A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ephesus vs. Ravenna for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ephesus or Ravenna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Ravenna, 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.

Ephesus

Ephesus is a world-renowned, fascinating, and ancient archeological site. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Ephesus travel costs.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a authentic, historic, and off-the-beaten-path town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Ravenna travel costs.

Ephesus and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ephesus or Ravenna?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Ephesus than Ravenna. While Ravenna is larger than Ephesus, Ephesus has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Ephesus is better known for its museums and attractions, while Ravenna is more popular for its food, nightlife, and small town charm. Ephesus is more touristy than Ravenna and is known for its well-preserved ruins and vast size Also, Ephesus is famous for the Library of Celsus. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Ephesus different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ravenna and Ephesus. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ephesus or Ravenna?

Ephesus is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Ephesus are world-renowned. Of course, the iconic site is the ruins of Ephesus. There are also several fascinating museums in the area that offer deeper insights into the region's rich history and culture. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk is popular. It has an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the ancient city, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions. Just outside the museum, the Temple of Artemis section displays remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Selçuk Museum of Ephesus is another excellent spot to explore, with exhibits that highlight both the daily life of ancient Ephesians and their religious practices. A short drive from Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary museum, a revered site believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, with a chapel and peaceful surroundings. Lastly, the İsa Bey Mosque and Museum in Selçuk adds to the area's historical depth, offering a glimpse into the Seljuk architecture and Islamic heritage of the region.

Ravenna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

Is the Food Better in Ephesus or Ravenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ravenna is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ravenna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ephesus area. Most of the food options are found in the nearby town of Selçuk. Popular dishes include kebabs, mezes, and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). Many restaurants are casual and cater specifically to the tourist crowds.

Is Ephesus or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Ravenna is a nice place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Ephesus is not known for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Ravenna has a few options to choose from. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Most people don't head to Ephesus specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The there are a couple of bars and restaurants with live music in the town of Selçuk, but generally the nightlife is very low key.

Is the Shopping Better in Ephesus or Ravenna?

If you're looking to go shopping, Ephesus and Ravenna both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ephesus. Selçuk has a variety of local shops and markets. Traditional handicrafts such as carpet and kilim weaving, ceramics, and leather goods are popular souvenirs. The Selçuk Market is held on Saturdays and offers fresh produce, spices, and other local products.

Many visitors go to Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Ephesus or Ravenna Better for Families?

Ravenna is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Ravenna is very family-friendly. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Ephesus is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who are into history or archeology will enjoy a visit to the famed ruins of Ephesus. There's also the Ephesus Archaeological Museum where everyone can learn about ancient Greek and Roman cultures in an interactive setting. The nearby House of the Virgin Mary offers a peaceful stop where kids can learn about its historical and religious significance in a tranquil environment. For an active experience, families can enjoy a short hike to Pamucak Beach, where children can swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.

Is Ephesus or Ravenna Better for Couples?

Ravenna is a great town for its romantic activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for couples.

Ravenna is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Ephesus is a good archeological site for couples to visit. Many couples stop off at these ruins as part of a bigger tour of Turkey. The ruins are well preserved and impressive, but can get crowded if you visit during the peak times.

Is Ephesus or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Ephesus and Ravenna are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ephesus. Many backpackers stay in the nearby town of Selçuk, which has several hostels. This is also where you'll find a number of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Ravenna is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Ephesus or Ravenna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ephesus is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Ephesus can get you to some places easily. The town of Selçuk is well-connected by dolmuşes (shared minivans) that run frequently and offer affordable rides to nearby destinations, including Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Pamucak Beach area.

You'll find some public transit in Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Ephesus or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Ravenna is a great town for its high level of walkability. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its ease of walking around.

Ravenna is a very walkable town. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

Ephesus is a somewhat walkable archeological site. The ruins are spread out over a large area, but most of the key sites, like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, are within walking distance of each other. From Selçuk, it's about a half hour walk to the entrance of the Ephesus ruins, but most visitors prefer to take a short taxi or dolmuş ride to the site. Within Selçuk, many of the sites can be reached on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Ephesus Worth Visiting? and Is Ravenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Ephesus?

How long in Ephesus or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ephesus or Ravenna to fill your time. In our opinion, Ravenna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ravenna than Ephesus. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Ravenna than Ephesus. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ravenna, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Ravenna than Ephesus. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ravenna that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ravenna than Ephesus if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ravenna.

One day in Ephesus or Ravenna?

In Ephesus, you'll find museums and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Ravenna is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Ephesus or Ravenna?

In Ephesus, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ephesus has to offer.

Ravenna might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ravenna has to offer.

Five days in Ephesus or Ravenna?

Ephesus is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Ravenna is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ephesus or Ravenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ephesus. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ephesus. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ravenna. Since Ravenna is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Ravenna, we can see that Ephesus 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 Ephesus Expensive? and Is Ravenna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Ravenna?

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Ravenna, 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 Ephesus or Ravenna?

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 Ephesus or Ravenna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Ravenna. Many travelers come to Ephesus for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ravenna in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Ravenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Ravenna fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Ravenna. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ephesus or Ravenna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Ravenna. Many visitors come to Ephesus in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Ravenna for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Ephesus is a little warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Ravenna averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Ravenna. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ephesus or Ravenna in the Winter?

Both Ravenna and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ephesus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ravenna can be very cold. In January, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ephesus or Ravenna in the Spring?

Both Ravenna and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Ravenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Ravenna fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Ravenna. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Ephesus