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Whilst Cyprus is, politically, European, it is in fact, part of Asia. Far closer to Beirut’s palm tree-lined Corniche and Tel Aviv’s Camel Market than the ancient monuments of Athens, there’s a reason this Mediterranean island is a favorite amongst European travelers.
Steeped in history and mythological folklore, with a unique, diverse cuisine and distinctive culture, Cyprus is the perfect stepping stone between Europe and the Middle East. If there’s one thing that unites every traveler who sets foot on its shores, it’s their love for the island’s stunning coastline.
With over 400 miles of dramatic cliffs, sweeping bays and white sand to explore, Cyprus is a beach lover’s dream. It is this that has made Larnaca and Paphos, two of it’s largest coastal cities, holiday hotspots with visitors from across the globe.
Both deliver on beautiful beaches, but despite being just 130 kilometers apart, they have very different identities. As we take a look at what they have to offer, you can decide whether Larnaca or Paphos ticks all your boxes for a summer 2025 getaway.
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Getting to Larnaca or Paphos
Larnaca
Home to Cyprus’ main international airport, getting to Larnaca couldn’t be easier. Larnaca International Airport (LCA) is just 4 kilometers from the city center with buses running every 30 minutes. Taxis are readily available outside departures, or you can use rideshare app Bolt. The airport sees daily flights from all corners of Europe and the Middle East with worldwide connections available through hubs including Dubai, Frankfurt and London.
If you prefer slow travel, taking the ferry to Cyprus is always a relaxing experience. You’ll arrive in the port city of Limassol which is conveniently located for accessing either Larnaca or Paphos. The sailing from Athens (Piraeus) runs twice a week and takes 31 hours.
Travel tip: There are also regular ferries from Turkish ports to Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This is a great way of combining a visit to Cyprus with Türkiye. However, if you’re not a Turkish passport holder, Cypriot officials consider it illegal to enter the country through the disputed north, so you won’t be able to cross the border to the Republic of Cyprus.
Paphos
Whilst smaller than Larnaca’s, Paphos International Airport (PFO) is well served from European destinations. Year-round flights are available, most notably from London and many regional British airports. Through the summer, Paphos’ route network expands exponentially with flights from Middle Eastern destinations including Tel Aviv and Amman too. Bus line 612 takes around 30 minutes to reach the city center from Paphos airport.
Getting Between Larnaca & Paphos
The great news is, if you can’t decide whether to visit Larnaca or Paphos, it’s easy to combine the two on the same trip. The drive between Larnaca and Paphos takes around 90 minutes, although you’ll definitely want to make a few stops en-route. The White Stones, Limassol Salt Lake and Aphrodite Beach are absolute musts.
If you haven’t rented a car, you can take a bus between Larnaca and Paphos. Intercity Buses run three times per day in each direction, taking just under three hours. All buses stop in Limassol on the way, so you can still make a stop to visit the Salt Lake. Tickets are not pre-bookable and must be purchased from the driver with cash (Euros).
Where to Stay in Larnaca or Paphos
Larnaca
As two of Cyprus’ main tourist destinations, neither Larnaca or Paphos are lacking in hotels. Larnaca, which attracts far more business travelers, certainly has better pickings of the big-name chains, but there’s plenty of great boutiques too.
For a beachfront stay in the heart of Larnaca, right opposite Finikoudes Beach, Les Palmiers Beach Hotel will never disappoint. If you’re looking for a slightly quieter beach break, adults only Ciao Stella Deluxe Hotel is right by Kastella blue flag beach. Lokal Boutique Hotel is our top pick for a stay in the heart of Larnaca’s historic old town, whilst being just a few minutes walk from the beach.
Paphos
Ideal for family getaways, Paphos is home to countless beach resorts. Properties like Capital Coast and luxurious Elysium are perfect for those days when all you want to do is lounge by the pool.
Paphos’ historic old town, though, is the place for the more adventurous traveler to lay their head. Casa Mespilea is our all time favorite Paphos hotel. In a beautiful town house on a quiet cobbled street, every room comes with a terrace or balcony. Bougie Kentrikon 1924 Boutique is ideal if you’re seeking something a little more modern.
The Food Scene
Larnaca
Larnaca’s restaurant scene is as diverse they come. So much so, we’ve got a whole article devoted to just that. From traditional Cypriot kitchens to the flavors of the Middle East and every corner of the Mediterranean, your taste buds will be spoiled for choice.
For your first meal in Larnaca, I can’t recommend Militzis highly enough. Their seafront location on Piale Pasa is the best place to go for an authentic taste of Cyprus. There’s the classic moussaka, of course, but a whole range of lesser known local favorites too. From halloumi ravioli to slow cooked tavas, an iconic Cypriot beef and lamb stew, every taste is catered for.
Other gems for Cypriot cuisine include Psarolimano, a laid back tavern by the south harbor dishing up the freshest fish imaginable. If you’re looking for something a little more formal, Hobos is the best steakhouse in Larnaca and comes with a grand view of Finikoudes.
As you’d expect with Cyprus’ location, there’s more than a little Middle Eastern influence in Larnaca’s restaurant scene. Head to Maqam Al-Sultan for a taste of Lebanon; if Egyptian cuisine is your thing, you’ll love Sawa.
Paphos
Whilst Larnaca’s vast array of restaurants is nothing short of impressive, whether you choose Larnaca or Paphos for your Cyprus escape, you won’t go hungry. Paphos may be smaller, but it has an equally impressive food scene.
On the island’s western coast, Paphos’ culinary influences are drawn more from Greece and Türkiye than the Middle East. For the finest Greek food, head to Estia on Poseidonus Avenue, Paphos’ main promenade. Kick off with a traditional meze plate before sampling their delicious lamb, sea bass or the age-old favorite, moussaka. In the Old Town, Oulla Halali Sou Meze House do far more than just meze. Their fresh calamari and pork chops are the stars of the show.
To sample Paphos’ top Turkish offerings, Pasalimani Kebab House is the place to go. Their yoghurt-marinated chicken kebabs are a long-time local favorite. Drawing large crowds of international visitors through the summer, Paphos has plenty of choice beyond the local staples.
NOIR Tapas Bar serves Spanish favorites with a Greek twist. For Italian delicacies, head for Porto Bello. Aside from great freshly made pizza and pasta, they have a fantastic choice of seafood. Scampi fritti, salmon with saffron-infused lemon sauce and branzino (sea bass in white wine sauce) are the top picks. If you’re a meat lover, you’ll want to order steaks, scallopine (pork) or their chicken dishes.
Larnaca or Paphos: The Best Beaches
If you’re looking for a beach escape, choosing between Larnaca or Paphos isn’t an easy choice. To put it bluntly: they both have fabulous beaches, although Larnaca tends to have a slight edge. Through summer, especially, their main beaches can become very busy, and it pays to know where to go to escape the crowds.
In Larnaca, the palm-lined Finikoudes Beach tends to draw the most visitors. It’s perfect for an early morning stroll or sunset wander, but during the day, Spyros Beach, just south of the airport, is perfect to get away from it all. Mackenzie Beach is ideal for swimming. Right at the end of the airport runway, it’s a plane spotter’s dream.
Paphos’ main beach, Atlantida, is around a mile south of the city. Slightly closer, Alykes Beach is perfect if you prefer a quieter spot which isn’t lacking amenities. For a more sheltered beach, ideal for swimming, head north to Venus Beach or St George’s Beach.
Larnaca or Paphos: The Best for History
Whether Larnaca or Paphos is best for history is another tough call. No matter if you decide to visit Larnaca or Paphos, you’ll be a stone’s throw from world-class archaeological sites and leading museums. That said, being home to The Tomb of the Kings, a UNESCO-listed necropolis generally considered Cyprus’ most significant archaeological site, if history is your thing, a visit to Paphos is a must.
Thought to date back to the 4th century BCE, local aristocrats and officials were buried here until the 3rd century AD. The tombs, cut into the rock face, are an architectural wonder to rival the cave dwellings of Cappadocia.
Travel tip: To pack in all the best Paphos historical sites, I love this half day tour which includes Paphos Archaeological Park.
Whilst in Paphos, don’t miss the Archaeological Museum of the Pafos District which contains artefacts from as far back as the Palaeolithic and Neolithic ages. To learn more about the area’s more recent history, head to Agios Georgios Museum in Peyia. It’s dedicated to Georgios Grivas, the Cypriot rebel who attempted to overthrow British rule on the island in 1954.
Larnaca’s Archaeological Museum houses an impressive collection of finds from digs across the region as well as items from further afield. It has a fantastic section on Ancient Egyptian, Assyrian and Persian artefacts.
The most impressive archaeological site in Larnaca, Kition, dates back to the 13th century BC when the Mycenaeans arrived in Cyprus. Later inhabited by the Phoenicians, the city was destroyed by the Egyptian Pharaoh Ptolemy I Soter.
A point for Larnaca in the Larnaca or Paphos debate has to be the city’s abundance of great museums. The Medieval Museum, located within the castle, offers a fascinating insight into the city in (slightly) more recent times. For something a little more specialist, uncover the history of medicine at Kyrazis Medical Museum or delve into Cyprus’ Jewish history at JMC (Jewish Museum of Cyprus).
The Final Verdict
As we’re sure you’ll agree, the choice between Larnaca or Paphos is not an easy one. Both have the makings of a perfect city break destination. Our final piece of advice is to visit both, especially given how close they are.
Both offer a deep-dive into the best of Cypriot cuisine, fantastic beaches and plenty to see and do. If you do only have time to visit either Larnaca or Paphos, if you’re passionate about archaeology, it would seem amiss to pass up the opportunity to visit the Tomb of the Kings in Paphos. If you’re seeking a destination with as much variety as possible, though, Larnaca should be top of your list.
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