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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Faro?

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

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Faro?

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.

Faro

Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Faro 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 Faro is $143. 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 Faro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Faro $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Faro $160
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Faro

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Faro? 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 Faro


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 Faro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Faro $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

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

  • Antalya; Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Transfer: $280
  • City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
  • Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
  • Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $102
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
  • Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Airport Transfer to Malaga: $743
  • Airport Transfer to Cadiz: $669
  • Airport Transfer to Sintra: $569
  • Airport Transfer to Lisbon: $533
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Private Seville airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Airport Transfer to Sevilla: $476
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Lisboa: $465
  • Airport Transfer to Evora: $414
  • From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Lisbon: $385
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilha: $380
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 4pax cars): $374

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Faro?

Prices for flights to both Faro 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
    Faro $39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

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

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Faro $10
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 Faro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.

  • Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • 2:30 Hours Tour: $273
  • 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
  • 5 hours tour in Ria Formosa: $49
  • 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
  • 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
  • A Timeless Private Walking Tour Experience in Tavira: $202
  • Algarve Buggy Tours: $202
  • Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Faro $3.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48


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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Faro?

Faro has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Faro, 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 Faro?

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 Faro in the Summer?

Both Faro and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Faro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamukkale in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Faro averages at about 25°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Faro during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Faro. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Faro 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Faro in the Autumn?

Both Faro and Pamukkale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Faro in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Faro. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 19°C (67°F), and Faro fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Faro. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in October than Faro. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Pamukkale or Faro in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Faro. Furthermore, most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Pamukkale is cooler than Faro in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Faro fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

Pamukkale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Faro. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Faro 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Faro in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Faro. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches.

In the spring, Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Faro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamukkale in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Faro averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets less sunshine than Faro. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets more rain in April than Faro. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Faro and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Faro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)