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

Should you visit Ephesus or Faro?

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

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

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).

Faro

Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Faro 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 Faro is $143. 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 Faro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Faro $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Faro $160
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Faro

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Faro? 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 Faro


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 Faro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Faro $10

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 Faro

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

  • Airport Transfer to Malaga: $743
  • Airport Transfer to Cadiz: $669
  • Airport Transfer to Sintra: $569
  • Airport Transfer to Lisbon: $533
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Private Seville airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Airport Transfer to Sevilla: $476
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Lisboa: $465
  • Airport Transfer to Evora: $414
  • From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Lisbon: $385
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilha: $380
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 4pax cars): $374

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Faro?

Prices for flights to both Faro 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
    Faro $39
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 Faro

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

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Faro $10

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 Faro

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

  • Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • 2:30 Hours Tour: $273
  • 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
  • 5 hours tour in Ria Formosa: $49
  • 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
  • 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
  • A Timeless Private Walking Tour Experience in Tavira: $202
  • Algarve Buggy Tours: $202
  • Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Faro $3.35
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 Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48


When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Faro, we can see that Ephesus 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 Ephesus Expensive? and Is Faro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Faro?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Faro, 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 Faro?

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 Faro in the Summer?

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

In July, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Faro. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Faro during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives around the same amount of rain as Faro. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Faro 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Faro in the Autumn?

Both Faro and Ephesus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene.

Ephesus is around the same temperature as Faro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Faro fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Faro. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Faro. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Faro 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Faro in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Ephesus is cooler than Faro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Faro averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Ephesus usually receives less sunshine than Faro during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ephesus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Faro. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Faro 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Faro in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Faro. Additionally, most visitors come to Faro for the beaches during these months.

In April, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Faro. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the spring, Ephesus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Faro. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Faro. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Faro 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Faro and Ephesus

Ephesus Faro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)