A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zakynthos vs. Ephesus for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zakynthos or Ephesus?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zakynthos and Ephesus can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Zakynthos or Ephesus?

Zakynthos

Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is a breathtaking island in the Ionian Sea, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're traveling on a budget, seeking scenic sights, engaging in activities, or savoring Greek cuisine, Zakynthos has it all. Exploring Zakynthos without breaking the bank is absolutely possible despite its generally high prices for hotels. Budget travelers can find affordable accommodations, dine at local tavernas, and enjoy many of the island's attractions for free or at a low cost, such as on the numerous hiking trails with epic views. Also, utilize public buses or rent a scooter for economical travel around the island.

Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC). It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was destroyed in 401 AD and rebuilt by Emperor Constantine I along with new public baths. The town was again partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a commercial center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River (Kucuk Menderes).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Ephesus or Zakynthos?

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

  • Zakynthos Prices
    Greece Prices
    Ephesus Prices
    Turkey Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Zakynthos 521
    Ephesus 112

The average daily cost (per person) in Zakynthos is €521, while the average daily cost in Ephesus is €112. 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 Zakynthos and Ephesus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zakynthos 334
    Ephesus 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zakynthos 668
    Ephesus 92
Compare Hotels in Zakynthos and Ephesus

Looking for a hotel in Zakynthos or Ephesus? 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 Zakynthos


Hotels in Ephesus


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: Zakynthos Hotel Prices and Ephesus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zakynthos 84
    Ephesus 34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zakynthos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zakynthos:

  • Private Lavrio Port Transfer to Athens City Center: $191
  • Private Transfer from Lavrio Port to Athens City Center: $136
  • Private Airport Transfer Alykanas- Return Journey: $90
  • Private Airport Transfer Alykes- Return Journey: $90
  • Zakynthos Airport ZTH to Zakynthos - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $84
  • Private Airport Transfer Tsilivi/Planos - Return Journey: $75
  • Private Airport Transfer - Agios Sostis Return Transfer: $67
  • Zakynthos Sunset Cruise to Myzithres with Wine & transfer: $66
  • Private Airport Transfer - Argassi Return Journey: $56
  • Private Airport Transfer Zakynthos Town - Return Journey: $53
  • Private Airport Transfer - Alykes One Way Journey: $48
  • Private Airport Transfer - Kalamaki Return Transfer: $48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $40
  • Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $50
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $63
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $63
  • Kusadasi Horse Riding Beach and Forest options with Transfer : $66
  • Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $67
  • Transfer: $72
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $74
  • Ephesus Private Guided Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $80
  • Private Guided Ephesus Tour with Cruise port Transfers: $80
  • Kusadasi Samos Ferry Trip With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Zakynthos or Ephesus?

Prices for flights to both Ephesus and Zakynthos 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
    Zakynthos 126
    Ephesus 39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zakynthos

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

  • Half-Day Greek Cooking Class of Zakynthian Culture with Lunch: $108

Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

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


  • Sandwiches
    0.10
  • Dessert
    0.11
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    0.39
  • Snacks
    0.16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

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

  • Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zakynthos 74
    Ephesus 39

Tours and Activities in Zakynthos

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

  • 3 Hours Marathonissi Island Tour, Keri Caves and Turtles Spotting: $30
  • 7 Hour Shared 4x4 Off Road Experience in Zakynthos: $131
  • Ceramic Making Experience in Zakynthos: $59
  • Corelli's Kefalonia Island Tour from Zante: $69
  • Cruise to turtle's island and caves with a glass bottom boat: $299
  • Discover the Zakynthos Past an Exclusive Tour: $54
  • Exclusive Shipwreck & Blue caves Tour : Up to 10 guests: $60
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of Kefalonia From Zakynthos: $130
  • Go karting experience: $27
  • Half Day Shipwreck Bay Guided Tour by Fast Boat: $115
  • Mizithres Sunset Cruise and Turtle Spotting Boat Tour Zakynthos : $78
  • Mizithres Sunset Cruise in Zakynthos: $45

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

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

  • Kusadasi Legacy of the Ottomans: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.96
  • Skip-the-Line Ephesus Tour with Lunch: $7.17
  • SKIP-THE-LINE: BEST-SELLER PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR for Cruise Guests: $9.56
  • Ephesus and Sirince Village Tour For Cruisers: $9.90
  • Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $9.90
  • "private Ephesus tours "" wholesaler Shop Tours ""from cruise port Kusadasi ": $10
  • For Cruisers: Religious Ephesus Shore Excursion From Kusadasi Port: $11
  • For Cruisers: Best of Ephesus & Shopping Tour: $11
  • Private Ephesus Tour for Cruiser with Ticket and Lunch Options: $11
  • PRIVATE or SHARED: Ephesus & Mary's House Tour ENTRY FEES & LUNCH: $11
  • For Cruisers: Hidden Sights of Ephesus Tour: $11
  • Skip the Line: Ephesus Tour For Cruise Guest : $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zakynthos 22
    Ephesus 9.90

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:


  • Beer
    0.08

Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus

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

  • PRIVATE & GROUP: SKIP-THE-LINE EPHESUS with Wine Tasting & Lunch: $12
  • SKIP-THE-LINE Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $18
  • POTTERY PAINTING & WINE TASTING Tour from Kusadasi Port: $49
  • Kusadasi Shore Excursions Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
  • Ephesus Shore Excursion with Wine Tasting and Lunch: $80


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zakynthos and Ephesus, we can see that Zakynthos is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ephesus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ephesus 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 Zakynthos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zakynthos than you might in Ephesus.

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


Which is Bigger, Zakynthos or Ephesus?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zakynthos. When comparing the sizes of Zakynthos and Ephesus, 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.