A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cannes vs. Crete for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Cannes or Crete?

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 Cannes and Crete can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cannes

Cannes is a glitzy, opulent , and luxury resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Crete

Crete is a stunning, breathtaking, and world-renowned island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Cannes and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Crete?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than Crete. While Crete is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its music, historical sights, and shopping, while Crete attracts visitors for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Cannes is famous for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also well known for Boulevard de la Croisette. Crete is famous for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins.

How is Cannes different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cannes or Crete?

Crete is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Crete specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cannes or Crete? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cannes and Crete can be difficult as they are each world-class in their own way.

Cannes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Crete is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

Is Cannes or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Both Cannes and Crete are great when it comes to partying.

Cannes offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

Crete has a large number of nightlife venues. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Is Cannes or Crete Better for Music?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its music scene. However, Crete is not a live music destination.

In Cannes you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Crete is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Crete Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Cannes and Crete.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cannes is a perfect choice. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Crete offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Is Cannes or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Crete. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

Cannes has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Is Cannes or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Crete is a very popular vacation destination. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cannes. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

Is Cannes or Crete Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Cannes. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Cannes or Crete Better for Hiking?

Crete is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Crete is a popular spot for hiking. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Crete?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Cannes is a world class destination for shoppers. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Crete. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Is Cannes or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Crete is one of the most popular family destinations. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

Cannes is a family-friendly resort city. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Is Cannes or Crete Better for Couples?

Both Cannes and Crete are world-class destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Cannes has plenty to offer. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

Crete has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Is Cannes or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Crete is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Crete is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

Is Cannes or Crete Better for Students?

Crete is a well-known place for students. However, Cannes is not popular with students.

Crete is very popular with students. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

Cannes is not popular with students.

Is Cannes or Crete Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Cannes and Crete offer nice public transit options.

Cannes has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Crete has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Cannes or Crete a more walkable city?

Cannes is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

Cannes is a very walkable destination. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

Crete is generally not a very walkable resort city. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

For even more information, also check out Is Cannes Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Crete or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Crete?

Both Cannes and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Crete than in Cannes. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cannes, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Crete than Cannes 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 Crete.

One day in Cannes or Crete?

In Cannes, many people enjoy the live music and food that this glitzy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Crete. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cannes or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cannes. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Crete is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cannes or Crete?

Cannes is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cannes. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Crete. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cannes or Crete?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the lavish destination of Cannes. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Crete. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cannes and Crete, we can see that Cannes is more expensive. And not only is Crete much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Crete would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Crete 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 Cannes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cannes than you might in Crete.

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

Which has a larger population, Cannes or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Cannes and Crete, 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.