Which place is cheaper, Portimao or Pamukkale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pamukkale or Portimao?
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 Portimao can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Portimao?
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.
Portimao
The second biggest city in the Alrgarve region of Portugal, Portimao sits on the coast where the Arade River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its fresh fish restaurants and is also a popular destination for beachgoers at the Praia da Rocha to the south of the city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPamukkale $156Portimao $163
The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, while the average daily cost in Portimao is $163. 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 Portimao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPamukkale $56Portimao $83
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPamukkale $112Portimao $166
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Portimao
Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Portimao? 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 and Portimao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pamukkale $35Portimao $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale
Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $81
- Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
- Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
- Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
- Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $102
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
- Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
- Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
- Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
- City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $244
- Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $236
- Private Airport Transfer To Armação De Pera Area: $114
- Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $94
- Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Algoz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81
- Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $60
- Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $59
- Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
- Private Transfer from Armaçao de Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $55
- Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Ferragudo - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Portimao?
Prices for flights to both Portimao 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 $69Portimao $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.
- Algarve wine tour and mountain top trip with lunch or dinner at sunset time: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pamukkale $54Portimao $44
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.
- Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $37
- Pamukkale City Highlights Small Group Guided Tour with Lunch: $40
- Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $45
- Pamukkale Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots: $48
- From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $48
- Shared Pamukkale Group Tour from Pamukkale: $57
- From Bodrum: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Guided Tour with Lunch: $63
- Kusadasi or Selcuk: Pamukkale Guided Group Tour: $67
- Pamukkale Tour From Pamukkale : $71
- Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
- Shared Cultural Tour in Pamukkale and Hierapolis: $81
- Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour: $85
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- Kayak Tours to Benagil & Marine caves - From Benagil Beach: $38
- Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Benagil Caves Kayak Tour: $36
- 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
- Afternoon Sailing and Caves Tour from Portimao: $39
- Albufeira - Salgados Reserve Segway Tour: $65
- Algarve - Exclusive horseriding in Portimao (no experience required): $55
- Algarve Coast Guided Boat Tour: $38
- Algarve Jeep Safari tours: $49
- Alone in Benagil, perfect pictures Kayak tour with @StarToursAlgarve: $60
- Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour: $38
- Benagil Cave Guided Kayaking Tour Caves & Secret Spots : $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPamukkale $15Portimao $32
Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
- Algarve Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $60
- Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $74
- Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $154
- Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $210
When comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Portimao, we can see that Portimao 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 Portimao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Portimao?
Portimao has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Portimao, 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 Portimao?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Pamukkale or Portimao in the Summer?
Both Portimao and Pamukkale during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Portimao in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Portimao fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
Pamukkale usually gets more rain in July than Portimao. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPamukkale 28°C (82°F)Portimao 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Portimao in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Portimao. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Portimao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamukkale in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Portimao averages at about 19°C (67°F).
In October, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Portimao. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPamukkale 19°C (67°F)Portimao 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Portimao in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Portimao. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.
In January, Pamukkale is generally cooler than Portimao. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 9°C (48°F), and Portimao fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Pamukkale receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamukkale usually gets more rain in January than Portimao. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPamukkale 9°C (48°F)Portimao 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Portimao in the Spring?
Both Portimao and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Portimao in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Portimao fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
In April, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Portimao. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPamukkale 17°C (62°F)Portimao 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Portimao and Pamukkale
| Pamukkale | Portimao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (51°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.