A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Izmir vs. Pamplona for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Izmir or Pamplona?

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 Izmir and Pamplona. 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: Izmir or Pamplona?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a city in northern Spain located on the snow-capped foothills of the Pyrenees Range. With the backdrop of mountains, the city is surrounded by a setting ideal for skiing, mountaineering, hiking, wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Yet Pamplona itself is a place full of lively culture and stunning architecture. With a long history, the place is embedded in tradition and perhaps most famous for its annual "running of the bulls" celebrated in July, also known as the San Fermin festival.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Pamplona or Izmir?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Pamplona is $141. 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 Izmir and Pamplona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Pamplona $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Pamplona $144
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Pamplona

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Pamplona? 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 Izmir


Hotels in Pamplona


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Pamplona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Pamplona $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $21
  • Private Transfer from Izmir city Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $25
  • Izmir Transfer: $25
  • Private Transfer - Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir Port: $26
  • Private Transfer - Izmir Port to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB: $26
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Airport Transfers: From Göcek to Dalaman Airport: $40
  • Izmir Airport (ADB) to Çeşme, Alaçatı - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
  • Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
  • Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Cesme: $43
  • Private Transfer: Izmir Airport (ADB) to Izmir : $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamplona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:

  • Private Transfer from Pamplona Airport to Laguardia town: $282
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian Airport: $244

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Pamplona?

Prices for flights to both Pamplona and Izmir 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
    Izmir $24
    Pamplona $44

Typical Food Prices in Pamplona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pamplona are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    $11
  • Ice Cream
    $4.82
  • Coffee
    $1.39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Pamplona $36

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Olive Oil Tasting Experience in Turkey : $3.16
  • Quick Tour, Essentials of Izmir With Audio Guide: $6.00
  • Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $25
  • Skip Line Private Ephesus- Temple Of Artemis-Virgin Mary Tour: $32
  • PRIVATE PHOTO TOUR IN IZMIR - Photo & Video Experience in iZMiR: $49
  • Half-Day Izmir City Tour: $55
  • Ephesus Tour: $56
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • Deluxe Ephesus with Terrace Houses tour from Izmir Hotel , Cruise Ports, Airport: $69
  • Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House from Izmir Hotels , Airport ,Cruise Port: $69
  • Izmir City Tour: $70
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70

Tours and Activities in Pamplona

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

  • Logroño historic&cultural guided walking tour: $32
  • Pamplona pintxo tasting paired with Spanish wines small group tour: $72
  • From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $91
  • Private City Tour Pamplona: $174
  • Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $204
  • Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $218
  • Tour of the Bardenas " The great desert of Europe" and Tudela. : $234
  • San Sebastian & Basque Coast Tour From Pamplona: $235
  • Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $240
  • Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $240
  • San Sebastian And Basque Coast Tour From Pamplona: $240
  • Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Pamplona $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152

Sample the Local Flavors in Pamplona

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

  • Half Day Rioja Wine Tour: $218
  • Wine tour of La Rioja, with two winery visits, and La Guardia. : $221
  • Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona: $240
  • Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Logroño: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Pamplona: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: $283


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

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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Pamplona?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Pamplona, 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 Izmir or Pamplona?

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 Izmir or Pamplona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Pamplona. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Pamplona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Pamplona averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamplona this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Pamplona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Pamplona. Also, many visitors come to Pamplona in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Pamplona in the Winter?

Both Pamplona and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Izmir is around the same temperature as Pamplona in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Pamplona 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Pamplona in the Spring?

Both Pamplona and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Pamplona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Pamplona averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Izmir

Izmir Pamplona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)