A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Barcelona for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chania or Barcelona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Barcelona, 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 historic, idyllic, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a laid-back, historic, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Chania and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Barcelona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Chania. Barcelona is bigger than Chania, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is better known for its nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chania is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Barcelona is more touristy than Chania and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Chania is well known for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine.

How is Chania different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Barcelona 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 Barcelona?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Chania or Barcelona.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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

Chania is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Chania have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Barcelona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Is Chania or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

People head to Barcelona just to party. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

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 Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Chania is not a live music destination.

In Barcelona you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Chania is not a live music destination.

Is Chania or Barcelona Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Chania. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Chania is renowned for its beaches. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beache.

Chania is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Barcelona offers a nice beach destination. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Is Chania or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Chania and Barcelona both have high quality 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.

Barcelona is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Is Chania or Barcelona Better for Hiking?

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

Chania is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Barcelona?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Barcelona is a world class destination for shoppers. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chania. 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.

Is Chania or Barcelona Better for Families?

Chania is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Chania is 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.

Barcelona is a family-friendly city. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Chania or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Chania is a well-known place for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Chania is a very popular place to visit for couples. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Chania or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Barcelona is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Chania is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Is Chania or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for students. However, Chania is not popular with students.

Barcelona is a great destination for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Chania is not popular with students.

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

Barcelona is well known for its public transit. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Barcelona. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

While Chania offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

Is Chania or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Chania is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city 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.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Chania?

How long in Chania or Barcelona?

Both Chania and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Chania. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

One day in Chania or Barcelona?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Chania. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chania or Barcelona?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the idyllic destination of Chania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Barcelona 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 Chania or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the historic city of Chania. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Chania or Barcelona?

Chania is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?

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 Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Barcelona. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chania is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chania in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chania or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chania as well as Barcelona. Many travelers come to Chania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Barcelona in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chania is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 20°C (68°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Chania often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Chania in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Chania is a little warmer than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Chania usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Chania. In January, Chania usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chania or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Chania during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chania for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Chania is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chania in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chania. In the spring, Chania often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Chania