A Travel Price Comparison for Turkey Ephesus vs. Fethiye for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ephesus or Fethiye?

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

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

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).

Fethiye

Fethiye is a tourist town in Lycia on the Mediterranean coast. It has a beautiful marina and plenty of activities during the day or night. Fethiye's size, location, and easy access to transportation make it a great central starting point to explore the area. It's also a popular place to pick up the "Blue Cruise," a popular boat tour along the Mediterranean coast.

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


Which place is cheaper, Fethiye or Ephesus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $117, while the average daily cost in Fethiye is $94. 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 Fethiye in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $49
    Fethiye $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $98
    Fethiye $68
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Fethiye

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Fethiye? 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 Fethiye


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 Fethiye Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $36
    Fethiye $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Private Airport Transfer In Ephesus: $205
  • Transfer from/to Izmir Airport ADB to/from Didim Area: $198
  • Akbuk Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $175
  • Private VIP Transfer For/To ADB Airport: $163
  • One way Private Airport Transfer to Kusadasi Izmir Airport: $135
  • 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
  • Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $123
  • Pamucak Beach Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $111
  • Kuşadası Scuba Diving Experience with Hotel Transfer: $111
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $100
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Kusadasi: $100

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fethiye

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Fethiye are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $0.18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fethiye

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

  • Fethiye Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $287
  • Paragliding Experience in Fethiye with Roundtrip Transfer: $180
  • Private Outdoor Photo Shoot with Hotel Transfer: $141
  • From Oludeniz Paragliding Trip with Transfer: $125
  • Fethiye Rhodes Ferry Ticket With Free Hotel Transfer: $125
  • Antalya Olympos Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $123
  • Fethiye Scuba Diving with Transfer, 2 Dives and Lunch: $105
  • Fethiye Scuba Diving with Lunch, Transfer and Equipments: $90
  • Dalaman Airport DLM Transfers to Hisaronu (Fethiye) Hotels: $87
  • Fethiye City Center Hotels to Dalaman Airport DLM Transfers: $87
  • Private Transfer from or to Dalaman Airport Fethiye and Oludeniz: $85
  • Fethiye Dalyan Boat Tour with Lunch, Mud Bath, Transfer, Guide: $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Fethiye?

Prices for flights to both Fethiye 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 $40
    Fethiye $42
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

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


  • Sandwiches
    $0.11
  • Dessert
    $0.12
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    $0.41
  • Snacks
    $0.17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

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

  • FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus, Selcuk City Stroll, and Street Food Tour: $92
  • Private Ephesus Tour & Cooking Experience with locals: $160
  • Kusadasi Selcuk Ephesus Gourmet and Street Food Tour: $233
  • Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $296

Typical Food Prices in Fethiye

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


  • Fruit
    $0.15
  • Soda
    $0.06

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fethiye

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

  • Turkish Cooking Class in a Village Garden: $94
  • Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class in Fethiye with Mel: $134

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $41
    Fethiye $27

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

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

  • 2 Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk: $160
  • 2 Days Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour: $204
  • 2 Days Ephesus and Istanbul Tour from Kusadasi and Istanbul Ports: $292
  • 2 Hour Turkish Bath Experience in Kusadasi: $20
  • ALL COVERED AND INCLUSIVE: EPHESUS & ARTEMIS TOUR for cuisers: $110
  • ALL INCLUDED: Ephesus Ruins, Mary's House Tour incl ENTRY TICKETS: $55
  • ALL INCLUSIVE Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses tour with LUNCH: $127
  • ALL INCLUSIVE VIP EphesusTour+Skip the Line Tickets(For Cruisers): $90
  • All Inclusive Private Access Ephesus Tour (SKIP-THE-LINE): $71
  • All Inclusive Private Ephesus, Village Tour and Traditional Lunch: $159
  • All Inclusive Private Tour in Ephesus: $75
  • All Inclusive: Best of EPHESUS Tours Incl Skip Line ENTRY TICKETS: $55

Typical Entertainment Prices in Fethiye

For Fethiye, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Paragliding
    $5.17
  • Gorge Walk entry and photo
    $0.12

Tours and Activities in Fethiye

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

  • Ölüdeniz Butterfly Valley Boat Tour Max 30 People (No Loud Music): $60
  • Ölüdeniz Half Day Scuba Diving Experience: $89
  • Ölüdeniz: 2-Hour Tandem Paragliding Experience: $235
  • 4 Hours 12 Islands Group Tour: $111
  • 4 Hours Oludeniz Group Tour: $111
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Blue Lagoon Ölüdeniz Tandem Paragliding Experience from Fethiye: $198
  • Boutique Dalyan Tour: Mud Bath, Rock Tombs & Turtle Beach: $74
  • Butterfly Valley Boat Trip & 6 Bays Cruise from Fethiye, Ölüdeniz: $45
  • Cruise The Blues in the 12 Islands Fethiye: $52
  • Dalyan Mud Baths and Turtle Beach Day Tour From Fethiye: $90
  • Dalyan Mud Baths and Turtle Beach Day Tour From Fethiye: $111

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $10
    Fethiye $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

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


  • Beer
    $0.09

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 Shore Excursion & Wine Tasting: $21
  • PRIVATE & GROUP: EPHESUS TOUR with Wine Tasting (SKIP-THE-LINE): $29
  • LGBTQ+ Friendly Ephesus Shore Excursion & Local Wine Tasting: $30
  • FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $34
  • Ephesus Shore Excursion & Wine Tasting + Lunch - Opt Turkish Bath: $35
  • FOR CRUISERS:Kusadasi Port Private Wine Tasting and Ephesus Tour: $45
  • POTTERY PAINTING & WINE TASTING Tour from Kusadasi Port: $49
  • Wine Tasting-Village Shore Excursion from Kusadasi Port: $50
  • Sirince Village and Wine Tour with Artemis Temple: $57
  • Kusadasi Shore Excursions Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tours: $70
  • Ephesus & Şirince Village with Lunch& Wine Tasting (Fixed Price): $115
  • Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting and Traditional Turkish Lunch: $130


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

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Fethiye?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Fethiye. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Fethiye, 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 Fethiye?

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 Fethiye in the Summer?

Both Fethiye and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ephesus in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Fethiye. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Fethiye fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Fethiye. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Fethiye during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Fethiye receives 385 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Fethiye. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Fethiye receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Fethiye 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Fethiye in the Autumn?

Both Fethiye and Ephesus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ephesus for the shopping scene during these months.

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

In Fethiye, 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 Fethiye. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fethiye receives 249 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Fethiye. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Fethiye receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Ephesus or Fethiye in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Fethiye. The winter months attract visitors to Ephesus because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Ephesus usually receives less sunshine than Fethiye during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Fethiye receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

Fethiye 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 Fethiye. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Fethiye receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Ephesus or Fethiye in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Fethiye.

In April, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Fethiye. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Fethiye fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fethiye. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the spring, Ephesus often gets less sunshine than Fethiye. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fethiye receives 250 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Fethiye. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Fethiye receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Fethiye 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Fethiye and Ephesus

Ephesus Fethiye
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)