A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pamukkale vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pamukkale or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of green forests laced with a system of interconnected turquoise lakes. It was set aside as a national park in 1949, and was later designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park is $133. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $28

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park 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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $36
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 : $277
  • 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.: $92
  • 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: $103

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • 3,5 hours Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice lakes: $76
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • Croatia Walking Tour in a Wonderland: $174
  • E-Bike tour Plitvice Big Waterfall Viewpoints & Tito's Villa: $87
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Full Day Private Tour of Plitvice Lakes from Split & Trogir: $738
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • PLITVICE LAKES FULL DAY TOUR WITH LOCAL: $182
  • Plitvice Countryside Bike Tour with Barac Caves: $76
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $15


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

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



When is the best time to visit Pamukkale or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

In the summer, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamukkale in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Pamukkale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 19°C (67°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Furthermore, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter for the cuisine.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Pamukkale is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Additionally, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamukkale in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)