A Travel Price Comparison for Turkey Pamukkale vs. Antalya for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pamukkale or Antalya?

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

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Antalya?

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.

Antalya

Antalya is the largest city along Turkey's Mediterranean coast and the eighth largest city in the country with over one million people in the metropolitan area. The city dates back to about 200 BC when it was settled by the Attalid Dynasty of Pergamon and soon conquered by the Romans. The city was ruled by several different groups and most recently was transferred to Italian suzerainty following World War I. It became part of Turkey following the War of Independence. The city has seen an influx of development in recent years and it has grown into a tourism mecca with more than 12 million visitors in 2014.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Turkey, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Turkey, and The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Antalya 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 Antalya is $147. 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 Antalya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Antalya $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Antalya $110
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Antalya

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Antalya? 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 Antalya


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 Antalya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Antalya $110

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: $90
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
  • Pamukkale to Antalya Centre Hotels Transfer: $163
  • 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: $103
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $103
  • Antalya: Private Airport Transfer to/from Pamukkale/Denizli: $154
  • Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antalya

Also for Antalya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Beldibi Transfer - Bus/Coach: $291
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Manavgat Transfer - Comfort: $291
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya City Center Transfer - Bus/Coach: $291
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Akdeniz Port Transfer - Bus/Coach: $291
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kundu Transfer - SUV: $291
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Belek Transfer - Bus/Coach: $291
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kundu Transfer - Limousine: $291
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya City Center Transfer - Limousine: $291
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Lara Transfer - SUV: $291
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kundu Transfer - Bus/Coach: $291
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya City Center Transfer - SUV: $291
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Belek Transfer - Premium: $233

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Antalya?

Prices for flights to both Antalya 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
    Antalya $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antalya

For Antalya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Turkish Tastes at Antalya Food Tour: $47
  • Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show with Dinner: $73
  • Full day trip to Pamukkale from Side with dinner: $103

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Antalya $46
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.

  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tours: $119
  • Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
  • Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $30
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour with Lunch from Izmir&Kusadasi: $298
  • 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.: $92
  • Daily Pamukkale Guided Tour with extra Red spring enjoyment.: $92
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour from istanbul: $638
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Airport : $109
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Bus station: $103
  • Daily Pamukkale and Kaklik Cave Tour with drop-off at Denizli Airport: $230

Tours and Activities in Antalya

For Antalya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Full Day Green Canyon Boat Tour with Lunch Included: $60
  • Full-Day Adventure 3 in 1 activity from Antalya to Köprülü Canyon National Park: $52
  • Tour of waterfall (unıque): $71
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Antalya With Cave Hotel Overnight: $60
  • 2 in 1 Tour in Antalya Rafting and Buggy Safari Tour with Lunch : $40
  • 4-Hour Antalya Short Shopping Tour: $15
  • 6-Hour Kemer Pirate Boat Tour with Open-Buffet Lunch from Antalya: $25
  • 7 Hour Adventure on The Land of Legends Theme Park (Antalya): $120
  • 9 hours Antalya Canyoning and Rafting Tours: $43
  • Adrasan & Suluada (Turkish Maldives) Island Boat Tour: $28
  • All-inclusive Private Guided Tour of Antalya City: $242
  • Ancient City Perge, Temple Of Apollo & Aspendos Theatre Tour: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Antalya $20


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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Antalya?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Antalya, 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 Antalya?

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 Pamukkale or Antalya in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Antalya. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Antalya because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Antalya in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Antalya fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya 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 Antalya during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Antalya receives 376 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of rain as Antalya. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Antalya 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Antalya in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Antalya. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Antalya this time of year.

In the autumn, Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Antalya. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamukkale in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Antalya averages at about 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets less sunshine than Antalya. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antalya receives 251 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in October than Antalya. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Antalya 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Antalya in the Winter?

Both Antalya and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Antalya for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Pamukkale is generally cooler than Antalya. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 9°C (48°F), and Antalya fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Pamukkale usually receives less sunshine than Antalya during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Antalya receives 161 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Antalya. It's quite rainy in Pamukkale. In January, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Antalya. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Antalya 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Antalya in the Spring?

Both Antalya and Pamukkale during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Antalya in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Antalya in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Antalya fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antalya. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antalya receives 243 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets more rain in April than Antalya. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Antalya and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Antalya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 227 mm (8.9 in)