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

Should you visit Marbella or Olympos?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Olympos, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Marbella or Olympos?

Marbella

Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Olympos or Marbella?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, 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 Marbella and Olympos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marbella 61
    Olympos 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marbella 122
    Olympos 80
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Olympos

Looking for a hotel in Marbella 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 Marbella


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: Marbella Hotel Prices and Olympos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Olympos 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

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

  • From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
  • Private Transfer from Gaucín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $223
  • Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
  • Private Transfer from La Alcaidesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $205
  • Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $175
  • Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
  • Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155
  • Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $138
  • Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
  • Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Istán to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132

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 Marbella or Olympos?

Prices for flights to both Olympos and Marbella 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
    Marbella 38
    Olympos 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella

For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Food Tour: $87
  • The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
  • Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191

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.
    Marbella 19
    Olympos 28

Tours and Activities in Marbella

For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
  • 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $175
  • Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $206
  • Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $98
  • Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
  • Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $109
  • Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $75
  • Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $49
  • Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $97
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
  • Dolphin Watching Tour on Sailboat in Marbella: $71
  • E-Bike Tour through Marbella/ Puerto Banús and San Pedro: $101

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marbella 5.71
    Olympos 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella

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

  • Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
  • From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
  • Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
  • Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
  • VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272


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



When is the best time to visit Marbella 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 Marbella or Olympos in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Olympos. Many visitors come to Marbella in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Olympos. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°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 Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 385 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Olympos. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Marbella or Olympos in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Olympos. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympos. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the autumn, Marbella often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 249 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in October than Olympos. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Marbella or Olympos in the Winter?

Both Olympos and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Olympos during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Olympos. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Marbella or Olympos in the Spring?

Both Olympos and Marbella during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.

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

In Olympos, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 250 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in April than Olympos. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Olympos and Marbella

Marbella 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)