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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Setubal?

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

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Setubal?

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.

Setubal

Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.

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 in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Setubal or Pamukkale?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $162, while the average daily cost in Setubal is $175. 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 Setubal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $44
    Setubal $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $88
    Setubal $138
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Setubal

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Setubal? 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 Setubal


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 Setubal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $28
    Setubal $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Center Private Transfer: $244
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $149
  • Denizli Airport Transfer to Pamukkale (Private): $141
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $121
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $119
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $114
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $114
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $108
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $78
  • Paragliding Tour w/ Scenic Views & Hotel Transfer: $73
  • Gumbet Turkish Bath with hotel transfer and Oil massage: $38
  • Antalya/Belek/Lara: Land Of legends Night Show Transfer: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $286
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $102
  • Sesimbra Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $57
  • Setúbal: Ilha Deserta Boat Transfer with Free Time: $29
  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $24
  • Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat Transfer Round Trip: $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Setubal?

Prices for flights to both Setubal 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 $94
    Setubal $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Setubal

For Setubal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Evora Cooking Class & Wine Pairings in Fatima’s Home: $220
  • Lisbon Guided Tour with Live Fado Show and Traditional Dinner : $225
  • Authentic Evora Cooking Class with Wine in Chef Sofia’s Garden: $279

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $42
    Setubal $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $1.57

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.

  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tours: $179
  • 6 Day Antalya, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Ephesus Tour: $325
  • Ancient Echoes: Etrim Village & Ancient Sanctuaries Tour: $113
  • Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $88
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Cappadocia in a Day Private Tour from Istanbul, Cappadocia Hotels: $223
  • Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour included Pick Up from Denizli Airport: $100
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour From Denizli Çardak Aırport: $131
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Bus station: $114
  • Experince Gyrocopter Tour over Pamaukkale & Hierapolis: $131
  • From Antalya or Kemer: Full-Day Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour: $41
  • From Antalya: Daily Pamukkale Tour with Expert Local Guide: $133

Tours and Activities in Setubal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.

  • Horse Carriage Tour on the Mountain in Palmela: $183
  • Secrets of Setúbal: Exploration Game and Tour: $7.17
  • Évora Catholic History Tour: $101
  • Évora Cork and Castle Tour: $149
  • Évora Jewish History Tour: $101
  • Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $56
  • Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $30
  • Évora: Private Walking Tour: $117
  • 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $60
  • 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $108
  • Arrábida - Sesimbra: Nature Jeep Tour: $65
  • Arrábida Kayak Tour with Secret Beaches & Beach Picnic: $185

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $11
    Setubal $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $72
  • Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $143
  • Private Half Day Arrabida Tour with Wine Tasting in Sesimbra: $146
  • Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $155
  • Setúbal Wine Tour, famous Moscatel DE Setúbal: $209
  • Lisbon Getaway: Private Arrabida Wine Tour with Cheese Tasting: $212


When comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Setubal, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Setubal?

Setubal has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Setubal, 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 Setubal?

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 Setubal in the Summer?

Both Setubal 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.

In the summer, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Setubal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamukkale in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Setubal averages at about 23°C (73°F).

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

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Setubal 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Setubal in the Autumn?

Both Setubal 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 October, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Setubal. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 19°C (67°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

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

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Setubal 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Setubal in the Winter?

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

Pamukkale is cooler than Setubal in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Setubal fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

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

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Setubal 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Setubal in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Setubal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamukkale in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Setubal averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. 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 Setubal. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 235 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Setubal 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Setubal and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Setubal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)