Which place is cheaper, Marbella or Fethiye?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fethiye or Marbella?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Fethiye or Marbella? 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 Marbella?
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.
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFethiye $109Marbella $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Fethiye is $109, while the average daily cost in Marbella is $125. 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 Marbella in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFethiye $48Marbella $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFethiye $96Marbella $132
Compare Hotels in Fethiye and Marbella
Looking for a hotel in Fethiye or Marbella? 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 Marbella Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fethiye $34Marbella $26
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:
- 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 Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
- Private Transfer from Gaucín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $223
- Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
- Private Transfer from La Alcaidesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $205
- Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $175
- Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $138
- Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
- Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Istán to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
Is it cheaper to fly into Fethiye or Marbella?
Prices for flights to both Marbella 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 $35Marbella $41
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella
For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: $87
- The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fethiye $38Marbella $21
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.
- 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 Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
- 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $175
- Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $206
- Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $98
- Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
- Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $109
- Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $75
- Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $43
- Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $97
- Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
- Dolphin Watching Tour on Sailboat in Marbella: $71
- E-Bike Tour through Marbella/ Puerto Banús and San Pedro: $101
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFethiye $17Marbella $6.12
Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella
Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
- From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
- Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
- Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
- VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272
When comparing the travel costs between Fethiye and Marbella, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fethiye Expensive? and Is Marbella Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fethiye or Marbella?
Marbella has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Fethiye. When comparing the sizes of Fethiye and Marbella, 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 Marbella?
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 Marbella in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fethiye and Marbella. Also, many visitors come to Marbella in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Fethiye is a little warmer than Marbella. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fethiye in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Marbella averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In Fethiye, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than Marbella during summer. Fethiye gets 385 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Fethiye usually receives more rain than Marbella. Fethiye gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFethiye 28°C (82°F)Marbella 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Fethiye or Marbella in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Fethiye as well as Marbella. Also, most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Fethiye is generally around the same temperature as Marbella. Daily temperatures in Fethiye average around 20°C (68°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fethiye this time of the year. In the autumn, Fethiye often gets more sunshine than Marbella. Fethiye gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 213 hours of full sun.
Fethiye usually gets less rain in October than Marbella. Fethiye gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFethiye 20°C (68°F)Marbella 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Fethiye or Marbella in the Winter?
Both Marbella and Fethiye are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Fethiye is cooler than Marbella in the winter. The daily temperature in Fethiye averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Marbella fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Fethiye usually receives less sunshine than Marbella during winter. Fethiye gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Fethiye. In January, Fethiye usually receives more rain than Marbella. Fethiye gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFethiye 10°C (50°F)Marbella 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Fethiye or Marbella in the Spring?
Both Marbella and Fethiye during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.
In the spring, Fethiye is around the same temperature as Marbella. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fethiye in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Marbella averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fethiye. In the spring, Fethiye often gets more sunshine than Marbella. Fethiye gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 220 hours of full sun.
Fethiye usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Marbella. Fethiye gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFethiye 16°C (61°F)Marbella 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Marbella and Fethiye
| Fethiye | Marbella | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.