A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. La Spezia for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Antalya or La Spezia?

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

Should I visit Antalya or La Spezia? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Antalya

Antalya is a luxurious, historic, and cultural vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a lively, convenient, and cultural town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Antalya and La Spezia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Antalya or La Spezia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antalya than La Spezia, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Antalya is more touristy than La Spezia and is known for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also home to Hadrian's Gate. La Spezia is popular for being the gateway to Cinque Terre.

How is Antalya different from La Spezia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Spezia and Antalya. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antalya or La Spezia?

Antalya
La Spezia

Antalya is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Antalya. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.


Is the Food Better in Antalya or La Spezia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Antalya
La Spezia

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Antalya and La Spezia can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Antalya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, La Spezia makes for a great culinary experience. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.

Is Antalya or La Spezia Better for Nightlife?

Antalya
La Spezia

Antalya is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

La Spezia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.

Is Antalya or La Spezia Better for Music?

Antalya
La Spezia

Antalya is a good destination for its live music scene. However, La Spezia is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

La Spezia is not a live music destination.


Is Antalya or La Spezia Better for Resorts?

Antalya
La Spezia

Antalya is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, La Spezia is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Antalya for its luxury resorts. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

La Spezia is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or La Spezia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya
La Spezia

Antalya is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, La Spezia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

La Spezia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or La Spezia Better for Beaches?

Antalya
La Spezia

Antalya is very popular for the beache. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Antalya offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

La Spezia is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.


Is Antalya or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?

Antalya
La Spezia

Antalya is a very popular place for its old town. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

La Spezia offers a nice historic old town area. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

Is Antalya or La Spezia Better for Hiking?

Antalya
La Spezia

Antalya is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, La Spezia is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

La Spezia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or La Spezia?

Antalya
La Spezia

Antalya is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Antalya draws large crowds to its stores. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Many visitors go to La Spezia to go shopping. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.


Is Antalya or La Spezia Better for Families?

Antalya
La Spezia

Antalya is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Antalya is very family-friendly. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in La Spezia. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.

Is Antalya or La Spezia Better for Couples?

Antalya
La Spezia

With fun activities for couples, both Antalya and La Spezia make for a superb place to visit.

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Couples visit La Spezia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

Is Antalya or La Spezia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya
La Spezia

Antalya and La Spezia are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Backpackers come from all over to visit La Spezia. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.


Is Antalya or La Spezia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Antalya
La Spezia

Antalya is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Antalya has some very good public transit options. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

You'll find some public transit in La Spezia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.

Is Antalya or La Spezia a more walkable city?

Antalya
La Spezia

La Spezia is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

La Spezia is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Antalya Worth Visiting? and Is La Spezia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Spezia or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or La Spezia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antalya and La Spezia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Antalya than in La Spezia. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 2-3 days is enough time in La Spezia.

Families should spend more time in Antalya than La Spezia. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Antalya, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya than La Spezia 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 Antalya.


  • How many days in Antalya or La Spezia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Antalya 2-5 
    La Spezia 2-3

One day in Antalya or La Spezia?

You'll find shopping and museums around the vacation spot of Antalya. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In La Spezia, you'll find shopping and nightlife. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Antalya or La Spezia?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Antalya. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation spot has to offer. This vacation spot offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In La Spezia, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that La Spezia has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or La Spezia?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the relaxing vacation spot of Antalya. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this vacation spot makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation spot has to offer.

La Spezia is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or La Spezia?

Antalya is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Spezia. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting La Spezia. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, La Spezia or Antalya?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Antalya is $148, while the average daily cost in La Spezia is $216. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Antalya and La Spezia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antalya $55
    La Spezia $123
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antalya $110
    La Spezia $246
Compare Hotels in Antalya and La Spezia

Looking for a hotel in Antalya or La Spezia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Antalya


Hotels in La Spezia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Antalya Hotel Prices and La Spezia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Antalya $111
    La Spezia $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antalya

Also for Antalya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Turkey Antalya Airport Transfer Service VIP Transfer AYT: $46
  • Transfer from Antalya Airport to city of Side: $75
  • Transfer from Antalya Airport to Tekirova: $86
  • Transfer from Antalya Airport to Kiris/Camyuva: $81
  • Transfer from Antalya Airport to Kemer: $75
  • The Land of Legends Theme Park with Transfer from Side: $142
  • The Land of Legends Theme Park with Transfer from Antalya: $91
  • Tazi Canyon & Rafting tour with BBQ Lunch & Transfer from Antalya: $57
  • Suluada Boat Tour with Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer from Antalya: $48
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Antalya with Lunch and Transfer: $45
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Antalya with Lunch and Transfer: $45
  • River Rafting Tour with BBQ Lunch & Transfer from Antalya: $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Spezia

Also for La Spezia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from La Spezia to Florence : $245
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia to Cinque Terre by car or van: $141
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Port to La Spezia Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Hotels to La Spezia Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence Hotels: $131
  • Private Transfer Porto Venere or Lerici to La Spezia by car / van: $91
  • Private Transfer La Spezia Cruise Port or Train Station to city: $51
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Pisa Intl Airport (PSA) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Antalya or La Spezia?

Prices for flights to both La Spezia and Antalya change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Antalya $26
    La Spezia $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antalya

For Antalya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pamukkalea and Salda Lake Tour with Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner: $40
  • Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show with Dinner: $73
  • Full day trip to Pamukkale from Side with dinner: $88

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Spezia

For La Spezia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $92
  • Tour of Apericena at Sunset and Dinner on Boat: $97
  • Small-Group Street Food Tour: $97
  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $98
  • Portovenere: Sunset Cruise with Aperitif and Dinner: $98
  • Small-group Street food tour in La Spezia: $98
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in La Spezia: $104
  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $124
  • Porto Venere & Islands Sunset Boat Tour w/ Dinner: $140
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $151
  • Private Cooking Class in an Italian Home: $157
  • Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class with Lunch: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Antalya $46
    La Spezia $40

Tours and Activities in Antalya

For Antalya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Full Day Green Canyon Boat Tour with Lunch Included: $60
  • !!!All inclusive Antalya city tour: $66
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour from Antalya: $49
  • 3 in 1 Rafting Buggy Safari and Zipline Adventure in Antalya: $38
  • 4-Hour Antalya Short Shopping Tour: $15
  • 4-Hour Guided Antalya Aquarium Tour : $68
  • 6-Hour Kemer Pirate Boat Tour with Open-Buffet Lunch from Antalya: $25
  • 7 Hour Adventure on The Land of Legends Theme Park (Antalya): $121
  • 9 hours Antalya Canyoning and Rafting Tours: $43
  • A Walking Adventure in Antalya: $176
  • ANTALYA : Turkish Bath Experience with Hotel Pickup: $35
  • ATV Adventure Antalya with Hotel Pick-Up : $65

Tours and Activities in La Spezia

For La Spezia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Florence & Pisa bus tour from La Spezia: $82
  • La Spezia Walking Tour: $35
  • 4-Hour E-Bike Private Guided Tour of the Tellaro and Montemarcello Villages: $55
  • 6-Hour Guided Tour Portovenere and Cinque Terre with aperitif: $131
  • Afternoon Boat Tour to Cinque Terre with brunch on board: $154
  • Boat Tour of the 3 Islands & Portovenere: $66
  • Boat Tours 5 Terre: $137
  • Boat tour Cinque Terre and Gulf of Poets from La Spezia: $149
  • Boat tour from La Spezia to Portovenere and the Three Islands: $93
  • Boat tour golfo dei poeti - Golfo dei poeti Portovenere 3 Islands: $142
  • Caving adventure at the Caves of Equi Alpi Apuane: $143
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in La Spezia: $153

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antalya $21
    La Spezia $38

Sample the Local Flavors in La Spezia

Also in La Spezia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Food and wine tour in the Gulf of Poets with local products: $143
  • boat tour with seafood and wine tasting: $217
  • Lucca city tour and Pisa tower + wine tasting from La Spezia Port: $219


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antalya and La Spezia, we can see that La Spezia is more expensive. And not only is Antalya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antalya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antalya and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in La Spezia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Spezia than you might in Antalya.

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


Which is Bigger, Antalya or La Spezia?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of La Spezia. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and La Spezia, 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.