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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Marbella?

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

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Marbella?

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.

Marbella

Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.

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


Which place is cheaper, Marbella 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 Marbella is $125. 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 Marbella in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Marbella $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Marbella $132
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Marbella

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Marbella? 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 Marbella


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 Marbella Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Marbella $26

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 Marbella

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

  • From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
  • Private Transfer from Gaucín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $223
  • Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
  • Private Transfer from La Alcaidesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $205
  • Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $175
  • Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
  • Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155
  • Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $138
  • Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
  • Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Istán to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Marbella?

Prices for flights to both Marbella 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
    Marbella $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella

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

  • Food Tour: $87
  • The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
  • Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Marbella $21
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 Marbella

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

  • 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
  • 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $175
  • Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $206
  • Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $98
  • Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
  • Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $109
  • Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $75
  • Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $49
  • Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $97
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
  • Dolphin Watching Tour on Sailboat in Marbella: $71
  • E-Bike Tour through Marbella/ Puerto Banús and San Pedro: $101

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Marbella $6.12

Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella

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

  • Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
  • From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
  • Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
  • Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
  • VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272


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

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Marbella?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Marbella, 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 Marbella?

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 Marbella in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Marbella. Also, many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Marbella. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 28°C (82°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Marbella 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Marbella in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Marbella. Also, many visitors come to Marbella in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Marbella in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Marbella fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Marbella. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 213 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in October than Marbella. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Pamukkale or Marbella in the Winter?

Both Marbella and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Pamukkale is cooler than Marbella. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamukkale in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Marbella averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Pamukkale usually receives less sunshine than Marbella during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Pamukkale. In January, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Marbella. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Pamukkale or Marbella in the Spring?

Both Marbella and Pamukkale during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Marbella. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 17°C (62°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 220 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets more rain in April than Marbella. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Marbella 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Marbella and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Marbella
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in)