A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pamukkale vs. Puerto de la Cruz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pamukkale or Puerto de la Cruz?

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 Puerto de la Cruz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Puerto de la Cruz?

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.

Puerto de la Cruz

The coast of the island of Tenerife is a dream destination for those seeking a luxurious getaway full of beaches and parties. However, for those of you traveling with families or looking to simply avoid the hustle and bustle of the nightclub crowd, there's Puerto de la Cruz. Known as a sophisticated destination, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the top places to visit yet still retains its authentic, Canarian charm.

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


Which place is cheaper, Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz is $120. 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 Puerto de la Cruz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Puerto de la Cruz $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Puerto de la Cruz $110
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Puerto de la Cruz

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Puerto de la Cruz? 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 Puerto de la Cruz


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 Puerto de la Cruz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Puerto de la Cruz $43

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Puerto de la Cruz?

Prices for flights to both Puerto de la Cruz 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
    Puerto de la Cruz $36

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Puerto de la Cruz $30
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.

  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Puerto de la Cruz $5.36


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

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Puerto de la Cruz?

Puerto de la Cruz has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Puerto de la Cruz, 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 Puerto de la Cruz?

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 Puerto de la Cruz in the Summer?

Both Puerto de la Cruz and Pamukkale during the summer are popular places to visit.

Pamukkale is a little warmer than Puerto de la Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Puerto de la Cruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the summer, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto de la Cruz. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 334 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets more rain in July than Puerto de la Cruz. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Puerto de la Cruz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Puerto de la Cruz.

In the autumn, Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Puerto de la Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamukkale in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Puerto de la Cruz averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz during autumn. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 218 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Puerto de la Cruz. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Puerto de la Cruz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Puerto de la Cruz.

In January, Pamukkale is generally much colder than Puerto de la Cruz. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 9°C (48°F), and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the winter, Pamukkale often gets less sunshine than Puerto de la Cruz. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 180 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamukkale usually gets more rain in January than Puerto de la Cruz. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Puerto de la Cruz in the Spring?

Both Puerto de la Cruz and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Pamukkale is cooler than Puerto de la Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Puerto de la Cruz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto de la Cruz during spring. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 229 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Puerto de la Cruz. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Puerto de la Cruz and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Puerto de la Cruz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)