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

Should you visit Ephesus or Korcula?

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

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

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).

Korcula

Korcula is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea. It lies just off the Dalmatian coast. This island is known for its dense forest and the ancient Greeks called the island Black Korcula for this reason. Korcula is one of Croatia's most treasured islands. Rich in vineyards, olive groves, and small villages, and harboring a glorious old town, the island of Korcula is the sixth-largest Adriatic island. Quiet coves and small sandy beaches dot the steep southern coast while the northern shore is flatter and with more pebbles. Tradition is alive and kicking on Korcula, with age-old religious ceremonies, folk music, and dances still being performed to the delight of an ever-growing influx of tourists.

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 from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Korcula 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 Korcula is $96. 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 Korcula in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Korcula $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Korcula $124
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Korcula

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Korcula? 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 Korcula


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 Korcula Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Korcula $1.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Akbuk Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $164
  • Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $115
  • Ephesus Private Guided Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $80
  • From-to Izmir AirPort to-from Kusadası Private Airport Transfer: $75
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $100
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - Kusadasi Centrum (All hotels, home...) transfers: $65
  • Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $40
  • Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $40
  • Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Kusadasi Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $169
  • Kusadasi Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $93
  • Kusadasi International Golf Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Korcula

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Korcula:

  • Private One Way Transfer from Orebić to Dubrovnik: $205
  • Island Stupe / Moro Beach Transfer: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Korcula?

Prices for flights to both Korcula 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
    Korcula $30
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 Korcula

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Korcula.

  • Private Half-Day Cooking Workshop Gastronomy in Korcula: $87
  • Korcula walking tour and dinner for Food Lovers: $228
  • Korčula: Island Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $321

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Korcula $12

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

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

  • For Cruisers: Skip-the-line Private Free Ephesus Tour : $0.05
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of The Highlights: $6.53
  • Entry Free: Drive by Ephesus and Ancient Wonder Tour: $12
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of the ancient pearl of the Mediterranean: $17
  • Kusadasi Traditional Turkish Bath Hamam Experience : $17
  • SKIP THE LINE :Best Seller Ephesus Private Tour For Cruiser Guest: $19
  • Private & Mini Group Classical Ephesus Tour For Cruisers: $19
  • Skip the Line - Best of Ephesus: $19
  • Time Travel in Affordable and Spectacular Experience: $20
  • Best of Ephesus Guided Tour For Cruise Guest : $20
  • Kusadasi Scuba Diving Tour By Local Experts: $20
  • Kusadasi Quad Safari Adventure: $20

Tours and Activities in Korcula

Here are a few actual costs in Korcula for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Hour Private Walking Tour in Korcula : $75
  • 3 Islands Tour - HopOnHopOff - Daily Ticket : $33
  • Bits of History - Half day kayak Tour: $66
  • City tour Korćula - private walking tour: $117
  • Croatia Korcula Island Buggy Safari Tour: $120
  • Dubrovnik Republic Tour From Korcula and Orebic: $98
  • From Dubrovnik Private tour to Korčula Island: $342
  • From Dubrovnik Old Town Private yacht cruise: $3,743
  • Half Day Original Buggy Adventure and Safari Tour in Korcula: $109
  • Half day Lago di Korcula Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour: $64
  • Jeanneau Prestige 440 Fly Private Boat Tour: $1,497
  • Korcula Island Mountain E Bike Tour: $186

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Korcula $10
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 Korcula

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

  • Wine Tasting at Black Island Winery: $31
  • Slurp of Grk Wine Tour: $92
  • Day Tour from Dubrovnik - Korčula and Pelješac Wine Tasting: $92
  • Wine Tour Korcula: $98
  • Half-Day Bike Tour in Lumbarda with Wine Tasting: $105
  • Korcula Buggy Safari With Wine Tasting: $107
  • Korcula Bike & Wine Tour: $111
  • Private Korcula wine tour and tasting : $131
  • Wine tour Korčula - private tour: $146
  • Enchanted Forest Hike and Wine Tasting Private Tour: $158
  • Korcula Island Sightseeing Tour Including Wine Tasting: $229


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

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Korcula?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Korcula, 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 Korcula?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ephesus or Korcula in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Korcula. Additionally, many travelers come to Korcula for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ephesus is around the same temperature as Korcula in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Korcula fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Korcula. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Korcula. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Korcula. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Korcula 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Korcula in the Autumn?

Both Korcula and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Korcula in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ephesus is around the same temperature as Korcula. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Korcula averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Korcula. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Korcula during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Korcula. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Korcula 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Korcula in the Winter?

Both Korcula and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Korcula for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Korcula. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Ephesus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Korcula. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Korcula. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Korcula 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Korcula in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Korcula. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Korcula because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Korcula this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Korcula during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Korcula. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Korcula 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Korcula and Ephesus

Ephesus Korcula
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)