A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pamukkale vs. Alicante for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pamukkale or Alicante?

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 Alicante can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Alicante?

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.

Alicante

Alicante is a gorgeous coastal city in the Costa Blanca region, on the east coast of Spain. The region is famous for its white sandy beaches, the party-haven of Benidorm and the stunning palm tree-lined boulevard in the city of Alicante. I have been visiting Alicante for close to 20 years, so, it has become almost a second home to me. Here are my top tips to have the best vacation in Alicante.

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


Which place is cheaper, Alicante or Pamukkale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, while the average daily cost in Alicante is $136. 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 Alicante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Alicante $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Alicante $90
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Alicante

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Alicante? 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 Pamukkale


Hotels in Alicante


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 Alicante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Alicante -

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 Alicante

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:

  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Puerto Lumbreras : $281
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Azohia: $269
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Drova (urbanisation): $254
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Bolnuevo: $254
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to la Manga Puerto Maestre: $245
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cehegin: $245
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Manga strip dos Mares: $237
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cabo de Palos: $237
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Gandia: $237
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Campo sol Golf Resort : $226
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Orba: $218
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Oliva: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Alicante?

Prices for flights to both Alicante 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Pamukkale $69
    Alicante $77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante

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

  • Secret Flavors Food Tour: $31
  • Paella and Sangria Cooking Workshop: $60
  • Paella and Sangría Cooking Workshop: $64
  • Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars: $70
  • Alicante Food Tour: $71
  • Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $89
  • Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $136
  • Cooking Class with Private Chef and Local Wine: $176
  • Alicante cooking class with a private chef: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Alicante $56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante

Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)
    $58
  • Catamaran Cruise (for 2)
    $71
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    $128
  • Walking Tour (for 2)
    $64

Tours and Activities in Alicante

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

  • Alcoy Walking Tour on the Modernist Route: $202
  • Alicante - Old Town Private Walking Tour: $385
  • Alicante : E-Bike Coast Tour, Román Fishpond and Snorkeling: $37
  • Alicante : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
  • Alicante Charming Villages Tour: Villajoyosa and Altea: $75
  • Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $33
  • Alicante Discovery Tour from Benidorm: $28
  • Alicante Evening Tapas tour: $82
  • Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $32
  • Alicante Highlights Bike Tour(min 2p) MEDIUM CYCLE LEVEL REQUIRED: $35
  • Alicante Highlights Private Tour with Castle : $76
  • Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Alicante -

Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante

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

  • Santa Bárbara Castle Wine Tasting with Cold Cuts: $28
  • Vineyards of Wine Tasting Tour: $73
  • Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting : $74
  • Private Tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $82
  • Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $144
  • Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $147
  • Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $267


When comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Alicante, 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 Pamukkale Expensive? and Is Alicante Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Alicante?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Alicante, 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 Alicante?

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 Alicante in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Alicante. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.

In July, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Alicante. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 28°C (82°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the summer, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in July than Alicante. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Alicante 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Alicante in the Autumn?

Both Alicante and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Alicante for the shopping scene.

Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Alicante in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Alicante fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during autumn. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Alicante. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Alicante 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Alicante in the Winter?

Both Alicante and Pamukkale during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Alicante in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Pamukkale is cooler than Alicante. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamukkale in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Alicante averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Pamukkale often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually gets more rain in January than Alicante. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Alicante 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Alicante in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Alicante. Furthermore, most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches during these months.

In April, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 17°C (62°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during spring. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Alicante. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Alicante 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Alicante and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Alicante
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)