A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Carcassonne vs. Olympos for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Carcassonne or Olympos?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Carcassonne and Olympos. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Carcassonne or Olympos?

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Carcassonne is located in the Aude plain between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire and was later taken over in the fifth century by the Visigoths who founded the city. Its desirable location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cite, which has numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. With its position on a rocky hilltop, zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children's storybook when it's seen from afar. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. It attracts over four million visitors every year, peaking in high summer. Time your visit for late in the day (or even better in spring or fall) to truly appreciate the old town's medieval charm.

Olympos

Olympos was an ancient city in Lycia, situated in a river valley near the coast. Its ruins are located south of the modern town Cirali in the Kumluca district of Antalya Province, Turkey. An important Lycian city in the 2nd century BC, Olympos is more famous these days for being the beach resort of choice for backpackers. Staying in an Olympos 'tree house' at one of the dozen-or-so camps that line the path to the ruins and beach has long been the stuff of travel legend. The former hippy-trail hot-spot has been considerably renovated in past years and during summer can be pretty overcrowded. Olympos offers good value and an up-for-it party atmosphere in a lovely setting.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Olympos or Carcassonne?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Carcassonne is €106, while the average daily cost in Olympos is €89. 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 Carcassonne and Olympos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Carcassonne 61
    Olympos 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Carcassonne 122
    Olympos 80
Compare Hotels in Carcassonne and Olympos

Looking for a hotel in Carcassonne or Olympos? 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 Carcassonne


Hotels in Olympos


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: Carcassonne Hotel Prices and Olympos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Carcassonne 7.14
    Olympos 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Olympos

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

  • Two Days Tour to Cappadocia with HB Hotel & Transfer from Kemer: $192
  • Suluada Boat Tour From Antalya (Maldives of Turkey) with Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $22
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $40
  • Private Transfers Between Antalya Airport - Beldibi & Göynük & Kemer Resorts: $240
  • Private Transfers Between Antalya Airport - Çıralı & Olympos & Adrasan Resorts: $299
  • Private Transfer From Beldibi / Göynük / Kemer / Kiriş To Antalya Airport: $91
  • Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
  • Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
  • Kemer Suluada Boat Tour (Maldives of Turkey) With Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Trip with transfer from Belek: $15
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Trip With Lunch & Free Hotel Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Carcassonne or Olympos?

Prices for flights to both Olympos and Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne 39
    Olympos 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Olympos

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

  • Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar : $33
  • Kemer Olympos & Yanartas Sunset Jeep Tour with Dinner: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Carcassonne 14
    Olympos 28

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

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

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Best of Cathar Country: Full-Day Private Tour.: $207
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour : $201
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Fortress Walking Tour: $171
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Photoshoot Experience: $160
  • Private Walking Tour with Cité de Carcassonne: $187

Tours and Activities in Olympos

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

  • 2 Hour Olympos Cable Car Tour to Tahtali Mountains from Kemer: $66
  • 2-in-1 Canyoning and White Water Rafting Adventure with Lunch From Kemer: $25
  • 9 Hours Rafting, Buggy Safari and Zipline Adventure from Kemer: $38
  • Antalya Full-Day City Tour From Kemer With Cable Car : $30
  • Buggy Safari and Rafting Adventure from Kemer: $38
  • Demre Myra Tour with Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip From Kemer: $36
  • Full-day Boat Tour from Kemer with Lunch and Foam Party: $33
  • Goynuk Canyon Tour with Entrance Ticket: $25
  • Green Canyon Boat Tour with Lunch and Drinks from Kemer: $63
  • Kemer 3 in 1 Tour Rafting Quad Safari and Zipline Experience: $40
  • Kemer ATV Mountain Biking Tour: $54
  • Kemer Bay Blue Cruise from Kemer: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Carcassonne 13
    Olympos 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


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

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



When is the best time to visit Carcassonne or Olympos?

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 Carcassonne or Olympos in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Olympos. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

Carcassonne is cooler than Olympos in the summer. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Olympos fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympos this time of the year. In Carcassonne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during summer. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 385 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Carcassonne usually receives more rain than Olympos. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F) 
    Olympos 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Olympos in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Olympos. Many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Carcassonne is cooler than Olympos. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Carcassonne in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Olympos averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympos. In the autumn, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 249 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets more rain in October than Olympos. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F) 
    Olympos 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Olympos in the Winter?

Both Olympos and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Carcassonne is generally cooler than Olympos. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 8°C (47°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during winter. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Carcassonne usually receives more rain than Olympos. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F) 
    Olympos 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Olympos in the Spring?

Both Olympos and Carcassonne during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Carcassonne is cooler than Olympos in the spring. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Olympos fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Olympos, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 250 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets more rain in April than Olympos. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F) 
    Olympos 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Olympos and Carcassonne

Carcassonne Olympos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (53°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)