Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Fethiye?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fethiye or Malaga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Fethiye or Malaga? 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 Malaga?
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.
Malaga
Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFethiye $109Malaga $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Fethiye is $109, while the average daily cost in Malaga is $150. 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 Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFethiye $48Malaga $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFethiye $96Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Fethiye and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Fethiye or Malaga? 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.
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 and Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fethiye $34Malaga $33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fethiye
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Fethiye are as follows:
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Local Bus$0.26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fethiye
Also for Fethiye, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Fethiye to Dalaman International Airport (DLM) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
- Private Departure Transfer: Fethiye Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $28
- Fethiye to Dalaman Airport (DLM) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
- Fethiye Jeep Safari With Free Hotel Transfer and Lunch: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer: Dalaman Airport to Fethiye Hotels: $38
- Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Trip With Free Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $38
- Fethiye Horse Riding Experience With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $40
- From Ferry Transfer to Rhodes: $43
- From Island Sailing Trip with Transfer and Lunch: $45
- Fethiye Quad Safari Experience (Adventure Tour) w/ Hotel Transfer: $45
- Private Departure Transfer: Fethiye, Oludeniz Region Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $47
- From Quad Bike Adventure with Transfers: $48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Córdoba: $295
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ubrique: $291
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (Agp) to Granada City: $289
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $267
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Bubión: $266
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $262
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cortes de la Frontera: $247
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Lanjarón: $242
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada: $242
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Órgiva: $232
- Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Gaucín: $223
Is it cheaper to fly into Fethiye or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga 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
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Food Meals for one dayFethiye $35Malaga $37
Typical Food Prices in Fethiye
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fethiye:
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Fruit$0.22
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Soda$0.09
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2$32
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Dinner for 2$47
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Breakfast for 2$8.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
- Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fethiye $38Malaga $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fethiye
For Fethiye, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Paragliding$7.42
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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.
- Quad Safari Adventure from Fethiye: $24
- Full-Day Jeep Tour w/ Saklikent Visit & Lunch: $26
- Fethiye Jeep Safari Tour: $28
- Turkish Bath Experience in Fethiye: $28
- Tlos, Yakapark and Countryside Highlights Jeep Tour: $29
- 7-HourJeep Safari Adventure in Fethiye Turkey: $31
- Turkish Bath Experience in Fethiye : $33
- Fethiye Horse Riding Experience: $38
- Full-Day Boat Tour in Fethiye Islands: $38
- Private & Sharing Boat Tours from Fethiye: $38
- Jeep Safari Tour to Tlos Ruins & Yakapark with BBQ: $40
- Food Market and Kayakoy "Ghost Town" Tour from Fethiye: $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
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Entrance to Castillos$7.61
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Concert$33
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
- Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
- Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
- Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
- 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $87
- 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
- 1h buggy tour: $115
- 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
- 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
- 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $125
- 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $28
- 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFethiye $17Malaga $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga
Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
- Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
- Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
- Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
- Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
- Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fethiye and Malaga, we can see that Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fethiye or Malaga?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Fethiye. When comparing the sizes of Fethiye and Malaga, 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 Fethiye or Malaga?
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 Fethiye or Malaga in the Summer?
Both Malaga and Fethiye during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Fethiye is a little warmer than Malaga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fethiye in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Malaga averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fethiye. In the summer, Fethiye often gets more sunshine than Malaga. Fethiye gets 385 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun.
Fethiye usually gets more rain in July than Malaga. Fethiye gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFethiye 28°C (82°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Fethiye or Malaga in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fethiye and Malaga. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In October, Fethiye is generally around the same temperature as Malaga. Daily temperatures in Fethiye average around 20°C (68°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Fethiye, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than Malaga during autumn. Fethiye gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Fethiye usually receives less rain than Malaga. Fethiye gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFethiye 20°C (68°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Fethiye or Malaga in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Fethiye as well as Malaga. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Fethiye is cooler than Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Fethiye averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the winter, Fethiye often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Fethiye gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun.
Fethiye receives a lot of rain in the winter. Fethiye usually gets more rain in January than Malaga. Fethiye gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFethiye 10°C (50°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Fethiye or Malaga in the Spring?
Both Malaga and Fethiye are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Fethiye is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fethiye in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Malaga averages at about 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Malaga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fethiye. Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than Malaga during spring. Fethiye gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Fethiye usually receives around the same amount of rain as Malaga. Fethiye gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFethiye 16°C (61°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Fethiye
| Fethiye | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (52°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.