A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ephesus vs. Corfu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ephesus or Corfu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Corfu, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Ephesus or Corfu?

Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC). It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was destroyed in 401 AD and rebuilt by Emperor Constantine I along with new public baths. The town was again partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a commercial center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River (Kucuk Menderes).

Corfu

Also known in modern Greek as Kerkira or Kerkyra, Corfu is the northernmost of Greece's Ionian islands, located off the nation's northwest coast in the Adriatic Sea. It has historically seen control of Venetians, French, and British powers, and today draws tourists mainly as a resort destination.

Like many beach destinations in Europe, Corfu can be expensive due to higher tourist demand and limited space on the island. But Greece is still a fairly affordable country compared to other places in Europe, so deals can be found.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens.


Which place is cheaper, Corfu or Ephesus?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Corfu is $122. 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 Ephesus and Corfu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Corfu $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Corfu $106
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Corfu

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Corfu? 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 Ephesus


Hotels in Corfu


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: Ephesus Hotel Prices and Corfu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Corfu $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Private Airport Transfer In Ephesus: $205
  • Private Transfer From Kusadasi to Pamukkale: $196
  • Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $173
  • Kusadasi Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $169
  • Akbuk Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $164
  • Milas Bodrum Airport (BJV) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $140
  • Kusadasi to Pamukkale Hotels Private Transfer: $136
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Selçuk, Ephesus, Şirince: $131
  • VIP Transfer Kusadasi From/To Bodrum Airport: $128
  • Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $120
  • Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $115

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Corfu

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

  • Private Highlights Tour with Transfer: $321
  • From Private Group Transfer to Barbati Beach: $288
  • Private Transfer from Ksamil to Syvota: $254
  • Corfu Airport (CFU): Private Transfer to Corfu Island hotels: $238
  • Private Transfer from Syvota to Marines Cleopatra, Aktio, Ionio: $237
  • Private Transfer from Parga to Lefkas: $200
  • Transfer from Corfu Airport or Port to Kanoni, up to 16 customers: $134
  • Transfer from Corfu Airport or Port to Kommeno, up to 16 customers: $133
  • Transfer from Corfu Airport or Port to Alykes, up to 16 customers: $133
  • Private Shore Excursion Visit in Corfu with Transfer Included: $131
  • Corfu International Airport (CFU): One-way Hotel Transfer: $128
  • Corfu Airport (CFU): Transfer to Corfu Neo Limani Cruis Port: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Corfu?

Prices for flights to both Corfu and Ephesus 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
    Ephesus $33
    Corfu $33
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:


  • Sandwiches
    $0.15
  • Dessert
    $0.17
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    $0.59
  • Snacks
    $0.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

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

  • Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $110
  • Ephesus Tour with Cooking Class in the Village: $149
  • Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine | Small Group Kusadasi Food Tour: $211
  • Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $228

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Corfu

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

  • Private Traditional Albanian Lakror Cooking Class in Ksamil: $40
  • Greek Cooking Class & Olive Oil Tasting: $96
  • Corfood bites - Cooking classes by Christos: $98
  • Cooking Class,walk in the market,olive oil tasting.Simply Greece!: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Corfu $17

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

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

  • Ephesus Half Day Small Group Tour: $40
  • Ephesus Shared Tour from Kuşadası Port: $130
  • Ephesus Tour With Small Group From Kusadasi: $76
  • Ephesus Tour from Kusadası Port: $44
  • Ephesus small groups Tour For Cruisers (skip the line): $100
  • Ephesus tours Sirince Village from Kusadasi Port with lunch: $63
  • Ephesus tours and Virgin Mary's House Temple Artemis tours : $67
  • Private Tour Ephesus for Cruise Guests : $250
  • Private Tour to Ephesus, Virgin Mary, and Artemis Temple From Cruise Ship/Hotel: $120
  • Small Group Pamukkale Day Tour from Selcuk or Kusadası : $93
  • "Ephesus Tours" Port Kusadasi lunch guide bus shopping Caravanserai artemis : $58
  • "No Better Way to Explore History - Affordable Ephesus Tour": $30

Tours and Activities in Corfu

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

  • 1 hour Tour in Corfu Town with Dark Stories: $33
  • 2023 Top-Rated Private Custom Corfu Tour: $321
  • 2024 Top Rated Private Custom Corfu Tour: $164
  • 6 Hour Boat Tour from Corfu to Sivota with Barbecue on Board: $60
  • 8-day/7-night Corfu cruise: $726
  • A Cultural tour in the Historical centrer of Corfu Old Town: $214
  • ATV Quad Guided Sightseeing/ Exploring Tour@The Pink Palace Corfu: $82
  • Achilleion Palace, Kanoni & Corfu Old Town Private Tour: $373
  • Achillion Palace and Corfu town, Half day private tour: $164
  • Albania Cruise from Corfu : $48
  • All Day Cruise - Paxos and Antipaxos Islands with Blue Caves: $63
  • Antiquity and the Middle Ages in a Unique Experience Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Corfu $9.28
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.12

Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus

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

  • Skip-the-line Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $53
  • Ephesus port tours and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
  • Ephesus&Sirince Village with Wine Tasting Shore Ex: $100
  • Ephesus and Sirince with Wine tasting Private Half Day Shore Excursion: $100
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Wine Tasting in the village and visit to Mother's Mary House: $130
  • Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting: $134
  • Virgin Mary Bread and Wine Tour included Lunch: $300

Sample the Local Flavors in Corfu

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

  • Private Wine Tasting with Local Wine Makers in Sivota: $71
  • Wine Tasting in Kassiopi Corfu: $219
  • Private Corfu Wine Tasting Shore Excursion: $449
  • Private Shore Excursion: Corfu's Highlights & Wine Tasting: $460


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

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Corfu?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Corfu. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Corfu, 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 Ephesus or Corfu?

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 Ephesus or Corfu in the Summer?

Both Corfu and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Corfu this time of year.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Corfu in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Corfu fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Corfu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Corfu during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Corfu receives 358 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Corfu. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Corfu 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Corfu in the Autumn?

Both Corfu and Ephesus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Corfu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ephesus is around the same temperature as Corfu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Corfu averages at about 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Corfu. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Corfu receives 178 hours of full sun.

Corfu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Corfu. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Corfu 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Corfu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Corfu. Also, many visitors come to Corfu in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Corfu. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Corfu fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Corfu during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Corfu receives 112 hours of full sun in the winter.

Corfu receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ephesus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Corfu. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Corfu 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Corfu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Corfu. Also, most visitors come to Corfu for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Ephesus is around the same temperature as Corfu in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Corfu fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Corfu. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Corfu receives 195 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Corfu. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Corfu 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Corfu and Ephesus

Ephesus Corfu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 136 mm (5.4 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)