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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Cairngorms National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Cairngorms National Park?

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.

Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park is an over 1,700 square mile park in the center of Scotland and is home to some of the most beautiful sights in the country. Voted one of the top 20 places to visit in the world by National Geographic Traveler Magazine, the park features everything from castles to wildlife tours to white water rafting. There is really no bad time to visit the park, as you will always have something to see and do here! In the winter, from late November-March, you can ski the slopes and go on snow treks. Summer, from May-September, is fantastic for walking, hiking, and canoeing.

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 from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park is $148. 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 Cairngorms National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Cairngorms National Park $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Cairngorms National Park $138
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Cairngorms National Park

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Cairngorms National Park? 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 Cairngorms National Park


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 Cairngorms National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Cairngorms National Park $66

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: $82
  • 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 Pamukkale or Cairngorms National Park?

Prices for flights to both Cairngorms National Park 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
    Cairngorms National Park $38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Cairngorms National Park $33
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: $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 : $278
  • 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.: $93
  • 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: $104

Tours and Activities in Cairngorms National Park

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

  • Cairn Gorm Mountain Adventure Private Hike: $168
  • Private Guided Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $177
  • Private Guided Ridge Scrambling Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Rock Climbing Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Winter Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Winter Mountaineering Experience in the Cairngorms: $222
  • Private Walking Tour to Ben Macdui Scotland: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Cairngorms National Park $10


When comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Cairngorms National Park, 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 Cairngorms National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Pamukkale or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Cairngorms National Park. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cairngorms National Park this time of year.

Pamukkale is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Cairngorms National Park. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Cairngorms National Park. Also, many travelers come to Cairngorms National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Pamukkale is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamukkale in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in October than Cairngorms National Park. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the winter for the cuisine.

Cairngorms National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Pamukkale is generally much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 9°C (48°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Pamukkale. In January, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Pamukkale during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cairngorms National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Pamukkale is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 136 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets more rain in April than Cairngorms National Park. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Cairngorms National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)