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

Should you visit Fethiye or Marbella?

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

Should I visit Fethiye or Marbella? 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: Fethiye or Marbella?

Fethiye

Fethiye is a tourist town in Lycia on the Mediterranean coast. It has a beautiful marina and plenty of activities during the day or night. Fethiye's size, location, and easy access to transportation make it a great central starting point to explore the area. It's also a popular place to pick up the "Blue Cruise," a popular boat tour along the Mediterranean coast.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Marbella or Fethiye?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Fethiye Prices
    Turkey Prices
    Marbella Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Fethiye $105
    Marbella $170

The average daily cost (per person) in Fethiye is $105, while the average daily cost in Marbella is $170. 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 Fethiye and Marbella in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fethiye $38
    Marbella $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fethiye $76
    Marbella $144
Compare Hotels in Fethiye and Marbella

Looking for a hotel in Fethiye or Marbella? 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 Fethiye


Hotels in Marbella


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: Fethiye Hotel Prices and Marbella Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fethiye $27
    Marbella $28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fethiye

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Fethiye are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $0.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fethiye

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

  • VIP Transfer from Dalaman Airport to Gocek Fethiye and Oludeniz: $83
  • Turkey Fethiye Dalaman Airport Transfer with Private Car: $80
  • Tickets to Orka World Waterpark with Hotel Transfer in Fethiye: $65
  • Quad Bike Safari Adventure in Fethiye with Transfer Service: $38
  • Private Transfer: Dalaman Airport to Fethiye Göcek Hotels: $41
  • Private Departure Transfer: Fethiye, Oludeniz Region Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $52
  • Private Departure Transfer From Fethiye Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $52
  • Private Airport Transfer From/To Dalaman Airport: $66
  • Paragliding Experience in Fethiye with Roundtrip Transfer: $215
  • Luxury Airport Transfer From Fethiye To Dalaman Airport: $65
  • Hisaronu (Fethiye) Hotels to Dalaman Airport DLM Transfers: $95
  • Full-Day River Rafting Tour in Fethiye with Transfer & Lunch: $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

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

  • Private Transfer from Las Chapas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $295
  • Private Transfer from Torreblanca to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $258
  • Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $223
  • Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $171
  • Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $160
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $120
  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Marbella: $112
  • Vip Malaga Private Transfer to Marbella: $100
  • Marbella to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $56
  • Vip One Way Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga City: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Fethiye or Marbella?

Prices for flights to both Marbella and Fethiye 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
    Fethiye $47
    Marbella $78
Typical Food Prices in Fethiye

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fethiye:


  • Fruit
    $0.17
  • Soda
    $0.07

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fethiye

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

  • Turkish Cooking Class in a Village Garden: $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella

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

  • Flamenco Show & Dinner in Fuengirola/Mijas - Tipi Tapa Restaurant: $34
  • Marbella Food Tour with Tapas & Drinks with a Local: $95
  • Explore Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour: $105
  • Marbella Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $106
  • Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour With Local Guide: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fethiye $30
    Marbella $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fethiye

For Fethiye, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Paragliding
    $5.81
  • Gorge Walk entry and photo
    $0.13

Tours and Activities in Fethiye

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

  • Fethiye Dalyan Tour River Cruise and Mud Bath: $72
  • Ölüdeniz Half Day Scuba Diving Experience: $64
  • Ölüdeniz: 2-Hour Tandem Paragliding Experience: $235
  • 12 Islands Boat Tour from Fethiye with Grilled Lunch: $56
  • 12 Islands Boat Tour in Fethiye: $25
  • 7-HourJeep Safari Adventure in Fethiye Turkey: $33
  • Babadag Mountain Paragliding Experience with Photos and Videos: $215
  • Babadağ Cable Car Ticket with Pickup and Paragliding Options: $49
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Blue Lagoon Ölüdeniz Tandem Paragliding Experience from Fethiye: $202
  • Dalyan Day Trip from Fethiye Including River Cruise, Mud Baths and Iztuzu Beach: $59
  • Dalyan Mud Baths and Turtle Beach Day Tour From Fethiye: $65

Tours and Activities in Marbella

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

  • Guided tour to Caminito del Rey from the Costa del Sol: $67
  • 2 Hour Private Picnic Brunch Experience: $82
  • 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
  • 2 hours Quad Tour Marbella - 170€ per Quad up to 2 people: $100
  • 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 170€: $101
  • 2-Hour Catamaran Tour along the Costa Tropical and Malaga Coast: $45
  • 3-Hour Private Guided Bicycle Tour in Marbella: $82
  • Active Sailing Experience in Marbella: $118
  • Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $138
  • Boat experience in Marbella: $576
  • Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $119
  • Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fethiye $13
    Marbella $6.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella

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

  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $816
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $1,110


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fethiye and Marbella, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. And not only is Fethiye much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fethiye would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fethiye 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 Fethiye.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fethiye Expensive? and Is Marbella Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Fethiye or Marbella?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Fethiye. When comparing the sizes of Fethiye and Marbella, 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 Fethiye or Marbella?

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 Fethiye or Marbella in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Fethiye is a little warmer than Marbella. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fethiye in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Marbella averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In Fethiye, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than Marbella during summer. Fethiye gets 385 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Fethiye usually receives more rain than Marbella. Fethiye gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fethiye 28°C (82°F) 
    Marbella 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Marbella in the Autumn?

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

In October, Fethiye is generally around the same temperature as Marbella. Daily temperatures in Fethiye average around 20°C (68°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

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

Fethiye usually gets less rain in October than Marbella. Fethiye gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Fethiye or Marbella in the Winter?

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

Fethiye is cooler than Marbella in the winter. The daily temperature in Fethiye averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Marbella fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Fethiye. In January, Fethiye usually receives more rain than Marbella. Fethiye gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fethiye 10°C (50°F) 
    Marbella 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Marbella in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Fethiye is around the same temperature as Marbella. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fethiye in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Marbella averages at about 16°C (60°F).

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

Fethiye usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Marbella. Fethiye gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Marbella and Fethiye

Fethiye Marbella
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in)