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

Should you visit Izmir or Playa Blanca?

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 Playa Blanca. 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 Playa Blanca?

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.

Playa Blanca

Located on the southern tip of the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a resort area popular with families and couples seeking a quieter vacation alternative to the lively neighbor resort of Puerto del Carmen. The resort's white sandy beaches are peaceful and sheltered from the higher winds found on other parts of the island. Timanfaya National Park is also nearby, as well as a number of other spectacular volcanic features.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca is $166. 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 Playa Blanca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Playa Blanca $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Playa Blanca $174
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Playa Blanca

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Playa Blanca? 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 Playa Blanca


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 Playa Blanca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Playa Blanca $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • izmir kusadasi transfer: $82
  • Vip Airport Transfer: $98
  • VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $46
  • Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $75
  • Transfer to Kusadasi from Izmir Airport: $75
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
  • Transfer From izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk Ephesus: $82
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
  • Private Transfer: Izmir to Izmir Airport (ADB) : $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Playa Blanca?

Prices for flights to both Playa Blanca 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
    Playa Blanca $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Playa Blanca $21

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Playa Blanca $9.95

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Playa Blanca, we can see that Playa Blanca is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir 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 Playa Blanca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa Blanca than you might in Izmir.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Playa Blanca Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Playa Blanca?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Playa Blanca. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Playa Blanca, 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 Playa Blanca?

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 Playa Blanca in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Playa Blanca.

In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Playa Blanca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Playa Blanca averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa Blanca. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Playa Blanca. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa Blanca receives 282 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets more rain in July than Playa Blanca. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Playa Blanca 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Playa Blanca in the Autumn?

Both Playa Blanca and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In October, Izmir is generally cooler than Playa Blanca. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Playa Blanca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa Blanca. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa Blanca during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Playa Blanca receives 224 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Izmir usually receives more rain than Playa Blanca. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Playa Blanca 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Playa Blanca in the Winter?

Both Playa Blanca and Izmir during the winter are popular places to visit.

Izmir is much colder than Playa Blanca in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Playa Blanca fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Playa Blanca, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Izmir often gets less sunshine than Playa Blanca. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa Blanca receives 204 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Playa Blanca. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Playa Blanca 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Playa Blanca in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Playa Blanca.

In the spring, Izmir is cooler than Playa Blanca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Playa Blanca averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa Blanca this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Playa Blanca during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Playa Blanca receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives more rain than Playa Blanca. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Playa Blanca 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Playa Blanca and Izmir

Izmir Playa Blanca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 18°C (64°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)