Which place is cheaper, Pamukkale or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Pamukkale?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Pamukkale 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: Heraklion or Pamukkale?
Heraklion
The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion on first glance is almost completely modern - a frenzy of traffic, concrete, and dust. Do not expect pristine beaches and glittering waves (those can be found on other parts of Crete). Heraklion is first and foremost a city. Once you get past its grittiness, you will find that there are some attractive features beneath first impressions. The antiquity of the place lies embedded in the modern and is presented in one of the best museums in Greece, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. And though the sea is not great for swimming, its presence along the Venetian port will take you to another time if you need a break from Heraklion's bustling center.
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 dayHeraklion €158Pamukkale €146
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, 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 Heraklion and Pamukkale in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Pamukkale €52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Pamukkale €104
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Pamukkale
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion 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: Heraklion Hotel Prices and Pamukkale Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Pamukkale €33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $4,021
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $280
- Private Transfer Port/Airport to/from Ierapetra: $273
- Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $229
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
- KNOSSOS PALACE private tour ( with Transfer from Heraklion Prefecture ): $196
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to IERAPETRA area up to 7 customers: $184
- Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Makrygialos: $175
- Semi Private Wine and Olive Oil tour (Transfer & Lunch Incl.): $163
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
- Private Wine | Food Pairing at Titakis Winery with Free Transfer: $153
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $149
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale
Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $102
- Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
- Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
- Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
- Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
- Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $81
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
- City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165
- Antalya; Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Transfer: $280
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Pamukkale?
Prices for flights to both Pamukkale and Heraklion 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 dayHeraklion €52Pamukkale €65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Troy Dinner-Show: $33
- Spectacular Dinner-Show: $44
- From Village Cretan Night, Live Dancers & dinner: $48
- Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
- Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $59
- Cretan Farm with scenic view: Olive Mill Festival & dinner: $64
- Amazing Sunset Safari Route with Dinner: $84
- Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
- Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $90
- Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
- Food tour tasting walking tour: $123
- E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Heraklion €38Pamukkale €51
Tours and Activities in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $108
- Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $100
- Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $82
- 3-Hour Trekking Mount Karfi Adventure with pickup from Heraklion: $118
- 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $90
- 4x4 self drive adventure_Cretan mainland: $87
- Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $85
- Agios Nikolaos-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour TR: $47
- All Year Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion: $618
- All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit: $695
- Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $86
- Archaeological Museum of Guided Walking Tour: $86
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 : $277
- 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.: $92
- 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: $103
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Pamukkale €14
Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion
Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
- Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
- Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $118
- Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $119
- Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
- Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $134
- Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
- Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $183
- Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
- Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
- Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196
When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Pamukkale, we can see that Heraklion 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is Pamukkale Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Pamukkale?
Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Pamukkale in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Pamukkale. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Pamukkale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Pamukkale averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pamukkale during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Pamukkale receives 356 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Pamukkale. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 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 JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Pamukkale 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Pamukkale in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Pamukkale. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Pamukkale. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Pamukkale fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. In the autumn, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Pamukkale. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamukkale receives 232 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Pamukkale. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 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 OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Pamukkale 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Pamukkale in the Winter?
Both Pamukkale and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Heraklion is a little warmer than Pamukkale in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Pamukkale fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Pamukkale during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Pamukkale receives 137 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. In January, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Pamukkale. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 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 JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Pamukkale 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Pamukkale in the Spring?
Both Pamukkale and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.
In the spring, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Pamukkale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Pamukkale averages at about 17°C (62°F).
In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pamukkale. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamukkale receives 226 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Pamukkale. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Pamukkale 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Pamukkale and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Pamukkale | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 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.