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

Should you visit Izmir or Korcula?

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 Korcula. 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 Korcula?

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.

Korcula

Korcula is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea. It lies just off the Dalmatian coast. This island is known for its dense forest and the ancient Greeks called the island Black Korcula for this reason. Korcula is one of Croatia's most treasured islands. Rich in vineyards, olive groves, and small villages, and harboring a glorious old town, the island of Korcula is the sixth-largest Adriatic island. Quiet coves and small sandy beaches dot the steep southern coast while the northern shore is flatter and with more pebbles. Tradition is alive and kicking on Korcula, with age-old religious ceremonies, folk music, and dances still being performed to the delight of an ever-growing influx of tourists.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Korcula 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 Korcula is $96. 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 Korcula in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Korcula $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Korcula $124
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Korcula

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Korcula? 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 Korcula


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 Korcula Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Korcula $1.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Izmir Airport - Kusadasi Private Transfer: $100
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $46
  • Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels: $93
  • Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147
  • Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $87
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Vip & Private : $57
  • Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Alacati: $96
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Kusadasi: $88
  • From Ephesus Guided Day Trip with Transfer & Lunch: $106

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Korcula

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Korcula:

  • Island Stupe / Moro Beach Transfer: $26
  • Private One Way Transfer from Orebić to Dubrovnik: $205

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Korcula?

Prices for flights to both Korcula 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
    Korcula $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Korcula

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Korcula.

  • Private Half-Day Cooking Workshop Gastronomy in Korcula: $87
  • Korcula walking tour and dinner for Food Lovers: $228
  • Korčula: Island Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $321

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Korcula $12

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Olive Oil Tasting Experience in Turkey : $3.16
  • Quick Tour, Essentials of Izmir With Audio Guide: $6.00
  • Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $25
  • Skip Line Private Ephesus- Temple Of Artemis-Virgin Mary Tour: $32
  • PRIVATE PHOTO TOUR IN IZMIR - Photo & Video Experience in iZMiR: $49
  • Half-Day Izmir City Tour: $55
  • Ephesus Tour: $56
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • Deluxe Ephesus with Terrace Houses tour from Izmir Hotel , Cruise Ports, Airport: $69
  • Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House from Izmir Hotels , Airport ,Cruise Port: $69
  • Izmir City Tour: $70
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70

Tours and Activities in Korcula

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

  • Semi-Submarine Tour: $21
  • Private Korcula Eco Tour with Guide: $27
  • Korčula: 3 Island Hop-on Hop-off Tour Daily Ticket: $32
  • 3 Islands Tour - HopOnHopOff - Daily Ticket : $33
  • Half day Lago di Korcula Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour: $64
  • Bits of History - Half day kayak Tour: $66
  • Small-Group Lumbarda Sunset and Evening Kayaking Experience: $66
  • Lumbarda: Half-Day Kayaking and History Tour: $66
  • Lumbarda: Sunset Kayak Tour: $66
  • Korčula for Early Risers and Coffee Lovers Private Walking Tour: $70
  • 1 Hour Private Walking Tour in Korcula : $75
  • Korčula & Pelješac: Wine & Culture Experience from Dubrovnik: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Korcula $10

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 Korcula

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

  • Wine Tasting at Black Island Winery: $31
  • Slurp of Grk Wine Tour: $92
  • Day Tour from Dubrovnik - Korčula and Pelješac Wine Tasting: $92
  • Wine Tour Korcula: $98
  • Half-Day Bike Tour in Lumbarda with Wine Tasting: $105
  • Korcula Buggy Safari With Wine Tasting: $107
  • Korcula Bike & Wine Tour: $111
  • Private Korcula wine tour and tasting : $131
  • Wine tour Korčula - private tour: $146
  • Enchanted Forest Hike and Wine Tasting Private Tour: $158
  • Korcula Island Sightseeing Tour Including Wine Tasting: $229


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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Korcula?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 800 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Korcula, 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 Korcula?

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 Izmir or Korcula in the Summer?

Both Korcula and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Korcula because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Izmir is around the same temperature as Korcula. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Korcula averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Korcula. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Korcula during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Korcula. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Korcula 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Korcula in the Autumn?

Both Korcula and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Korcula this time of year.

In October, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Korcula. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Korcula, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Korcula. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 200 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Korcula. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Korcula 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Korcula in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Korcula. Also, many travelers come to Korcula for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Izmir is around the same temperature as Korcula in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Korcula fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Izmir usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Korcula during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Korcula. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Korcula 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Korcula in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Korcula. Also, many visitors come to Korcula in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Izmir is around the same temperature as Korcula. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Korcula averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Korcula. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Korcula. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 212 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Korcula. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Korcula 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Korcula and Izmir

Izmir Korcula
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)