Both are popular Cyprus beach bases, but they split fairly cleanly along one line — Paphos leans into ancient history and quieter beaches, while Larnaca is the more practical, airport-adjacent city with its own beach promenade.
Paphos is the clear winner here — the Paphos Archaeological Park and Tombs of the Kings are UNESCO-listed and among the most significant Roman-era sites in the Eastern Mediterranean. Larnaca's history leans more religious and medieval, centered on the Church of Saint Lazarus (Agios Lazaros) and Larnaca Medieval Castle.
Paphos's Coral Bay Beach and Kato Paphos Beach & Waterfront are scenic and generally quieter. Larnaca's Finikoudes Beach & Promenade is more of a city beach, right along the main strip, while Larnaca Salt Lake nearby adds a genuinely unusual sight when flamingos gather in winter.
Larnaca has a specific claim to fame: the Zenobia Wreck Diving Site is consistently ranked among the best wreck dives in the world, drawing divers who wouldn't otherwise visit. Paphos offers more general-purpose Scuba Diving & Snorkeling and boat tours rather than one standout site.
Larnaca has its own international airport and a more central location for exploring the rest of Cyprus, making it the more convenient base. Paphos also has an airport but sits further from the island's other major sights, rewarding travelers who plan to stay put and focus on its ruins and beaches.
Choose Paphos for the strongest ancient ruins on the island and quieter beaches. Choose Larnaca for a more central base, a genuine city beach, and one of the world's best-known wreck dives. Both have their own airports, so the choice comes down to whether ancient history or diving and convenience matters more to your trip.