Which place is cheaper, Taormina or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Taormina?
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 Taormina. 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 Taormina?
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.
Taormina
A quaint hillside town on the eastern side of Sicily, Taormina is arguably one of the most popular tourist resorts on the island. It's peak season is the months of July and August when Italian and European tourists alike flock to the beaches. During this time it can be crowded and hot, but if you visit during the spring or fall months you might find the crowds slightly less and the weather more comfortable. The town is popular with package tours, which stay at the beach resorts around Giardini Naxos to the south or Letojanni to the north.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Taormina $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Taormina is $116. 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 Taormina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Taormina $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Taormina $150
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Taormina
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Taormina? 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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Taormina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Taormina $4.59
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 Taormina
Also for Taormina, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.49
- Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Taormina?
Prices for flights to both Taormina 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
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Food Meals for one dayIzmir $24Taormina $35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Taormina $12
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 Taormina
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Taormina.
- From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $57
- From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $106
- Tour di Taormina, Savoca e Forza D' Agro': $139
- Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $150
- Taormina private tour: $160
- Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $213
- Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $267
- Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $428
- Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $588
- 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $606
- Tour da Messina a Taormina, Castelmola, Isola Bella: $695
- From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $743
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Taormina $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 Taormina
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taormina:
- Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
- Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $299
When comparing the travel costs between Izmir and Taormina, we can see that Taormina 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 Taormina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Taormina?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Taormina, 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 Taormina?
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 Taormina in the Summer?
Both Taormina and Izmir during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Taormina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Taormina. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Taormina 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Taormina in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Taormina. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.
Izmir is around the same temperature as Taormina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Taormina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Taormina. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Taormina 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Taormina in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Taormina. Also, many travelers come to Taormina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Izmir is cooler than Taormina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Taormina averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In the winter, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun.
Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Taormina. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Taormina 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Taormina in the Spring?
Both Taormina and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Taormina in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In April, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Taormina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Izmir usually receives more rain than Taormina. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Taormina 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Taormina and Izmir
| Izmir | Taormina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 87 mm (3.4 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.