here are a few actual costs in Paphos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cruise to Blue Lagoon from Latchi Port: $20
  • Paphos/Akamas: Blue Lagoon Bus & Boat Tour with water slide: $21
  • Blue Lagoon Cruise with sightseeing departing from LATCHI HARBOUR. Postcode 8840: $22
  • Nafsika II Half Day Cruise Swimming to blue lagoon water slide : $24
  • From Limassol Experience: $25
  • Latchi to Blue Lagoon Glass Bottom+slide Boat Tour: $25
  • Full day trip to Blue Lagoon Latchi Akamas with Boat cruise: $27
  • Chrysoroyiatissa ,Kykkos ,Omodos Day Tour from Paphos: $27
  • From Guided tour of Limassol with Rock of Aphrodite: $29
  • Paphos/Akamas: Blue Lagoon Bus & Boat Tour with Water Slide: $30
  • Blue Lagoon (Akamas) Cruise: $31
  • From Authentic Cyprus Guided Tour with Breakfast: $32

Tours and Activities in Varna

Here are a few actual costs in Varna for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-guided tour in Varna Archaeological Museum + ticket: $11
  • Archaeological Museum Ticket & E-Guide: $13
  • Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
  • Pokémon GO Varna Private Tour: $19
  • Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $25
  • Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
  • Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide : $32
  • Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $49
  • Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
  • The OFFroad Adventure : $64
  • The Ultimate Private Communist Tour of Varna: $64
  • Half-Day Tsarev Brod Winery and Walking Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paphos 9.98
    Varna 8.00

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 Varna

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Varna:

  • Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour: $53
  • Bulgarian Wine Tasting & Art Gallery Experience in Varna: $53
  • Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $64
  • Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $64
  • The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $75
  • E-bike & Wine Tour to the Bulgarian Coast: $104
  • Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Varna, we can see that Paphos is more expensive. And not only is Varna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Varna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varna 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 Paphos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paphos than you might in Varna.

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


Which is Bigger, Paphos or Varna?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Varna, 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 Varna?

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 Varna in the Summer?

Both Varna and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paphos this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Varna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Varna during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Varna. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Varna receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Paphos or Varna in the Autumn?

Both Varna and Paphos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Paphos is much warmer than Varna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Varna fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the autumn, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Varna. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 161 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Varna. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Varna receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Paphos 21°C (70°F) 
    Varna 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Varna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Varna. Many visitors come to Paphos in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Varna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Paphos is much warmer than Varna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Varna averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Varna during winter. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 83 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paphos usually receives more rain than Varna. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Varna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Paphos 12°C (53°F) 
    Varna 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Varna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Varna. Most visitors come to Paphos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Paphos is generally much warmer than Varna. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Varna fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the spring, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Varna. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 156 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Varna. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Varna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Paphos 17°C (62°F) 
    Varna 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Varna and Paphos

Paphos Varna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 76 mm (3 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)