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

Should you visit Antalya or Thessaloniki?

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

Should I visit Antalya or Thessaloniki? 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a high energy, bustling, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Thessaloniki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Thessaloniki?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antalya than Thessaloniki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Antalya is more popular for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Thessaloniki is known for its big city activities. Antalya is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is known for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also home to Hadrian's Gate. Thessaloniki is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections.

How is Antalya different from Thessaloniki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Thessaloniki and Antalya.

Antalya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Many visitors head to Thessaloniki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Antalya and Thessaloniki can be difficult as they are each high quality 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, Thessaloniki makes for a great culinary experience. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Is Antalya or Thessaloniki Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Antalya and Thessaloniki.

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.

Thessaloniki is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

Is Antalya or Thessaloniki Better for Music?

Antalya is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Antalya is active and vibrant. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Thessaloniki Better for Resorts?

Antalya is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Antalya is a great 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.

Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Thessaloniki Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Antalya has a few good snorkeling spots. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Thessaloniki Better for Beaches?

Antalya is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Antalya. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is Antalya or Thessaloniki Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is Antalya or Thessaloniki Better for Hiking?

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

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Thessaloniki?

Antalya is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Thessaloniki 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Thessaloniki. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

Is Antalya or Thessaloniki Better for Families?

Antalya is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Antalya or Thessaloniki Better for Couples?

Antalya is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Thessaloniki is a good vacation spot for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Antalya or Thessaloniki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya and Thessaloniki are both high quality 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 Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Is Antalya or Thessaloniki Better for Students?

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

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Antalya is not popular with students.

Is Antalya or Thessaloniki 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, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Antalya can get you around easily. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Antalya or Thessaloniki a more walkable city?

Antalya and Thessaloniki are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Thessaloniki is somewhat walkable. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Thessaloniki or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Thessaloniki?

It's fun to spend time in either Antalya or Thessaloniki. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Antalya due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 2-4 days is enough time in Thessaloniki.

Families should spend more time in Antalya than Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki?

In Antalya, many people enjoy the live music and food that this historic vacation spot offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Thessaloniki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Thessaloniki?

Antalya is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Thessaloniki, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Thessaloniki has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Thessaloniki?

In Antalya, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this luxurious destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki?

Antalya is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Thessaloniki. 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 Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.

When comparing the travel costs between Antalya and Thessaloniki, we can see that Antalya 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 Thessaloniki Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Thessaloniki?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Thessaloniki, 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.

When is the best time to visit Antalya or Thessaloniki?

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 Thessaloniki in the Summer?

Both Thessaloniki and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Antalya because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.

In July, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 28°C (83°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Thessaloniki. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Antalya or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?

Both Thessaloniki and Antalya during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Antalya is a little warmer than Thessaloniki in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets more rain in October than Thessaloniki. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Thessaloniki in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Thessaloniki. Many travelers come to Antalya for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Antalya is much warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antalya in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 101 hours of full sun in the winter.

Antalya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antalya or Thessaloniki in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Thessaloniki. Many visitors come to Antalya in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 16°C (62°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 13°C (56°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 Thessaloniki. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 196 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets more rain in April than Thessaloniki. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Antalya