Can’t decide between Paphos and Ayia Napa? We compare Cyprus’ top resorts: beaches, nightlife, excursions, and hidden gems to help you plan your perfect trip.
(Beach vibes, party nights, or active exploring? Let’s find your perfect match)
When planning a trip to Cyprus, one big question pops up sooner or later: Should I go to Paphos or Ayia Napa? It’s like choosing between a cozy seaside café and a wild beach party — both are great, but the vibe is totally different.
Sure, they share the same island, the same Greek language, and the same delicious halloumi, but that’s where the similarities end. The distance between them is about 200 km, so unless you’re planning a road trip across the whole island, you’ll probably want to choose a base in advance.
Here’s a friendly guide to help you pick your Cyprus happy place — no wasted time, no wasted money.
Paphos vs Ayia Napa: Quick Verdict for the Impatient
-
Paphos — for history, sightseeing, nature trails, and a bit of beach on the side.
-
Ayia Napa — for beaches, beach bars, nightlife, and more beaches.
Of course, you can mix and match. But first — let’s break it down.
Paphos: The Good, the Bad, and Why You Might Fall in Love
Downsides of Paphos
-
Yes, there’s an airport, but most international flights still land in Larnaca. Which means you’ll need to drive across half the island. Pro tip: rent a car and enjoy the ride.
-
Beaches? They’re here, but they’re not the main show. The famous Coral Bay is beautiful but a bit outside the city.
-
Many Paphos beaches are rocky or have man-made sandy patches near expensive hotels. Finding a perfect beach here is like finding a great coffee in an average gas station — it exists, but you’ll need to search.
Why Paphos Wins Hearts
-
The seafront promenade is pure magic. Cafés, restaurants, sunset views — the perfect setup for lazy evenings.
-
If you love history, Paphos is your playground. Ancient mosaics, ruins, archaeological sites — this place is packed with stories.
-
Amazing walking and cycling trails along the coast — perfect for those who can’t sit still.
-
The best part? Paphos’ surroundings. You can spend days exploring mountains, hidden villages, the wild Akamas Peninsula, the Avakas Gorge, the Troodos Mountains, and tiny coastal towns like Polis and Latchi. All within 1-1.5 hours of driving.
Ayia Napa: The Fun, the Flaws, and When You Should Go
What’s Not So Great
-
Let’s be real — Ayia Napa is more like a big tourist village than a full-on city. Historical sites? Not really. Well, there’s a monastery and a sculpture park, but that’s about it.
-
No classic promenade here. Nights are mostly about bars, clubs, or beach parties. Romantic evening walks? You’ll need to improvise.
-
During the day, it’s hot for walking. During the night, the action is loud and buzzing — especially in high season.
What’s Totally Worth It
-
Beaches! Beaches! Beaches! Ayia Napa has the best sandy beaches in Cyprus — Nissi Beach, Makronissos Beach, Konnos Bay. Turquoise water, soft golden sand, postcard-perfect vibes.
-
Beach parties peak in July–August, but the rest of the year is actually pretty chill and great for families.
-
A perfect base for visiting Cape Greco — especially stunning in spring when everything is blooming.
-
Close to Protaras, a great family-friendly spot with long beaches, calm vibes, and a gorgeous coastal walkway.
-
Also, from Ayia Napa, it’s super easy to hop into Northern Cyprus and start an epic road trip on the Turkish side.
-
Food? Plenty of restaurants in town, but for something really special, head to Larnaca or the village of Zygi for a laid-back seaside lunch.
So, Who Should Go Where?
-
Looking for beach bars, cocktails, and no-worries holidays? Go to Ayia Napa.
-
Want a relaxed, affordable beach trip with family? Go to Protaras — peaceful, but close to Ayia Napa if you crave some action.
-
Love biking, hiking, mountain drives, and discovering hidden gems? Head to Paphos or Polis.
-
Into wine, local food, ancient monasteries, and real-deal Cyprus? Paphos or Polis is your happy place.
Can You Combine Both? Oh, Absolutely!
If you’re not the type who just lays on the same beach for two weeks straight — the perfect Cyprus combo is:
-
One week in Paphos,
-
3–4 days (or more) in Ayia Napa.
Trust me, after this combo you’ll fall in love with Cyprus and probably come back next year, just like we do.
✈️ Larnaca? Just a transit city. No need to hang around for more than half a day.
🏙️ Limassol? It’s a bit of a compromise — it’s centrally located, but if this is your first trip to Cyprus, go straight to Paphos or Ayia Napa. Limassol can wait for round two.
Why Renting a Car in Cyprus Is a Life Saver
Let’s be honest — public transport in Cyprus is not for those who like freedom and comfort. Buses are slow, taxis are pricey.
🚗 Renting a car is a no-brainer. Prices start from €8 in low season and around €15 in high season — that’s cheaper than two beach cocktails.
✔️ We always book through LocalRent — local companies, transparent prices, minimal deposit. Tested and approved!
Useful travel planning tools:
✈️ Aviasales – budget-friendly flights
🏨 Booking.com – accommodation for every taste
🚘 LocalRent – car rentals (with free cancellation)
