Which place is cheaper, Pamukkale or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Pamukkale?
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 Athens and Pamukkale. 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: Athens or Pamukkale?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Pamukkale €146
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Pamukkale is €146. 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 Athens and Pamukkale in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Pamukkale €52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Pamukkale €104
Compare Hotels in Athens and Pamukkale
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Pamukkale? 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.
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: Athens Hotel Prices and Pamukkale Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Pamukkale €33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Paros: Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands or Athens: $2,695
- From Meteora Private Day Trip with Transfer: $1,048
- From Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Private Transfer: $461
- Private Transfer to/from Volos: $449
- From Private Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Transfer: $299
- Transfer from Athens airport to Epidavros up to 4 customers: $298
- Athens Airport to Kyllini Transfer or from Kyllini to Athens: $291
- Private Transfer From Athens To Lefkada: $284
- Private Transfer From Athens To Meteora - Kalabaka: $273
- Private Transfer through Athens Attractions at Night: $273
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
- Private Transfer From Athens To Ancient Olympia: $262
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale
Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Antalya; Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Transfer: $280
- City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165
- Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
- Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
- Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
- Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $102
- Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
- Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
- Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Pamukkale?
Prices for flights to both Pamukkale and Athens 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
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Food Meals for one dayAthens €37Pamukkale €65
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
- Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
- Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Pamukkale €51
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
- Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $180
- Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $142
- Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $48
- EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $173
- Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $147
- Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $158
- Layover Private Tour in Athens: $245
- Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $191
- Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $284
- Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
- "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $168
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale
For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance fees Travertines & Pool€1.88
Tours and Activities in Pamukkale
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tours: $120
- All-inclusive Private Guided Tour of Pamukkale: $256
- Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
- Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $37
- Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour with Lunch from Izmir&Kusadasi: $299
- Best Rates Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour : $278
- Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour included Pick Up from Denizli Airport: $118
- Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Hotel in Pamukkale.: $93
- Daily Pamukkale Guided Tour with extra Red spring enjoyment.: $93
- Daily Pamukkale Tour from istanbul: $642
- Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Airport : $109
- Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Bus station: $104
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Pamukkale €14
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Premium Wine Tastings: $35
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Athens Wine Tasting: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
- Greek food and wine tasting: $53
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Pamukkale, we can see that Pamukkale 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Pamukkale Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Pamukkale?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Pamukkale, 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 Athens or Pamukkale?
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 Athens or Pamukkale in the Summer?
Both Pamukkale and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Athens is around the same temperature as Pamukkale in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Pamukkale fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pamukkale during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Pamukkale receives 356 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Athens usually receives more rain than Pamukkale. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Pamukkale 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Athens or Pamukkale in the Autumn?
Both Pamukkale and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Athens is around the same temperature as Pamukkale. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Pamukkale averages at about 19°C (67°F).
In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets less sunshine than Pamukkale. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamukkale receives 232 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets more rain in October than Pamukkale. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Pamukkale 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Athens or Pamukkale in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Pamukkale. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Athens is generally a little warmer than Pamukkale. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Pamukkale fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pamukkale during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Pamukkale receives 137 hours of full sun in the winter.
Pamukkale receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Pamukkale. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Pamukkale 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Athens or Pamukkale in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Pamukkale. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Athens is around the same temperature as Pamukkale in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Pamukkale fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pamukkale. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamukkale receives 226 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in April than Pamukkale. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Pamukkale 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Pamukkale and Athens
| Athens | Pamukkale | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.