Which place is cheaper, Albufeira or Pamukkale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pamukkale or Albufeira?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Albufeira can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Albufeira?
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.
Albufeira
Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPamukkale $156Albufeira $158
The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, while the average daily cost in Albufeira is $158. 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 Pamukkale and Albufeira in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPamukkale $56Albufeira $79
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPamukkale $112Albufeira $158
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Albufeira
Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Albufeira? 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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Albufeira Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pamukkale $35Albufeira $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale
Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84
- Antalya; Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Transfer: $280
- City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $82
- Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
- Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
- Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
- Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
- Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:
- Private Transfer From Algarve to Sevilha By 8 Seats Minibus: $513
- Private transfer from Albufeira to Lisbon with 2 hours sightseeing: $283
- Transfer Vila Real de Santo Antonio - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $164
- Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $151
- Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $140
- Private Transfer from Vila Real de Santo António to Faro (FAO) Airport: $132
- Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $109
- Transfer Alcantarilha - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $99
- Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $98
- Transfer Galé - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $89
- Transfer Albufeira - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $89
- Private Transfer from Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82
Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Albufeira?
Prices for flights to both Albufeira and Pamukkale 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 dayPamukkale $69Albufeira $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albufeira
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Albufeira.
- A Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with pick up: $49
- Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with Pick up: $52
- Dinner at the Vineyards in Lagoa: $60
- Algarve Bike and Food Tour with Sea Food and Wine Tasting: $61
- Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner : $65
- 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Albufeira: $74
- Half-Day-Orange Picking &Jam Cooking/Lunch with the Orange Farmer: $109
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pamukkale $54Albufeira $41
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$2.01
Tours and Activities in Pamukkale
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.
- Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $37
- Pamukkale City Highlights Small Group Guided Tour with Lunch: $40
- Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $45
- Pamukkale Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots: $48
- From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $48
- Shared Pamukkale Group Tour from Pamukkale: $57
- From Bodrum: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Guided Tour with Lunch: $63
- Kusadasi or Selcuk: Pamukkale Guided Group Tour: $67
- Pamukkale Tour From Pamukkale : $71
- Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
- Shared Cultural Tour in Pamukkale and Hierapolis: $82
- Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour: $85
Tours and Activities in Albufeira
Here are a few actual costs in Albufeira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Algarve Coast & Chapel of Bones ( Private Van Tour ): $52
- Safari Experience with Traditional Tapas: $76
- 3 Hour Cruise Experience from Vilamoura: $33
- 70 Minutes Guided Secrets of Albufeira Walking Tour: $22
- Albufeira 1 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $19
- Albufeira 1.5-Hour Off-road Quad Tour: $44
- Albufeira 2 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $49
- Albufeira 2 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $35
- Albufeira 3.5 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $65
- Albufeira 6-Hour Off-Road Quad Tour: $202
- Albufeira Algarve 4Hours Benagil Tasting Experience: $96
- Albufeira Beach BBQ with Caves and Coastline Cruise : $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPamukkale $15Albufeira $28
Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira
Also in Albufeira, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience in Porches (Algarve): $49
- Sunset Wine Tasting With BBQ in Porches: $49
- Wine Tasting Tour in Algarve Winery : $58
- Half Day Safari Tour with Wine Tasting: $58
- Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $63
- Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira): $68
- Wine Tour and Tasting - Semi-Private from Albufeira: $71
- Albufeira Coast Tour w/ Wine tasting & Chicken lunch: $74
- From Private Lagos Tour Whith Wine Tasting: $92
- Lagos and Ponta Da Piedade Private Tour & Algarvian Wine Tasting: $107
When comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Albufeira, we can see that Albufeira 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 Pamukkale Expensive? and Is Albufeira Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Albufeira?
Albufeira has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Albufeira, 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 Pamukkale or Albufeira?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Pamukkale or Albufeira in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Albufeira. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Albufeira. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 28°C (82°F), and Albufeira fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
Pamukkale usually gets more rain in July than Albufeira. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPamukkale 28°C (82°F)Albufeira 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Albufeira in the Autumn?
Both Albufeira and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.
Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Albufeira in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Albufeira fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
In October, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Albufeira. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPamukkale 19°C (67°F)Albufeira 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Albufeira in the Winter?
Both Albufeira and Pamukkale during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Albufeira for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Pamukkale is cooler than Albufeira. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamukkale in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Albufeira averages at about 11°C (52°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually gets more rain in January than Albufeira. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPamukkale 9°C (48°F)Albufeira 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Albufeira in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Albufeira. Also, many visitors come to Albufeira in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Albufeira. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 17°C (62°F), and Albufeira fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
In April, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Albufeira. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPamukkale 17°C (62°F)Albufeira 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Albufeira and Pamukkale
| Pamukkale | Albufeira | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (51°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.