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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Zadar?

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

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Zadar?

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.

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar 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 Zadar is $95. 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 Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Zadar $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Zadar $108
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Zadar? 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 Zadar


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 Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Zadar $10

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: $82
  • 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 Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Transfer Zadar - Zagreb: $741
  • Transfer Zagreb - Zadar: $664
  • From Private Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport: $609
  • Zadar Airport Private Transfer: Makarska/Tucepi/Baska Voda: $459
  • From Zagreb & Franjo Tudman Airport Private Transfer: $459
  • Plitvice Lakes: Transfer Tour with pro photographer: $428
  • From Plitvice Lakes Private Round-Trip Transfer: $398
  • private transfer from Trogir to Zadar airport/Zadar: $312
  • Private transfer (Taxi) - Zadar to Split: $284
  • Krka National Park Private Tour from Zadar with transfer to Split: $283
  • Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $276
  • Private One Way Transfer from Split to Zadar: $276

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
    Zadar $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.

  • Small Group Cooking Class: $39
  • Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Zadar $20
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: $82
  • Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour: $85

Tours and Activities in Zadar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:

  • Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $53
  • Private boat tour to the islands of Zadar with snorkeling equipment: $240
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $44
  • Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $166
  • 2 Hour Quad ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $130
  • 2 Hour Sunset Boat Tour in Zadar Coast: $32
  • 3 Islands Boat and Snorkeling tour with Fruits and Prosecco: $43
  • 3-Hour Zadar Food Tasting Tour: $97
  • Adriatic Breeze - Kornati Speedboat and Sailing Tour: $338
  • Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $218
  • Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $55
  • Daysailing & SUP experience: $98

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar

Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
  • Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
  • Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98


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

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

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 Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Pamukkale during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 28°C (82°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Zadar, 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 Zadar. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Zadar. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Zadar. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Zadar. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamukkale in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamukkale usually gets more rain in January than Zadar. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Pamukkale or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 17°C (62°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during spring. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Zadar. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)