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

Should you visit Fethiye or Thessaloniki?

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

Should I visit Fethiye or Thessaloniki? 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 Thessaloniki?

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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

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 Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki is $144. 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 Thessaloniki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fethiye $48
    Thessaloniki $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fethiye $96
    Thessaloniki $170
Compare Hotels in Fethiye and Thessaloniki

Looking for a hotel in Fethiye or Thessaloniki? 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 Thessaloniki


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 Thessaloniki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fethiye $34
    Thessaloniki $14
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 Thessaloniki

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

  • From Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer: $428
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $254
  • Private Transfer from Kavala to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $237
  • Transfer from Thessaloniki to Ikos Oceania: $153
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $142
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki Port: $142
  • Thessaloniki Cruise Port: Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $142
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Alia Palace Hotel Private Transfer: $131
  • Private Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport from Thessaloniki City: $120
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Afitis Boutique Hotel Private Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Ammon Zeus Hotel : $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Resort: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Fethiye or Thessaloniki?

Prices for flights to both Thessaloniki 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
    Thessaloniki $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 Thessaloniki

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

  • Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $48
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $63
  • Guided Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $71
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $87
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $95
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $95
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $95
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $97
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $97
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fethiye $38
    Thessaloniki $28
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 Thessaloniki

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

  • 4-Hour Thessaloniki Jewish Heritage Private Guided Tour: $207
  • Archery Odyssey Traditional Archery Experience: $65
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $218
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $192
  • Charming pearls of Thessaloniki – Romantic Tour: $153
  • City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • Daily Cruise:Discover Thessaloniki in a different way: $1,069
  • Daily Sailing Cruise Olympus Riviera Highlights: $122
  • Day Tour at Royal Tombs of Aigai and Museum of Pella with pickup: $93
  • Dion and Palaios Panteleimon Myth and History Tour: $153
  • Dion-Olympus Private Tour from Thessaloniki: $96
  • Discover Olympus from Paralia in Jeep Safari Shared Tour: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fethiye $17
    Thessaloniki $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

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

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • From Pella-Edessa wine tasting: $64
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $81
  • Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $91
  • Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $93
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $207


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


Which is Bigger, Fethiye or Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Fethiye. When comparing the sizes of Fethiye and Thessaloniki, 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 Thessaloniki?

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 Thessaloniki in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Fethiye is a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fethiye in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In Fethiye, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during summer. Fethiye gets 385 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Fethiye usually receives less rain than Thessaloniki. Fethiye gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fethiye 28°C (82°F) 
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fethiye as well as Thessaloniki. Additionally, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Fethiye is generally a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Fethiye average around 20°C (68°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 16°C (61°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 Thessaloniki. Fethiye gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun.

Fethiye usually gets more rain in October than Thessaloniki. Fethiye gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fethiye 20°C (68°F) 
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Thessaloniki in the Winter?

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

Fethiye is much warmer than Thessaloniki in the winter. The daily temperature in Fethiye averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during winter. Fethiye gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 101 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Fethiye. In January, Fethiye usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Fethiye gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fethiye 10°C (50°F) 
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Thessaloniki in the Spring?

Both Thessaloniki and Fethiye during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Fethiye is a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fethiye in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Fethiye. In the spring, Fethiye often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Fethiye gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 196 hours of full sun.

Fethiye usually gets more rain in April than Thessaloniki. Fethiye gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fethiye 16°C (61°F) 
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Fethiye

Fethiye Thessaloniki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)