A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Ephesus for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Paphos or Ephesus?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Ephesus, 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 ancient, beautiful, and cultural town. The beauty of Paphos is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Paphos travel costs.

Ephesus

Ephesus is a ancient, world-renowned, and fascinating archeological site. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Ephesus travel costs.

Paphos and Ephesus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Ephesus?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paphos. Although Paphos and Ephesus are popular destinations, Paphos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ephesus is more touristy than Paphos and is popular for its well-preserved ruins and vast size Paphos is famous for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. It is also well known for Paphos Archaeological Park.

How is Paphos different from Ephesus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Paphos and Ephesus have amazing 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 Ephesus are world-renowned. Of course, the iconic site is the ruins of Ephesus. There are also several fascinating museums in the area that offer deeper insights into the region's rich history and culture. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk is popular. It has an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the ancient city, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions. Just outside the museum, the Temple of Artemis section displays remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Selçuk Museum of Ephesus is another excellent spot to explore, with exhibits that highlight both the daily life of ancient Ephesians and their religious practices. A short drive from Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary museum, a revered site believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, with a chapel and peaceful surroundings. Lastly, the İsa Bey Mosque and Museum in Selçuk adds to the area's historical depth, offering a glimpse into the Seljuk architecture and Islamic heritage of the region.

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

Paphos is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ephesus area. Most of the food options are found in the nearby town of Selçuk. Popular dishes include kebabs, mezes, and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). Many restaurants are casual and cater specifically to the tourist crowds.

Is Paphos or Ephesus Better for Nightlife?

Paphos is a nice place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Ephesus is not known for its evening party scene.

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 Ephesus specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The there are a couple of bars and restaurants with live music in the town of Selçuk, but generally the nightlife is very low key.

Is Paphos or Ephesus Better for Resorts?

Paphos is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Ephesus is not a resort destination.

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.

Ephesus is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Ephesus Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ephesus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Paphos has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Ephesus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Ephesus Better for Beaches?

Paphos is renowned for the beach. However, Ephesus is not a beach destination.

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.

Ephesus is not a beach destination.

Is Paphos or Ephesus Better for its Old Town?

Paphos is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Ephesus does not have a historic old town.

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. 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.

Ephesus does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Ephesus?

Paphos is a great town for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Ephesus to go shopping. Selçuk has a variety of local shops and markets. Traditional handicrafts such as carpet and kilim weaving, ceramics, and leather goods are popular souvenirs. The Selçuk Market is held on Saturdays and offers fresh produce, spices, and other local products.

Is Paphos or Ephesus More Beautiful?

Paphos is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Ephesus is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Ephesus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Paphos or Ephesus Better for Families?

Paphos is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Paphos is very family-friendly. 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.

Ephesus is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who are into history or archeology will enjoy a visit to the famed ruins of Ephesus. There's also the Ephesus Archaeological Museum where everyone can learn about ancient Greek and Roman cultures in an interactive setting. The nearby House of the Virgin Mary offers a peaceful stop where kids can learn about its historical and religious significance in a tranquil environment. For an active experience, families can enjoy a short hike to Pamucak Beach, where children can swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.

Is Paphos or Ephesus Better for Couples?

Paphos is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for couples.

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.

Ephesus is a good town for couples to visit. Many couples stop off at these ruins as part of a bigger tour of Turkey. The ruins are well preserved and impressive, but can get crowded if you visit during the peak times.

Is Paphos or Ephesus Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for backpackers.

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.

Ephesus is a good town to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers stay in the nearby town of Selçuk, which has several hostels. This is also where you'll find a number of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Paphos and Ephesus.

Visitors to Paphos can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

The public transit in Ephesus can get you around easily. The town of Selçuk is well-connected by dolmuşes (shared minivans) that run frequently and offer affordable rides to nearby destinations, including Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Pamucak Beach area.

Is Paphos or Ephesus a more walkable city?

Paphos and Ephesus both are nice when exploring on foot.

Paphos is somewhat walkable. 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.

Ephesus is a somewhat walkable place. The ruins are spread out over a large area, but most of the key sites, like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, are within walking distance of each other. From Selçuk, it's about a half hour walk to the entrance of the Ephesus ruins, but most visitors prefer to take a short taxi or dolmuş ride to the site. Within Selçuk, many of the sites can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ephesus or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Ephesus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paphos or Ephesus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paphos than Ephesus 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 1-2 days is enough time in Ephesus.

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

In Paphos, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Ephesus. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Paphos or Ephesus?

In Paphos, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Ephesus is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Ephesus?

Paphos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paphos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ephesus. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Ephesus?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paphos. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Paphos. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Ephesus. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Cultural Tours in Turkey, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Ephesus?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Ephesus, 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 Ephesus?

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 Ephesus in the Summer?

Both Ephesus and Paphos during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Paphos because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ephesus this time of year.

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

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the summer, Paphos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ephesus. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 378 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in July than Ephesus. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Ephesus in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Ephesus. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ephesus for the shopping scene.

In October, Paphos is generally a little warmer than Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 21°C (70°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Ephesus during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 232 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paphos usually receives less rain than Ephesus. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paphos or Ephesus in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Ephesus. Many travelers come to Paphos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Ephesus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Paphos is a little warmer than Ephesus in the winter. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Ephesus fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Ephesus. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 131 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ephesus. Paphos usually gets less rain in January than Ephesus. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Ephesus in the Spring?

Both Ephesus and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Paphos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Paphos is a little warmer than Ephesus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paphos in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Ephesus averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Ephesus. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Ephesus during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paphos usually receives less rain than Ephesus. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ephesus and Paphos