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

Should you visit Chania or Calais?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Calais, 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered 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 Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Calais?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Chania than Calais. While Calais is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chania is more touristy than Calais and is known for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also well known for The Venetian Harbor. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Chania different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chania offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Chania is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Chania is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Chania or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Chania and Calais.

Chania has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Chania or Calais Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Chania has a few good snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Calais Better for Beaches?

Chania is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Chania. 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.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Chania or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Chania is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is Chania or Calais Better for Hiking?

Chania is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Calais?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Calais 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 Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Chania or Calais Better for Families?

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

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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Chania or Calais Better for Couples?

Chania is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Chania or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Chania or Calais 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 Calais.

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 Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Chania or Calais a more walkable city?

Chania is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Chania?

How long in Chania or Calais?

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

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

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Calais. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Chania or Calais?

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.

Calais 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 Calais?

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 Calais. 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 Calais?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming 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 authentic destination of Calais. 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Calais?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Chania in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Chania is much warmer than Calais in the summer. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Calais. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Calais. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chania or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Chania during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Calais because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Chania is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chania in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Calais averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Chania often gets more sunshine than Calais. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Calais in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Calais. The winter months attract visitors to Chania because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

It's quite cold in Calais in the winter. In January, Chania is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 12°C (54°F), and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Calais during winter. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 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 Calais. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chania or Calais in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chania as well as Calais. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Chania is much warmer than Calais in the spring. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°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 Calais. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in April than Calais. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Chania