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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Saaremaa?

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

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Saaremaa?

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.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia and it has a unique and rural atmosphere that makes it an interesting place to visit. Saaremaa has remained rural and frozen in time due to its isolated location, particularly during Soviet occupation when it was used as a military base. The island still has working windmills, hand placed stone walls, and old stone churches that feel like you've stepped back in time.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia.


Which place is cheaper, Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa is $108. 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 Saaremaa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Saaremaa $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Saaremaa $76
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Saaremaa

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Saaremaa? 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 Saaremaa


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
    Saaremaa $51

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 Saaremaa

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


  • Rental Car and Gas for a Day
    $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Saaremaa?

Prices for flights to both Saaremaa 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
    Saaremaa $39

Typical Food Prices in Saaremaa

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


  • Salmon
    $1.37

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Saaremaa $22
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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Saaremaa $12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Saaremaa?

Saaremaa has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Saaremaa, 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 Saaremaa?

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 Saaremaa in the Summer?

Both Saaremaa and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Pamukkale is much warmer than Saaremaa in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Saaremaa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Saaremaa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Saaremaa during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Saaremaa receives 302 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Saaremaa. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Saaremaa 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Saaremaa in the Autumn?

Both Saaremaa and Pamukkale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saaremaa in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Pamukkale is much warmer than Saaremaa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamukkale in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Saaremaa averages at about 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Saaremaa. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saaremaa receives 101 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in October than Saaremaa. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Saaremaa 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Saaremaa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Saaremaa. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saaremaa for the cuisine during these months.

Saaremaa can be very cold during winter. In January, Pamukkale is generally much warmer than Saaremaa. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 9°C (48°F), and Saaremaa fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Saaremaa during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Saaremaa receives 33 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 Saaremaa. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Saaremaa -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Saaremaa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Saaremaa. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. Pamukkale is much warmer than Saaremaa in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Saaremaa fluctuates around 4°C (38°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 Saaremaa. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saaremaa receives 196 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets more rain in April than Saaremaa. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Saaremaa 4°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Saaremaa and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Saaremaa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) -3°C (27°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) -3°C (26°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -1°C (30°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 4°C (38°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)