A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Venice for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Paphos or Venice?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Venice, 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, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice

Venice is a magical, historic, and beautiful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Paphos and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Venice?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Venice than Paphos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Venice is better known for its historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Paphos is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Venice is more touristy than Paphos and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Also, Venice is famous for St. Mark's Basilica. Paphos is well known for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches.

How is Paphos different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Paphos and Venice have terrific landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Paphos that are not to be missed. 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.

The museums and tourist attractions in Venice are world-renowned. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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

Paphos is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Paphos or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Paphos is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Paphos or Venice Better for Resorts?

Paphos is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Venice is not a resort destination.

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.

Venice is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Venice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Venice Better for Beaches?

Paphos is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Venice is not a beach destination.

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.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Paphos or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Venice is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Paphos. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Venice?

Venice is renowned for shopping. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Venice is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

Paphos is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Paphos or Venice Better for Families?

Paphos and Venice 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, Venice is very family-friendly. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Paphos or Venice Better for Couples?

Paphos and Venice 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.

Venice is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

Is Paphos or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos and Venice are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Many backpackers visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Paphos or Venice Better for Students?

Venice is renowned for students. However, Paphos is not popular with students.

Venice is a great destination for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Paphos is not popular with students.

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

Venice is renowned for its public transit. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Venice has a great public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

The public transit in Paphos can get you around 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.

Is Paphos or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is renowned for its walkability. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Venice?

Both Paphos and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Paphos. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paphos, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

Families should spend more time in Paphos than Venice. 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 Venice. 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 Venice than Paphos 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 Venice.

One day in Paphos or Venice?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Paphos or Venice?

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.

Venice 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 Venice?

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 Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Paphos or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the overlooked 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Venice. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice 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. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Venice because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Venice, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the summer, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Venice. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in July than Venice. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Venice. The autumn months attract visitors to Paphos because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

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

In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Venice during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paphos usually receives less rain than Venice. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paphos or Venice in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Venice. In the winter, Paphos is much warmer than Venice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Venice averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Venice. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets more rain in January than Venice. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice 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. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Paphos is generally a little warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Venice during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paphos usually receives less rain than Venice. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Paphos