A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fethiye vs. Lake Garda for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Fethiye or Lake Garda?

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

Should I visit Fethiye or Lake Garda? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Fethiye or Lake Garda?

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.

Lake Garda

As a gentle Mediterranean wind touches your skin, the aromatic fragrances of olive and lemon trees fill the air. Surrounded by lush gardens and Italian architecture in its ancient tans and beiges, you look to the horizon and find a paradise before your eyes: a shimmering lake, misty mountaintops, and a clear blue sky. Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination for locals of the Lombardy region and tourists alike. It has been shown that about 7% of Italy's tourists head straight for these gleaming blue shores. The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is located about halfway in between Brescia and Verona and between Venezia and Milano. Because it is surrounded by several different districts - Lombardy, Trentino, Alto, and the Veneto - Lake Garda is a culmination of culture that attracts cosmopolitan crowds. The lake is an ancient natural treasure Italy holds dear, with documents referring to Lake Garda dating as far back as the eighteenth century. The name "Garda" comes from the Germanic word "warda," which means "place of guard." Whether you are staying at one of the many luxurious resorts in Riva del Garda or are simply getting a pedicure in spa town Sirmione, Lake Garda continues to preserve its elegance and sophistication throughout the years.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Fethiye?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Fethiye is $109, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is $178. 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 Fethiye and Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fethiye $48
    Lake Garda $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fethiye $96
    Lake Garda $180
Compare Hotels in Fethiye and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Fethiye or Lake Garda? 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 Fethiye


Hotels in Lake Garda


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: Fethiye Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fethiye $34
    Lake Garda $70
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fethiye

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


  • Local Bus
    $0.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fethiye

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

  • Tandem Paragliding Over The Blue Lagoon in Fethiye From Kas Inc.Transfer: $300
  • Private Departure Transfer: Fethiye, Oludeniz Region Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $47
  • Private Departure Transfer: Fethiye Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $28
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Dalaman Airport to Fethiye Hotels: $38
  • Private Airport Transfers: From Orhaniye to Dalaman Airport: $99
  • Private Airport Transfers: From Fethiye/Oludeniz to Dalaman Airport: $98
  • Private Airport Transfer From/To Dalaman Airport: $60
  • Oludeniz Butterfly Valley Boat Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfer: $76
  • Luxury Airport Transfer From Fethiye To Dalaman Airport: $53
  • Hisaronu (Fethiye) Hotels to Dalaman Airport DLM Transfers: $87
  • From Quad Bike Adventure with Transfers: $48
  • From Island Sailing Trip with Transfer and Lunch: $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda

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

  • Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128
  • Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Fethiye or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Fethiye 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
    Fethiye $35
    Lake Garda $45
Typical Food Prices in Fethiye

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


  • Fruit
    $0.22
  • Soda
    $0.09

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda

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

  • 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
  • Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
  • Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fethiye $38
    Lake Garda $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fethiye

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


  • Paragliding
    $7.42
  • Gorge Walk entry and photo
    $0.17

Tours and Activities in Fethiye

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

  • Fethiye Dalyan Tour River Cruise and Mud Bath: $63
  • Ölüdeniz: Pirate Boat Cruise with Swim Stops and Lunch: $48
  • 12 Islands Boat Tour from Fethiye with Grilled Lunch: $41
  • 2-Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Cultural Tour from Fethiye: $221
  • 2-Day tour Ephesus and Pamukkale from Fethiye : $163
  • 7-HourJeep Safari Adventure in Fethiye Turkey: $31
  • Blue Lagoon Ölüdeniz Tandem Paragliding Experience from Fethiye: $218
  • Dalyan Mud Baths and Turtle Beach Day Tour From Fethiye: $60
  • Dalyan River Cruise by Boat with Lunch and Sea Turtles Watching: $54
  • Ephesus and Pamukkale 2 Day tour from Fethiye: $191
  • Fethiye Horse Riding Experience: $38
  • Fethiye Jeep Safari Tour: $28

Tours and Activities in Lake Garda

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

  • Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
  • 2 Hours Walking and Boat Tour in Sirmione Highlights: $53
  • Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
  • Best of Sirmione with Boat Tour and Grotte di Catullo : $97
  • Boat Tour of the Islands of Lake Garda with Aperitif: $76
  • Canyoning "Vione" - advanced tour, for sportive beginner: $106
  • Dolomites Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda: $75
  • Dolomites Full-day Tour from Lake Garda: $76
  • Experience in Sirmione Lake Garda: $98
  • Fabulous Heritage of Sirmione - Walking Tour: $185
  • From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49
  • From Dolomites Bus Tour: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fethiye $17
    Lake Garda $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda

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

  • Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
  • Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
  • Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
  • Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
  • Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
  • E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
  • E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
  • Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
  • Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fethiye and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda 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 Fethiye Expensive? and Is Lake Garda Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Fethiye or Lake Garda?

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 Fethiye or Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fethiye and Lake Garda. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

In the summer, Fethiye is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fethiye in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lake Garda this time of the year. In Fethiye, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during summer. Fethiye gets 385 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Fethiye usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Fethiye gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fethiye 28°C (82°F) 
    Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fethiye as well as Lake Garda. Additionally, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Fethiye is generally a little warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Fethiye average around 20°C (68°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fethiye this time of the year. In the autumn, Fethiye often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Fethiye gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.

Fethiye usually gets less rain in October than Lake Garda. Fethiye gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fethiye 20°C (68°F) 
    Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Fethiye are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lake Garda can get quite cold in the winter. Fethiye is much warmer than Lake Garda in the winter. The daily temperature in Fethiye averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Fethiye gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Fethiye. In January, Fethiye usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Fethiye gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fethiye 10°C (50°F) 
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Lake Garda in the Spring?

Both Lake Garda and Fethiye during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Fethiye is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fethiye in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Fethiye. In the spring, Fethiye often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Fethiye gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

Fethiye usually gets less rain in April than Lake Garda. Fethiye gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fethiye 16°C (61°F) 
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Fethiye

Fethiye Lake Garda
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)