A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pamukkale vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Pamukkale or Amalfi?

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

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a unique, iconic, and striking town. Pamukkale is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food. See Pamukkale travel costs.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a picturesque, stunning, and dramatic town. Many visitors also come to Amalfi because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Amalfi travel costs.

Pamukkale and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamukkale or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Pamukkale and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more touristy than Pamukkale and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline. Pamukkale is popular for its natural travertine terraces, thermal springs, and ancient ruins.

How is Pamukkale different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amalfi and Pamukkale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pamukkale or Amalfi?

Amalfi is very good for its historical sights. However, Pamukkale is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Pamukkale offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Hierapolis Archaeology Museum is located within the ancient city of Hierapolis. It's housed in a former Roman bathhouse and displays an impressive collection of artifacts, including statues, sarcophagi, and other relics from Hierapolis, Laodicea, and other nearby ancient cities.

Is the Food Better in Pamukkale or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Amalfi is an amazing town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Amalfi has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

Pamukkale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town has a number of restaurants and cafes that serve dishes like kebabs, meze platters, and pide (Turkish flatbread). Gözleme (a savory stuffed pancake) is a popular street food in the area, but there are also many of the most popular Turkish dishes available.

Is Pamukkale or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Amalfi is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Pamukkale is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Amalfi has something for everybody. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Most people don't head to Pamukkale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a quiet town in the evening. Some hotels host small social gatherings or cultural evenings which lets you connect with other travelers. For a more lively experience, nearby Denizli has a broader range of bars and clubs, but it requires a short trip.

Is Pamukkale or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pamukkale is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Pamukkale is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pamukkale or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is very good for the beach. However, Pamukkale is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Amalfi to enjoy the beach. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Pamukkale is not a beach destination.

Is Pamukkale or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Amalfi is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, Pamukkale does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Pamukkale does not have a historic old town.

Is Pamukkale or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is a great town for hiking. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Amalfi for the hiking trails. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Pamukkale has hiking trails worth exploring. The most popular trail leads through the travertine terraces, where visitors can walk barefoot across the warm, calcium-rich pools. You can also explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, which has pathways winding through the theater, necropolis, and other historical sites. For something a little more challenging, the surrounding countryside has trails through the hills that lead to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamukkale or Amalfi?

If you're looking to go shopping, Pamukkale and Amalfi both offer plenty of good spots.

Pamukkale has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of souvenir shops around town where you can buy local crafts or trinkets. You'll find Turkish towels and carpets, dried spices, herbs, and teas. Many shops also sell Diorama stones and miniature travertine sculptures.

Amalfi is a great destination for shopping. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Pamukkale or Amalfi More Beautiful?

Amalfi is an amazing town to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Amalfi because of it's amazing beauty. The coastline is world renowned for its beautiful villages, striking cliffs, and stunning blue water. The weaving roads make for a dramatic and breathtaking drive.

Pamukkale is a gorgeous place to visit. It is considered to be one of Turkey's most unique natural wonders. The white travertine terraces, which are filled with turquoise thermal waters, create an other-worldly landscape.

Is Pamukkale or Amalfi Better for Families?

Pamukkale is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Pamukkale is a very kid-friendly town. Kids and adults alike will enjoy visiting the unique Travertine Terraces. Taking a dip in Cleopatra's Pool, with its sunken Roman columns, is also a highlight, and fans of the Percy Jackson series will appreciate visiting the ancient ruins at Hierapolis.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Pamukkale or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Amalfi has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Pamukkale is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy many romantic settings, such as wandering through the impressive white travertine terraces, swimming in Cleopatra's Pool surrounded by ancient Roman columns, and exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Is Pamukkale or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamukkale is well known for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Pamukkale is a great town to visit for backpackers. Food and activities are convenient and accessible around town. There are also many affordable hostels and plenty of opportunities to meet other travelers.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Pamukkale or Amalfi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pamukkale and Amalfi both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Pamukkale offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Minibuses (dolmuş) are the primary mode of local transportation, connecting Pamukkale to nearby towns like Denizli, where the main bus and train stations are located. From Denizli, frequent minibuses run to Pamukkale.

Amalfi has a few public transit options. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Pamukkale or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Amalfi is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

Pamukkale is very walkable. The town is compact and very walkable, especially within the main tourist areas. The travertine terraces and the adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis are easy to explore on foot as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Pamukkale Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Pamukkale?

How long in Pamukkale or Amalfi?

Both Pamukkale and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Pamukkale. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Pamukkale, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

Families should spend more time in Amalfi than Pamukkale. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Amalfi, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Amalfi than Pamukkale. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Amalfi that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amalfi than Pamukkale if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Amalfi.

One day in Pamukkale or Amalfi?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Pamukkale. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Amalfi. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Pamukkale or Amalfi?

Pamukkale is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the dramatic destination of Amalfi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pamukkale or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pamukkale. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the charming town of Amalfi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Pamukkale or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the iconic destination of Pamukkale. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Amalfi is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amalfi, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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 Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pamukkale and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi 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 Amalfi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Amalfi?

Pamukkale has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Amalfi, 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 Amalfi?

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 Amalfi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Amalfi. Many travelers come to Pamukkale for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 28°C (82°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the summer, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in July than Amalfi. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamukkale or Amalfi in the Autumn?

Both Amalfi and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Pamukkale in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Amalfi for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Pamukkale is a little warmer than Amalfi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during autumn. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. In October, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pamukkale or Amalfi in the Winter?

Both Amalfi and Pamukkale during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pamukkale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Amalfi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamukkale in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Amalfi averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

Amalfi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Amalfi. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamukkale or Amalfi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Amalfi. The spring months attract visitors to Pamukkale because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In April, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 17°C (62°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during spring. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Pamukkale