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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Carcassonne?

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

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Carcassonne?

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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Carcassonne is located in the Aude plain between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire and was later taken over in the fifth century by the Visigoths who founded the city. Its desirable location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cite, which has numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. With its position on a rocky hilltop, zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children's storybook when it's seen from afar. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. It attracts over four million visitors every year, peaking in high summer. Time your visit for late in the day (or even better in spring or fall) to truly appreciate the old town's medieval charm.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is $114. 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 Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Carcassonne $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Carcassonne $130
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne


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 Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Carcassonne $7.65

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: $81
  • 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 Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Carcassonne $15
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 : $277
  • 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.: $92
  • 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: $103

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

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

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Best of Cathar Country: Full-Day Private Tour.: $207
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour : $201
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Fortress Walking Tour: $171
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Photoshoot Experience: $160
  • Private Walking Tour with Cité de Carcassonne: $187

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Carcassonne $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


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

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Carcassonne?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Carcassonne. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamukkale in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Carcassonne this time of the year. In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Carcassonne. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 19°C (67°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°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 Carcassonne. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

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

Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Pamukkale. In January, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne and Pamukkale during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamukkale in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Carcassonne. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)