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

Should you visit Ephesus or Ezcaray?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Ezcaray, 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 Ezcaray?

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).

Ezcaray

Ezcaray, Spain is a great place to go if you are looking for a scenic, relaxing, and peaceful destination. It is located in the Sierra de la Demanda mountains on the banks of the Oja river. Because of the mountain range nearby, it is also a great place for mountaineers. Ezcaray is a small town with big charm and momentous possibilities. It is located right at the base of the San Lorenzo peak in the Oja valley in the La Rioja region of Spain. The town has a population of less than 2,000, so it is a far cry from big city life, but that's part of what makes it such a gem to visit. Some say it is one of the best locations to get an authentic feel of real Spain without the big touristy populations. Its sheer beauty has also been compared to something out of a fairy tale.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Ezcaray 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 Ezcaray is $119. 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 Ezcaray in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Ezcaray $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Ezcaray $120
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Ezcaray

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Ezcaray? 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 Ezcaray


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 Ezcaray Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Ezcaray $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • VIP Transfer Kusadasi From/To Bodrum Airport: $128
  • Transfer izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Davutlar: $98
  • Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $60
  • 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
  • Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $173
  • Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Ezcaray?

Prices for flights to both Ezcaray 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
    Ezcaray $42
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Ezcaray $23

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Ezcaray $20
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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Ezcaray, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Ezcaray much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ezcaray would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ezcaray 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 Ezcaray.

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Ezcaray?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ezcaray. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Ezcaray, 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 Ezcaray?

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 Ezcaray in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Ezcaray.

In July, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Ezcaray. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Ezcaray fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Ezcaray during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Ezcaray receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Ezcaray. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Ezcaray 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Ezcaray in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Ezcaray.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Ezcaray in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Ezcaray fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Ezcaray. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ezcaray. Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Ezcaray. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Ezcaray 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Ezcaray in the Winter?

Both Ezcaray and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In the winter, Ephesus is around the same temperature as Ezcaray. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Ezcaray averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Ezcaray during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Ezcaray receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ezcaray. It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Ezcaray. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Ezcaray 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Ezcaray in the Spring?

Both Ezcaray and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Ezcaray. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Ezcaray fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Ezcaray. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 117 hours of full sun.

Ezcaray gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Ezcaray. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Ezcaray 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ezcaray and Ephesus

Ephesus Ezcaray
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)