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

Should you visit Chania or Bari?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Bari, 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chania and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Bari?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chania than Bari. While Bari is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Bari attracts visitors for its nightlife. Chania is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also well known for The Venetian Harbor. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic.

How is Chania different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Bari. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Foodies will find both Chania and Bari both to be world-class destinations.

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.

Many restaurants in Bari have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Is Chania or Bari Better for Nightlife?

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

Bari is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Bari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Chania. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Bari Better for Beaches?

Chania is terrific for the beach. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its beaches.

Chania offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Bari is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Chania or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Chania and Bari both have great 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.

Bari is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is Chania or Bari Better for Hiking?

Chania is a great city for hiking. However, Bari 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.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Bari?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bari 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 Bari. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Chania or Bari Better for Families?

Chania and Bari are both great 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.

Bari is a very family-friendly destination. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Chania or Bari Better for Couples?

Chania is a great city for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Chania or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania and Bari are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chania is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Bari is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Is Chania or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is well known for students. However, Chania is not popular with students.

Bari is a great port city to visit as a student. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Chania is not popular with students.

Is Chania or Bari 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 Bari.

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 Bari offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Chania or Bari a more walkable city?

Chania and Bari both are great when exploring on foot.

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.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Chania?

How long in Chania or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chania and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chania than in Bari. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

Families should spend more time in Chania than Bari. 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 Bari. 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 Bari 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 Bari?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Chania. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Chania or Bari?

Chania is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bari is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Bari?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the idyllic destination of Chania. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Bari. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Bari?

The idyllic city of Chania offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bari. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Chania during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chania for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Chania is around the same temperature as Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chania. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Bari. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Bari. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Bari. Many visitors come to Chania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Chania is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chania in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Bari during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chania usually receives more rain than Bari. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Bari in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chania as well as Bari. Most visitors come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Bari because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Chania is generally a little warmer than Bari. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 12°C (54°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Chania receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Bari. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

Chania is a little warmer than Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Bari during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bari. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Chania