Are you thinking about visiting Cyprus and wondering how the different cities compare in terms of costs?
Is it better to stay in Limassol or Paphos? Is Paphos expensive or affordable?
I will answer these and all other questions you might have in this article.
How do I know?
I have been living in Paphos for 6.5 years, and traveling around the island extensively, so I have plenty of experience with different accommodation options and what things cost in Cyprus.
Is Paphos Expensive?
No, Paphos is not expensive at all.
Paphos is one of the most affordable cities in Cyprus, and certainly much cheaper compared to Limassol. Even though prices have naturally been going up over the years, Paphos is one of the most affordable places on the island.
If you’re looking for bargains, here is how the cities or destinations compare:
- Paphos is cheaper than Limassol
- Larnaca is cheaper than both Limassol and Paphos
- Nicosia is cheaper than Limassol
- Polis and Latchi are also very affordable
Accommodation Costs in Paphos
Accommodation in Paphos serves all kinds of budgets from deluxe resorts to youth hostels.
Luxury Hotels: Those craving luxury can check into high-end hotels as well as resorts in Paphos which have fantastic amenities as well as mind blowing views. Prices for such accommodations are usually within €150 – €300 per night.
Mid-Range Hotels: Mid-range hotels offer comfortable accommodation with good facilities at affordable prices which range between €60 – €120 per night.
Budget Options: For budget options, there are hostels and budget hotels whose prices vary from €20 – €50 per night. Alternatively, you could consider Airbnb, which offers a selection of different types of accommodation at competitive rates.
Dining and Food Expenses
Dining in Paphos offers great experiences catering to everyone’s pockets.
Fine Dining: High-end restaurants serve gourmet meals with a focus on Mediterranean cuisine, which costs around €40 to €80 per person. You will find these mostly in five and four star hotels, not as independent restaurants. More fine dining options are available in Limassol.
Mid-Range Restaurants: These establishments have great meals at excellent prices (usually between €15 and €30). You will often find the best value for money if you book a mezze lunch in advance.
Local Taverns and Cafés: To enjoy authentic Cypriot dishes head out to local taverns or cafes where meals go for approximately €10 – €20 per person.
Street Food & Budget Eateries: Quick cheap bites can be found at street food vendors or budget eateries where snacks sell from €5 up to €10 each time.
Cooking in your Holiday Apartment: You might find food shopping in Paphos a bit more expensive than what you’re used to, and that’s because a lot of the stuff you see in shops is imported, with the exception of fruits and vegetables, which are affordable and excellent quality.
Transportation Costs in Paphos
Public Transportation: Local bus services are cheap but do not run very often, so I would not recommend relying on them for everyday transport (cost of a one-way ticket is about €1.50; €5 daily pass).
Taxi: Taxis are generally available around the city as another easy way of getting around. The starting fare is approximately €3.50 while each kilometer costs an additional euro.
Please be careful with taxi drivers, they like to rip people off. It happened to me a number of times because they thought I was a tourist. Make sure you check that the meter is on when they start driving, otherwise, they will charge you a much higher amount.
Car Rentals: Hiring a car is the best option to explore Paphos and beyond, and if you use a price comparison site like Discover Cars, you’re guaranteed to get the best price!
Sightseeing and Activities in Paphos
Paphos has many cultural spots and historical visit sites, which can be accessed at affordable rates or even without charges in some cases.
Historical Sites: Major attractions like Paphos Archaeological Park, Tombs of the Kings, Paphos Castle have entrance fees ranging from €2.50 – €4.50.
Museums: Entrance into museums such as Byzantine Museum and Ethnographic Museum cost around €2 – €5.
Outdoor Activities: Generally, enjoying natural beauty in Paphos such as beaches or hiking trails is for free whereas organized activities like boat tours, diving or water sports vary between €20 to €100.
Shopping in Paphos
Local Markets: Local markets and stalls are excellent places to buy unique souvenirs at affordable prices. Hand-made crafts, jewelry and fresh produce are usually sold here instead of other options.
Malls and Boutiques: For a more extensive shopping experience, Kings Avenue Mall and various boutiques offer a range of products. Prices can be higher for branded items.
Budget Tips for Traveling in Paphos
To make the most of your trip to Paphos without overspending, consider these budget-friendly tips:
Travel Off-Season: Visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) can help you avoid the high costs associated with peak tourist times, while you can still enjoy glorious weather!
Eat Like a Local: Dining at local taverns and markets not only offers authentic experiences but also keeps food expenses low.
Book in Advance: Reserve accommodations and activities early to take advantage of discounts and promotions.
Look for Free Activities: Enjoy the many free attractions, such as beaches, parks, and historical sites.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Paphos can be as affordable or as luxurious as you make it.
By planning wisely and taking advantage of budget-friendly options, visitors can enjoy Paphos’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re looking for a high-end holiday or a budget getaway, Paphos has something to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences.
Thank you for reading!
Hello,
We are planning a trip to Cyprus this winter. we prefer something great for someone without a car but not a bigger city. We love markets and being able to walk everywhere. we would appreciate any help or advise you might have as we have never been to Cyprus before.
Dave
Hi Dave, thanks for reaching out!
Paphos is a good size city for you then, Limassol is too big and busy I dont think you would like it.
If you don’t want to rent a car, you can look at places from Kato Paphos towards the direction of Coral Bay. There is a local bus (can’t remember the number) that connects Coral Bay with Kato Paphos, so you can take a trip to the town anytime you like. Try to look at places by the coastline, not in inland of Peyia (quite a few hills and no buses).
Coral Bay (where I lived) is great for walking too, you can cover miles just by the beach. On the high street of Coral Bay, you can also rent bikes or quad bikes if you like, or book a local trip with transport to see a bit more. Shops are also walking distance and you can get anything you need on the high street.
Coral Bay also has some great value villas with pool and better options for private accommodation.
Hope that helps! Have a great trip to Cyprus!
Lucia