A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Olympos for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Malaga or Olympos?

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 Malaga and Olympos. 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: Malaga or Olympos?

Malaga

Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.

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 Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Olympos or Malaga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, 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 Malaga and Olympos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Olympos 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Olympos 80
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Olympos

Looking for a hotel in Malaga 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.

Hotels in Malaga


Hotels in Olympos


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: Malaga Hotel Prices and Olympos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Olympos 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Córdoba: $295
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ubrique: $291
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (Agp) to Granada City: $289
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $267
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Bubión: $266
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $262
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cortes de la Frontera: $247
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Lanjarón: $242
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada: $242
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Órgiva: $232
  • Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Gaucín: $223

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Olympos

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

  • Kemer Full Day Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch and Optional Transfer: $10
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Trip with transfer from Belek: $15
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Trip With Lunch & Free Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Suluada Boat Tour From Antalya (Maldives of Turkey) with Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Kemer Mega Star Boat Trip With Hotel Transfer and Lunch : $20
  • Kemer Suluada Boat Tour (Maldives of Turkey) With Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $22
  • Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
  • Kemer Horse Riding Experience with Transfer: $39
  • Kemer Jeep Safari With Free Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $40
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Olympos?

Prices for flights to both Olympos and Malaga 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
    Malaga 35
    Olympos 28
Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • Breakfast for 2
    8.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

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

  • Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
  • Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
  • Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Olympos 28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
  • Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
  • Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
  • 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $87
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
  • 1h buggy tour: $115
  • 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
  • 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
  • 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $125
  • 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $28
  • 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $20

Tours and Activities in Olympos

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

  • Spa Experience in Kemer with Pickup: $18
  • Turkish Bath Experience in Kemer: $20
  • Goynuk Canyon Tour with Entrance Ticket: $25
  • 2-in-1 Canyoning and White Water Rafting Adventure with Lunch From Kemer: $25
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer Turkey with Two Dives and Lunch: $26
  • Pirate Boat Tour on the Beautiful Bays of Kemer: $27
  • Kemer Scuba Diving Experience: $27
  • Kemer Scuba Diving Experience: Two Dives with Lunch : $30
  • Antalya Full-Day City Tour From Kemer With Cable Car : $30
  • Safari Adventure in the mountains from Kemer: $32
  • Full-day Boat Tour from Kemer with Lunch and Foam Party: $33
  • Demre Myra Tour with Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip From Kemer: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Olympos 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

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

  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
  • Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
  • Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
  • Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Olympos, we can see that Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Olympos Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Malaga or Olympos?

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 Malaga or Olympos in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Olympos. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

In July, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Olympos. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympos. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 385 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Olympos. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    Olympos 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Olympos in the Autumn?

Both Olympos and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Olympos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Olympos fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Olympos. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 249 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives more rain than Olympos. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Olympos 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Olympos in the Winter?

Both Olympos and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Malaga is around the same temperature as Olympos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Olympos averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Olympos. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 147 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Olympos. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Olympos 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Olympos in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Olympos. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Olympos. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympos this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives more rain than Olympos. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Olympos 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Olympos and Malaga

Malaga Olympos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (53°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 13°C (55°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)