A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Bali for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Paphos or Bali?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Bali, 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. The beauty of Paphos is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Paphos travel costs.

Bali

Bali is a spiritual, cultural, and stunning island. The famous beauty of Bali is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Bali travel costs.

Paphos and Bali: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Bali?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bali. Although Paphos and Bali are popular destinations, Bali has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bali is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Paphos attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Bali is more touristy than Paphos and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also well known for Pura Lempuyang. Paphos is famous for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches.

How is Paphos different from Bali?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paphos is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paphos are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at terrific restaurants in both Paphos and Bali.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Paphos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Many restaurants in Bali have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Is Paphos or Bali Better for Nightlife?

Bali is renowned for nightlife. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Bali is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

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 Bali Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, terrific resorts can be found in both Paphos and Bali.

Paphos offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Bali is a world class resort vacation destination. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Is Paphos or Bali Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its diving and snorkeling.

People travel to Bali specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

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.

Is Paphos or Bali Better for Beaches?

Both Paphos and Bali have terrific beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Paphos are among the best in the world. 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.

Bali is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Is Paphos or Bali Better for its Old Town?

Paphos is very good for its old town. However, Bali does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Paphos to see the old town. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings. The area was revitalized in 2017 and there are many historical sites. It's also fun to go shopping at Kennedy Square and Makariou Avenue.

Bali does not have a historic old town.

Is Paphos or Bali Better for Hiking?

Bali is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Paphos is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Paphos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Bali?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bali and Paphos.

Paphos is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Bali is well-known for its shopping. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Is Paphos or Bali More Beautiful?

Bali is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Bali is one of the main draws. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning countryside. It's also a very cultural island with a lot of spirituality.

The beauty of Paphos is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The area is known for its world-renowned archeological ruins, stunning beaches, and beautiful outdoor setting.

Is Paphos or Bali Better for Families?

Paphos and Bali 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, Bali is very family-friendly. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

Is Paphos or Bali Better for Couples?

Paphos and Bali 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.

Bali is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Is Paphos or Bali Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is renowned for backpackers. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bali is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Many 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.

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

Paphos is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Paphos can get you to some places 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.

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Paphos or Bali a more walkable city?

Paphos is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

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.

Bali is generally not a very walkable town. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Paphos Worth Visiting? and Is Bali Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bali or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Bali?

Paphos and Bali both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bali than Paphos because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paphos, and 7-14 days is enough time in Bali.

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

One day in Paphos or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Paphos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Paphos or Bali?

Paphos is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bali 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.

Five days in Paphos or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the coastal destination of Paphos. This town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With so much to do, five days is probably not enough time to see everything. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Paphos or Bali?

The cultural town of Paphos offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Bali. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Bali, we can see that Paphos is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paphos is in Europe and Bali is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Bali.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Bali?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Bali, 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 Bali?

Paphos has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Bali in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Bali. Most visitors come to Paphos for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Paphos is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paphos in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Bali during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 253 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Bali. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bali receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Should I visit Paphos or Bali in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Bali. The autumn months attract visitors to Paphos because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year.

In October, Paphos is generally cooler than Bali. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 21°C (70°F), and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the autumn, Paphos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bali. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 266 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Bali. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bali receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Paphos or Bali in the Winter?

Both Bali and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Paphos is much colder than Bali in the winter. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Bali fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Paphos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bali during winter. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paphos usually receives less rain than Bali. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bali receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.

Should I visit Paphos or Bali in the Spring?

Both Bali and Paphos during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paphos for the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round.

In the spring, Paphos is much colder than Bali. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paphos in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the spring, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Bali. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 226 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Bali. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bali receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Typical Weather for Bali and Paphos