A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Tulum for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Paphos or Tulum?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Tulum, 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 beautiful, cultural, and coastal town. Paphos is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Paphos travel costs.

Tulum

Tulum is a ancient, archeological, and tropical town. Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Tulum travel costs.

Paphos and Tulum: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Tulum?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Paphos and Tulum are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Paphos is known for its food and historical sights. Tulum is more touristy than Paphos and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Paphos is popular for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches.

How is Paphos different from Tulum?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Paphos and Tulum have first-rate 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 Tulum are world-renowned. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

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

Paphos is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Paphos have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Tulum has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Is Paphos or Tulum Better for Nightlife?

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

Tulum is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, first-rate resorts can be found in both Paphos and Tulum.

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.

Tulum is a world class resort vacation destination. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Is Paphos or Tulum Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum 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 Tulum specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

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 Tulum Better for Beaches?

Both Paphos and Tulum have first-rate 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.

Tulum is considered to be a world-class beach destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Is Paphos or Tulum Better for its Old Town?

Paphos is a town with good options for its historic old town. However, Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Paphos to see the historical 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.

Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Is Paphos or Tulum Better for Hiking?

Tulum 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 Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Paphos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Tulum?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Tulum 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.

Tulum is well-known for its shopping. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Is Paphos or Tulum More Beautiful?

Paphos and Tulum both are comparable with their high quality scenery and beauty.

Paphos is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The area is known for its world-renowned archeological ruins, stunning beaches, and beautiful outdoor setting.

The beauty of Tulum is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Is Paphos or Tulum Better for Families?

Paphos and Tulum are both high quality 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, Tulum is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Is Paphos or Tulum Better for Couples?

Paphos and Tulum are both first-rate 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.

Tulum is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Is Paphos or Tulum Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos and Tulum are high quality 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 Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

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

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.

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Is Paphos or Tulum a more walkable city?

Tulum is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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 Tulum Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tulum or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Tulum?

In either Paphos or Tulum, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Tulum has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Tulum than Paphos. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Tulum than Paphos. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tulum that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum 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 Tulum.

One day in Paphos or Tulum?

In Paphos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this cultural destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Tulum. 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 Tulum?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paphos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Tulum 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 Tulum?

Paphos is a fun place to experience. In Paphos, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Tulum?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the overlooked destination of Paphos. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively destination of Tulum. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.

When comparing the travel costs between Paphos and Tulum, 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. Even though Paphos is in Europe and Tulum is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Tulum?

Paphos has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Tulum, 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 Tulum?

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 Tulum in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Tulum. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Paphos is around the same temperature as Tulum in the summer. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Tulum fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Tulum during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Tulum. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paphos or Tulum in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Tulum. Many travelers come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Paphos is cooler than Tulum. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paphos in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Tulum averages at about 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the autumn, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Tulum. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 216 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Tulum. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Paphos or Tulum in the Winter?

Both Tulum and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Paphos in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Paphos is generally much colder than Tulum. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 12°C (53°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. Paphos usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during winter. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paphos usually receives more rain than Tulum. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paphos or Tulum in the Spring?

Both Tulum and Paphos during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Paphos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Paphos is much colder than Tulum in the spring. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the spring, Paphos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tulum. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 273 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Tulum. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Tulum and Paphos