A Travel Price Comparison for Turkey Pamukkale vs. Olympos for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pamukkale or Olympos?

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

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Olympos?

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.

Olympos

Olympos was an ancient city in Lycia, situated in a river valley near the coast. Its ruins are located south of the modern town Cirali in the Kumluca district of Antalya Province, Turkey. An important Lycian city in the 2nd century BC, Olympos is more famous these days for being the beach resort of choice for backpackers. Staying in an Olympos 'tree house' at one of the dozen-or-so camps that line the path to the ruins and beach has long been the stuff of travel legend. The former hippy-trail hot-spot has been considerably renovated in past years and during summer can be pretty overcrowded. Olympos offers good value and an up-for-it party atmosphere in a lovely setting.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Olympos 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 $144, while the average daily cost in Olympos is $81. 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 Olympos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $39
    Olympos $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $78
    Olympos $60
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Olympos

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Olympos? 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 Olympos


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 Olympos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $25
    Olympos $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

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

  • Private Transfer from Pamukkale to Cappadocia with Konya Tour: $245
  • City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Center Private Transfer: $244
  • Private transfer from Pamukkale to Konya: $190
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $179
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $146
  • Denizli Airport Transfer to Pamukkale (Private): $141
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $117
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $111
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $111
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $111
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $111
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Olympos

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

  • Antalya Kemer Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $88
  • Antalya Kiris Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $88
  • Antalya Camyuva Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $88
  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Beldibi Hotels: $82
  • Olympos Cable Car Ride With Transfer from Kemer 2365m: $81
  • Antalya Beldibi Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $70
  • Departure Private Transfer Kemer or Side to Antalya Airport AYT: $61
  • Departure Private Transfer from Kiris, Camyuva, Tekirova to Antalya Airport: $61
  • Kemer Horse Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $60
  • Kemer Scuba Diving Experience with Lunch and Transfer: $59
  • Suluada Island Boat Trip incl. Lunch and Transfer f/Kemer: $53
  • Gonster Pirate Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch and Transfer from Kemer: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Olympos?

Prices for flights to both Olympos 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 $84
    Olympos $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Olympos

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

  • Fire of Anatolia Dance Show Dinner and Transfer from Kemer: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $38
    Olympos $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

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


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $1.40

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

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

  • 6 Day Antalya, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Ephesus Tour: $325
  • Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $88
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Daily Guided Small Group Pamukkale&Hierapolis Tour: $100
  • Daily Pamukkale And Hıerapolis Tour from Pamukkale and Karahayıt: $111
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour From Denizli Çardak Aırport: $129
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Bus station: $123
  • Ephesus Private Tour from Pamukkale: $270
  • From Antalya or Kemer: Full-Day Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour: $41
  • From Antalya: Daily Pamukkale Tour with Expert Local Guide: $133
  • From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $47
  • From Izmir: Hierapolis and Pamukkale Tour with Guide: $300

Tours and Activities in Olympos

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

  • 2-Day Guided Cappadocia Tour with Cave Hotel Option From Kemer: $60
  • 9 Hours Rafting, Buggy Safari and Zipline Adventure from Kemer: $38
  • Antalya All-Inclusive City Tour from Kemer:Boat Trip & Waterfalls: $40
  • Antalya Full-Day Old City Tour From Kemer With Boat Trip: $45
  • Canyoning and Rafting Adventure: $53
  • Day Tour to Suluada by Boat: $18
  • Dolusu Park Ticket: $55
  • Full Day Rafting Experience From Kemer: $20
  • Full Day Tour in Kekova, Myra & St Nicholas from Kemer: $146
  • Full-day Boat Tour from Kemer with Lunch and Foam Party: $53
  • Green Canyon Boat and Green Lake Tour with Lunch and Soft Drinks: $35
  • Jeep Safari Adventure At Taurus Mountains from Kemer: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $10
    Olympos $12


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

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



When is the best time to visit Pamukkale or Olympos?

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 Olympos in the Summer?

Both Olympos and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Pamukkale for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Olympos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamukkale in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Olympos averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Olympos. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 385 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Olympos. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Olympos 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Olympos in the Autumn?

Both Olympos and Pamukkale during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Pamukkale because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Olympos, 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 Olympos. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 249 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets more rain in October than Olympos. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Pamukkale or Olympos in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Olympos. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pamukkale this time of year.

Pamukkale is cooler than Olympos in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Olympos fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Olympos during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 147 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 Olympos. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Olympos 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Olympos in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Olympos. Many travelers come to Pamukkale for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Olympos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamukkale in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Olympos averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympos. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 250 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets more rain in April than Olympos. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Olympos 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Olympos and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Olympos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 11°C (53°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)