Which place is cheaper, Olympos or Lake Garda?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lake Garda or Olympos?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Lake Garda or Olympos? 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: Lake Garda or Olympos?
Lake Garda
As a gentle Mediterranean wind touches your skin, the aromatic fragrances of olive and lemon trees fill the air. Surrounded by lush gardens and Italian architecture in its ancient tans and beiges, you look to the horizon and find a paradise before your eyes: a shimmering lake, misty mountaintops, and a clear blue sky. Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination for locals of the Lombardy region and tourists alike. It has been shown that about 7% of Italy's tourists head straight for these gleaming blue shores. The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is located about halfway in between Brescia and Verona and between Venezia and Milano. Because it is surrounded by several different districts - Lombardy, Trentino, Alto, and the Veneto - Lake Garda is a culmination of culture that attracts cosmopolitan crowds. The lake is an ancient natural treasure Italy holds dear, with documents referring to Lake Garda dating as far back as the eighteenth century. The name "Garda" comes from the Germanic word "warda," which means "place of guard." Whether you are staying at one of the many luxurious resorts in Riva del Garda or are simply getting a pedicure in spa town Sirmione, Lake Garda continues to preserve its elegance and sophistication throughout the years.
Olympos
Olympos was an ancient city in Lycia, situated in a river valley near the coast. Its ruins are located south of the modern town Cirali in the Kumluca district of Antalya Province, Turkey. An important Lycian city in the 2nd century BC, Olympos is more famous these days for being the beach resort of choice for backpackers. Staying in an Olympos 'tree house' at one of the dozen-or-so camps that line the path to the ruins and beach has long been the stuff of travel legend. The former hippy-trail hot-spot has been considerably renovated in past years and during summer can be pretty overcrowded. Olympos offers good value and an up-for-it party atmosphere in a lovely setting.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLake Garda €166Olympos €89
The average daily cost (per person) in Lake Garda is €166, while the average daily cost in Olympos is €89. 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 Lake Garda and Olympos in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLake Garda €84Olympos €40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLake Garda €168Olympos €80
Compare Hotels in Lake Garda and Olympos
Looking for a hotel in Lake Garda or Olympos? 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: Olympos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lake Garda €66Olympos €28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda
Also for Lake Garda, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128
- Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Olympos
Also for Olympos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Two Days Tour to Cappadocia with HB Hotel & Transfer from Kemer: $192
- Suluada Boat Tour From Antalya (Maldives of Turkey) with Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $20
- Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $22
- Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $40
- Private Transfers Between Antalya Airport - Beldibi & Göynük & Kemer Resorts: $240
- Private Transfers Between Antalya Airport - Çıralı & Olympos & Adrasan Resorts: $299
- Private Transfer From Beldibi / Göynük / Kemer / Kiriş To Antalya Airport: $91
- Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Kemer Suluada Boat Tour (Maldives of Turkey) With Hotel Transfer: $20
- Kemer Pirate Boat Trip with transfer from Belek: $15
- Kemer Pirate Boat Trip With Lunch & Free Hotel Transfer: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Lake Garda or Olympos?
Prices for flights to both Olympos and Lake Garda 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 dayLake Garda €42Olympos €28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
- Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
- Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Olympos
For Olympos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar : $33
- Kemer Olympos & Yanartas Sunset Jeep Tour with Dinner: $35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lake Garda €30Olympos €28
Tours and Activities in Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
- 2 Hours Walking and Boat Tour in Sirmione Highlights: $53
- Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
- Best of Sirmione with Boat Tour and Grotte di Catullo : $97
- Boat Tour of the Islands of Lake Garda with Aperitif: $76
- Canyoning "Vione" - advanced tour, for sportive beginner: $106
- Dolomites Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda: $75
- Dolomites Full-day Tour from Lake Garda: $76
- Experience in Sirmione Lake Garda: $98
- Fabulous Heritage of Sirmione - Walking Tour: $185
- From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49
- From Dolomites Bus Tour: $73
Tours and Activities in Olympos
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Olympos.
- 2 Hour Olympos Cable Car Tour to Tahtali Mountains from Kemer: $66
- 2-in-1 Canyoning and White Water Rafting Adventure with Lunch From Kemer: $25
- 9 Hours Rafting, Buggy Safari and Zipline Adventure from Kemer: $38
- Antalya Full-Day City Tour From Kemer With Cable Car : $30
- Buggy Safari and Rafting Adventure from Kemer: $38
- Demre Myra Tour with Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip From Kemer: $36
- Full-day Boat Tour from Kemer with Lunch and Foam Party: $33
- Goynuk Canyon Tour with Entrance Ticket: $25
- Green Canyon Boat Tour with Lunch and Drinks from Kemer: $63
- Kemer 3 in 1 Tour Rafting Quad Safari and Zipline Experience: $40
- Kemer ATV Mountain Biking Tour: $54
- Kemer Bay Blue Cruise from Kemer: $53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLake Garda €19Olympos €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda
Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
- Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
- Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
- Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
- Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
- Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
- Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
- E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
- E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
- Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
- Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake Garda and Olympos, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Olympos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympos 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda than you might in Olympos.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lake Garda Expensive? and Is Olympos Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Lake Garda or Olympos?
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 Lake Garda or Olympos in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake Garda and Olympos. The summer months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Lake Garda is generally cooler than Olympos. Daily temperatures in Lake Garda average around 24°C (75°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympos this time of the year. In Lake Garda, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lake Garda usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during summer. Lake Garda gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 385 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Lake Garda usually receives more rain than Olympos. Lake Garda gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLake Garda 24°C (75°F)Olympos 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Lake Garda or Olympos in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Lake Garda as well as Olympos. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.
Lake Garda is cooler than Olympos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lake Garda averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Olympos fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympos. In the autumn, Lake Garda often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Lake Garda gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 249 hours of full sun.
Lake Garda usually gets more rain in October than Olympos. Lake Garda gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLake Garda 14°C (57°F)Olympos 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Lake Garda or Olympos in the Winter?
Both Olympos and Lake Garda are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Lake Garda. In the winter, Lake Garda is much colder than Olympos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lake Garda in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Olympos averages at about 11°C (52°F).
Lake Garda usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during winter. Lake Garda gets 98 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Lake Garda usually receives more rain than Olympos. Lake Garda gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLake Garda 2°C (36°F)Olympos 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Lake Garda or Olympos in the Spring?
Both Olympos and Lake Garda during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lake Garda in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Lake Garda is generally cooler than Olympos. Daily temperatures in Lake Garda average around 13°C (55°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In Olympos, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Lake Garda often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Lake Garda gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 250 hours of full sun.
Lake Garda usually gets more rain in April than Olympos. Lake Garda gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLake Garda 13°C (55°F)Olympos 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Olympos and Lake Garda
| Lake Garda | Olympos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 9 mm (0.4 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.