A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Izmir vs. Corfu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Izmir or Corfu?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Corfu. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Izmir or Corfu?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

Corfu

Also known in modern Greek as Kerkira or Kerkyra, Corfu is the northernmost of Greece's Ionian islands, located off the nation's northwest coast in the Adriatic Sea. It has historically seen control of Venetians, French, and British powers, and today draws tourists mainly as a resort destination.

Like many beach destinations in Europe, Corfu can be expensive due to higher tourist demand and limited space on the island. But Greece is still a fairly affordable country compared to other places in Europe, so deals can be found.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens.


Which place is cheaper, Corfu or Izmir?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Corfu is $121. 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 Izmir and Corfu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Corfu $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Corfu $104
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Corfu

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Corfu? 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 Izmir


Hotels in Corfu


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Corfu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Corfu $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Pamukkale : $295
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $294
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $213
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Akbuk Hotels: $196
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $191
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $185
  • Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $177
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $167
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $167
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Corfu

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

  • (CFU) Corfu Airport To Acharavi Private Transfer: $108
  • (CFU) Corfu Airport To Agios Stefanos Private Transfer: $108
  • (CFU) Corfu Airport To Roda Private Transfer: $97
  • (CFU) Corfu Airport To Sidari Private Transfer: $97
  • Airport Transfer to Gouvia Marina: $60
  • Corfu Airport (CFU) to Corfu Island - Arrival Private Transfer : $38
  • Corfu Airport (CFU) to Corfu Neo Limani Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
  • Corfu Airport (CFU) to Corfu Neo Limani Cruise Port -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $39
  • Corfu Airport (CFU): Private Transfer to Corfu Island hotels: $238
  • Corfu Airport (CFU): Transfer to Corfu Neo Limani Cruis Port: $122
  • Corfu Airport Arrival Private Transfers : $87
  • Corfu Airport Private 1-Way Transfer: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Corfu?

Prices for flights to both Corfu and Izmir 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
    Izmir $24
    Corfu $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Corfu

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

  • Private Traditional Albanian Lakror Cooking Class in Ksamil: $40
  • Greek Cooking Class & Olive Oil Tasting: $96
  • Corfood bites - Cooking classes by Christos: $98
  • Cooking Class,walk in the market,olive oil tasting.Simply Greece!: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Corfu $17

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $131
  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
  • Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
  • 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,068
  • Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $282
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
  • Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $272
  • Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $174

Tours and Activities in Corfu

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

  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $5.35
  • Corfu Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Corfu City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Skip the Line: Casa Parlante Historical Museum Tour Ticket in Corfu: $13
  • Corfu Town: Pirate Ship Coastal Cruise: $14
  • Syvota Islands 1 hour Cruise: $16
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $24
  • City Sightseeing Corfu Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $24
  • Royalty Winery tour with tasting at Theotoky Estate in Corfu: $25
  • Corfu Town: Dark Myths and Legends Tour: $26
  • Corfu Town: Dark Myths and Legends Tour: $26
  • Experience the Authentic Taste of Crete, Ntakos: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Corfu $9.18

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152

Sample the Local Flavors in Corfu

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

  • Private Wine Tasting with Local Wine Makers in Sivota: $71
  • Wine Tasting in Kassiopi Corfu: $219
  • Private Corfu Wine Tasting Shore Excursion: $449
  • Private Shore Excursion: Corfu's Highlights & Wine Tasting: $460


When comparing the travel costs between Izmir and Corfu, we can see that Corfu 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 Izmir Expensive? and Is Corfu Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Corfu?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Corfu. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Corfu, 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 Izmir or Corfu?

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 Izmir or Corfu in the Summer?

Both Corfu and Izmir during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Corfu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Corfu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Corfu averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In Corfu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the summer, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Corfu. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Corfu receives 358 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Corfu. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Corfu 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Corfu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Corfu. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Corfu because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Corfu. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Corfu fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Corfu during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Corfu receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Corfu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Corfu. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Corfu 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Corfu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Corfu. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Corfu this time of year.

Izmir is around the same temperature as Corfu in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Corfu fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Corfu. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Corfu receives 112 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Corfu. Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Corfu. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Corfu 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Corfu in the Spring?

Both Corfu and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Corfu for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Corfu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Corfu averages at about 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Corfu during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Corfu receives 195 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Corfu. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Corfu 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Corfu and Izmir

Izmir Corfu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 136 mm (5.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (53°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 11°C (52°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)