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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Cefalu?

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

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Cefalu?

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.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a fishing village and beach resort that is located on the northern coast of Sicily, Italy. It sits on the Tyerrhenian Sea and is just 70 kilometers from Palermo and 185 kilometers from Messina. The town has a small population of under 14,000 residents but is a significant tourist destination on the island of Sicily. The city is flooded with millions of tourists every year from around Sicily, elsewhere in Italy, and abroad. During the summer months it is not uncommon for the city's population to triple, putting a lot of pressure on the main streets and roads around town. The city is popular as a beach resort with a youthful vibe and an active nightlife.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cefalu 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 Cefalu is $127. 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 Cefalu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Cefalu $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Cefalu $186
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Cefalu

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Cefalu? 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 Cefalu


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 Cefalu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Cefalu $4.59

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cefalu

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

  • Transfer Palermo Airport - Cefalù and vice versa: $174
  • Departure Private Transfer Cefalù to Palermo Airport PMO by Business Car or Van: $156
  • Club Med Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Le Calette, Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Hotel Kalura, Cefalù for Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Cefalù or vice versa: $104
  • Alberi del Paradiso, Cefalù for APT Palermo or vice versa, Private Transfer: $98
  • Costa Verde HOTEL Cefalù, for Palermo airport, Private Transfer: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Cefalu?

Prices for flights to both Cefalu 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
    Cefalu $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cefalu

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

  • Cooking Class in a Sicilian countryhouse: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Cefalu $6.12
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 Cefalu

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

  • Nebrodi and Halaesa valley jeep tours: $125
  • Safari Jeep Wild Adventure: $136
  • Cefalu Etna wild jeep experience: $272
  • Etna tour from Cefalù: $62
  • High Madonie wild jeep adventure: $163
  • Madonie wild adventure: $224

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Cefalu $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Cefalu

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

  • Castelbuono Tour and Wine Tasting in a Medieval Abbey: $49


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pamukkale and Cefalu, we can see that Pamukkale is more expensive. And not only is Cefalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cefalu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cefalu 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 Cefalu.

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Cefalu?

Cefalu has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Cefalu, 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 Cefalu?

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 Cefalu in the Summer?

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

In July, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 28°C (82°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Cefalu 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Cefalu in the Autumn?

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

Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°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 Cefalu. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in October than Cefalu. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Cefalu 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Cefalu in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Pamukkale is cooler than Cefalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamukkale in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Cefalu averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Pamukkale usually receives less sunshine than Cefalu during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Pamukkale. In January, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Cefalu 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Cefalu in the Spring?

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

In April, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 17°C (62°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Cefalu 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Cefalu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)