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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Ericeira?

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

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Ericeira?

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.

Ericeira

Beneath an indigo sky, a city perches at the edge of sandstone cliffs that overlook the vast expanse of the Atlantic. A seaside resort and fishing community, Ericeira is located in western Portugal within the municipality of Mafra. A picturesque village, Ericeira is quaint, quiet, and absolutely breathtaking with a population of no more than 10,260. Because of its blue waters and pristine coastlines, it has been named the Surfing Mecca of Europe. The town was a famous summer retreat for the families of Lisbon during the 1940s and 1950s and still remains so today for families beyond Lisbon's borders. Ericeira also has a World Surfing Reserve, the first in Europe and second in the world. Besides the many beaches on Ericeira, including Ribeira d'Ilhas, Pescadores, and Mataduoro, the town also has a park called Parque de Santa Maria as well as an old town center that has a collection of cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also some important landmarks that can be explored as no more than a brief visit, such as Forte Mil Regos and Casa De Cultura Jaime Lobo E. Silvs. Whether you are a surfer, fisher, or simply a lover of the beach, Ericeira is the perfect place for those who wish to experience the Atlantic like never before.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Ericeira?

Pamukkale has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Ericeira. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Ericeira, 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 Ericeira?

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 Ericeira in the Summer?

Both Ericeira and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Pamukkale because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Pamukkale is a little warmer than Ericeira in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Ericeira fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Ericeira. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ericeira during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Ericeira receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Ericeira. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pamukkale or Ericeira in the Autumn?

Both Ericeira and Pamukkale during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pamukkale this time of year.

In the autumn, Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Ericeira. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamukkale in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Ericeira averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Ericeira, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Ericeira. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ericeira receives 213 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in October than Ericeira. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamukkale or Ericeira in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Ericeira. Many travelers come to Pamukkale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Pamukkale is generally cooler than Ericeira. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 9°C (48°F), and Ericeira fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ericeira during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Ericeira receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ericeira 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 Ericeira. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pamukkale or Ericeira in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Ericeira. Many visitors come to Pamukkale in the spring for the natural beauty.

Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Ericeira in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Ericeira fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ericeira. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ericeira. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ericeira receives 235 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in April than Ericeira. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ericeira and Pamukkale