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

Should you visit Ephesus or Sibenik?

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

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

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).

Sibenik

Sibenik is a city on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. It's known as a gateway to the Kornati Islands. The 15th-century stone Cathedral of St. James is decorated with 71 sculpted faces. Nearby, the Sibenik City Museum, in the 14th-century Prince's Palace, has exhibits ranging from prehistory to the present. The white stone St. Michael's Fortress has an open-air theater, with views of Sibenik Bay and neighboring islands. The city's magnificent medieval heart, gleaming white against the placid waters of the bay is enough to excite any traveler, and you won't be disappointed with your trip here. The stone labyrinth of steep backstreets and alleys are a joy to explore. Sibenik is also an important access point for Krka National Park and the Kornati Islands.

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


Which place is cheaper, Sibenik 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 Sibenik is $100. 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 Sibenik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Sibenik $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Sibenik $116
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Sibenik

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Sibenik? 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 Sibenik


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 Sibenik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Sibenik $14

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sibenik

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

  • Private transfer from Sibenik to Split: $262
  • Airport transfer from Split to Šibenik or vice versa: $164
  • Private transfer from Sibenik to Split airport: $126

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Sibenik?

Prices for flights to both Sibenik 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
    Sibenik $31
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
    Sibenik $13

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 Sibenik

For Sibenik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Kornati island National Park & Telascica Nature Park Boat Tour from Vodice: $76
  • Šibenik Riviera boat tour: Zlarin + Prvić + Tijat: $120
  • Daily or night walking tour through Medieval Šibenik: $45
  • Discover Šibenik - Evening walking tour : $38
  • Full-Day Sailing Tour in Šibenik Archipelago: $164
  • Kornati Experience small group (12 pax) boat tour: $137
  • Krka Waterfalls National Park Boat Tour from Vodice: $76
  • Private Sibenik Walking Historical Morning or Evening Tour: $49
  • Private walking tour of Sibenik: $164
  • Sibenik Private Combined Food & Drink and Historical Tour: $152
  • The Best of Sibenik Private Walking Tour: $164
  • Via Ferrata tour - Čikola Canyon: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Sibenik $17
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 Sibenik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sibenik:

  • Vinoplod Winery - Wine Tasting Tour: $29
  • Private Krka Waterfalls Tour with Wine Tasting from Sibenik: $213
  • From Split or Trogir: Krka National Park & Wine Tasting Tour: $1,069


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

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Sibenik?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Sibenik. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Sibenik, 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 Sibenik?

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 Sibenik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Sibenik. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sibenik in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Sibenik. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Sibenik fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sibenik this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Sibenik during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Sibenik. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Ephesus or Sibenik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Sibenik. Additionally, most visitors come to Sibenik for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Ephesus is around the same temperature as Sibenik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Sibenik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sibenik. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Sibenik. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 200 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Sibenik. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Ephesus or Sibenik in the Winter?

Both Sibenik and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sibenik because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Ephesus is a little warmer than Sibenik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Sibenik averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Ephesus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sibenik during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Sibenik. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Ephesus or Sibenik in the Spring?

Both Sibenik and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sibenik this time of year.

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

In Sibenik, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Sibenik. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 212 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Sibenik. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Sibenik and Ephesus

Ephesus Sibenik
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)