A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Antalya or Pompeii?

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

Should I visit Antalya or Pompeii? 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 high energy, relaxing, and luxurious vacation spot. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. It's also popular because of the museums.

Antalya and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antalya. Although Antalya and Pompeii are popular destinations, Antalya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Antalya is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Pompeii attracts visitors for its museums. Antalya is famous for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also well known for Hadrian's Gate. Pompeii is famous for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

How is Antalya different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its museums and history. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Pompeii has many famous sights for visitors. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

Many visitors head to Antalya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

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

Antalya is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Antalya or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Antalya is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Antalya has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Antalya or Pompeii Better for Music?

Antalya is very good for its music scene. However, Pompeii is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Pompeii is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Pompeii Better for Resorts?

Antalya is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Pompeii is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Antalya is a perfect choice. 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.

Pompeii is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Pompeii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Antalya is renowned for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Antalya is a very popular vacation destination. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Antalya is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is Antalya or Pompeii Better for Hiking?

Antalya is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Pompeii?

Antalya is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Many people travel to Antalya specifically to go shopping. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Antalya or Pompeii Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Antalya or Pompeii.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Pompeii is a very family-friendly place to visit. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

Is Antalya or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Antalya is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Antalya or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Antalya or Pompeii Better for Students?

Pompeii is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Antalya is not popular with students.

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

Antalya is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Antalya offers a very effecient public transportation network. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Antalya or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Pompeii. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Antalya or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Antalya than Pompeii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

Families should spend more time in Antalya than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii. 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 Pompeii 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.

One day in Antalya or Pompeii?

In Antalya, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This vacation spot offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Pompeii, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Antalya or Pompeii?

In Antalya, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Antalya has to offer.

In Pompeii, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pompeii has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Pompeii?

Antalya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Antalya has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Pompeii. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Antalya and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Antalya or Pompeii?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences.

Antalya is a little warmer than Pompeii in the summer. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Pompeii. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antalya usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antalya or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Antalya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Antalya for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Antalya is a little warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antalya in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Antalya usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Pompeii. Many visitors come to Antalya in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months.

In January, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 11°C (51°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. Antalya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antalya or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Pompeii. Most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Antalya is a little warmer than Pompeii in the spring. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 16°C (62°F) in April, and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the spring, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Antalya