A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Chania vs. Arachova for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Chania or Arachova?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Arachova, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Chania

Chania is a charming, picturesque, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Arachova

Arachova is a bustling, beautiful, and outdoorsy town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Chania and Arachova: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Arachova?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chania than Arachova, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chania is better known for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Arachova is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and small town charm. Chania is well known for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. Also, Chania is famous for The Venetian Harbor. Arachova is well known for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing.

How is Chania different from Arachova?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Chania or Arachova Better for Skiing?

Arachova is a nice place to visit for winter skiing. However, Chania is not a skiing destination.

Head to Arachova for some great skiing and other winter activities. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Chania is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chania or Arachova?

Chania is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Chania can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historic sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Castle of Gramvoussa, the Ottoman Baths, and the Clock Tower. There's also the Archeological Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area.

Arachova offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

Is the Food Better in Chania or Arachova? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chania is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chania is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is filled with traditional and modern restaurants that serve fresh and delicious dishes. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the many invaders of the island. You'll note culinary influences from the Venetians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. The island also traded with the Jewish, Arab, and European populations, so they have also influenced the cuisine.

Arachova has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

Is Chania or Arachova Better for Nightlife?

Arachova is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Arachova is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

If you're looking for night time activities Chania has a few options to choose from. The town is more known for its relaxed vibe in the evening than its all-night parties. Many visitors enjoy a laid back night in one of the town's many local pubs. You'll find the most charming places tucked away down side alleys in the old town.

Is Chania or Arachova Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Arachova is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Chania has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Arachova is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Arachova Better for Beaches?

Chania is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Arachova is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Chania are among the best in the world. You'll find picturesque beaches near town that have white sand or colored pebbles. The beaches range from urban and crowded to hidden gems, but each has striking blue water and the atmosphere of paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi.

Arachova is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Arachova Better for its Old Town?

Chania and Arachova both have superb historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Chania to see the historical old town. Surrounding the Venetian Harbor is the town's old town. It's filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that offer a quaint atmosphere for visitors.

Arachova is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

Is Chania or Arachova Better for Hiking?

Chania and Arachova are both places where visitors can find superb hiking trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Chania. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Many visitors go to Arachova for the hiking trails. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Arachova?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Arachova and Chania.

Many visitors go to Chania to go shopping. Head to the old town to browse shops selling local favorites such as traditional island knives and locally made ceramics. There are also jewelry boutiques and other clothing shops around town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arachova. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

Is Chania or Arachova Better for Families?

Chania and Arachova are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Chania is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the old town, with its many markets and shops. Wandering around the harbor is also a highlight for many families. There are also several kid-friendly museums such as the Minoan's World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema, the Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. There are also kid-friendly activities just outside of town like a visit to Lake Kournas or any of the nearby archeological sites.

Arachova is a very family-friendly destination. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

Is Chania or Arachova Better for Couples?

Chania and Arachova are both superb to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Chania frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Arachova is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Chania or Arachova Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania is well known for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Chania. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Arachova is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't think to visit this area on their trip to Greece. There are some guesthouses, but not a lot of hostels, so you might find a limited number of social activities.

Is Chania or Arachova Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Chania and Arachova.

You'll find some public transit in Chania, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

While Arachova offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are some public buses in the area.

Is Chania or Arachova a more walkable city?

Chania is well known for its walkability. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Chania is very walkable. The historic center and harbor areas are compact and walkable. There are some beaches outside of town that can be walked to as well if necessary.

Arachova is a somewhat walkable place. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Chania Worth Visiting? and Is Arachova Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arachova or Chania?

How long in Chania or Arachova?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chania and Arachova. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chania than in Arachova. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 2-3 days is enough time in Arachova.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chania than Arachova 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 Chania.

One day in Chania or Arachova?

The city of Chania offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Arachova. 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 Chania or Arachova?

Chania is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Arachova 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.

Five days in Chania or Arachova?

Chania is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arachova. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Chania or Arachova?

Chania is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Arachova. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Greece.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Arachova?

Chania has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Arachova, 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 Chania or Arachova?

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 Chania or Arachova in the Summer?

Both Arachova and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arachova this time of year.

In the summer, Chania is around the same temperature as Arachova. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chania in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Arachova averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Arachova. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arachova during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Arachova receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Arachova. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Arachova receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chania or Arachova in the Autumn?

Both Arachova and Chania during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arachova for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Chania is generally around the same temperature as Arachova. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 20°C (68°F), and Arachova fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Arachova, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Chania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arachova. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arachova receives 206 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets more rain in October than Arachova. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Arachova receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Arachova in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Arachova. Many travelers come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Arachova in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chania is a little warmer than Arachova in the winter. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Arachova fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Chania usually receives less sunshine than Arachova during winter. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Arachova receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.

Chania gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Chania usually receives more rain than Arachova. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Arachova receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chania or Arachova in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chania as well as Arachova. Many visitors come to Chania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Arachova for the small town charm during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arachova. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chania this time of the year. In the spring, Chania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arachova. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arachova receives 226 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets more rain in April than Arachova. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Arachova receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arachova and Chania