In addition, the distance between Paphos and Ayia Napa is 200 km, so if there is no goal to explore the island of Aphrodite completely, you should not wind up kilometers. I will try to help those who have doubts or who are going to Cyprus for the first time with a choice.
Paphos or Ayia Napa
Very briefly, then
- Paphos is a rich sightseeing life, history and a bit of the sea
- Ayia Napa - 90% beach holiday and a trip along the coast and quite a few excursions
You just have to choose what you want more, so as not to spend extra money and time on empty transfers. Below I will dwell in more detail on Paphos, Ayia Napa and their environs. On their pros and cons. In order not to upset those who want both, I will say that with any choice, you can dose the sea and excursions yourself in any proportion. I'm just giving directions. 
Paphos, pros and cons
About the cons of Paphos
Paphos has its own airport, but it does not serve many international destinations. Therefore, most flights arrive in Larnaca, and from there it is much further to Paphos than to Limassol or Ayia Napa. The solution to the problem is to rent a car.
There are far fewer good beaches in Paphos compared to Ayia Napa. The most famous and cool is the beach coral bay, but it is quite far from the Paphos waterfront. If you want to live near a beautiful beach, book accommodation near Coral Bay
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The second option to live near a decent beach suitable for swimming is to choose hotels on the coast east of Paphos, to the left of the embankment, if you look at the sea. There are good, but quite expensive options out there.
Most of the beaches are rocky, near expensive hotels on the shore there are artificial small bays with dark brown and golden sand. 
Pros of Paphos
It has a promenade and is full of establishments overlooking the sea where you can spend the evening. And this is the main difference from Ayia Napa, which is essentially a tourist village with hotels and apartments.
In the very Paphos many more attractions than Ayia Napa and this is his forte. There is something to do in non-beach time.
And in Paphos and in Ayia Napa there is a long walking trail along the sea. There is about parity, although Paphos is more walkable and more lively - good opportunities for cycling.
IN Ayia Napa full of city restaurants, but all the same, Paphos and the surrounding area will be more abrupt in this regard. And if you are relaxing in Ayia Napa, then you can have a good and inexpensive lunch with a sea view in Larnaca or the village of Zygi near Larnaca.
Plus and minus at the same time Ayia Napa can be considered a vibrant nightlife, the peak of which is reached in July-August. If you are a party-goer, you definitely need to come here! 
Summing up: Paphos vs Ayia Napa
If you are going to Cyprus for good beaches, nightlife with one, maximum two excursions - you are in Ayia Napa. If you are a party-goer and clubber, you are in Ayia Napa. Ayia Napa - a place about the sea and beaches, bars and clubs! Ayia Napa is for the young at heart and lovers of beach activities and boat trips. If you prefer a family vacation with a beach priority, while not ready to overpay - you are in Protaras. It is very close to Ayia Napa which can be reached for a couple of euros by bus. Protaras has a long, well-equipped and beautiful promenade along the sea, which stretches all the way to Cape Greco, a dozen good cozy beaches, a long urban Sunrise Beach and the iconic Fig Tree Bay.
If you love leisure and you despise beach chairs and sea activities, if active rest is a priority - cycling trips, ATV rides and wildlife with minimal time at sea - you are in Paphos or Polis. If you want to immerse yourself in local life and color, walk around wineries and see ancient history in order to understand Cyprus better, you Pathos or Policy.
At the same time, Paphos also has several beautiful beaches, so you will not be deprived of the sea. And evenings can be beautifully spent on the waterfront in one of the restaurants with your beloved.
If you want to ride in Troodos mountains, to see the ancient monasteries and villages - choose Paphos, it is closer and more convenient to get from here and you can meet it in one day.
Is it possible to combine all this in one vacation? Easy, for this plan a minimum a week in Paphos and surroundings and the second week or at least Spend 3-4 days in Ayia Napa. Then you will put a fat and beautiful point on your vacation, you will remember and love Cyprus and you will come every year just like we do. Use Larnaca only for transit and transfer from / to the airport, there is nothing to do there for more than half a day.
Is there some more Limassol, but this is a cross between the two locations described above, I would not recommend it to those who first decided to try a vacation in Cyprus. The main advantage of Limassol is its equidistance from almost all places in Cyprus, it is perfect for traveling around the island if you live in one place. 
Why is it important to rent a car in Cyprus
I still believe that moving around Cyprus on public transport- this is masochism, and the frequent use of a taxi is quite hard financially.
Moreover, a car in Cyprus is not a luxury, but a democratic means of transportation, from 8 Euros in the low season and from 15 Euros in the high season, there are options without a deposit and always a meager prepayment.
Such correct wheels we find on the site Myrentacar- here, under one roof, the main players of the local car rental market are gathered. Checked - ideal for a traveler, use it, I recommend it. 
If your vacation is in autumn, and you dream of sunbathing and swimming in the sea, choose a holiday in Cyprus! September and the first half of October are not as hot as July and August, but still very warm: up to + 32 in the air and about + 25 in the sea. There are water parks and attractions, you can ride catamarans, yachts, go kite surfing, snorkeling and diving. The Velvet season beautiful and the fact that prices on the island are declining.
In September, amazingly sweet light pomegranates, figs, autumn strawberries, and young wine appear. And in this wonderful time, you can comfortably travel around the island and visit any sights - including open-air, mountains, national parks, archaeological sites ...
We will tell you more about autumn at different resorts in Cyprus below. And who can't wait, prices - from 23,800 rubles / person, for 7 nights with breakfast. A pro-visa is issued quickly, online and free of charge.
Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa- the youth capital of Cyprus on the southeast coast, with huge amount bars and nightclubs. In September and October, the parties are not so wild, but the music is still booming, and you can have fun from the heart. Among other attractions of the resort is the largest themed aquapark Waterworld Waterpark in the style of ancient Greece and amusement park Parko Paliatso.
Which beaches of Ayia Napa are worth visiting?
Do not miss Sea Caves Cavo Greco- Beach "Sea Caves", with a complex of bizarre caves, grottoes, arches and labyrinths of natural origin. Here is surprisingly clear sea water of all shades of blue. Pirates used to hide their treasures here.
Love Bridge beach, or "Bridge of lovers"- one of the most romantic places in all of Cyprus. Here is an arched bridge stretching from a rocky plateau into the turquoise-emerald sea. If you go down from the “sea” edge of the bridge to its base, you can swim or go diving nearby.
Beautiful white and gold beach Agia Thekla named so in honor of St. Thekla - there is a blue and white church nearby. The lagoon here is very shallow and ideal for children. beautiful beach Makronissos with white sand is located on the outskirts of Ayia Napa, on a cape in the shape of a mermaid's tail. Here is the most transparent water, a diving center, and nearby is an ancient cave complex, which is more than two thousand years old.
Resting in Ayia Napa, you can not miss the famous sandy Nissi Beach with a relaxed atmosphere and the neighboring Nissi Bay with DJs and Blue Flag awarded foam parties.
What excursions to go on?
From Ayia Napa closest to national park Cavo Greco. On the cape of the same name you can admire incredible sunsets. It is worth visiting the unique open-air sculpture museum. From here, trips to the Troodos Mountains to the Shrines of Cyprus, including the Kykkos Monastery, where the lifetime face of the Virgin Mary by the Apostle Luke is kept, start. An excursion to the Troodos mountains can also take place in the most picturesque places - mountain peaks, waterfalls, relict forests, old villages. Do not miss the opportunity to travel to northern Cyprus and see the fortresses and castles of the Byzantine period, rebuilt in the Middle Ages.
- EURONAPA HOTEL 3*
- CORFU HOTEL 3*
- NISSIANA HOTEL & BUNGALOWS 3*
- MARGADINA 3*
- NAPA PLAZA 4* (adults only)
- PANTHEA 4* (powered by All Inclusive)
- ATLANTICA AENEAS RESORT & SPA 5*
Pathos
Respectable and measured Pathos in the southwest of the island is located at the foot of the Troodos mountains. In that ancient city Cyprus is closely intertwined history and mythology. In 51 BC. the famous orator Cicero lived here. Within the city there is an open-air archaeological museum with temples, the Forum, as well as magnificent floor mosaics, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
IN Paphos picturesque pebbly and sandy beaches, charming sunsets. In the vicinity there is a place where, according to legend, the goddess of love Aphrodite was born. There are also many entertainment venues. Visit the water park, zoo, Ayiou Antoniou street with clubs, discos, English pubs.
Which Paphos beaches are worth visiting?
Aphrodite beach(Petra tou Romiou) is the most beautiful and romantic natural attraction in Cyprus. According to legend, in 1200 BC. in this place, the goddess of beauty, love and eternal spring, Aphrodite Cyprida, came ashore. Bathing here, according to the same legend, promotes rejuvenation and gaining love. Frequent guests of the beach of Aphrodite are newlyweds from different countries, photographers and artists.
The golden beach of Coral Bay in a cozy bay between the Maa-Paleokastro peninsula and the cape, 12 km from the city center, was awarded the Blue Flag. It is the most visited beach on the island's west coast and is popular with families with children of all ages. The sand here is exceptionally fine and soft, light yellow in color. The seabed is shallow, with a comfortable entrance, and the water temperature is several degrees higher than on other Paphos beaches. There are many taverns, shops and a developed entertainment infrastructure.
What excursions to go on?
Not far from the city of Paphos is located national park Akamas, an area of 230 square kilometers. Endemic plant species grow in the reserve, foxes, wild goats, Cypriot owls are found. On cool autumn days, you can visit the Baths of Aphrodite, walk along the Aphrodite Trail, swim in the Blue Lagoon. On the protected Lara Beach, protected since 1989, rare green turtles lay their eggs. Akamas gorge is located 5 km from the beach - for lovers of hiking.
The village of Geriskopou in the vicinity of Paphos is a place of pilgrimage for those with a sweet tooth. The villagers are masters in the preparation of Turkish Delight.
- HELIOS BAY APTS (Cat. A) 3*
- ROMAN HOTEL 3*
- KISSOS 3*
- QUEENS BAY HOTEL 3*
- Venus Beach Hotel 5*
- ACTI BEACH VILLAGE RESORT 4*
Guys, help! We are going with a friend to Cyprus for the first time. Until I went to the forum, I was sure that I wanted to go to Ayia Napa. We chose Ayia Napa, because we also want entertainment (were in Spain in Loret de May - I liked it), but then I read that the Tour to Ayia Napa has a minus that you won’t see Cyprus, it’s worse with excursions. And I really want to see Cyprus ... How about excursions from Ayia Napa? Or still choose Limassol? And another question, there is a desire to rent a car and see the sights on your own, but how difficult is the traffic in Cyprus? How narrow are the roads? We are both blondes ;-)
1) Excursions from Ayia Napa are good. There are everywhere with these well - see the dimensions of the island. It is almost five times smaller than Mosk. region
2) There is a desire to take a car - take it. Rights are desired. Driving on the left, steering wheel on the right.
3) The roads are wide paved. The signs are easy to read and easy to see. In English and Greek.
4) Greeks love blondes.
How to compare a city and a village? Do you live in Moscow or St. Petersburg? When do you plan to go to Cyprus, during the season? Some young people live there according to the schedule: getting up at lunchtime - the beach is packed with hanging out peers - night club. And so the entire period of vacation - everyone has the right to their own type of recreation, no questions asked. Are you in this mode? Do you like to go shopping on vacation to get in the mood?
Hello Lawyer. Thanks for the answer. I am also a lawyer, by the way:-) I live in Krasnoyarsk. We fly to Cyprus on June 9th. From rest I want: the sea; beach; see Cyprus: monuments and historical places; and in the evenings - cafes; nightclubs - yes, but definitely not every day. On vacation, I like to rent a car myself, because there is a lot to see and not depend on anyone (I myself traveled a lot in Spain and the Canaries by car), although if the traffic is very difficult, then it’s hard for me. In the Canary Islands, for example, there were very narrow roads to the mountains and I was very uncomfortable. Group tours are not excluded. I really like to go shopping for mood :-) and buy something too, but sometimes on good rest sorry to waste time on this.
Quote: Cypriots are NOT Greeks
Calypso, judge for yourself
Napa is a village with a good sea, nightlife and no shopping. For a lazy break. But, if you're going to take a car, then you can easily see the island and get to the right shops
Lim is a city. As a resident of the capital in the past, it would be wonderful for me to go on vacation from city to city. Although this is what attracts many to Lima. There are also discos there, the beaches are worse, but again, you need to know the places)))
Hello Callipso. You see, on vacation I am NOT interested in youth discos and beaches filled with teenagers. On vacation, I prefer to live without any plan, so my place of rest should have a theater and a cinema, good sports clubs, restaurants with a local flavor, places for quiet walks and large shopping centers. All this is in Limassol and all this is available on foot and by city bus, well, it will be very lazy - I'll take a taxi. There is no similar presence of anything different in one place, as in Limassol, in Cyprus.
Lawyer, thanks for the reply! I understood :-) Fortunately (or unfortunately :-)) I have not been interested in youth discos for a long time either ... If I went alone, I would choose Limassol based on your recommendations, but now I’m going with a friend who is younger than me and in this regard, there is also a need for a budget option. If you like it in Cyprus, which I really hope for, then next time you will definitely go to Limassol. Thank you.
Well, Limassol is really a city, and not of any particular beauty, frankly, but it’s convenient for moving without a car, by bus, there are shops, if needed, although it’s much better in Nicosia, the promenade is chic, you can safely walk along it at any time of the day and not feeling the crowd, in general, even in the season it didn’t seem to me that the beaches were all just so crowded with people, only in the center, but in the Amathus area somehow without crowds, by the way, clubs and bars are also in the tourist zone, everyone is crammed with young people in the summer, so and Limassol is quite a youth for those who need it. And who said that Napa is so much cheaper than Limassol? Maybe in Lima there is simply less choice of inexpensive hotels, especially of a good standard, the fact that they are missing is felt very acutely.
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As for the car, rent it and don't hesitate. The roads are flat and wide. Yes, driving on the left takes some getting used to, but that's not a problem. They drive in Cyprus very carefully and politely. Rental cars have numbers that differ in color from ordinary cars, so they are immediately visible and some flaws are forgiven :-)
We lived in Ayia Napa, got into the car in the morning and drove along the coast, choosing pretty beaches and coves. We especially liked the Governor's Beach, there is black sand and white rocks - very unusual and beautiful. It's easy to get to Paphos and Nicosia (if shopping, then it's probably better to do it in the capital :-))
All excursions "in stock" are from Ayia Napa, if you like group tours.
Limassol is a big city
and in Ayia Napa I got up in the morning, 5 minutes and already on the beach
According to my impressions, I will say that I really liked Ayia Napa precisely because of its intimacy and walking distance to everything. By the way, a party place where nightlife is in full swing - in the very center of the village, but as if hidden in a lowland, the noise does not interfere with others at all.
Quote: driving in Cyprus is ugly and dangerous. BUT seeing red numbers, they get scared
Py Sy just for your information .... rights are issued without re-registration until the age of 70 ... I personally know several deaf-eyed people, after a stroke, after bypass surgery - driving Hurray !!!
It's time to pack your bags, because the long-awaited vacation that you plan to spend in one of them is just around the corner. If you find it difficult to make a decision and give preference to Limassol or Ayia Napa, read this article, which may help you make the right choice.
Location and climate Recreation and entertainmentThe holiday season in Ayia Napa is generous with carnivals and festivities that attract both locals and tourists. The most spectacular are Green Monday; carnival held on the eve of Maslenitsa; Easter celebrations, Day of the Light. If noisy events are tiring for you, then the city of Ayia Napa has entertainment that you are sure to enjoy. Visit, which is famous for theatrical shows with the participation of dolphins. Children will also be delighted to visit. And beach lovers in the city of Ayia Napa will be pleased with the cozy beaches with clean sand, where you can relax from the bustle of the city and get a little tan.
The cultural life of Limassol is very interesting, which is represented by such annual festivals as the wine festival and the festival of dramatic art, which many foreigners dream of visiting.
After going around the historical buildings and museums of the city, you can go to the Limassol water park, which is located in the central part of the city and is called "Wet`n Wild". It is famous for its numerous slides, which you will definitely want to conquer. As for the beaches, they are covered with sand, which has a slightly unusual gray tint. This is due to the high silicon content and volcanic origin. Staying on such beaches, according to cosmetologists, is very useful for all skin types.
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Young people love Ayia Napa because of the rich nightlife, many bars, discos that work until the morning. There are thousands of entertainment establishments of this type, so there should be no difficulty in choosing. Ayia Napa also has many hotels of various classes of service, each of which is equipped with its own restaurant. In addition, on the streets of the city you can easily find a cute restaurant, a cozy tavern, which offer both traditional dishes and favorite dishes from the cuisines of the world.
The nightlife of Limassol is in full swing, and its lovers will be pleased with the rich choice of establishments where you can pass the night. The city is famous for its excellent street restaurants and taverns, where you can have a delicious lunch and taste the collectible Cypriot wines.
TransportTransport links in Ayia Napa are very developed, but it is forbidden to visit the city center by car, which is possible here, so the local population and tourists move by bicycle or on foot.
Cyprus is popular with travelers all over the world. But there are many resorts, how to determine the best one? Paphos, Larnaca, Protaras or Ayia Napa: what to choose to make your vacation a success? Let's try to consider from different angles the two most popular resorts - Paphos and Ayia Napa. Despite the many positive reviews about both places, they are still different from each other. And if you learn more about them, it will help you plan your vacation correctly.
Location and climate
The city of Paphos is located in the western part of the Republic of Cyprus, and Ayia Napa is in the east. This leaves its mark on the local weather. On average, in Ayia Napa, the air temperature is slightly higher than in the Paphos area. However, if you arrive in the middle of summer, you are unlikely to feel this difference. Temperatures above +30°С in the shade (even hotter in the sun!) are not very comfortable for city walks or excursions. On such days it is nice to spend time on a sun lounger by the sea or sit under an umbrella in a cafe. And Ayia Napa and Paphos are suitable for this!
The same can be said about the ratio of sunny and cloudy days. Their number differs so slightly in both resorts that there is no need to talk about a significant difference in the weather. In most cases, you will spend your entire holiday under the bright sun! In the season (and it starts in Cyprus in spring and ends by mid-autumn), there is little rainfall. Both Paphos and Ayia Napa will delight tourists with cloudless days.
Attractions
Paphos or Ayia Napa: what to choose if you are planning not only a beach holiday, but also an excursion program? All the resorts of Cyprus have interesting sights, especially a lot of ancient monuments here. Archaeological excavations are still ongoing in some regions. The island of Cyprus has a rich history, it will be interesting for any tourist to get acquainted with it.In Ayia Napa, there are much fewer archaeological sites than in the Paphos region, but they are also present. Take at least the tombs of Makronisos, located next to the beach of the same name. Excavations are still underway there, but tourists can visit these ancient tombs.
In Paphos, you can make a whole list of interesting antiquities:
- Church of Panagia Christopolitissa,
- archaeological park,
- paphos castle,
- Catacombs of Saint Solomon.
And that's just archaeological sites! And there are museums and temples visited daily by hundreds of tourists. So in terms of the excursion program, Paphos outperforms Ayia Napa.
Entertainment and beaches
If you want uninterrupted fun, then between Paphos or Ayia Napa, choose the last resort. This does not mean that there are no nightclubs and discos in Paphos, but there are clearly more of them in Ayia Napa. No wonder this resort is considered a place of youth recreation.
If we consider other entertainment, then there are enough of them at both resorts. Both Ayia Napa and Paphos have water parks and amusement parks. Is here and Beautiful places, where you can admire the natural landscapes: bays, rocks, wild beaches.
In terms of hotel comfort, these two resorts may well compete. There are inexpensive hotels, and there are luxury hotel complexes. Paphos is traditionally considered a more expensive resort, but this applies mainly to high-level hotels. Prices in restaurants, tour desks and shops in Paphos and Ayia Napa are quite comparable. 
All beaches in Cyprus are municipal. They have good infrastructure, are equipped with rescue stations, many are marked with the Blue Flag. It is only worth noting that in Ayia Napa most of the beaches are sandy, and in Paphos they are pebbly. And for many tourists, this becomes an important selection criterion. Some vacationers consider sandy beaches more comfortable. And in this parameter, Paphos is slightly inferior to Ayia Napa.
Where to go?
You can't go wrong if you fly to any resort in Cyprus! Limassol or Ayia Napa, Protaras or Paphos - all of them will impress tourists. Of course, each resort is unique in terms of sights or picturesque bays. But each of them is waiting for you: the sun and the sea, high-level service and interesting excursions, hospitable locals and famous Cypriot cuisine. Choose your favorite hotel and start planning your holiday in Cyprus!
