Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Pamukkale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pamukkale or Lake Garda?
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 Lake Garda can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Lake Garda?
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.
Lake Garda
As a gentle Mediterranean wind touches your skin, the aromatic fragrances of olive and lemon trees fill the air. Surrounded by lush gardens and Italian architecture in its ancient tans and beiges, you look to the horizon and find a paradise before your eyes: a shimmering lake, misty mountaintops, and a clear blue sky. Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination for locals of the Lombardy region and tourists alike. It has been shown that about 7% of Italy's tourists head straight for these gleaming blue shores. The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is located about halfway in between Brescia and Verona and between Venezia and Milano. Because it is surrounded by several different districts - Lombardy, Trentino, Alto, and the Veneto - Lake Garda is a culmination of culture that attracts cosmopolitan crowds. The lake is an ancient natural treasure Italy holds dear, with documents referring to Lake Garda dating as far back as the eighteenth century. The name "Garda" comes from the Germanic word "warda," which means "place of guard." Whether you are staying at one of the many luxurious resorts in Riva del Garda or are simply getting a pedicure in spa town Sirmione, Lake Garda continues to preserve its elegance and sophistication throughout the years.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPamukkale $156Lake Garda $178
The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is $178. 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 Lake Garda in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPamukkale $56Lake Garda $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPamukkale $112Lake Garda $180
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Lake Garda
Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Lake Garda? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pamukkale $35Lake Garda $70
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda
Also for Lake Garda, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128
- Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Lake Garda?
Prices for flights to both Lake Garda 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
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Food Meals for one dayPamukkale $69Lake Garda $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
- Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
- Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pamukkale $54Lake Garda $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale
For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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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 Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
- 2 Hours Walking and Boat Tour in Sirmione Highlights: $53
- Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
- Best of Sirmione with Boat Tour and Grotte di Catullo : $97
- Boat Tour of the Islands of Lake Garda with Aperitif: $76
- Canyoning "Vione" - advanced tour, for sportive beginner: $106
- Dolomites Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda: $75
- Dolomites Full-day Tour from Lake Garda: $76
- Experience in Sirmione Lake Garda: $98
- Fabulous Heritage of Sirmione - Walking Tour: $185
- From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49
- From Dolomites Bus Tour: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPamukkale $15Lake Garda $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda
Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
- Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
- Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
- Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
- Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
- Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
- Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
- E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
- E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
- Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
- Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98
When comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pamukkale or Lake Garda?
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 Lake Garda in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Lake Garda. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 28°C (82°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lake Garda this time of the year. In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPamukkale 28°C (82°F)Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Lake Garda in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Lake Garda. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.
Pamukkale is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°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 Lake Garda. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.
Pamukkale usually gets less rain in October than Lake Garda. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPamukkale 19°C (67°F)Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Lake Garda in the Winter?
Both Lake Garda and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Lake Garda. In the winter, Pamukkale is much warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamukkale in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).
Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Pamukkale. In January, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPamukkale 9°C (48°F)Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Lake Garda in the Spring?
Both Lake Garda and Pamukkale during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 17°C (62°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.
Pamukkale usually gets less rain in April than Lake Garda. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPamukkale 17°C (62°F)Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Pamukkale
| Pamukkale | Lake Garda | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (51°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.