A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Bilbao for Attractions, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Chania or Bilbao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Bilbao, 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a colorful, friendly, and industrial 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 shopping.

Chania and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Bilbao?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Chania than Bilbao. While Bilbao is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chania is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and hiking, while Bilbao is known for its nightlife and shopping. Chania is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also home to The Venetian Harbor. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Chania different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Bilbao. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

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

Chania is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eat your way through Chania, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Chania or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

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

Bilbao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

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 Bilbao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Chania is well known for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Bilbao has an old town worth visiting. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is Chania or Bilbao Better for Hiking?

Chania is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

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.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Bilbao?

Bilbao is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

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 Bilbao Better for Families?

Chania is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Chania is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Bilbao offers lots of family activities. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Is Chania or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Chania is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Bilbao is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Chania or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania is well known for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chania is a great city to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Chania or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for students. However, Chania is not popular with students.

Bilbao is popular with students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Chania is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao 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 Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

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 Bilbao a more walkable city?

Chania is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Chania is a very walkable city. 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.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable city. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Chania?

How long in Chania or Bilbao?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Chania. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Bilbao. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chania or Bilbao?

Chania 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.

Bilbao 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 Bilbao?

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

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Chania. This city 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Bilbao. This city 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Bilbao?

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

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 Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chania for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chania is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chania or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Chania during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Chania is a little warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Chania often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chania usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Bilbao. Most visitors come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.

In the winter, Chania is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Chania usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chania or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chania as well as Bilbao. The spring months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In April, Chania is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chania this time of the year. In the spring, Chania often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Chania usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Chania