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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Positano?

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

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Positano?

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.

Positano

Located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, Positano is a very scenic town that offers spectacular coastal views. The town sits on the edge of a hill and flows down toward the sea. Because of its dramatic beauty, Positano attracts thousands of visitors year around.

The town dates back to medieval times when it was a port for the Amalfi Republic. It thrived throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries but by the mid-nineteenth century its prosperity was falling. During those times more than half of the population left, migrating predominantly to America. During the 1950s the town gained popularity as a tourist destination, in part because of John Steinbeck's essay about the area in Harper's Bazaar (May, 1953).

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 Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Positano 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 Positano is $238. 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 Positano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Positano $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Positano $316
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Positano

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Positano? 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 Positano


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 Positano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Positano $8.28

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Positano

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Positano:


  • Bus Ticket
    $1.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano

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

  • Private Transfer to/from Rome & Pompeii Ruins: $839
  • From Sorrento & Pompeii Private Tour w/ Transfers: $642
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Airport, Port or Train station: $288
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Airport: $283
  • Transfer Naples - Positano: $273
  • From Salerno Station: 1-Way Private Transfer to Positano: $266
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Central Station: $262
  • From the Coast: Pompeii the Real All Inclusive Service(Guide,Transfer,Ticket): $257
  • Transfer from Naples to Positano or Positano to Naples : $240
  • Positano to Fiumicino Rome Airport (FCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $224
  • Private Transfer to Naples with WiFi: $214
  • Transfers Positano - Naples: $207

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Positano?

Prices for flights to both Positano 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
    Positano $57

Typical Food Prices in Positano

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Positano:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $33
  • Pizza in a Restaurant
    $9.99
  • Sandwich in a Restaurant
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano

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

  • Gastronomical Amalfi Coast Hike with Cooking Class: $45
  • Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine: $64
  • Cooking lesson: tagliatelle, mozzarella and tiramisu: $76
  • Amalfi Coast Cooking Class: Pasta Mozzarella & Tiramisu with Wine: $88
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sant'Agnello with Show Cooking: $93
  • Sorrento Pizza School Activity in Italy: $98
  • Small Group Positano Cooking Class Gnocchi Tiramisù with Drinks : $147
  • Lemon & sea food cooking class at local's home: $169
  • Small Group Home Cooking Class with a Local: $191
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $191
  • Cesarine: Small group Pizza and Tiramisu Class in Positano: $195
  • Vico Equense: Market Tour, Home Cooking Class, and Dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Positano $65
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Positano

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


  • Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande
    $18
  • Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi
    $86
  • Sunset Cruise
    $26
  • Full Day Wine Tour
    $104
  • Cooking Class
    $70

Tours and Activities in Positano

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

  • Guided Tour Pompeii And Vesuvius from Positano Skip the Line: $299
  • Amalfi Coast Luxury Private Experience in Motor Boat: $1,572
  • Amalfi Coast Premium Boat Tour From Sorrento Max 8 People: $245
  • Amalfi Coast Private Half Day Tour from Positano/Praiano: $1,357
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: $294
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $2,139
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $1,283
  • Amalfi Coast: Path of the Gods Private Walking Tour: $134
  • Amalfi Coast: Pompei & Vesuvius small group with Skip the line tickets: $147
  • Amalfi Coast: Romantic Sunset Cruise with Music & Cocktails: $160
  • Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour: $209
  • Breathtaking Journey on the Path of Gods: Tour from Positano: $2,055

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Positano $17

Typical Alcohol Prices in Positano

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Positano:


  • Bottle of Limoncello
    $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Positano

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Positano:

  • 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast: $76
  • Small Group Positano Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $108
  • Pompeii Wine Tasting Tour from Positano: $246


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pamukkale and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Pamukkale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pamukkale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pamukkale 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 Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano than you might in Pamukkale.

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Positano?

Pamukkale has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Pamukkale is a little warmer than Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Positano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Positano during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Positano. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Positano 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Pamukkale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Positano because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamukkale in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Positano. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pamukkale usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Positano 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Positano in the Winter?

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

In January, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 9°C (48°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Positano during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamukkale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of rain as Positano. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Positano 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Positano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Positano. Additionally, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Pamukkale is a little warmer than Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 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 Positano. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Positano 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Positano and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Positano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)