A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bodrum vs. Taormina for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bodrum or Taormina?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bodrum and Taormina can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Bodrum or Taormina?

Bodrum

Bodrum is a city on the Bodrum Peninsula, stretching from Turkey's southwest coast into the Aegean Sea. The city features twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle. This medieval fortress was built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, completed in the 4th century B.C. The city is also a gateway for nearby beach towns and resorts. Although more than a million tourists flock to its beaches, boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and clubs each summer, the town of Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) never seems to lose its cool. More than any other Turkish seaside getaway, it has an enigmatic elegance that pervades it. The evocative castle and the ancient ruins around town also help keep Bodrum a discerning step above the rest.

Taormina

A quaint hillside town on the eastern side of Sicily, Taormina is arguably one of the most popular tourist resorts on the island. It's peak season is the months of July and August when Italian and European tourists alike flock to the beaches. During this time it can be crowded and hot, but if you visit during the spring or fall months you might find the crowds slightly less and the weather more comfortable. The town is popular with package tours, which stay at the beach resorts around Giardini Naxos to the south or Letojanni to the north.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Taormina or Bodrum?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $92, while the average daily cost in Taormina is $116. 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 Bodrum and Taormina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $48
    Taormina $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $96
    Taormina $150
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Taormina

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Taormina? 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 Bodrum


Hotels in Taormina


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: Bodrum Hotel Prices and Taormina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $24
    Taormina $4.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

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

  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Seferihisar: $218
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kusadasi Hotels: $202
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $174
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyaka Hotels: $174
  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Kusadasi: $131
  • Bodrum Akyarlar Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $125
  • Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Soke (Söke): $125
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $114
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Bodrum Airport to Marmaris Hotels: $109
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $109
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Yalikavak Hotels: $104
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Turgutreis Hotels: $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

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

  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $41
  • Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.49

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Taormina?

Prices for flights to both Taormina and Bodrum 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
    Bodrum $24
    Taormina $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum

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

  • Cooking Class in Authentic Etrim Village: $44
  • Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $104
  • Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $125
  • Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $128
  • Bodrum Vineyard Tour with Dinner and Wine Pairing: $128
  • Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $131
  • Bodrum Cooking Class: $174
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $221
  • Shore Excursions - Istanbul by Night: Turkish Food Tour: $252
  • Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $291
  • From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $320
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $368

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $31
    Taormina $12

Tours and Activities in Bodrum

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.

  • 2 Hours Private Sightseeing and Walking Tour in Bodrum: $106
  • A Breathtaking Pamukkale Day Tour from Bodrum: $278
  • All Inclusive Private BODRUM to Ephesus, Mary's House, Lunch Tour: $299
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Virgin Mary's House from Bodrum: $104
  • Blue cruise around Bodrum bays: $28
  • Boat tour: Bodrum Private Boat Tour for Cruise Customers: $801
  • Bodrum ↔ Gulf of Gökova | Cabin Charter Cruise: $941
  • Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
  • Bodrum Buggy Safari Tours: $57
  • Bodrum City Sightseeing Walk: $150
  • Bodrum City Tour: 5-Hour Private Excursion with Lunch: $267
  • Bodrum City Walking Morning Sightseeing Tour: $213

Tours and Activities in Taormina

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Taormina.

  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $606
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $743
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $57
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $106
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $213
  • Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour: 8 Days: $2,668
  • Small Group Tour of Sicily Highlights: 8 Days: $2,668
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $428
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $588
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $267
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $14
    Taormina $9.18

Sample the Local Flavors in Taormina

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taormina:

  • Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $299


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Taormina, we can see that Taormina is more expensive. And not only is Bodrum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bodrum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bodrum 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 Taormina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taormina than you might in Bodrum.

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


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Taormina?

Bodrum has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum and Taormina, 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 Bodrum or Taormina?

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 Bodrum or Taormina in the Summer?

Both Taormina and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.

In the summer, Bodrum is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bodrum in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Taormina averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In July, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Taormina. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Taormina 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Taormina in the Autumn?

Both Taormina and Bodrum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bodrum is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 19°C (66°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Taormina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bodrum usually gets less rain in October than Taormina. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Taormina 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Taormina in the Winter?

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

Bodrum is cooler than Taormina in the winter. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Taormina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Bodrum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bodrum usually receives more rain than Taormina. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Taormina 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Taormina in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Taormina. Additionally, most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Bodrum is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bodrum in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Taormina averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in April than Taormina. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Taormina 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Taormina and Bodrum

Bodrum Taormina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)