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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Karlovy Vary?

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 Karlovy Vary can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Karlovy Vary?

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.

Karlovy Vary

Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Pamukkale?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $162, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $115. 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 Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $44
    Karlovy Vary $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $88
    Karlovy Vary $90
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Karlovy Vary? 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 Karlovy Vary


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 Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $28
    Karlovy Vary $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

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

  • City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Center Private Transfer: $244
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $149
  • Denizli Airport Transfer to Pamukkale (Private): $141
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $121
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $120
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $114
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $114
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $108
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $78
  • Paragliding Tour w/ Scenic Views & Hotel Transfer: $73
  • Gumbet Turkish Bath with hotel transfer and Oil massage: $38
  • Antalya/Belek/Lara: Land Of legends Night Show Transfer: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary

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

  • Karlovy Vary to Prague Airport (PRG) - Departure Private Transfer: $167
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $141
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary 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 $94
    Karlovy Vary $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $42
    Karlovy Vary $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $1.57

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

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

  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tours: $179
  • 6 Day Antalya, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Ephesus Tour: $325
  • Ancient Echoes: Etrim Village & Ancient Sanctuaries Tour: $113
  • Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $88
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Cappadocia in a Day Private Tour from Istanbul, Cappadocia Hotels: $223
  • Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour included Pick Up from Denizli Airport: $100
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour From Denizli Çardak Aırport: $132
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Bus station: $114
  • Experince Gyrocopter Tour over Pamaukkale & Hierapolis: $131
  • From Antalya or Kemer: Full-Day Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour: $41
  • From Antalya: Daily Pamukkale Tour with Expert Local Guide: $133

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

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

  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $245
  • Karlovy Vary Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $42
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $273
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $184

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $11
    Karlovy Vary $7.53


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

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Karlovy Vary?

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

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 Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

Both Karlovy Vary and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Pamukkale because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamukkale in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Karlovy Vary. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

Both Karlovy Vary and Pamukkale during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pamukkale this time of year.

In October, Pamukkale is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 19°C (67°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Karlovy Vary. Many travelers come to Pamukkale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Karlovy Vary can get quite cold in the winter. Pamukkale is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 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 Karlovy Vary. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Karlovy Vary. Many visitors come to Pamukkale in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Pamukkale is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamukkale in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Karlovy Vary. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)