A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Auxerre for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Chania or Auxerre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Auxerre, 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 picturesque, historic, and idyllic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a undiscovered, authentic, and under-rated town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Chania and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Chania or Auxerre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chania. Although Chania and Auxerre are popular destinations, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Auxerre attracts visitors for its small town charm. Chania is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also well known for The Venetian Harbor. Auxerre is famous for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Chania different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chania
Auxerre

Chania is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Chania specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.


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

Chania
Auxerre

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

Chania has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Chania or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Chania
Auxerre

Chania is very good for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Chania or Auxerre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania
Auxerre

Chania is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Auxerre is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Chania. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Auxerre is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Chania or Auxerre Better for Beaches?

Chania
Auxerre

Chania is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Auxerre is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Chania is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Auxerre Better for its Old Town?

Chania
Auxerre

Chania is great for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Chania. 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.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is Chania or Auxerre Better for Hiking?

Chania
Auxerre

Chania is great for hiking. However, Auxerre is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chania for the hiking trails. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Auxerre is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Auxerre?

Chania
Auxerre

Chania is very good for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Chania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chania or Auxerre Better for Families?

Chania
Auxerre

Chania is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Chania. 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.

Auxerre is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Chania or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Chania
Auxerre

Chania is great for couples. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Chania is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Auxerre is a nice destination for couples. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.


Is Chania or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania
Auxerre

Chania is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Chania. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

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

Chania
Auxerre

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

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 Auxerre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town.

Is Chania or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Chania
Auxerre

Chania is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Chania is a very walkable destination. 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.

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.


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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Chania?

How long in Chania or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chania or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chania than Auxerre because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 1-2 days is enough time in Auxerre.

Families should spend more time in Chania than Auxerre. 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 Auxerre. 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 Auxerre 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.


  • How many days in Chania or Auxerre? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chania 3-4 
    Auxerre 1-2

One day in Chania or Auxerre?

In Chania, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Chania or Auxerre?

In Chania, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Auxerre 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 Auxerre?

Chania is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. 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 Auxerre?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chania. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Chania. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Auxerre. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Auxerre or Chania?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chania is €93, while the average daily cost in Auxerre is €113. 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 Chania and Auxerre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chania 46
    Auxerre 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chania 92
    Auxerre 102
Compare Hotels in Chania and Auxerre

Looking for a hotel in Chania or Auxerre? 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 Chania


Hotels in Auxerre


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: Chania Hotel Prices and Auxerre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chania 15
    Auxerre 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chania

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chania:

  • One-Way Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $7,914
  • Private Transfer minivan transport in Creta: $616
  • Chania to Faistos Palace Private Transfer Full Day Tour: $529
  • Chania to Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Private Transfer: $529
  • Chania to Irini Gorge & Sougia Village: Private Transfer: $406
  • Chania to Imbros Gorge Private Full Day Transfer: $364
  • Heraklion Cruise Port: Transfer to Chania city hotels: $351
  • Chania Int Airport (CHQ): Transfer to Heraklion Cruise Port: $351
  • Chania to Elafonissi Beach/ Cretan Villages Private Transfer: $332
  • Balos Beach Private Roundtrip Transfer with Free Time: $235
  • Full-Day Trip to Santorini island by Boat from Rethymno with Transfer your Hotel: $228
  • Transfer from Chania airport to Elafonisi up to 3 or vise versa: $224

Is it cheaper to fly into Chania or Auxerre?

Prices for flights to both Auxerre and Chania 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
    Chania 32
    Auxerre 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chania

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chania.

  • The Delicious Chania PRIVATE Street Food Tour : $87
  • CHANIA WALKING FOOD TOURS – 3 HOUR WALKING TOUR: $107
  • CHANIA CRETE COOKING CLASSES – 3 HOURS: $107
  • Chania Cooking Class-The Authentic: $118
  • Guided Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $123
  • From The Ultimate Food Tour Of Chania Villages: $123
  • Wine, Food, and Sunset Tour with 3-Course Dinner: $127
  • From Agioi Theodoroi Catamaran Dinner Cruise: $127
  • Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour: $128
  • Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour - Chania: $131
  • Horse riding,falasarna sunset,dinner in a tavern,drone video: $214

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chania 21
    Auxerre 18

Tours and Activities in Chania

Here are a few actual costs in Chania for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cretan Night Show Tour From Rethymnon: $54
  • Private Tour to Elafonisi and Falasarna: $131
  • 6-Hours Safari Tour in Damnoni and Skinaria Beach, from Plakias: $37
  • All Day Family Tour to Rethymno & Kournas Lake | JMP Tours: $352
  • All Inclusive Full-day Private Tour of Crete Villages from Chania: $279
  • Amazing Crete - Elafonisi, Day Tour: $557
  • Authentic Wine & Food Tastings - PRIVATE Walking Tour with Lunch: $158
  • Avra, full day sailing cruise: $749
  • Avra, half - day sailing cruise: $535
  • Balos & Falassarna Beach - Jeep Tour with Loungers and Lunch: $164
  • Chania Alternative Sunset Bike Tour: $47
  • Chania Battle of Crete Private Tour: WW2 Military History: $144

Tours and Activities in Auxerre

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

  • Chocolate Tour with Tasting: $16
  • e-Mehari Tour et dégustation Chablis Clotilde Davenne: $92
  • Touristic highlights of Auxerre a Private half day tour (4 Hours) with a local: $112

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chania 18
    Auxerre 6.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Chania

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chania:

  • Cretan wine tasting, hosted in French: $91
  • Milia Mountain Tour w/Lunch Olive Oil/Wine Tastings: $144
  • Wines, Olives, and History: A Private Wine Tour from Chania: $791

Sample the Local Flavors in Auxerre

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Auxerre:

  • From Dutch Barge Full-Day Cruise with Wine Tasting: $85
  • Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour: $273


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


Which is Bigger, Chania or Auxerre?

Chania has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Auxerre, 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 Auxerre?

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 Chania or Auxerre in the Summer?

Both Auxerre and Chania during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chania for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Chania is a little warmer than Auxerre in the summer. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Auxerre fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Auxerre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chania. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Auxerre. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chania 26°C (80°F) 
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Chania or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Auxerre. The autumn months attract visitors to Chania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

In the autumn, Chania is much warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chania in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Auxerre averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chania usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chania 20°C (68°F) 
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Chania or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chania as well as Auxerre. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Auxerre. In January, Chania is generally much warmer than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 12°C (54°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun.

Chania receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Auxerre. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chania 12°C (54°F) 
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Chania or Auxerre in the Spring?

Both Auxerre and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chania for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Auxerre in the spring for the small town charm.

Chania is much warmer than Auxerre in the spring. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Auxerre fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chania 17°C (62°F) 
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Chania

Chania Auxerre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)


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